The launch of the OnePlus 15 has come as a pleasant surprise for tech enthusiasts, landing earlier than expected. OnePlus is now directly competing with premium flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. While OnePlus has long been known for offering high-end features at a lower price, its latest device pushes the envelope even further. The OnePlus 15 packs a punch with a large, vibrant display, a powerful Qualcomm processor, an enormous battery, and much more—all while maintaining an affordable price tag. But how does it stack up against Samsung’s latest flagship, the Galaxy S25 Ultra, which is a high-end phone priced at a premium?
For those undecided between the two, or for anyone curious about the latest advancements in flagship smartphones, this detailed comparison dives deep into the strengths and weaknesses of both devices. Here, we will assess which phone is more suited to your needs and why the OnePlus 15 might challenge Samsung’s dominance in the high-end smartphone market.
Why You Should Buy the OnePlus 15
The OnePlus 15 comes with an array of compelling reasons that might make it the right choice for many users. From durability to impressive battery life, OnePlus is packing a lot of features into this device for a much lower price than its competitors.
Durability and Build Quality
One of the most important aspects of a flagship phone is durability. The OnePlus 15 stands out in this category thanks to its impressive build quality and high protection ratings. It is equipped with an IP68 and IP69 rating, which means it is resistant to dust, submersion in water, and even high-pressure water jets at temperatures up to 80°C. This rating ensures the phone can endure much harsher conditions than many of its competitors. While the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is also rated IP68, it doesn’t offer the additional protection against high-pressure water, which could make a difference for users who are frequently outdoors or near water sources.
Additionally, the OnePlus 15’s Sand Storm variant comes with a special “MAO-treated middle frame,” which gives it superior durability compared to other variants. This added feature makes the OnePlus 15 a more robust choice for everyday wear and tear. Whether you’re using your phone while at the beach, by the pool, or even in the rain, the OnePlus 15 proves to be more functional in these environments. Unlike the Galaxy S25 Ultra, which struggles with water droplets on the screen, the OnePlus 15 allows you to interact with the screen even when it’s wet. This is a significant advantage in terms of user experience, as you can swipe, type, and use apps without constantly wiping the screen.
Long-Lasting Battery Life
Battery life is a major consideration for most smartphone users, and the OnePlus 15 shines in this regard. Equipped with a 7,300mAh battery, it offers significantly better performance than the Galaxy S25 Ultra, which features a 5,000mAh battery. In real-world use, the OnePlus 15 consistently outperforms the Galaxy S25 Ultra when it comes to battery longevity. Whether you’re scrolling through social media, taking photos, or navigating on maps, the OnePlus 15 manages to hold up through the day without the need to plug in.
During my week of usage, I tested the OnePlus 15’s endurance by using apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Spotify, taking several photos, and navigating with maps. Despite heavy usage, I still had 40% of my battery remaining by dinner time. The Galaxy S25 Ultra, while capable, couldn’t make it through the entire day on a similar routine without dipping into low battery territory by the evening.
This makes the OnePlus 15 a more reliable device for users who need their phones to last longer—whether for business, entertainment, or travel. The 7,300mAh battery is further bolstered by 80W fast charging—significantly faster than the 45W fast charging on the Galaxy S25 Ultra. This allows for a quicker charge when you’re running low, meaning less time waiting around and more time using the phone.
Price Advantage: $200 Less for a High-End Experience
The OnePlus 15 is priced at $899 for its base variant, which offers 256GB of storage. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra starts at $1,299. This price difference of $200 can be a dealbreaker for many people looking for a flagship experience without paying the premium prices often associated with the Samsung brand.
Under the hood, the OnePlus 15 runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, which offers an excellent level of performance. For gamers, the OnePlus 15 comes with a 165Hz refresh rate and a 1.5K resolution display that delivers a smooth, immersive experience, even with intensive gaming sessions. For those looking for high-end performance without the steep price tag, the OnePlus 15 represents an incredible value for the price. It’s an ideal choice for users who want flagship-level performance but don’t want to spend over a thousand dollars on a phone.
Why You Should Buy the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
While the OnePlus 15 has a lot going for it, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra still holds strong in several areas. If you prioritize display quality, stylus support, and long-term software updates, the Galaxy S25 Ultra might be the better option for you.
Display: The Best in the Business
One of the primary reasons users continue to choose Samsung’s flagship devices is the stunning display. The 6.9-inch QHD AMOLED display on the Galaxy S25 Ultra offers up to 2,600 nits of peak brightness, making it not just one of the brightest screens on a phone, but also one of the most vibrant and color-accurate displays available. Whether you’re watching videos, browsing the web, or reading, the display on the S25 Ultra offers superior clarity and color richness, even in bright outdoor conditions.
This display quality is further enhanced by an anti-reflective coating, which improves visibility in direct sunlight and reduces glare, giving users a much better viewing experience. Although the OnePlus 15’s AMOLED display is large and bright with a 165Hz refresh rate, it cannot quite match the overall display quality of the Galaxy S25 Ultra. If you’re someone who spends a lot of time consuming media or reading on your phone, the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s display will provide a more pleasurable experience.
S Pen: A Unique Productivity Feature
Samsung has integrated the S Pen stylus into the Galaxy S series, making it a distinctive feature of the Galaxy S25 Ultra. The S Pen offers a range of productivity features, including the ability to take quick notes, sketch, or mark up documents directly on the screen. Although the Bluetooth functionality that used to be included with the S Pen has been removed, it still remains an excellent tool for those who prefer to write or take notes directly on their phones.
If you’re someone who regularly uses a stylus for work or creative tasks, the S Pen makes the Galaxy S25 Ultra a great choice. Unfortunately, the OnePlus 15 does not support any kind of stylus, meaning if you want that additional functionality, you’ll have to go with the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Longer Software Support for Future-Proofing
Samsung has significantly improved its software support commitment. The Galaxy S25 Ultra promises seven years of OS and security updates, making it one of the most future-proof Android phones on the market. This long-term support is particularly appealing to users who plan to keep their phones for several years without worrying about outdated software or security vulnerabilities.
In contrast, OnePlus provides four years of OS updates and five years of security updates for the OnePlus 15. While this is still respectable, it doesn’t quite match the longevity that Samsung offers. If long-term software support is a priority for you, the Galaxy S25 Ultra offers more peace of mind.
OnePlus 15 vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
| Feature | OnePlus 15 | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra |
| Display | 6.78″ AMOLED, 165Hz, 1800 nits peak | 6.9″ QHD AMOLED, 120Hz, 2600 nits peak |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy |
| Battery | 7,300mAh, 80W fast charging, 50W wireless charging | 5,000mAh, 45W fast charging, 15W wireless charging |
| Camera | 50MP wide, 50MP ultrawide, 50MP telephoto (3.5x) | 200MP wide, 50MP telephoto (5x), 10MP telephoto (3x) |
| Storage Options | 256GB, 512GB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Weight | 211g (Sand Storm), 215g (Infinie Black / Ultra Violet) | 218g |
| Price | $899 | $1,299 |
Which Phone Should You Buy?
The OnePlus 15 is a standout device for those who prioritize durability, battery life, and affordability without compromising on performance. It’s a solid choice for people who need their phone to last all day and then some, and for those who want a reliable, high-end device without breaking the bank. Additionally, its rugged design, fast charging, and overall battery efficiency make it a great pick for users with active lifestyles.
On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra excels in areas such as display quality, longer software support, and the added functionality of the S Pen. It’s the better option for those who demand top-tier display quality and want a device that will remain relevant for a longer period of time due to its software support.
In the end, both phones offer exceptional features. The choice comes down to what matters more to you—durability and value with the OnePlus 15, or a superior display and long-term investment with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.
