OnePlus rivals Samsung today – here are 3 things I | Tech News

Samsung holds a lot of sway over the UK Android telephone market, so it’s a good reminder when one of its rivals releases a new high-end various. Today, OnePlus has introduced its new OnePlus 15 is hitting these shores with specs that technically outgun the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, for a a lot decrease (however nonetheless high) price.

The OnePlus 15 is focused to appeal to avid gamers and Android lovers with a give attention to graphics efficiency, cooling tech, and fluid, customisable software program.

“At OnePlus, our philosophy has always been to push the boundaries of mobile technology to create devices that truly enhance our users’ lives,” says Celina Shi, Chief Marketing Officer of OnePlus Europe. “OnePlus 15 is the culmination of this belief. We have torn up the blueprint and delivered a device that is a two-generation leap in power, intelligence and design, further strengthening our focus on delivering a fast & smooth performance.”

The OnePlus 15 begins at £849 for the black model with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage. There are additionally Sand Storm and Ultra Violet fashions for £979 that enhance the RAM to 16GB and offer 512GB storage.

I’ve been testing the Sand Storm model for a couple of weeks to see what the newest OnePlus telephone has to offer.

Here are three things I love concerning the OnePlus 15.

Die-hard OnePlus followers will discover that is a vital departure in design from earlier fashions. Gone are the curved screen edges and spherical digicam module of the OnePlus 11, 12 and 13, changed by a flat screen with flat edges and a squared-off digicam bump. It’s all very iPhone, however so are Samsung and Google telephones as of late.

Design-wise, I am most impressed by how light-weight this telephone feels. My Sand Storm model weighs 211g. That’s solely 7 grams much less than the S25 Ultra however considerably much less than the 233g iPhone 17 Pro Max.

Each color model has a totally different end too, and the Sand Storm model has matte edges and a fibreglass back. The look has grown on me, and it is cool to the contact due to a micro-arc oxidation course of that OnePlus says improves sturdiness. I’ve not obtained a case for the telephone, so we’ll see! The black and violet variations shouldn’t have this potential benefit.is 

Inside the OnePlus 15 is the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, the newest top-of-the-line chip from Qualcomm. Though you solely actually discover the beneficial properties in energy if you actually push a telephone with 4K video modifying or graphically intense cell video games, the OnePlus 15 packs more of a punch on paper than the Snapdragon 8 Elite within the Galaxy S25 Ultra and the OnePlus 13 from final 12 months.

OnePlus telephones are identified for his or her snappy efficiency, and with 16GB RAM and this chipset, the telephone completely flies by way of something. Switching apps could be very fast certainly, and I’ve encountered no stutters in any way.

I personally admire this most with picture processing. Modern telephones have superb cameras, the OnePlus 15 included with a triple lens set up, however software program processing is all the time used to improve photographs and get them Instagram prepared. Thanks to the 8 Elite Gen 5, I haven’t needed to wait whereas the telephone does this. Processing wait occasions are more noticeable on telephones such because the Pixel 10 Pro XL, whose Tensor G5 chip is no match for this Qualcomm quantity.

One of the best things concerning the OnePlus 15 is its huge battery. It’s a 7,300mAh cell that wipes the ground with the 5,000mAh one within the S25 Ultra. This is feasible as OnePlus is utilizing newer more vitality dense silicon tech within the battery in comparison with older lithium-ion batteries. It means more energy in the identical slim telephone designs.

This means the OnePlus 15 can simply final for 2 days on a single charge. I can exit with 50 p.c battery within the morning and be sure I’ll get home within the night – presumably on crimson, however nonetheless going. I can’t say that about many different telephones.

The catch is OnePlus no longer contains a charger within the box with the OnePlus 15 within the UK, which is a crying disgrace because the charging speeds are super-fast. This telephone can charge from one to 100% in 39 minutes, however the appropriate 120W charger prices £69.99 from OnePlus. When you’re spending more than £800 on a telephone, you may anticipate the charger to be included – it’s not.

OnePlus additionally makes use of proprietary charging tech, so one other model charger received’t hit the identical high speeds. You need the OnePlus charger and OnePlus cable particularly.

I’m nonetheless testing the OnePlus 15 and can need longer with it to see if I would suggest it over different great telephones launched this 12 months corresponding to that superlative Galaxy S25 Ultra, the Oppo Find X9 Pro or the amazingly skinny Honor Magic V5 folding telephone.

If you’re tempted, you possibly can buy the OnePlus 15 beginning today from OnePlus. If you pre-order, you possibly can select from a choice of free merchandise and equipment as half of an introductory offer.