Battery Performance of the OnePlus 15R
The OnePlus 15R boasts impressive battery life, slightly surpassing the already commendable OnePlus 15, yet it is priced $200 lower. However, the question remains: why is it difficult to recommend?
Understanding the OnePlus R-Series
Typically, OnePlus’ R-series serves as a more affordable version of the flagship model, in this case, the OnePlus 15. While the 15R fits this description, it feels different; it doesn’t give the impression of being a flagship at a bargain. Pricing at $699 compared to the 15’s $899, it has a less powerful Qualcomm processor and omits a telephoto camera. But the 15R’s battery excels with a larger 7400mAh capacity, allowing for days—yes, days—before needing to recharge. During two weeks of use, I’ve charged it only a handful of times.
The Caveats
However, there are significant downsides. The camera quality falls short, there’s no wireless charging, and at $700, the 15R sits in an awkward position, feeling a bit pricey for what it offers—a mix of missing features and a questionable camera compared to competitors. One might consider opting for the high-end OnePlus 15 and endure less frequent charges, or choose the Pixel 9A for a better camera experience at a more attractive price of $499.
Performance and Usability
The 15R is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset, which performs admirably, similar to the more advanced SOC in the OnePlus 15. My experience on a high-density page revealed smooth scrolling without lag. Additionally, the device shows less tendency to close background apps compared to previous OnePlus models, making it more user-friendly.
Outstanding Battery Life
What’s truly noteworthy is the battery longevity. After balanced usage in performance mode with always-on display, the battery dropped below 20% only after three days. Adopting aggressive power-saving settings could potentially extend it to almost a week on a single charge, making it a standout feature.
Trade-offs in Technology
The silicon carbon battery, granting the 15R its large capacity, may degrade faster than standard lithium-ion options. OnePlus claims it retains up to 80% capacity after four years, which is reasonable, yet I wish future batteries would promise greater longevity and reusability potential. Despite lacking wireless charging, the phone’s long charging intervals make this more palatable, with 55W wired charging speeds readily available.
Camera Limitations
The camera system features a 50-megapixel sensor similar to the flagship model but lacks the Hasselblad branding and struggles with low-light conditions. The absence of a telephoto camera is typical for sub-$800 phones, but the 8-megapixel ultrawide is a noticeable downgrade from the 15. Overall, while the 15R’s camera system suffices for casual users, those seeking quality will likely prefer the Pixel 9A.
