OnePlus 15 Design and Build Details Emerge Ahead of Anticipated Launch

The veil is steadily lifting on the OnePlus 15, the upcoming flagship smartphone from OnePlus, with a series of leaks and official teasers painting a clear picture of a device that marks a significant design departure from its predecessors. Skipping the number 14, a move traditionally attributed to cultural sensitivities, the OnePlus 15 is poised to introduce a new aesthetic alongside cutting-edge internals.

A Radical Camera Module Redesign

The most striking change rumored for the OnePlus 15 is the complete overhaul of its rear camera module. Departing from the signature, centrally-aligned circular camera island seen on recent OnePlus flagships like the OnePlus 13, the OnePlus 15 is expected to adopt a more contemporary, rectangular or square camera deco situated in the top-left corner of the back panel.

Leaked images and official teasers have showcased this redesigned camera housing, which contains a triple-camera setup. Within the rectangular module, a vertical, pill-shaped cutout reportedly houses two primary camera sensors, while a third lens and an LED flash are positioned slightly outside or adjacent to this housing within the deco. This shift brings the OnePlus design language closer to the aesthetic trends of other high-end smartphones, notably drawing comparisons to recent Google Pixel or even iPhone designs, signaling a willingness to embrace a more conventional, yet refined, look.

Premium Build Materials and Colorways

In terms of build quality, the OnePlus 15 is rumored to retain a premium feel. Reports suggest the device will feature a flat display with an aluminum frame, possibly with a “ceramic coating” for enhanced durability and a premium tactile experience. The phone is also anticipated to carry an IP68 or IP69 rating for dust and water resistance, bringing it up to par with industry-leading durability standards.

Speculated color options point to a trio of intriguing finishes: Absolute Black, Mist Purple, and Dune. The ‘Dune’ color, often described as a silver or earthy tone, is tipped to be the hero color for the marketing push. Interestingly, leaks suggest a slight weight difference between the color variants, hinting at potentially different finishes or materials used for the back panel on each option. The overall finish is expected to be matte, complementing the premium construction.

Display and Core Performance

Beyond the physical build, the OnePlus 15 is set to feature a cutting-edge front profile. Rumors point to a 6.7-inch or 6.78-inch LTPO OLED flat display with a high-resolution 1.5K panel. Crucially, the refresh rate is expected to be boosted to an ultra-high 165Hz, a significant leap from the 120Hz panels on previous models, promising superior smoothness for both everyday use and high-frame-rate gaming. The front is also rumored to feature “symmetrical front” bezels, indicating a pursuit of a balanced and immersive viewing experience.

Performance-wise, the OnePlus 15 is confirmed to be one of the first devices globally to feature the powerful new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform. This, combined with configurations expected to go up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, positions the OnePlus 15 as a definitive performance powerhouse. The device will run on the latest Android firmware, likely launching with OxygenOS 16 globally.

As the anticipated launch window, rumored to be in October for China with a global rollout likely in early 2026, draws closer, these detailed design and build leaks confirm that the OnePlus 15 is shaping up to be a completely reimagined flagship, seeking to blend powerful specs with a bold, new aesthetic direction.