OnePlus 15 Camera: Zoom Upgrade, But a Potential Low-Light Trade-off

09/08/2025 Mobile

I've been following OnePlus for a while now, and while the OnePlus 13 is a solid device, I'm already curious about what the future holds for the OnePlus 15. It seems we’re getting some early peeks into its potential camera setup, and there are a few interesting changes in store. The most notable shift? OnePlus is moving on from its partnership with Hasselblad and developing its own "DetailMax Engine" for photography. That’s a pretty big deal, hinting at a new direction for their camera tech.

So, what are the whispers saying? Well, according to leaks, the OnePlus 15 might feature a 50MP periscope telephoto camera. This camera could offer around 3.5x to 3.7x optical zoom, which is a step up from the OnePlus 13's 3x zoom. If you're someone who likes to take photos from a distance, this could be a great improvement. However, there's a slight catch. The aperture is rumored to be narrower at f/2.8, compared to the OnePlus 13's f/2.6. In simpler terms, this means it might let in a bit less light, which could impact low-light performance.

Think of it like this: imagine you're trying to capture a photo of a dimly lit concert. A wider aperture (like f/2.6) is like having a bigger window, letting more light into your camera sensor, resulting in a brighter and clearer image. A narrower aperture (like f/2.8) is like having a slightly smaller window – still good, but not quite as effective in those challenging lighting conditions. So, while you might get more zoom, you might have to compromise a little on low-light capabilities, unless OnePlus manages to work some software magic.

There's also some speculation about the phone being priced "significantly lower" due to cost-cutting measures. According to a post, OnePlus might be aiming for an "ultra-performance" device to compete with other top sellers in China. This could mean a slightly smaller, flat display instead of the curved one found on the OnePlus 13. It appears that the company has cut most of the costly components to achieve this price point. The screen could be similar to the OnePlus 13R’s flat display.

The display is rumored to be a 6.78-inch 1.5K resolution flat LIPO display. While the OnePlus 13 boasts a larger, higher-resolution display, the OnePlus 15 might be opting for a simpler, more cost-effective option. And it makes sense, as that partnership with Hasselblad is over, which means they no longer have to pay those licensing fees. However, I think you and I both know that, despite all these potential cost-saving measures, it's still uncertain if these savings will actually translate to a lower price for us, the consumers.