For the past few weeks, the rumor mill has been buzzing about OnePlus’ next big flagship, and now, fresh reports from China suggest that the OnePlus 15 might arrive much sooner than expected. According to these new leaks, the company plans to launch the OnePlus 15 in October, but it won’t be coming alone. Instead, it could share the stage with the much-anticipated OnePlus Ace 6, and possibly even an Ace 6 Pro variant.
This would mark a notable shift in OnePlus’ launch strategy. Last year, the brand unveiled the OnePlus 13 in October and followed it up with the Ace 5 in December. If the rumors are accurate, OnePlus is moving its Ace lineup closer to its flagship launch window, a decision that could be aimed at generating stronger momentum in the competitive smartphone market.
A Possible Change in Display Direction
One of the most intriguing details from the leaks is that the OnePlus 15 may not come with a 2K resolution panel, something flagship fans have come to expect. Instead, the device is tipped to downgrade slightly to a “1.5K” screen resolution. While this might sound disappointing to some, it’s important to note that this could actually help the phone achieve better performance, longer battery life, and a more balanced user experience.
Screen resolution has always been a hot topic in the smartphone world, but in real-world use, many users struggle to notice the difference between 1.5K and 2K panels. If OnePlus decides to optimize brightness, refresh rate, and color accuracy, the display could still deliver an immersive and premium feel without putting unnecessary strain on power consumption.
Saying Goodbye to Hasselblad?
Another surprising rumor is that the OnePlus 15 might lose its Hasselblad partnership in the camera department. For the past few generations, Hasselblad branding has been a big part of OnePlus’ marketing strategy, especially in terms of color science and camera optimization. The absence of Hasselblad tuning could signal a big shift for the brand.
On the flip side, sources claim that OnePlus is working to deliver the “best battery life ever on a OnePlus flagship.” That’s a bold promise, and it could be the company’s way of compensating for the camera downgrade. After all, a longer-lasting phone often matters more to daily users than brand collaborations. If OnePlus delivers strong hardware alongside optimized software, the OnePlus 15 could still hold its ground against rivals like Samsung and Xiaomi.
The Power of Snapdragon 8 Elite 2
At the heart of the OnePlus 15 is expected to be Qualcomm’s upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chipset, reportedly carrying the model number SM8850. Qualcomm is set to announce this chip in September, which perfectly lines up with an October launch for the phone.
This next-generation processor is anticipated to bring improvements in AI performance, gaming, and power efficiency. If the OnePlus 15 does indeed come with the 8 Elite 2, it will have the raw power needed to handle everything from heavy multitasking to graphics-intensive gaming with ease.
OnePlus Ace 6: A More Affordable Flagship
Alongside the OnePlus 15, the leaks also point toward the launch of the OnePlus Ace 6. This device is expected to use a different chipset, the SM8845. Although its official marketing name hasn’t been confirmed yet, many industry insiders believe it could debut as the Snapdragon 8s Gen 5.
This chip is described as a “small step down” from the Elite 2, delivering slightly lower performance while still being more powerful than most of last year’s flagships. That makes the Ace 6 an appealing option for users who want strong performance but at a more accessible price point.
Interestingly, the Ace 6 could also be the first device in the world to debut with this chipset, which would give OnePlus bragging rights and a first-mover advantage in the market.
Could There Be a OnePlus 15 Pro?
While the OnePlus 15 is expected in October, rumors suggest that a OnePlus 15 Pro might arrive later, possibly in December. If this happens, OnePlus could spread out its releases to keep consumer interest alive for a longer time.
A Pro version might retain some of the features that the standard OnePlus 15 is rumored to skip, such as higher display resolution or upgraded camera capabilities. This would give buyers the option to choose between a more balanced flagship and a premium powerhouse.
Why This Launch Matters
The smartphone market is evolving quickly, with brands constantly experimenting with launch timelines, naming strategies, and feature sets. If the OnePlus 15 and Ace 6 do launch together in October, it will not only show a change in strategy but also strengthen OnePlus’ presence in both the premium and upper-midrange segments.
For fans of the brand, this could be an exciting year. A focus on battery life, cutting-edge processors, and possibly competitive pricing could make the OnePlus 15 lineup one of the most talked-about releases of 2024.
Final Thoughts
Of course, it’s worth noting that all of this information comes from early leaks and rumors. Until OnePlus makes an official announcement, we can’t confirm how much of this will make it to the final product. Still, the idea of an October launch for both the OnePlus 15 and Ace 6 is enough to stir up excitement.
If true, we could be just weeks away from seeing a major shift in how OnePlus approaches its flagship and Ace lineups. Whether it’s the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 inside the OnePlus 15 or the new Snapdragon 8s Gen 5 powering the Ace 6, performance is clearly going to be a key selling point.
Personally, I’m most curious about how OnePlus will handle the camera department without Hasselblad’s involvement. Will they be able to deliver flagship-grade photography on their own? Only time will tell.
Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to October. One thing’s for sure—this fall could be a big moment for OnePlus fans around the world.