The OnePlus 15 is here, but it’s controversial in a few ways. Not only did it launch globally just 10 months after its predecessor — something we aren’t used to seeing — but it’s also a downgrade compared to the OnePlus 13 in a few key areas.
This begs the question: is the OnePlus 15 actually better than the OnePlus 13 overall, and if so, by how much? I’ll walk you through the new specs and features the latest flagship brings to the table, where it matches its predecessor, and where it falls short.
Do you think it's worth upgrading from the OnePlus 13 to the 15? 8 votes Yes 38 % No 50 % I'm on the fence about it 13 %
Familiar specs and downgrades
Ryan Haines / Android Authority
Let’s get the bad news out of the way first: the OnePlus 15’s display has a lower 1.5K resolution compared to the 2K screen found on the OnePlus 13. We’re used to seeing OnePlus — and other manufacturers — improve specs or at least keep them the same, but that’s not the case this time.
The company does have a reason for the downgrade, though. It wanted to introduce a 165Hz refresh rate for an even better gaming experience, and it’s currently not technically possible to run a 2K display at that refresh rate. According to OnePlus, this wasn’t a cost-saving measure — the new display reportedly costs more to produce than the one on the OnePlus 13. It’s a trade-off, and whether it’s worth it depends on your priorities. Personally, I think the difference between 2K and 1.5K resolution isn’t really noticeable on a screen this size, which was confirmed when we compared the OnePlus 15 and 13 side by side. Also, the lower resolution may even improve battery life. Still, I understand why some fans see it as a downgrade and would have preferred a higher-res panel.
In addition to the display, the rear camera setup is also somewhat controversial. Perhaps it’s not a complete downgrade, but it is a sidegrade at best. The Hasselblad partnership has ended, so OnePlus has announced its brand-new imaging system, the DetailMax Engine. And while all three rear sensors have the same 50MP resolution, everything got smaller, unfortunately. The main sensor dropped from 1/1.43 inches to 1/1.56 and has a narrower aperture. The telephoto’s sensor size has also been reduced, and the same goes for the ultrawide sensor, which has also been switched to a 116-degree field of view from 120 degrees. All this translates to things like less light reaching all three sensors, although the company software enhancements are said to be improved. You should check out the sample images we’ve made to see how you like the end result.
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