OnePlus 15 Gets 7000mAh Battery & Radical Design Overhaul

Reviewed by Julianne Ngirngir

Looking at the latest OnePlus 15 leaks, one thing's becoming crystal clear – this isn't going to be just another incremental upgrade. The rumor mill has been absolutely buzzing with claims about a massive 7,000mAh battery and a complete design overhaul that could fundamentally change what we expect from OnePlus flagships. What's particularly compelling is how these aren't isolated rumors anymore – multiple independent sources are backing these claims, creating a pattern of evidence that's increasingly hard to dismiss.

The most controversial part of these leaks? OnePlus might be ditching its partnership with Hasselblad entirely, along with that distinctive circular camera bump we've grown accustomed to. Instead, leaked images show a square camera module positioned in the top-left corner, reminiscent of what we've seen on recent iPhone models. It's a bold move that signals OnePlus is ready to shake things up – but the question is whether this represents smart evolution or risky experimentation.

Why the 7,000mAh battery upgrade isn't as crazy as it sounds

Let's break down why this battery leap has moved beyond wishful thinking into the realm of probability. Here's what's really compelling about the timing – the OnePlus 13R already packs a 6,000mAh cell, and multiple sources suggest the 15R could jump to 7,000mAh. If OnePlus is planning this upgrade for its mid-range device, it creates a clear pathway for the flagship to match or exceed it.

The technology foundation is solid too. Battery innovations have made significant strides recently, particularly with silicon-carbon batteries that offer higher density without the traditional bulk concerns. Multiple sources confirm the OnePlus 15 will feature a 7,000 mAh Si-C battery, which would be a genuine game-changer for flagship endurance. Combined with 100W wired charging support, we're looking at a device that could completely redefine what we expect from flagship battery life.

What makes this even more credible is how it aligns with OnePlus's recent hardware philosophy. The OnePlus 13 introduced a larger 6,000mAh battery compared to its predecessor, showing the company is already prioritizing endurance over razor-thin profiles. This progression from 6,000mAh to potentially 7,000mAh feels like a natural evolution rather than a dramatic leap.

The charging infrastructure is ready too. The OnePlus 13 supports up to 100W charging with the optional OnePlus SUPERVOOC 100W Dual Ports Power Adapter, so the groundwork for handling larger batteries efficiently is already established.

The design shake-up that's dividing fans

Now here's where things get really controversial. OnePlus is reportedly ditching its iconic circular camera island in favor of what leakers describe as a "rounded-corner rectangular camera bump." The leaked specs suggest a triple camera setup will feature 50MP sensors across the board, including a periscope telephoto that could reach as high as 200MP according to some wild rumors.

What's potentially more significant than the camera arrangement is the reported end of the Hasselblad partnership. Multiple sources suggest OnePlus won't be working with camera experts Hasselblad on the OnePlus 15, despite the collaboration's success on recent flagships. This would mark a fundamental shift in OnePlus's camera strategy and could explain the dramatic design overhaul we're seeing in these leaks.

The display is getting a major overhaul too. Reports indicate a completely flat 1.5K AMOLED screen with ultra-thin bezels, moving away from the curved edges we've seen on recent OnePlus flagships. Some rumors even suggest a massive 7-inch display, which would make this one of the largest mainstream flagship screens we've seen.

This flat screen approach addresses a genuine pain point. Anyone who's dealt with curved screen protector nightmares on previous OnePlus devices knows exactly what I'm talking about. Finding a good screen protector for a curved screen is usually a miss and not a hit, and the practical benefits of going flat are substantial. Samsung has been giving us completely flat screens for the past two generations, completely eliminating display curves on their Ultra phones, and the usability benefits are undeniable.

What the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 brings to the table

Under the hood, the OnePlus 15 is expected to pack Qualcomm's upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite 2, which could feature clock speeds up to 5GHz thanks to enhanced Pegasus cores. This represents a significant step up from the current Snapdragon 8 Elite, which already powers the OnePlus 13 with impressive results.

The performance implications are substantial, but what's really intriguing is how this enhanced processing power could support OnePlus's AI ambitions. Enhanced AI processing capabilities should enable more sophisticated computational photography features, potentially offsetting any camera quality concerns from the Hasselblad split. OnePlus has already shown what it can do with AI features in OxygenOS 15, including AI Detail Boost that transforms low-resolution images into 4K visuals.

Memory configurations are expected to be generous, with RAM options extending up to 24GB and storage potentially reaching 1TB in some markets. This positions the OnePlus 15 as a true flagship competitor, especially when you consider the rumored pricing strategy that should maintain OnePlus's value proposition.

The software experience will likely be OxygenOS 16, tightly merged with Android 16, bringing the latest Android features alongside OnePlus's customizations. Given how OxygenOS 15 achieves a remarkable reduction in system storage, shrinking by nearly 20% compared to OxygenOS 14, we can expect further refinements and optimizations.

The bottom line: calculated risk or necessary evolution?

So here's what we're looking at: a phone that could fundamentally change OnePlus's design language while delivering unprecedented battery life in a flagship package. The expected launch timeline points to October 2025 in China, with global availability following in early 2026. That's a relatively aggressive schedule considering the scope of changes being rumored.

The controversial 7,000mAh battery claim is looking increasingly legitimate, backed by multiple independent sources and OnePlus's own trajectory with recent devices. Expected pricing in India sits around ₹75,000 to ₹85,000, which would maintain OnePlus's competitive positioning against Samsung and Apple flagships while offering potentially superior battery life.

What makes this particularly intriguing is how it reflects OnePlus's willingness to take calculated risks in a market where differentiation is increasingly difficult. Breaking up with Hasselblad, abandoning the circular camera design, and potentially introducing a 7-inch display with lower 1.5K resolution – these aren't safe choices. But they could be exactly what OnePlus needs to stand out in an increasingly crowded flagship market.

The flat screen decision alone could win over users who've been frustrated with curved displays for practical reasons. Beyond the screen protector nightmares, curved screens bring glare issues, ghost touches, and dust accumulation problems that flat designs simply eliminate.

PRO TIP: If you're currently using a OnePlus device with curved screens and considering the upgrade, the potential switch to a flat display could solve more daily usability issues than you might realize.

The question isn't whether these rumors are true anymore – the evidence is mounting from too many credible sources. The real question is whether OnePlus can execute this vision without alienating the fans who fell in love with the OnePlus 13's refined design and Hasselblad-tuned cameras. It's a bold gamble that could either establish OnePlus as the battery life champion of the flagship world or leave loyal users wondering why the company overhauled what was already working well.