The smartphone camera wars are heating up again, and OnePlus is making a bold move. Fresh leaks have given us our first real look at the photographic capabilities of the upcoming OnePlus 15, and it confirms a major strategic shift: the long-standing partnership with Hasselblad is over.
In its place, OnePlus is betting big on its in-house DetailMax Engine (branded as 'Lumo' in China) to power the cameras on its Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 flagship. While the rumored hardware specs might seem like a step back on paper, the newly shared camera samples tell a more nuanced and surprisingly promising story.
The Big Telephoto Upgrade (and a Small Downgrade)
The most significant revelation from the leaks is the confirmation of a new 85mm telephoto lens. This is a notable jump from the 73mm equivalent focal length found on the telephoto camera of the previous OnePlus 13 (which you can find here on Amazon for comparison).
For portrait enthusiasts, this is great news. An 85mm focal length is considered the sweet spot for flattering, professional-looking headshots with beautiful background compression. It allows the photographer to maintain a comfortable distance from the subject while creating that coveted "bokeh" effect.
However, there's a trade-off. The leaked samples indicate an f/2.8 aperture for this telephoto lens, which is slightly slower than the f/2.6 aperture on the OnePlus 13's periscope sensor. In practical terms, this means the OnePlus 15's telephoto might struggle a bit more in very low-light situations, letting in less light than its predecessor. That said, in good lighting—like broad daylight or a well-lit indoor space—the difference in brightness would be negligible, putting the longer focal length firmly in the "win" column.
You can judge the telephoto quality for yourself in this set of samples shared on Weibo, which showcase the 85mm lens in action:
See the OnePlus 15 telephoto camera samples here
The Main Sensor: A Focus on Computational Power
The leaks also included samples from the primary wide-angle camera. The details suggest a 24mm equivalent focal length with an f/1.8 aperture. Compared to the brighter f/1.6 main camera on the OnePlus 13, this appears to be another hardware downgrade. Rumors also suggest the sensor itself might be physically smaller.
So, is this a cause for concern? The leaked samples argue otherwise. The images showcase a pleasing amount of detail, with sharp edges and minimal noise. This is where OnePlus's new DetailMax Engine seems to be earning its keep. The processing keeps colors vibrant and punchy without veering into oversaturation, and it does an impressive job of holding onto fine textures.
Take a look at these primary camera samples to see the DetailMax Engine's processing for yourself:
View the OnePlus 15 primary camera samples on Weibo
Strategy Shift: Not the Camera King, But a Performance Powerhouse?
This apparent de-prioritization of top-tier camera hardware aligns with a broader strategy emerging from the BBK Electronics umbrella (which owns both OnePlus and Oppo). It seems the role of the "camera flagship" is being handed to the Oppo Find X9 Pro, which is being heavily marketed for its photographic prowess.
The OnePlus 15, therefore, might be positioning itself as the "performance and value flagship." By focusing on the raw power of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset and refining its software experience, OnePlus could be aiming to deliver a blazing-fast phone at a more aggressive price point, with a "good enough" camera system enhanced by capable software.
This strategic direction was further hinted at in a recent design teaser, which you can read more about in our coverage here:
OnePlus 15 Design Teaser Spills Major Details
The Verdict: Cautious Optimism is Key
While these early camera samples are undoubtedly impressive, it's always wise to take official—or in this case, leaked—samples with a healthy grain of salt. Companies naturally share their best-looking, most favorable images, often captured in ideal conditions.
The move away from Hasselblad is a gamble, but the DetailMax Engine appears to be a competent successor, at least based on these first glimpses. The longer 85mm telephoto is a welcome change for specific photography styles, even if it comes with a minor low-light compromise.
Ultimately, the OnePlus 15 is shaping up to be a fascinating device. It may not win every spec sheet battle, but if OnePlus can deliver exceptional performance and a polished user experience at a compelling price, its calculated camera decisions could very well pay off. We'll know for sure when the device is officially unveiled later this year.
What do you think about OnePlus's new camera direction? Are you excited about the 85mm portrait lens, or concerned about the hardware changes? Let us know in the comments below!
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