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On paper, the OnePlus 15R looks like a phone that moves forward in several areas. It brings a newer chipset, a bigger battery, stronger water resistance, and a higher refresh rate display. But when you look at the full spec sheet closely and compare it with OnePlus 13R, some downgrades are already visible, and they matter more because the phone now costs more. If you check the side-by-side comparison of OnePlus 15R and OnePlus 13R, you can see a few areas where the company made some compromises. Downgrades become more visible when you see the price hike. OnePlus 13R was launched at Rs. 42,999 while the OnePlus 15R costs Rs. 47999.
The biggest downgrade is in the camera hardware. The OnePlus 15R no longer includes a dedicated telephoto camera. This is a clear step back. A telephoto lens is useful for portraits and zoom shots, and it adds flexibility that software alone cannot fully replace. While the main camera sensor is newer and shared with a more expensive model (OnePlus 15), losing optical zoom reduces creative options for photography. For users who care about camera performance, this is a noticeable cut. And I think most people prefer having a good camera over top-notch performance.
Performance is technically upgraded with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5. On specs alone, it promises faster CPU and GPU performance and stronger AI capabilities. However, the previous generation chip was already a proven performer. It handled gaming well, stayed cool, and delivered smooth everyday performance. From a specs perspective, the gain looks incremental rather than transformative, especially for users who do not push their phones hard.
Battery capacity has increased significantly, which looks impressive. The previous model already delivered strong battery life despite having a smaller cell. This makes the jump feel meaningful, and users will enjoy longer battery life as compared to the predecessor.
Durability is another area where the OnePlus 15R clearly improves. Multiple IP ratings offer better protection against water and dust. While this addresses a weakness of the earlier model, it is more of a safety upgrade than a feature that changes daily use.
The display refresh rate has been pushed to 165Hz. On a spec sheet, this sounds like a big upgrade. In practice, the difference between 120Hz and 165Hz is subtle outside of gaming. For most users, the experience will still feel similar. Both OnePlus 13R and OnePlus 15R feature AMOLED display but the display technology is different. The LTPO display in the OnePlus 13R was better than the LTPS in the OnePlus 15R. So, the company also made a compromise here to cut the cost.
When judged only by specifications, the OnePlus 15R feels like a phone built around trade-offs. Some numbers go up, but useful hardware like the telephoto camera is removed. With a higher price tag, these downgrades stand out more clearly. On specs alone, the OnePlus 15R does not look like a clean upgrade, but rather a reshuffling of priorities that may not suit everyone.
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