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| The OnePlus Ace 6T that recently launched in China. |
Mark your calendars for December 17, 2025. OnePlus is set to officially unveil the OnePlus 15R globally, positioning it as a powerful yet more affordable alternative to the flagship OnePlus 15. Ahead of the launch, a steady stream of official confirms and leaks has painted a nearly complete picture of a device that promises flagship-grade performance, a massive battery, and a significant camera upgrade in a more accessible package.
Ahead of the big day, a detailed leak from the known source @OnePlusClub on X has given us our clearest look yet at the photographic hardware changes coming to the R series.
A Strategic Shift in Camera Philosophy
The new leak reveals that the OnePlus 15R will feature a dual rear camera system, a change from the triple-camera setup of its predecessor, the OnePlus 13R. The primary sensor is said to be a 50MP Sony IMX906, paired with an 8MP ultrawide sensor. This represents a conscious trade-off, as the OnePlus 13R included a dedicated 50MP telephoto lens alongside its main and ultrawide cameras.
However, OnePlus is compensating with advanced software and video capabilities. The 15R is confirmed to inherit the DetailMax Engine from the flagship OnePlus 15, bringing advanced computational photography features like Ultra Clear Mode and AI-powered portrait enhancements to the device. Furthermore, the rear camera is rumored to support 4K video recording at up to 120fps, a feature typically reserved for higher-end models.
OnePlus 15R camera
— OnePlus Club (@OnePlusClub) December 13, 2025
• 50MP IMX906 Main
• 8MP IMX355 Ultrawide
• 32MP GC32E2 Front
DetailMax Engine support, 4K 120fps video recording and 4K 30fps video recording with auto focus on front camera. pic.twitter.com/kWcriIBX76
Front-Facing Camera: A Generational Leap
Perhaps the most dramatic camera upgrade is on the front. OnePlus has officially confirmed that the 15R will house "the most advanced selfie camera ever fitted to an R Series device". It's a 32MP sensor with autofocus support, which is a major step up from the 16MP fixed-focus camera on the 13R. Autofocus should eliminate blurry selfies and enable better portrait shots. This new front camera also unlocks 4K video recording at 30fps, a first for the R series, which was previously limited to 1080p.
Power and Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 Debut
The core highlight of the OnePlus 15R is its chipset. It will be the first smartphone globally to launch with Qualcomm's new Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor. It's crucial to note this is the non-"Elite" version of the chip found in the OnePlus 15. According to OnePlus executives, this new dual-flagship chipset strategy from Qualcomm was inspired by Apple's approach with its A-series chips, allowing brands to bring current-generation architecture and advancements to more affordable models without reusing last year's silicon.
While the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 has slightly lower clock speeds than its Elite sibling, it shares the same core architecture, promising exceptional performance that should easily handle demanding games and applications. This strategic choice likely helps balance top-tier performance with better thermal management and cost. The phone has been spotted on Geekbench with 12GB of RAM and will run Android 16-based OxygenOS 16 out of the box.
Battery and Charging: A New Endurance Champion
In a move that will appeal to power users, the OnePlus 15R is confirmed to pack a colossal 7,400mAh battery. This not only surpasses the 7,300mAh cell in the flagship OnePlus 15 but also stands as one of the largest batteries ever put in a mainstream smartphone. OnePlus claims this will easily deliver two days of normal use. Supporting this battery is 80W SUPERVOOC fast charging, ensuring you can power up quickly when needed. For context, a 20,000mAh Anker power bank capable of supporting such fast charging is currently available for around $36 on Amazon.
For a visual teaser and more community discussion on the 15R's specs, you can check out the official leak post from OnePlusClub on X: https://x.com/OnePlusClub/status/1999726352967385462.
Display and Build: Flagship Feel at a Lower Cost
The 15R doesn't cut corners on the display. It will feature a premium 6.83-inch 1.5K AMOLED screen with a silky-smooth 165Hz refresh rate, matching the flagship OnePlus 15 in this regard. The panel boasts a peak brightness of 1,800 nits, support for HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, and comes with advanced eye-care features like 3,840Hz PWM dimming. For gaming, it will be aided by a dedicated Touch Response Chip for ultra-responsive inputs.
Durability is also a key focus. The phone will come with an impressive array of IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K ratings. This means it's not just dust-tight and submersible, but also protected against high-pressure, high-temperature water jets—a level of ruggedness uncommon in this price segment.
Launch Event and What Else to Expect
The OnePlus 15R will be unveiled on December 17, 2025, during a launch event in Bengaluru, India, which will be streamed globally. It won't be alone; it will be joined by the OnePlus Watch Lite and the OnePlus Pad Go 2 tablet, completing a trio of new accessible devices from the brand.
Pre-order perks are expected, with UK buyers tipped to get a £100 discount, a free 120W adapter, and a case with the 15R. Similar promotions are anticipated in other regions.
OnePlus 15R vs. OnePlus 15: The Key Differences
Final Thoughts Before the Launch
The OnePlus 15R is shaping up to be a compelling proposition. By making strategic choices—like using a dual instead of triple camera and the non-Elite version of a flagship chipset—OnePlus appears to be crafting a phone that delivers where it counts: raw performance, incredible battery life, and a superb display, all at a more accessible price point than the outright flagship.
All that remains to be seen is the official price. If OnePlus gets its pricing right, the 15R could become the go-to recommendation for buyers seeking near-flagship power without the flagship cost. The full story will be revealed on December 17.