After swirling rumors of its cancellation earlier in the year, the OnePlus 15s-a compact flagship smartphone-is reportedly back in development. According to prominent insider Yogesh Brar, who has a strong track record with previous leaks, the project has been revived but will feature “changed optics.” This news reignites interest in a device aimed at a niche but dedicated market segment, positioning it as a potential successor to the OnePlus 13s.
A Development Rollercoaster
In January, reports from Brar suggested that the OnePlus 15s, expected to be a rebranded version of the China-exclusive OnePlus 15T for the Indian market, had been shelved. This news came amidst broader, unsubstantiated rumors about OnePlus downsizing its global operations, which the company later officially denied. The recent reversal on the 15s indicates a potential strategic shift, though Brar noted he has heard some “not so good” things about the company’s overall business plans, adding a layer of uncertainty to the situation.
What to Expect: The OnePlus 15T Blueprint
Since the OnePlus 15s is expected to be heavily based on the OnePlus 15T, the latter’s rumored specifications provide the best look at what the compact flagship might offer. Leaks from sources like Digital Chat Station paint a picture of a powerful, small-form-factor device.
- Processor: The phone is anticipated to be powered by the next-generation Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, promising significant performance and efficiency gains.
- Display: It will likely feature a 6.32-inch flat OLED display with a 1.5K resolution and a very smooth 165Hz refresh rate.
- Battery and Charging: One of the most notable rumored specs is a massive battery, potentially around 7,500 mAh, which is exceptionally large for a compact phone. This could be supported by 100W wired fast charging and, for the first time in this series, wireless charging.
- Memory and Storage: Configurations are expected to go up to 16 GB of LPDDR5x RAM and 1 TB of UFS 4.1 storage, putting it on par with top-tier flagships.
The Camera Conundrum: Changed Optics
The most significant point of differentiation for the OnePlus 15s will likely be its camera system. Recent leaks for the OnePlus 15T suggest it may drop the ultra-wide-angle lens entirely, opting for a dual-camera setup consisting of a 50MP main sensor and a 50MP telephoto lens. The original rumors mentioned either a 200MP or 50MP main sensor for the 15T. This has led to speculation that the “changed optics” for the 15s could mean it will receive the 50MP primary sensor, while the premium 15T model might feature the 200MP sensor to create a clearer distinction between the two. However, this remains unconfirmed.
Market Context and Future Outlook
The potential return of the OnePlus 15s signals the company’s continued interest in the compact flagship market, a segment that caters to users seeking high-end performance without the bulk of modern large-screen phones. This space is currently occupied by base models of major flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S-series and Apple’s iPhone. By offering a device with a potentially class-leading battery life and top-tier processing power, OnePlus could carve out a significant niche. If the rumors hold true, the OnePlus 15s could be released in the second quarter of the year, following a potential March or April debut for the OnePlus 15T in China.
