The global tech scene is still buzzing from the official arrival of the flagship OnePlus 15 earlier this month. But as the dust settles, attention is already shifting to the brand's next big play: the more budget-conscious OnePlus 15R. While OnePlus has officially confirmed the R-model's impending launch and begun teasing it in key markets like Europe and India, they've been characteristically tight-lipped about the specs. Until now, that is.
A fresh leak is turning expectations on their head, suggesting the OnePlus 15R might be a far more interesting—and potentially powerful—device than anyone initially predicted.
A Shift in Strategy: From Ace 6 to Ace 6T
Initial speculation was straightforward: the global OnePlus 15R would simply be a rebadged version of the OnePlus Ace 6, which recently launched in China. This has been OnePlus's playbook for years with its 'R' series. However, a new report indicates a change in plans.
According to a detailed post from reliable tipster @GadgetsData on X, the OnePlus 15R will not be powered by the top-tier Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset as many had suspected. Instead, it's slated to feature the also-new Snapdragon 8 Gen 5.
Here’s where it gets crucial to read the fine print. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 is the uncontested flagship champion, found in the premium OnePlus 15. The standard Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, however, is positioned as a powerful "sub-flagship" alternative. This chip is scheduled for its own unveiling on November 26, with the OnePlus Ace 6T expected to be the first phone to wield it.
This crucial detail strongly suggests that the global OnePlus 15R is not a rebrand of the Ace 6, but of the upcoming Ace 6T. This is a significant departure from the usual timeline and could mean the 15R arrives with newer, more advanced internal hardware than its Chinese counterpart.
Performance Preview: A Potential Battery Beast
So, what does this mean for performance? While real-world tests are still pending, an AnTuTu V11 benchmark listing for the Ace 6T (the 15R's likely twin) previously surfaced, hinting at a staggering score of over 3.5 million points.
To put that in perspective, you can check how these figures stack up against the competition on the official AnTuTu Benchmark ranking. For a direct comparison, last year's OnePlus 13 with the Snapdragon 8 Elite scored around 2.6 million points, while the current OnePlus 15 with the 8 Elite Gen 5 soars past 4 million. This positions the 15R's potential performance squarely in an elite, high-tier category. Furthermore, the tipster notes that the 8 Gen 5 might even offer better power efficiency than its elite sibling, a key factor for battery life.
And speaking of battery, if the 15R is indeed the Ace 6T in disguise, we could be looking at a true marathoner. The device is rumored to pack a massive battery larger than 8,000mAh, supported by 100W fast charging. For users who prioritize screen-on time over all else, this would be a game-changer.
The leak also points to a 165Hz refresh rate display for buttery-smooth scrolling and gaming, and a camera system centered around a 50MP dual rear setup, likely foregoing a telephoto lens to hit its aggressive price point.
With OnePlus's teaser campaign already underway, all signs point to a release for the OnePlus 15R sometime in December. If these leaks hold true, the company isn't just creating a more affordable alternative; it's crafting a uniquely powerful device that could redefine the "value-flagship" segment once again.
🚨 Exclusive 🚨
— Debayan Roy (Gadgetsdata) (@Gadgetsdata) November 23, 2025
As per my source,
OnePlus 15R is confirmed to come with :
✅ Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 !
Also it has Dual rear 📸 (could be 50+50MP)
