The OnePlus 15 is on the horizon, and as leaks begin surfacing online, fans are divided over what they see. A leaked image on Weibo suggests the upcoming flagship may ditch its iconic circular camera design in favor of a square cutout reminiscent of the iPhone 16 Pro. While some are excited about the specs, others worry OnePlus might be losing its distinct design identity.
The device is expected to launch in China this October, followed by a global release in early 2026.
A Big Design Shift For OnePlus
For years, OnePlus distinguished itself with its circular camera bar, a design that quickly became part of its identity. With the OnePlus 15 leak, that look appears to be gone. The leaked image shows a square-shaped camera module, housing multiple separated camera rings.
The color palette also appears to be refreshed. According to reports, the OnePlus 15 will be available in Absolute Black, Mist Purple, and Dune (silver). The silver “Dune” shade will reportedly be the primary marketing color, heavily featured in ads and promotional material.
For many loyalists, the shift is jarring. Without the circular module, the OnePlus 15 may lose the instantly recognizable style that set it apart from other Android devices.
Why The Change?
The design shift may not be accidental. Earlier this year, OnePlus ended its partnership with Hasselblad, which had been responsible for the camera tuning and branding on its flagships. That move likely prompted a complete redesign of the rear module.
The OnePlus 13s, which launched earlier in India and China, already hinted at this direction by adopting a square-style camera bump. The OnePlus 15 seems to continue down that path, aligning more with mainstream smartphone aesthetics.
Rumored Specs – A Powerhouse Under The Hood
While the design has sparked debate, the rumored hardware upgrades are generating excitement. Reports suggest that the OnePlus 15 will come with:
- Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset – Qualcomm’s latest and most powerful processor, offering performance boosts for gaming, multitasking, and AI-driven tasks.
- 7,000mAh battery – a massive jump from the 6,000mAh battery in the OnePlus 13, promising even longer endurance for heavy users.
- Flat 6.7-inch display – with a 1.5K resolution and a dynamic refresh rate up to 165Hz, making it smoother than the 120Hz panel on the OnePlus 13.
These upgrades suggest OnePlus is doubling down on performance, aiming to deliver class-leading speed, battery life, and visuals.
Why It’s Called OnePlus 15 (Not 14)
If you’re wondering why OnePlus jumped from the 13 to 15, it’s due to cultural reasons. In China, the number four is considered unlucky, which is why many brands skip it in product names. This is not the first time a smartphone company has taken such a step to appeal to local sensibilities.
Is OnePlus Losing Its Identity?
The big question remains: Is OnePlus having an identity crisis?
The circular camera ring was a defining design element for the brand. It instantly told you it was a OnePlus device, even from afar. By switching to a square module that resembles Apple’s design language, OnePlus risks blending into the crowd.
Some fans believe this is a natural evolution as the company shifts focus to mainstream global audiences, while others argue that OnePlus could lose the unique styling that built its fan base in the first place.
Performance First, Design Later?
Despite concerns over styling, OnePlus seems determined to let the performance do the talking. The inclusion of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, a 7,000mAh battery, and a 165Hz display positions the OnePlus 15 as one of the most powerful Android flagships of 2025–26.
For power users, gamers, and tech enthusiasts, these upgrades may outweigh concerns about design familiarity.
Expected Launch Timeline
- China launch: October 2025
- Global release: Early 2026
Pricing details remain under wraps, but with these specs, the OnePlus 15 will likely sit in the ultra-premium bracket, possibly starting around $899–$999 globally (₹75,000–₹85,000 in India).
Final Verdict
The OnePlus 15 is shaping up to be a beast on the inside, with cutting-edge specs that could rival Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series and Apple’s iPhone 16 lineup. However, its new design language could divide loyalists.
