A well-known tech tipster has given fans a first close-up look at the OnePlus 15 smartphone, describing a hands-on session that paints a different picture from previous rumors about its appearance. The leak, shared on Weibo by Digital Chat Station, comes just weeks before the phone’s expected October launch in China, stirring excitement and debate among Android enthusiasts.
The tipster, who claims direct access to a prototype, highlights a fresh design that blends sleek lines with practical upgrades. The OnePlus 15 features a flat 6.7-inch AMOLED screen with slim edges all around, using special technology to make the display brighter and more vibrant without adding bulk.
The frame is made of lightweight aluminum, giving it a comfortable hold, and the back comes in a new “Dune” silver shade that shifts colors under light, alongside classic black and purple options.
What stands out most is the camera setup on the back. Earlier leaks suggested a return to OnePlus’s signature round camera bump, a circular module that has defined the brand’s look for years.
But the hands-on report contradicts that, describing a square camera island with rounded corners instead—similar to recent iPhone designs but with a metallic ring around the three lenses for a premium touch.
This change, according to the tipster, helps the phone feel more modern and easier to grip, while still packing a 50-megapixel main camera for sharp photos in any light.
Inside, the OnePlus 15 runs on Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, a step up from last year’s chip that delivers about 20% faster performance in everyday tasks and games. It pairs with up to 16GB of memory and 1TB of storage, making it smooth for multitasking.
The battery is a massive 6,000mAh unit with fast charging that gets you back to full in under 30 minutes. Other perks include an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner under the screen for quick unlocking and a new “Quick Key” button that replaces the old alert slider, letting you launch apps or features with one press.
This leak challenges the idea that OnePlus would stick to its round camera tradition, which some fans love for its unique style. The tipster notes the square design feels more like a fresh start, possibly signaling the end of a partnership with camera expert Hasselblad that shaped earlier models.
While renders from other sources showed a similar square layout, this hands-on account adds credibility, showing the phone in real light with no major changes expected before launch.
OnePlus has stayed quiet on the rumors, but the company teased a “new design language” earlier this year, hinting at big visual shifts.
The OnePlus 15 is set to debut in China next month, with a global rollout likely in early 2026. Prices could start around $800 for the base model, putting it in direct competition with the Samsung Galaxy S26 and Google Pixel 10.
Tech watchers are divided—some praise the evolution as a bold move, while others miss the iconic round camera that screamed “OnePlus.” Either way, this leak has everyone talking, and more details should surface soon as the launch nears.
