OnePlus 15R vs OnePlus 13R: 6 expected upgrades
OnePlus is launching the 15R in India on December 17 with a major upgrade. The new phone promises better performance, battery life, and durability for year-end buyers compared to its predecessor, the OnePlus 13R. Let’s see in detail.
OnePlus is ready to end this year with a bang. After launching the OnePlus 15 earlier this season, the company is now turning its attention to its next power-packed release, the OnePlus 15R. With the official microsite already live and many specifications confirmed, it looks like the new phone is set to offer a major upgrade over the OnePlus 13R. From the refreshed design to the bigger new battery, here’s a complete look at the six biggest upgrades expected from the upcoming device.
Before we dive into the specifications, let’s discuss the launch date and availability. The OnePlus 15R is officially launching in India on December 17, sharing the spotlight with the OnePlus Pad Go 2. The phone will be available for purchase via Amazon, OnePlus India website and authorized retail partners across the country soon after the unveiling. The timing also suggests that OnePlus wants to position the 15R as a year-end blockbuster for those looking to upgrade before 2026.
OnePlus 15R vs OnePlus 13R: 6 expected upgrades
New Design, Strong Construction: Ahead of the launch, OnePlus has revealed the design of the upcoming OnePlus 15R. With the new entry, the new design language has removed the large circular camera module seen on the 13R in favor of a sleek square cutout similar to the OnePlus 15. It is likely to have a flat metal frame, which adds both durability and a more premium feel. Here is the complete look of the phone.
The upgrade isn’t just aesthetic, the 15R will reportedly have IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K ratings, which is a significant improvement over the IP65 rating of the 13R. This means it should withstand exposure to dust and water better than its predecessor, making it a sturdy everyday companion.
Display: The company has confirmed that the phone will be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset, which is a step up from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 that powers the OnePlus 13R. This chipset promises next-generation performance, improved thermal efficiency, and advanced AI capabilities. It will be paired with LPDDR5X Ultra RAM and UFS 4.1 storage, ensuring lightning-fast multitasking, smooth gaming, and almost instant app loading.
Battery Upgrade: Battery life is increasing dramatically this year. The OnePlus 15R will be equipped with a 7,400mAh cell, which is the largest battery ever placed in a OnePlus device, larger than the 7,300mAh unit in the OnePlus 15 and much larger than the 6,000mAh battery found in the 13R.
The company says the battery is designed for long gaming, streaming and productivity sessions. It uses silicon nanostack technology with 15 percent silicon in the anode, which helps it retain at least 80 percent of its capacity even after four years of use. The device is also expected to support 80W fast charging, keeping downtime to a minimum despite the large capacity.
Display: On the front, the OnePlus 15R is likely to feature a 6.7-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 165Hz refresh rate, putting it on par with the OnePlus 15. This is a slight upgrade from the 13R’s 6.78-inch 120Hz panel and should make everything from scrolling to gaming faster.
The maximum brightness of the screen can reach 1,800 nits for better outdoor visibility and can be reduced to 1 nits for comfortable use at night. This TV comes with Rhineland Intelligent Eye Care 5.0 certification, which reduces eye strain for users who stare at their phones for long periods of time.
Changes in camera and imaging: In the camera department, the OnePlus 15R will bring a sophisticated dual-camera system. It is expected to come with a 50-megapixel Sony IMX906 primary sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), along with an 8-megapixel ultrawide lens. On the front, a 32-megapixel camera is likely to handle selfies and video calls.
While this marks a change from the 13R’s triple-camera setup (which included a telephoto lens), the new sensor and better processing should still deliver a more consistent photography experience in lighting conditions.
OnePlus 15R launch: Expected price in India
The OnePlus 15R is expected to be priced between Rs 45,000 and Rs 50,000 in India, which is slightly higher than the 13R’s launch price of Rs 42,999. This increase seems justified considering the stronger chipset, larger battery and advanced design.
Just days away from launch, the OnePlus 15R will be a significant step forward for the series, combining flagship-level power with practical durability and a refreshing design. For those waiting for an upgrade, this could be the OnePlus to watch this December.
