Exclusive: OnePlus 15 global launch date, new colors, and camera features revealed

The CMO of OnePlus Europe tells (almost) all about the OnePlus 15

29 Oct 2025, 11:00 · TechRadar

News By Axel Metz published 29 October 2025

The OnePlus 15 in Sand Storm, Infinite Black, and Ultra Violet (Image credit: OnePlus / Future)

The OnePlus 15 is likely to be the last big flagship phone release of 2025 (if you’re living in the US, at least), but it’s better thought of as the first device in the inevitably long line of next-gen Android phones coming in 2026.

Where the OnePlus 13 lined up against the likes of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5-equipped OnePlus 15 will go toe-to-toe with the iPhone 17 Pro and the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S26 line. But how, exactly, does OnePlus plan to compete against the best phones on the market next year?

To find out, TechRadar sat down with Celina Shi, CMO of OnePlus Europe, who exclusively detailed the OnePlus 15’s global launch date, new color options, and more of the features that make this year’s OnePlus flagship a “two-generational upgrade” over the OnePlus 13.

TechRadar: Firstly, on the name of the phone, it's often assumed that Chinese brands skip the number “4” because it’s deemed unlucky in Chinese culture. Is this the reason for the move from the OnePlus 13 to the OnePlus 15 this year?

Celina Shi: It's a good question, but in fact, that is not the reason. When you look at the OnePlus 15 as a whole, it isn't just another upgrade – it’s a complete transformation, which means we have revamped the entire device, both inside and out. The OnePlus 15 represents a two-generational upgrade in power, intelligence, and design, which brings best-in-class performance to our 'Fast & Smooth' philosophy.

TR: What specific upgrades will justify that "two-generation" claim?

CS: On the hardware side, the OnePlus 15 is one of the very first smartphones in the world to feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. For more than a decade, OnePlus and Qualcomm Technologies have moved in lock-step to redefine what a flagship can be. Paired with cutting-edge 10,667Mbps LPDDR5X Ultra+ RAM in the 16GB variant, it takes the consistently smooth and responsive experience that defines the brand further than ever. With Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 at its core, OnePlus returns to its performance roots and carries that legacy forward with the OnePlus 15, delivering the speed, intelligence, and efficiency our community demands today and into the future.

Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox

Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors