The Indian smartphone market is set for a significant new entrant today as OnePlus prepares to unveil the OnePlus 15R. The launch event, scheduled for later this evening, will also see the debut of the OnePlus Pad Go 2. This new phone is positioned as a formidable competitor in the highly contested sub-₹50,000 segment, directly challenging rivals like the Oppo Reno 14 and Vivo X200 FE.
OnePlus 15R Launch: When and Where to Watch Live
The grand unveiling is part of the ‘Rise as One’ event in Bengaluru. The proceedings are set to begin at 7:30 PM IST. For enthusiasts eager to catch the action live, the event will be streamed on the official OnePlus India YouTube channel. This digital launch allows fans across the country to witness the specifications, features, and the final price reveal in real-time.
Confirmed Specifications and Key Upgrades
OnePlus has already confirmed several flagship-grade features for the 15R, signaling a major upgrade over its predecessor, the OnePlus 13R. At the heart of the device is the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor, promising top-tier performance. It will be accompanied by advanced connectivity chips, including a new G2 Wi-Fi chip and a dedicated touch response chip for smoother interactions.
The display is a major highlight, featuring a 1.5K resolution AMOLED panel with a 165Hz refresh rate. This puts it on par with the standard OnePlus 15 model. The company has highlighted its impressive brightness capabilities, reaching up to 1,800 nits for HBM (High Brightness Mode), while also supporting an ultra-low 2-nit mode for comfortable nighttime reading.
In a significant move, the camera system receives a substantial boost. The front-facing camera jumps to a 32MP sensor with autofocus support, a major step up from the 16MP shooter on the OnePlus 13R. For image processing, the 15R inherits the DetailMax engine from the OnePlus 15, marking the company's shift from its previous Hasselblad partnership.
Battery life and durability are also key focuses. The device is confirmed to pack a massive 7,400mAh battery with support for 80W wired fast charging. Furthermore, it achieves a new durability milestone for the R-series by securing IP66/IP68/IP69/IP69K ratings for water and dust resistance, matching the flagship lineup's ruggedness.
A notable design change is the replacement of the iconic alert slider with the new Plus Key. This customizable button can be programmed for various quick actions like changing sound profiles, activating the flashlight, or starting a translation.
Expected Price and Market Competition
All eyes are now on the pricing. The previous model, the OnePlus 13R, started at ₹42,999 in India, with the top variant priced at ₹49,999. Industry analysts and supply chain reports suggest that due to factors like memory chip shortages, the OnePlus 15R could see a starting price around ₹45,000. This positions it squarely against other premium mid-range offerings from Oppo and Vivo.
The final, official price will be revealed at the launch event today, December 17, 2025. The OnePlus 15R is poised to become one of the most compelling options for Indian consumers seeking high-end features without crossing the ₹50,000 psychological barrier, setting the stage for an intense battle in the premium mid-range smartphone segment.
