OnePlus 15 isn’t waiting until next year to launch — it could be happening sooner than you think

The back of the OnePlus 13 showing the camera

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

In the last couple of years, OnePlus has kept a routine of launching its flagship phone in China first before the end of the year — saving its global launch for after the beginning of the new year. With the OnePlus 15, however, it could be coming way sooner than you think.

In fact, OnePlus announced today that the OnePlus 15 is going to be powered by Qualcomm’s next-generation chipset: the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform. Apple’s A19 Pro chip has already flexed its muscle power over the current Snapdragon 8 Elite that powers many of the best Android phones around, like the OnePlus 13 and Galaxy S25 Ultra, but the OnePlus 15 could eclipse them all.

OnePlus 15 Announcement Image. — (Image credit: OnePlus)

There's still no indication on when the launch will actually, but it could happen way earlier. First of all, it might end up being the only new phone released between now and the end of the year with the new Snapdragon 8 Elite chip — so its performance might end up being untouchable, making it the most powerful phone ever.

“Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 redefines flagship performance,” explains Chris Patrick, senior vice president and general manager of mobile handsets, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. “As the world’s fastest mobile CPU, paired with our most advanced GPU and NPU, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 delivers breakthrough speed, sustained gaming power, intelligent photography and all-day efficiency—exactly what OnePlus users need.”

If it's to launch soon, it does give the company a bit of room to launch its next foldable phone. It’s been nearly two years now since the OnePlus Open was released, which impressively remains one of the best foldable phones around, but its successor is rumored to launch next year in 2026.

By launching the OnePlus 15 sooner, it could give OnePlus extra breathing room to make way for its new foldable phone. Given the immense success of the Galaxy Z Fold 7, OnePlus can’t afford to come up short with the OnePlus Open 2. And of course, launching its flagship handset in November will give other best phone contenders, like the just released iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max, a run for their money.

No other details have emerged about the OnePlus 15, but you’re probably wondering why it’s skipping the OnePlus 14. Well, the answer to that might actually be surprising. The number 14 is widely considered unlucky in China, so skipping it and moving on to 15 makes a lot of sense for the company. That’s also why we never got a OnePlus 4, seeing that the number 4 is also regarded as unlucky.

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John’s a senior editor covering phones for Tom’s Guide. He’s no stranger in this area having covered mobile phones and gadgets since 2008 when he started his career. On top of his editor duties, he’s a seasoned videographer being in front and behind the camera producing YouTube videos. Previously, he held editor roles with PhoneArena, Android Authority, Digital Trends, and SPY. Outside of tech, he enjoys producing mini documentaries and fun social clips for small businesses, enjoying the beach life at the Jersey Shore, and recently becoming a first time homeowner.

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