OnePlus 15 teaser drops: Big design shift, new chipset, and 165Hz refresh rate

OnePlus has just dropped the first teaser for its next flagship, the OnePlus 15 — and it already looks like a serious upgrade. The new Sand Storm colour stands out right away. It’s got that warm, matte texture that makes the phone look premium without trying too hard.

Under the hood, there’s Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, the newest chip built for 2025 flagships. OnePlus is also moving to a 165Hz display, which should make games and scrolling feel ridiculously smooth.

From what’s out there, it feels like OnePlus wants to take a big leap this year. But it won’t be alone — iQOO 15, Xiaomi 17, and a few others are lining up their own high-end phones around the same time.

The teaser doesn’t reveal everything, but if this is any hint, the OnePlus 15 could be one of the most

The design language of the OnePlus 15 has undergone a significant transformation for the better. Remember the circular camera module on the OnePlus 13? It has been replaced by a square-shaped camera module on the OnePlus 15?

The new “Sand Storm” finish introduces a unique micro-arc oxidation technique that reportedly makes the mid-frame tougher than both aluminum and titanium, a significant upgrade in durability. Official images also confirm one big change: the iconic Alert Slider is gone, replaced by a customizable “Plus Key.”

Just like Apple’s action button, there will be a ‘Plus Key’ which lets you launch apps with just a press or hold. It’s a more flexible option, but I would say the alert slider is iconic. Long time fans of OnePlus will definitely miss the simplicity and tactile feel of the classic alert slider.

OnePlus has always known how to make a good display, and that tradition continues with the OnePlus 15. The phone comes with a 6.78-inch LTPO QHD+ screen that now runs at a super-smooth 165Hz. That’s a clear jump from the 120Hz panel on the OnePlus 13 and should make a real difference in how fast everything feels. The resolution is said to drop slightly from 2K to 1.5K, but in return, you get a display that feels more fluid — something gamers and power users will really appreciate.The OnePlus 15 will feature While resolution reportedly drops from 2K to 1.5K, the smoother performance will be a delight for gamers and heavy users

Powering the phone is the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, which promises around 20% better performance over the previous generation. Early benchmark tests show that the chip scores nearly 3 million points on AnTuTu, much similar to Qualcomm’s claims. Paired with 12GB or 16GB RAM and storage options up to 1TB, this phone looks like built for speed and endurance.

Battery capacity also sees a jump, leaks suggest between 7,300mAh and 7,800mAh, with 120W wired SuperVOOC charging and 50W wireless charging.

Here’s where things get a little controversial. OnePlus has reportedly ended its Hasselblad partnership, which brought unique colour science and cinematic tones to previous generations. Instead, the company is introducing a new DetailMax Engine focused on realism and sharpness.

While that sounds promising, the shift might mean saying goodbye to fan-favourite features like Master Mode and XPAN Mode, which gave older OnePlus cameras their artistic edge.

Before sharing the software details, there is a detail worth sharing - the OnePlus 15 will have a big AI boost. It will be powered by OxygenOS 16, based on Android 16 on the software side of things. As officially announced by OnePlus, Google Gemini will be integrated at a much deeper level so that the phone can offer smarter and more personalised assistance.

There is no official announcement of the price yet, but if last year's prices and OnePlus' pricing trend is anything to go by, the OnePlus 15 is expected to start around ₹75,000.

For those who prioritise performance, gaming, and smart AI features, the OnePlus 15 could easily be one of 2025’s most exciting Android flagships.