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| The OnePlus 15R will feature a battery with less than 7,500 mAh capacity. Pictured: a promo picture of the phone. |
If you’ve been eagerly waiting for OnePlus’s next powerhouse to hit global markets, we finally have a date. The brand has officially confirmed the global variant of its recently launched Ace 6T—dubbed the OnePlus 15R—will debut on December 17, 2025. While it retains the revolutionary Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset, confirming its place as a performance beast, the spec sheet reveals a significant compromise that has the enthusiast community talking.
The Heart of the Matter: A Substantial Battery Downgrade
Here’s the headline news that’s sparking debate. The China-exclusive OnePlus Ace 6T made waves by featuring a colossal 8,300 mAh battery—the largest the company has ever fitted into a phone. This power pack even surpasses the cell in the current top-tier OnePlus 15.
However, for the global audience, the OnePlus 15R will sport a 7,400 mAh battery. Now, let’s be clear: a 7,400 mAh capacity is still immense. It easily bests the standard OnePlus 15 and will undoubtedly be the largest battery ever offered by OnePlus in international markets. The promise of multi-day battery life remains very real.
Yet, the reduction of nearly 1,000 mAh from the Chinese model is noticeable. The 8,000+ mAh capacity was a marquee feature of the Ace 6T, and its absence in the global version feels like a missed opportunity for a device positioned as an "affordable flagship."
Charging Speeds Also See a Trim
The adjustments don’t stop at raw capacity. The blistering 100W wired charging of the Ace 6T has been scaled back to 80W for the OnePlus 15R. While 80W charging is still exceptionally fast and will get you from zero to a significant charge in mere minutes, it continues the trend of a slightly tempered global offering.
The Silver Lining: What the OnePlus 15R Keeps Intact
It’s not all about compromises. OnePlus has confirmed several flagship features will make the journey to the global stage untouched:
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 5: The crown jewel. The 15R will still be the first phone available globally with Qualcomm’s latest and greatest flagship chipset, ensuring top-tier performance for years to come.
- 165Hz Refresh Rate: The super-smooth display, perfect for gaming and scrolling, remains standard.
- Multiple IP Ratings: Expect robust dust and water resistance, a key feature for reliability.
The brand recently teased these confirmed specs, building anticipation for the full reveal.
https://x.com/OnePlus_IN/status/1996936186271768849
A Familiar Strategy for Global Markets
While disappointing to some, this battery-capacity downgrade is a well-worn path for Chinese smartphone makers launching devices internationally. Factors like differing safety regulations, certification processes, and even cost optimization for competitive global pricing often lead to these tweaks. The core experience—premium performance, sleek design, and fast software—typically remains the focus.
The Final Word
The OnePlus 15R, launching December 17, 2025, is shaping up to be a tantalizing yet complex proposition. It delivers a historic global first with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 and a class-leading 7,400 mAh battery that will be the envy of many. Yet, the shadow of its even more monstrous Chinese sibling looms large.
For potential buyers, the question will be whether the unmatched performance and still-exceptional battery life of the 15R are enough, or if the specs of the Ace 6T will fuel a sense of what could have been. As we await more details on pricing and availability, one thing is certain: the affordable flagship arena just got a lot more interesting.
Check this out: https://t.co/AuD7fAIuPe
— OnePlus India (@OnePlus_IN) December 5, 2025
The only thing that’ll run low is your worry. #OnePlus15R pic.twitter.com/gkMl5SV6tV