OnePlus 15R Review: Stellar Battery, Questionable Value
▼ Summary
– The OnePlus 15R has exceptional battery life, lasting several days on a single charge and outperforming the flagship OnePlus 15 in this area.
– However, its camera system is inconsistent and lacks a telephoto lens, while the ultrawide camera is a significant downgrade from the flagship model.
– The phone is positioned awkwardly at $699, being too expensive to feel like a deal and missing features like wireless charging found on competitors near its price.
– It uses a less powerful but still capable processor and shows improved software behavior by not aggressively closing background apps.
– A significant drawback is its silicon carbon battery, which is prone to faster degradation than standard lithium-ion batteries despite its large capacity.
The OnePlus 15R delivers truly exceptional battery life that can last for days, making it a strong contender for anyone who prioritizes endurance over all else. However, its position in the market feels awkward, caught between the more complete flagship experience and compelling alternatives that offer better value. For a device costing seven hundred dollars, the compromises in camera performance and the absence of wireless charging are difficult to overlook.
This model follows the typical R-series formula as a more affordable version of the flagship OnePlus 15. It succeeds in some key areas, particularly its power management. The phone is equipped with a robust Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset, which handles demanding tasks and complex web pages with impressive smoothness. Performance in daily use feels virtually indistinguishable from its more expensive sibling. A welcome improvement is the refined software management; background apps stay open reliably, a small but meaningful quality-of-life upgrade from older OnePlus behaviors.
Yet, the headline feature is undoubtedly the battery. The massive 7400mAh silicon carbon battery provides staggering longevity. With moderate use and the always-on display active, the phone consistently lasted over three full days before needing a charge. Switching to the default balanced mode extends that even further. This is the kind of performance that genuinely changes how you interact with your device, freeing you from the daily charging ritual. It’s important to note, however, that this advanced battery chemistry may degrade faster over time than standard lithium-ion, though OnePlus projects it will retain 80% capacity after four years.
The charging situation is a mixed bag. The lack of wireless charging is a notable omission at this price point. While the included 55W wired charger is very fast, the infrequent need to charge somewhat mitigates the inconvenience. Still, for many, wireless capability is a standard expectation for a phone in this class.
Camera performance is where the 15R stumbles. It shares the main 50-megapixel sensor with the OnePlus 15, capturing decent photos in good light. However, image processing can be inconsistent, producing overly bright and saturated shots in tricky indoor lighting. The low-light performance remains a challenge. More disappointing is the ultrawide camera, an 8-megapixel module that is a significant step down from the flagship’s 50-megapixel version and produces poor results in dim conditions. There is no telephoto lens, which is understandable for the price, but the overall camera system feels uncompetitive.
This leads to the core issue of value. At $699, the OnePlus 15R occupies a difficult middle ground. For just $200 more, the standard OnePlus 15 offers a superior camera system and a more refined experience. Conversely, phones like the Google Pixel 9A, priced at $499, provide a much more reliable camera and wireless charging for significantly less money. Even the step-up Pixel 10, for only a hundred dollars more, adds a telephoto lens and advanced Qi2 wireless charging. The 15R’s proposition, phenomenal battery life paired with a mediocre camera and missing features, feels unbalanced against these alternatives.
Ultimately, the OnePlus 15R is a phone of extremes. Its battery life is so impressive it redefines expectations. If that single attribute is your absolute top priority and the higher cost of the OnePlus 15 was a barrier, this model makes sense. For everyone else, the compromises and tough competition suggest looking elsewhere, keeping your charger handy for a device that offers a more well-rounded package.
(Source: The Verge)
