The OnePlus 15R is a compelling choice for those seeking a flagship experience on a budget. OnePlus has always been known for its value-driven approach, and the 15R continues this tradition by offering a premium feel at a more affordable price point. However, as with any budget flagship, there are trade-offs to consider. Let’s dive into the details to see if the OnePlus 15R is still a good enough option in 2025.
Design and Build Quality
The OnePlus 15R boasts a sleek and modern design that feels right at home among its flagship counterparts. The phone is available in two colors: Mellow Yellow and Charcoal Black. My review sample, the Mellow Yellow variant, has a subtle yellowish/greenish tint that adds a unique touch to the device. While it’s not my personal favorite, it’s a stylish choice that appeals to those who prefer a more vibrant color scheme.
Build Quality
OnePlus has always prioritized build quality, and the 15R is no exception. The phone features a glass front and back, with an aluminum frame that gives it a premium feel. The device is 8.3mm thick and weighs around 215 grams, making it comfortable to hold and use. The matte finish on the back helps reduce fingerprint smudges, which is a nice touch for daily use.
Display
The OnePlus 15R sports a 6.83-inch LTPS AMOLED display that is a joy to watch. The panel can refresh at up to 165 Hz in supported games, but it’s capped at 120 Hz for everyday use. The display is vibrant, with excellent color accuracy and deep blacks. Whether you’re watching videos, browsing the web, or playing games, the 15R’s display delivers a top-notch viewing experience.
Performance and Hardware
Under the hood, the OnePlus 15R is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, a small step down from the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 used in the OnePlus 15. Despite this, the 15R still packs a punch, thanks to its 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB or 512 GB of storage options. The phone handles multitasking with ease, and even the most demanding games run smoothly.
Battery Life
One of the standout features of the OnePlus 15R is its massive 7,400 mAh battery. While it’s the largest battery you can find in a phone in the U.S., it’s worth noting that it’s beaten out by its older sibling, the OnePlus 15, in both battery tests. The 15R lasted 28.5 hours in a 4K playback test, while the 15 clocked almost 31 hours. In the PC Mark Rundown test, the 15 lasts almost two hours longer than the 15R. This discrepancy is likely due to the more efficient Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 in the OnePlus 15.
Despite the slight battery life difference, the OnePlus 15R is still an easy two-day phone. I only came close to killing it in a single day during a plane trip to New York, running the hotspot the entire way, followed by back-to-back meetings and city navigation.
Charging
The OnePlus 15R supports 55W wired charging, which is a step down from the 80W charging on the OnePlus 15. While this might seem like a downgrade, it’s still plenty fast for most users. The phone also lacks wireless charging, but the official case includes a MagSafe ring, allowing you to use accessories like a wallet or a mount.
Software and Features
The OnePlus 15R runs on a close-to-stock Android experience, which is a win for those who prefer a clean and uncluttered interface. The app launcher is clean, and creating folders is a breeze. OnePlus was the company that pioneered Open Canvas, the 90/10 multitasking interface that Google built into Android 16. While this feature is now available on most Android phones, it’s still a nice touch for OnePlus fans.
Unique Features
One of the standout features of the OnePlus 15R is its IR blaster, which allows you to use the phone as a remote control. This is a handy feature for those who often find themselves in situations where they can’t reach their TV remote. While this feature is not unique to the 15R, it’s a nice addition that sets it apart from other budget flagships.
Camera
The OnePlus 15R’s camera setup is a mixed bag. The phone features a 50 MP main sensor, a 16 MP ultrawide sensor, and a 32 MP telephoto sensor. While the camera performs well in most lighting conditions, it struggles in low light. The phone also lacks optical image stabilization, which can lead to blurry photos in low light.
Video Recording
The OnePlus 15R’s video recording capabilities are impressive. The phone can record 4K video at 60 fps, and the results are sharp and detailed. The phone also supports slow-motion video recording at 1080p at 240 fps, which is a nice touch for those who like to capture slow-motion footage.
Conclusion
The OnePlus 15R is a compelling choice for those seeking a flagship experience on a budget. The phone offers a premium design, a vibrant display, and impressive battery life. However, the camera setup is a mixed bag, and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 is a small step down from the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 used in the OnePlus 15. Despite these trade-offs, the OnePlus 15R is still a good enough option for most users.
FAQ
Is the OnePlus 15R worth buying in 2025?
The OnePlus 15R is a compelling choice for those seeking a flagship experience on a budget. The phone offers a premium design, a vibrant display, and impressive battery life. However, the camera setup is a mixed bag, and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 is a small step down from the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 used in the OnePlus 15. Despite these trade-offs, the OnePlus 15R is still a good enough option for most users.
What are the main differences between the OnePlus 15R and the OnePlus 15?
The main differences between the OnePlus 15R and the OnePlus 15 are the processor, battery life, and charging speed. The OnePlus 15R uses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, while the OnePlus 15 uses the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. The OnePlus 15R also has a slightly smaller battery and slower charging speed.
Does the OnePlus 15R support wireless charging?
No, the OnePlus 15R does not support wireless charging. However, the official case includes a MagSafe ring, allowing you to use accessories like a wallet or a mount.
What colors does the OnePlus 15R come in?
The OnePlus 15R is available in two colors: Mellow Yellow and Charcoal Black.
What is the price of the OnePlus 15R?
The price of the OnePlus 15R varies depending on the storage configuration. The 256 GB model starts at $799, while the 512 GB model starts at $899.
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