OnePlus 15R & Pad Go 2 Launch: Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 Debuts in Bengaluru
OnePlus 15R with Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 Launches in India

Chinese smartphone maker OnePlus has officially launched two new devices in the Indian market today, marking a significant return to live keynote events. The company unveiled the much-anticipated OnePlus 15R smartphone and the OnePlus Pad Go 2 tablet at a grand event held in Bengaluru on December 17.

Both products are set to go on sale across India starting tomorrow, December 18. Customers can purchase them through major online platforms including Amazon.in and the official OnePlus India website, OnePlus.in. The launch coincides with the brand's 12th-anniversary celebrations, adding to the fanfare.

How to Watch the OnePlus Launch Event Live

The launch event, streamed live from Bengaluru, represents OnePlus's first major in-person keynote presentation in recent times. Thousands of community members and fans attended the event physically, with tickets distributed via BookMyShow.

For global audiences, the event was livestreamed on OnePlus's official website and its YouTube channel. Online viewers received real-time announcements regarding full specifications, official Indian pricing, and availability details. Attendees at the venue enjoyed hands-on access to both devices immediately after the unveiling.

OnePlus 15R: Powerhouse with Record Battery and Global First Chip

The spotlight firmly shines on the OnePlus 15R, which achieves a remarkable global first. It is the world's first smartphone to be powered by Qualcomm's flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor. This chipset, co-developed with OnePlus, promises a substantial boost in gaming and overall performance.

A headline-grabbing feature is its massive 7,400mAh battery, the largest ever integrated into a OnePlus phone for India. The company employs Silicon Nanostack technology and 80W SUPERVOOC fast charging, claiming the battery will retain 80% of its health even after four years of use.

The display is a 165Hz refresh rate AMOLED panel with a pixel density of 450 PPI. It boasts a peak brightness of 1800 nits and can go as low as 1 nit for comfortable night-time viewing.

In the camera department, the 15R incorporates the DetailMax Engine from the premium OnePlus 15, bringing features like Ultra Clear Mode and Clear Night Engine. The rear camera supports 4K video recording at 120 frames per second. A major upgrade comes in the form of a 32-megapixel front camera with autofocus—a first for the R Series—enabling 4K selfie videos.

The OnePlus 15R will be available in three color variants: Charcoal Black, Mint Green, and a special Electric Violet "Ace Edition" that features a fingerprint-resistant fiberglass back.

OnePlus Pad Go 2: Productivity Tablet for Students and Professionals

Alongside the smartphone, OnePlus introduced the successor to its 2023 tablet—the OnePlus Pad Go 2. Aimed at students and young professionals, it focuses on productivity and content consumption.

The tablet sports a large 12.1-inch display with a 2.8K resolution and Dolby Vision support. Its 7:5 aspect ratio is designed to offer more screen real estate for documents and multitasking without constant zooming.

Under the hood, it is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7300-Ultra chipset built on a 4nm process for efficiency. OnePlus promises smooth performance for up to four years, a claim backed by TÜV SÜD certification.

Battery life is a strong suit, with a 10,050mAh cell that reportedly supports up to 15 hours of video playback. A useful addition is reverse cable charging, allowing the tablet to top up other devices like smartphones.

A key accessory launch is the new Pad Go 2 Stylo, the first stylus compatible with a Pad Go device. It offers half a day of writing and drawing capability on just a 10-minute charge. The tablet also features Open Canvas software for enhanced split-screen multitasking.

Expected Price in India and Final Thoughts

While OnePlus kept the official prices under wraps during the initial announcement, they are expected to be revealed during the livestream. Industry analysts anticipate the OnePlus 15R to be positioned as a value flagship, offering high-end specs at a competitive price point. The Pad Go 2 is likely to continue the affordable pricing strategy of its predecessor, making it an attractive option in the tablet segment.

This dual launch not only reinforces OnePlus's commitment to the Indian market but also showcases its ambition to innovate across both smartphone and tablet categories. The global debut of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 in the 15R is a particularly significant move, potentially setting a new benchmark for performance in the upper-mid-range segment.