When it comes to the best Android phones you can buy, in any given year, Samsung and OnePlus are usually among the top contenders.
In 2025, we already had the Samsung Galaxy S25, but it’s highly likely that the OnePlus 15 will arrive either before the end of the year, or very early in 2026. So, should you buy Samsung’s high-end Android device, or wait for OnePlus’ next handset?
Here’s what we know so far about OnePlus’ next flagship and how it compares to Samsung’s existing offering.
OnePlus 15 vs Samsung Galaxy S25: Specs
| Row 0 – Cell 0 |
OnePlus 15 (rumor) |
SamsungGalaxy S25 |
|
Display size |
6.78 inches |
6.2 inches |
|
Refresh rate |
165Hz adaptive |
120Hz adaptive |
|
Chipset |
Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 |
Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy |
|
Memory |
12 GB, 16 GB |
12 GB |
|
Storage |
256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB |
128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB |
|
Rear cameras |
50MP main (f/1.8), 50MP ultra-wide (f/2.0), 3x 50MP periscope telephoto lens (f/2.8) |
50MP main (f/1.8), 12MP ultra-wide (f/2.2), 10MP 3x telephoto (f/2.4) |
|
Front camera |
32MP selfie (f/2.4) |
12MP selfie (f/2.2) |
|
Battery size |
7,300mAh |
4000mAh |
OnePlus 15 vs Samsung Galaxy S25: price and release date
At this point, we are actually closer to the planned launch of the The Samsung Galaxy S26 is superior to its predecessor, which arrived on February 7, 2025. While the S25 launched at $799, it is now available at a considerably lower price as the S26’s release date approaches. Prices now start at just $599 at Amazon for the 128GB model.
For the OnePlus 15, we’re in educated guess territory. The phone is expected to launch in China in late October, and while there was a few months’ gap before a U.S. release, this year it could arrive as early as November.
Reports indicate that the price of the OnePlus 15 won’t be too different from its predecessor, which stood at $899. Although the looming threat of tariffs complicates the situation somewhat, and with the previous two generations increasing by $100 per year, you won’t rule out a sneaky price hike.
OnePlus 15 vs Samsung Galaxy S25: design and screen
The design of the Samsung Galaxy S series hasn’t changed much in recent years, and for good reason: it’s a smartphone that, with its 6.1 inches, feels comfortable in the hand. The screen may only be 2,340 x 1,080, but it’s a quality OLED number with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate.
The OnePlus 15, on the other hand, will not appeal to those who prioritize portability above all else. It is expected to be closer to the The dimensions of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, with a large 6.78-inch OLED screen. It is also said to offer a refresh rate of up to 165Hz, although this may result in a resolution drop to 1.5K. The OnePlus 13, on the other hand, had a 6.82-inch 2K panel at 120Hz.
It will also be a little different from this handset, with the circular camera array of previous generations replaced by a “small square array in the upper left corner” according to the leaker. Digital Chat Station.
OnePlus 15 vs Samsung Galaxy S25: performance and battery life
When it comes to performance and battery life, all signs point to an easy win for OnePlus. This is to be expected, given that the Samsung Galaxy S25 is moving forward a bit (at least in terms of annual smartphone updates), while the OnePlus 15 has yet to be officially revealed.
So, while the Samsung Galaxy S25 uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset for Galaxy, the OnePlus 15 should use its successor: the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. Qualcomm predicts a 20% increase in CPU performance speed and 23% increase in GPU capabilities.
On top of that, it’s likely that the OnePlus 15 will also have more optional RAM. While the Samsung Galaxy S25 is only available with 12GB of memory, it is likely that the OnePlus 15 will come with 12GB. Or 16GB if you buy a handset with more onboard storage. This is the model used with the OnePlus 13, and in some regions you can even get a version with an extremely excessive 24GB of memory.
Again, this is all to be expected, and Samsung will likely regain the upper hand a bit with the Galaxy S26 launches (assuming there’s an exclusive “for Galaxy” version of Qualcomm’s chipset again). But even then, there is one area where Samsung will have a hard time competing with OnePlus: battery life.
The OnePlus 13 has an already massive 6,000 mAh cell, which is 2,000 mAh larger than that of the Samsung Galaxy S25. With the OnePlus 15, the gap risks widening even further with tipster predicts huge 7,300 mAh cell.
OnePlus 156.78″ BOE NFC, dual speakers, massive hapticVia: #OnePlus pic.twitter.com/MdvZ1JTTEGOctober 4, 2025
OnePlus 15 vs Samsung Galaxy S25: cameras
The Samsung Galaxy S25 sports a triple camera array comprising a 50 MP primary sensor, a 12 MP ultra-wide snapper, and a 10 MP 3x telephoto lens. He’s a solid performer, but not notable enough to make our list of best camera phones.
That said, the OnePlus 13 isn’t on the list either, and from what we’ve heard, its successor will also face an uphill battle.
Indeed, we don’t expect many changes, with the phone expected to retain the same three-camera array as its predecessor with 50 MP sensors for the main, ultra-wide and telephoto modules. The only difference could be the possible introduction of a periscope lens for the 3x telephoto lens.
To be clear, the OnePlus 13 takes quality photos, but not as good as its rivals. As our reviewer Richard Priday wrote: “It’s the closest the company gets to the masters of smartphone photography – Samsung, Google and Apple – and while it’s not yet a perfect combination, you don’t lose much by taking photos with the OnePlus 13’s lenses instead of an iPhone, Galaxy or Pixel.”
Hopefully, OnePlus has more to do, and this is the phone that will take the company’s photography to the next level.
OnePlus 15 vs Samsung Galaxy S25: Verdict
Overall, as good as the Samsung Galaxy S25 is, it seems very likely that the OnePlus 13 will be a big improvement over it, if you can handle its larger frame.
Performance should be significantly better with the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset and additional RAM, and battery life should be in a whole other class if the rumored 7,300 mAh battery is correct.
There are, however, two caveats to this. First, it will likely be a bit more expensive thanks to a higher MSRP and eight months of accrued discounts for the Samsung model.
Second, we’re only a few months away from the expected launch of the Samsung Galaxy S26. And it will likely be a much closer game when it arrives in early 2026 if you can wait a little longer.
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