The smartphone battle just got more intense with the early arrival of the OnePlus 15, a flagship built to take on giants like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra—and at a noticeably lower price. With a brighter display, the latest Qualcomm processor, a massive battery, and upgraded durability, the OnePlus 15 is positioned as a serious competitor.
But does that mean the Galaxy S25 Ultra is no longer worth considering? Not exactly. Samsung’s premium flagship still offers several advantages that many users may prefer.
If you’re comparing the OnePlus 15 vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, this detailed breakdown will help you decide which phone better fits your needs.
Buy the OnePlus 15 If…
1. You want a more durable and water-resistant device
The OnePlus 15 comes with IP68 + IP69 ratings, offering better protection against dust, water, and even high-temperature water jets. In comparison, the Galaxy S25 Ultra only carries an IP68 rating.
OnePlus also introduced its new AquaTouch display technology, allowing the screen to remain responsive even when wet. Whether you’re texting in the rain or changing tracks in the shower, the OnePlus 15 handles water interference far better than Samsung and Apple devices.
Choosing the Sand Storm variant also gives you a tougher, MAO-treated frame—making it more durable than the S25 Ultra in everyday use.
2. You need outstanding battery life
The OnePlus 15 is equipped with a 7,300mAh battery, significantly larger than the S25 Ultra’s 5,000mAh capacity. The upgraded silicon content boosts energy density, and in real-world use, this translates into nearly two days of moderate use.
During heavy usage—social media, photography, navigation, and music streaming—the OnePlus 15 still had around 40% battery left by dinner time. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S25 Ultra struggles to make it through long days without a recharge.
And when you do need a top-up, OnePlus wins again with 80W fast charging, compared to Samsung’s 45W.
3. You want flagship performance without paying $1,300
Powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, the OnePlus 15 offers top-tier performance with a high-refresh-rate 165Hz display and superior cooling. Despite all this, its base price is $899, giving you nearly $400 in savings vs. the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
If gaming, multitasking, and smooth performance matter—and you prefer not to cross the $1,000 mark—the OnePlus 15 is the smarter buy.
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra If…
1. You want the best smartphone display available
Samsung continues to dominate display technology. The Galaxy S25 Ultra offers:
- Higher QHD resolution
- Peak brightness of 2600 nits
- Anti-reflective coating
- Better color accuracy
If you watch movies, read extensively, or browse outdoors often, the S25 Ultra provides a more comfortable visual experience. The OnePlus 15 is still excellent, but Samsung maintains a clear advantage in display quality.
2. You rely on the S Pen
The S Pen remains one of Samsung’s most useful features. Although some Bluetooth controls were removed this year, it still shines for:
- Quick notes
- Precision editing
- On-screen writing during meetings
If you value stylus input, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is your only real choice, as the OnePlus 15 does not offer similar functionality.
3. You want longer software support
Samsung leads the Android industry with seven years of OS and security updates.
OnePlus offers four OS updates and five years of security patches.
This means the S25 Ultra will stay updated one year longer than the OnePlus 15, adding to its long-term value.
Key Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 15 | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.78″ AMOLED, 165Hz, 1800 nits | 6.9″ QHD AMOLED, 120Hz, 2600 nits |
| Weight | 211g–215g | 218g |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | Snapdragon 8 Elite (for Galaxy) |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Battery | 7,300mAh, 80W | 5,000mAh, 45W |
| Camera | 50MP + 50MP + 50MP + 32MP | 200MP + 50MP + 10MP + 50MP + 12MP |
| Price | $899 | $1,299 |
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Reader Advice
If you’re stuck choosing between the OnePlus 15 and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, think about how you actually use your phone every day. If long battery life, durability, and top-tier performance at a lower price matter most, the OnePlus 15 is the smarter pick. But if you want the absolute best display, long-term software support, and the added creativity of the S Pen, then the Galaxy S25 Ultra is worth the extra cost.
Always choose the phone that fits your lifestyle, not just the hype — and remember to consider long-term value, not just specs.