OnePlus 15 Review: This is Not Normal!
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Promos
The OnePlus 15 is not a normal refresh. MKBHD Merch: mkbhd.com Playlist of MKBHD Intro music: goo.gl Phone provided by OnePlus for review. ~ twitter.com @MKBHD @MKBHD
OnePlus 15 is presented as a dramatic leap rather than a simple refresh, with Marques Brownlee emphasizing that this device is not normal in terms of its feature set and engineering. The video kicks off by highlighting a new chip, a larger vapor chamber, upgraded storage, and a refreshed design that aims to be more squared off and matte. Brownlee walks through the key hardware improvements, including the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, UFS 4.1 storage, and up to 16 GB of LPDDR5X RAM in the Ultra Plus variant, underscoring how these choices push performance beyond typical flagship updates. He also notes the micro-arch oxidation ceramic finish, IP certification, and a substantial 7,300 mAh silicon carbon battery that redefines expected endurance. While the hardware story is strong, he critiques the camera system as a notable downgrade relative to the phone’s other high-end features, pointing to smaller sensors, noisier images in mid-light, and the absence of Hasselblad branding, which dampens the overall flagship promise. Despite camera caveats, the review remains highly positive about speed, battery longevity, and charging speeds, framing the OnePlus 15 as a confidence-inspiring device that defies normal expectations. The narrative combines hands-on impressions with practical trade-offs, concluding that while it is not perfect, the OnePlus 15 delivers a compelling, high-end experience that justifies its premium price for enthusiasts seeking extreme performance and longevity.
Topics · science and technology · smartphones · hardware review · consumer electronics
Questions answered
- What is the standout feature of the OnePlus 15 according to the reviewer?
- The standout feature is the combination of a new high-end silicon, a large 7,300 mAh silicon carbon battery, and advanced cooling that together deliver exceptional performance and longevity, with emphasis on not being a typical refresh.
- How does the reviewer describe the camera performance on the OnePlus 15?
- The reviewer describes the camera performance as a notable downgrade relative to the phone's other strengths, noting smaller sensors, narrower apertures, more noise in mid-light, and dull colors across the triple 50 MP array, with no Hasselblad branding. He still acknowledges usable pro modes but says the camera is not meeting the flagship standard set by the rest of the device.
- What display-related nuance does the reviewer highlight about the OnePlus 15?
- The reviewer points out that the display can refresh up to 165 Hz but only in certain games, with most everyday use staying at 120 Hz; the 165 Hz mode is limited to a short list of supported games.