OnePlus 15R Hands-on: 7,400mAh Battery, 165Hz Display

• Key Takeaways:
• OnePlus 15R packs a 7,400mAh battery, claimed as the largest OnePlus cell to date, and supports SuperVOOC up to 80W (55W with the included brick).
• It uses Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 with LPDDR5X Ultra RAM and a slightly faster GPU versus last-gen variants, while undercutting the OnePlus 15’s Snapdragon 8 Elite.
• 1272 x 2800 display with a 165Hz cap targets gamers, but real-world benefit is limited to select titles; no wireless charging is offered.
• OxygenOS 16 leans into on-device AI (Mind Space, Gemini integration) and includes an action button in place of the classic alert slider.

First impressions

The OnePlus 15R feels like a deliberate remix of the OnePlus 15: most of the flagship DNA is present but with targeted trade-offs. Build and finish echo recent Apple and Samsung styling, with a narrow camera bump and a frosted glass back that some users may find slightly gritty to the touch.

Design and controls

The phone replaces the traditional alert slider with an action button on the left side, tied into new OxygenOS 16 features. The overall aesthetic is cleaner but less characterful than previous OnePlus generations.

Performance and software

Internally the 15R runs Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, paired with LPDDR5X Ultra RAM and a tuned GPU. OnePlus touts a proprietary CPU scheduler optimized for gaming and sustained performance.

OxygenOS 16 focuses on AI tools — Mind Space and integrations with Google’s Gemini assistant — which add features like voice notes and enhanced search. The experience is functional but some AI features feel unfinished and occasionally cumbersome.

Display and gaming

The 1272 x 2800 AMOLED display supports up to a 165Hz refresh rate. That extreme refresh rate is mainly useful for a narrow set of games; everyday scrolling and media consumption benefit but rarely require the top setting.

A new vapor chamber cooling system helps maintain sustained performance during gaming sessions.

Battery and charging

The headline feature is the 7,400mAh battery — the largest OnePlus has shipped — delivering exceptional endurance that can stretch to two days for many users. Heavy, continuous gaming will of course reduce that margin.

Fast wired charging uses SuperVOOC up to 80W, with a 55W charger included. Notably, the 15R omits wireless charging entirely — a key compromise compared with the OnePlus 15.

Cameras

Camera hardware is pragmatic: a 50MP main sensor and an 8MP ultrawide. OnePlus emphasizes “Clear Mode” and night modes, but images can feel over-processed. Video capabilities include 4K at 120 fps.

Who should consider it

If battery life and a high refresh-rate display are priorities — and you can live without wireless charging or a telephoto lens — the 15R is a compelling, lower-cost alternative to the OnePlus 15. Pricing pressure from rising RAM costs may affect configurations, so early buying decisions should factor in regional pricing.

Bottom line

The OnePlus 15R lands as a sensible mid-point: strong battery and solid gaming chops, with deliberate compromises on charging and camera versatility. At a $699 launch target it’s approachable, but not a category disruptor.