It’s more powerful on paper — but at what cost?
When the OnePlus 13 launched at the start of 2025, it felt like a return to form — a genuine flagship that delivered in every department. It was sleek, powerful, and full of personality. I called it the OnePlus phone I could finally trust again. Naturally, I expected the OnePlus 15 to build on that momentum.
But now that the phone is official in China, I can’t help feeling… disappointed. Several rumored sidegrades and even downgrades have turned out to be true. And for a company that finally found its balance with the OnePlus 13, the OnePlus 15 feels like a step backward — maybe even a stumble.
Design Downgrades That Don’t Feel Like Upgrades
I fell in love with the OnePlus 13 the moment I unboxed it. The vegan leather back, the bold circular camera module, and the bright 120Hz AMOLED panel — it was premium without being pretentious.
Now, that personality seems gone. The OnePlus 15 trades the signature circular camera bump for a generic square module, drops the vegan leather option, and changes the panel design yet again.
Yes, it’s still 120Hz — technically even faster at 165Hz — but that doesn’t make up for the lack of character. Visually, the new model feels less like a flagship and more like a recycled design from the OnePlus 10T era.
In Summary: OnePlus 13 vs OnePlus 15
| Feature | OnePlus 13 | OnePlus 15 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 120Hz AMOLED, flat | 165Hz AMOLED, curved |
| Camera Brand | Hasselblad | In-house (DetailMax Engine) |
| Primary Sensor | Sony LYT-808 (f/2.6) | 50MP sensor (f/2.8, smaller) |
| Build Material | Vegan Leather / Glass | Glass only |
| Alert Slider | ✅ Present | ❌ Removed |
| Charging | 100W wired, no wireless | 120W wired + wireless |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IP69K |
| Overall Feel | Distinct and balanced | Generic, powerful but uninspired |
The OnePlus 15 looks like a modern 10T — not a worthy successor to the 13.
That comparison isn’t just visual. Like the 10T, the new model brings lower-resolution displays, narrower camera apertures, and — most disappointingly — the removal of the alert slider. In its place, OnePlus has gone the Apple route with an “Action Button” that can be remapped, but it’s hard to see this as an upgrade when the original slider worked perfectly.
Hasselblad’s Exit Leaves a Big Void
OnePlus has officially ended its partnership with Hasselblad, a move that will likely reshape its camera identity. The new DetailMax Engine will take over, but that’s a risky shift when the OnePlus 13’s success heavily relied on Hasselblad’s natural color science and fine-tuned imaging modes.
The OnePlus 13 used Sony’s excellent LYT-808 primary sensor and the LYT-600 telephoto lens — both among the best in their class. But reports suggest the OnePlus 15 will downsize its sensors while also narrowing the aperture to f/2.8 (from f/2.6). That means less light, weaker low-light performance, and possibly flatter images overall.
And losing Hasselblad’s XPan mode, portrait filters, and signature color tuning? That’s a real hit for photography lovers.
Changing both the sensors and the image processing engine at once feels like a mistake.
If OnePlus wanted to move beyond Hasselblad, keeping the same sensors would’ve maintained consistency. Instead, it feels like they’re rebuilding their imaging system from scratch — something no brand should risk right after achieving balance.
Power Alone Isn’t Enough
Yes, the OnePlus 15 has the latest chipset, IP69K protection, and wireless charging. Yes, it’s more powerful on paper. But flagship phones aren’t defined by benchmark scores — they’re defined by experience.
When a phone loses its distinct design, signature slider, and proven camera system all at once, no amount of processing power can make up for it.
For now, I’d say the smarter move is to grab the OnePlus 13 while you still can. It’s the last truly balanced flagship in the lineup — and everything the OnePlus 15 should’ve been.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FLOWLESSKNOWLEDGE
Make Smart Tech & Finance Choices
Stay informed about global events and manage your finances smarter using free tools from our trusted partners:
- Loan Calculator
- Mortgage Calculator
- Credit Score Checker
- Car Loan Calculator
- Text to Speech
- Will Generator
- Age Calculator
- PDF to Word
- QR Code Generator
Click any link above to access the tool instantly — quick, free, and easy to use.