Is the OnePlus 15R a Step Forward or a Bland Misstep?
OnePlus has always been known for its bold designs and powerful specs, but the OnePlus 15R leaves us wondering if the company has lost its edge. While it continues the 2025 design trend with vertically stacked cameras, the execution feels uninspired. The camera island, which expands sideways depending on the number of lenses, looks particularly awkward on the 15R. The half-hearted extension for the flash feels like an afterthought, leaving the phone stuck between the clean aesthetics of the Nord 5 and the more substantial camera module of the OnePlus 15. And this is the part most people miss: this generic design makes the 15R easily forgettable in a sea of smartphones.
The OnePlus 15R comes in three color options: Mint Breeze (a light green), Charcoal Black, and the India-exclusive Electric Violet. Interestingly, the Electric Violet variant, dubbed the 'Ace Edition,' features a fiberglass back instead of the Panda Glass used on the other models. It's no secret that this is essentially the Chinese OnePlus Ace 6T repackaged for the global market, complete with the 'ACE' branding on the back.
In terms of size and weight, the Ace Edition mirrors the Nord 5 almost exactly. However, the glass-backed 15R is slightly thicker and heavier due to its aluminum middle frame, compared to the Nord 5's all-plastic build. Both phones feature Corning Gorilla Glass 7i on the front, but the 15R boasts significantly improved ingress protection with ratings of IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K, compared to the Nord 5's IP65.
But here's where it gets controversial: While the 15R's 6.83-inch LTPS Super AMOLED display is technically an upgrade with its 165Hz refresh rate, the reality is less impressive. Like the Nord 5's 144Hz mode, the 165Hz option is limited to a handful of approved games. In everyday use, you're stuck with a 120Hz refresh rate, making the higher number feel like a marketing gimmick. The display itself is good, with decent brightness and color accuracy, but OnePlus's claim of 3600 nits seems exaggerated, especially when compared to the Nord 5's HDR performance.
One welcome upgrade is the ultrasonic fingerprint scanner, which is faster and more reliable than the optical scanner on the Nord 5. Its central placement is also more ergonomic. However, the lack of Dolby Atmos support, a feature dropped by OnePlus last year, is a noticeable omission.
The OnePlus 15R's 80W SUPERVOOC charging is undeniably impressive, fully charging its massive 7,400mAh battery in under an hour. The stereo speakers, enhanced by OnePlus's OReality spatializing effect, are also a highlight, delivering rich and balanced sound that surpasses both the Nord 5 and the OnePlus 15.
So, is the OnePlus 15R worth it? It depends on your priorities. If you value blazing-fast charging, excellent speakers, and improved water resistance, it's a solid choice. However, if you're looking for a phone with a standout design and truly innovative features, you might be left wanting. The 15R feels like a step sideways rather than a leap forward. What do you think? Does the OnePlus 15R live up to the hype, or is it a missed opportunity? Let us know in the comments!
