new imaging engine: OnePlus 15 has pledged to be one of the company’s most important flagships ever. OnePlus used to employ its partnership with Hasselblad to fine-tune cameras and offer better color science on its flagship smartphones for a couple of years. But now, possibly, things will change. Rumors suggest that the new device might ditch Hasselblad branding completely and use an in-house image engine, a major shift in strategy.
Read More: Honor Magic 7 Pro vs OnePlus 13: Hidden Gems of Android
OnePlus Drops Hasselblad
The collaboration between OnePlus and Hasselblad gave users a distinct visual identity, improved tone mapping, color calibration, and night shot output. However, according to a new leak by SmartPrix, the OnePlus 15 may drop Hasselblad tuning completely. This move is an indicator of how confident the brand is in creating its own sole camera system, which would have more control over the imaging direction. It is a bold step, one that trailed Huawei, which also shed Leica before rolling out its very own in-house XMAGE imaging platform.
In-House Imaging Engine Takes Center Stage
Employing a proprietary imaging engine as opposed to Hasselblad would ease the way for OnePlus to ensure that a more consistent experience is delivered on all its phones. Since the company retained both hardware and software optimization, it could specialize in cameras for its own vision rather than relying on a third party. While the details of this imaging engine are scarce, leaks suggest that OnePlus may also bring new AI-based camera features to improve portrait shots, low-light performance, and video stabilization. However, as always with any leak, it is wise to take this news with a grain of salt until there is official confirmation.
Display and Design: Slimmer and Sharper
Other than the cameras, the OnePlus 15 is also rumoured to bring in a 6.78-inch flat display with 1.5K resolution. Rather than the traditional COG or COF packaging, it will reportedly feature LIPO screen technology, allowing for very thin bezels as well as direct integration. This should provide a more immersive visual experience while keeping the slimmest of the device and modern appearance intact. With high-quality build materials added to the equation, the phone could be one of the sleekest OnePlus phones available.
Performance and Battery: Flagship Power
Under the hood, the OnePlus 15 should be fueled by the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 processor. This next-gen chip has improved gaming, AI performance, and power efficiency compared to its previous iteration. Fueling it could be a massive 7,000mAh battery, one of the largest in any OnePlus flagship so far. Charging technology will likely include 100W wired fast charging and 50W wireless charging, so users can charge fast even with the bigger cell size.
Verdict: A New Era for OnePlus Cameras?
If rumors prove true, the OnePlus 15 is the new beginning. Ditching Hasselblad onto its own may be a risk, but an in-house imaging engine may allow OnePlus to create a distinct identity for smartphone cameras. Combined with a bright display, bleeding-edge chipset, and battery, the phone is looking like a flagship worth the wait. Whether this gamble pays off or not remains to be seen when the phone comes later this year.