OnePlus 15 Unboxing – India’s First Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Phone!

The OnePlus 15 launches in India on November 13 and it’s already grabbing attention for being the first phone powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.

OnePlus has been teasing the device for a while, and the big headline feature is that massive 7,300mAh battery — that’s around 21 percent larger than what we got on the OnePlus 13. We’ve had early access to the device, so before the full review drops, here’s a quick unboxing and first look at what’s new.

Inside the Box

Here’s what you get in the box: a 120W SuperVOOC fast charger, the classic red USB-A to USB-C cable, a color-matched soft case, SIM ejector tool, all the paperwork, and the OnePlus Red Cable Club card. Simple, complete, and very OnePlus.

OnePlus 15: Design and Build

The OnePlus 15 comes in three colors: Infinite Black, Sand Storm, and Ultra Violet. We have the Sand Storm version here — inspired by natural sand dunes with a matte texture that feels premium and hides fingerprints really well.

This year, OnePlus has added IP68, IP69, and IP69K ratings, giving the phone better protection from dust, water, and even high-pressure sprays. You’ll also notice the new flat front and back paired with a matte frame for a cleaner, industrial look. One big change: the iconic alert slider is gone.

Instead, we get the new Plus Key, similar to what we saw on the OnePlus 13S. It lets you capture what’s on your screen or save snippets directly to Mind Space for later. The OnePlus 15 doesn’t just look different from the OnePlus 12 or 13, it feels different too — more solid, more refined, and more minimal.

OnePlus 15: Camera Changes

If you’ve noticed, the Hasselblad branding is missing. That’s because OnePlus has officially ended its eight-year partnership with Hasselblad. So, the camera system here is entirely OnePlus’s own. We’ve shot a few quick samples in different lighting conditions, and they look promising so far, but we’ll need to dive deeper to really see what’s changed. (Check the video for camera samples)

OnePlus 15: Performance

Under the hood, the OnePlus 15 runs on the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 — the same chip that’s setting benchmark records right now. According to reports, in tests like AnTuTu, it’s been hitting between 3.4 and 3.8 million points, so we’re expecting top-tier speed for gaming, multitasking, and heavy use.

OnePlus 15: Software – OxygenOS 16

This is the first phone to launch with OxygenOS 16 out of the box, based on Android 16. We’ve already tried this version on the OnePlus 13S, and it’s a big step up. Animations feel faster and smoother, and there’s a lot more customization across the lock screen and home screen.

OxygenOS 16 also brings new AI features like Mind Space, which sorts your screenshots and notes automatically. It even works with Google Gemini now, so you can search through your saved content. Plus, there are new AI editing tools in the gallery that help clean up photos with one tap.

Early Thoughts

Overall, the OnePlus 15 is shaping up to be a complete flagship. We’ll be testing it in depth over the next few days — especially the cameras and gaming performance — so stay tuned for the full review.