OnePlus 15 Specs Leak: No Hasselblad, New Imaging Brand
No, the OnePlus 15 will not carry the Hasselblad brand, and leaked specs point to a new, separate imaging brand for its cameras. The shift ends a partnership that began with the OnePlus 9 series in 2021, and the change appears to be part of a broader strategy to differentiate OnePlus’s flagship from Oppo’s Find series. Below, we break down what the leaks actually say, why the split happened, and what it means for the camera performance you can expect.
What the Leaks Say About the OnePlus 15
Leaks from reputable Chinese tipsters, who have a strong track record with OnePlus devices, indicate that the OnePlus 15 (expected to launch in late 2025 or early 2026) will drop the Hasselblad name entirely. Instead, the phone is said to feature a new imaging brand, possibly co-developed with a Chinese optics company, though the exact name has not been confirmed. The hardware itself is rumored to include:
- A 50MP main sensor with a larger-than-1-inch format (possibly a custom Sony or OmniVision sensor).
- A 50MP ultra-wide camera with a wider field of view than the OnePlus 13’s 114°.
- A 50MP periscope telephoto with 3x or 5x optical zoom, replacing the 3x telephoto on the OnePlus 13.
- The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 4 chipset (or its successor), paired with up to 16GB of RAM.
These specs are not final, but they align with OnePlus’s pattern of incremental upgrades. The key change is the branding, not the hardware, which suggests the camera system itself may be similar to the OnePlus 13’s, but with a new software tuning and a fresh marketing identity.
Why OnePlus Is Dropping Hasselblad
The Hasselblad partnership was never exclusive to OnePlus; Oppo, OnePlus’s sister company, also used the brand on its Find and Reno series. As Oppo and OnePlus have merged their R&D and supply chains, maintaining two separate camera brands became redundant. The split likely stems from a few factors:
- Oppo’s Find X8 series already uses Hasselblad, so OnePlus needs its own identity to avoid direct competition within the same parent company.
- Cost: Licensing the Hasselblad name and tuning expertise is expensive, and OnePlus may prefer to invest in custom hardware instead.
- Software control: OnePlus has been developing its own computational photography algorithms, and a new brand gives them full ownership of the look and feel.
This is not the first time OnePlus has changed camera branding; the OnePlus 8 Pro used a generic “Quad Camera� label before Hasselblad arrived. The move is a return to a more independent approach.
What the New Imaging Brand Might Be
As of now, no official name has been announced. Some leaks suggest a partnership with a Chinese lens manufacturer, possibly Zhongyi Optics or Laowa, but these are speculative. Others hint at a self-developed brand, similar to Xiaomi’s “Surge� or Vivo’s “V� chip. The most plausible scenario is that OnePlus will create a proprietary imaging system called something like “OnePlus Imaging� or “OP Image,� with a focus on natural color reproduction and high dynamic range, rather than the Hasselblad’s classic “HNCS� (Hasselblad Natural Color Solution) profile.
For consumers, the brand name matters less than the actual photo output. If OnePlus continues to tune the camera for accurate colors and fast shutter response, the change may be barely noticeable. However, if the new software introduces a different color science, it could be a deal-breaker for fans who loved the Hasselblad look.
How the Camera Hardware Compares to the OnePlus 13
The OnePlus 13, launched in late 2024, has a 50MP main sensor (Sony LYT-808), a 50MP ultra-wide (Sony IMX581), and a 50MP 3x periscope telephoto (Sony LYT-600). The OnePlus 15 is expected to improve on this with:
- A larger main sensor (possibly 1/1.2-inch or bigger) for better low-light performance.
- A new ultra-wide sensor with a wider aperture (f/2.0 vs f/2.2).
- A telephoto that can switch between 3x and 5x optical zoom, using a sensor-crop trick.
These changes would put the OnePlus 15 in line with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and Xiaomi 15 Pro, which are the current leaders in periscope zoom. The absence of Hasselblad will not affect the physical hardware, only the software processing and the branding printed on the camera module.
Common Misconceptions About the Hasselblad Split
One major misconception is that the OnePlus 15 will have worse cameras because it loses Hasselblad’s tuning. In practice, Hasselblad’s involvement was mostly cosmetic – they provided color profiles and a few filters, but the core sensor and lens design were always OnePlus’s. The actual image quality is determined by the sensor, lens, and processing algorithm, not the name on the back. Another misconception is that the split means OnePlus is abandoning high-end photography. That is unlikely; the company is investing in its own imaging R&D, which could result in more consistent updates and faster feature rollouts.
Some users also worry about the resale value or status of the phone without the Hasselblad brand. While the brand carried some prestige, most buyers care about the photos themselves, and OnePlus’s reputation for value will likely hold.
When Will the OnePlus 15 Launch and What Will It Cost?
Based on past release cycles, the OnePlus 15 is expected to launch in China in late 2025 (around November/December) and globally in early 2026 (January/February). The price is likely to be similar to the OnePlus 13’s launch price, which was $899 for the base model in the US. However, with the new imaging brand and possible hardware upgrades, a slight increase to $949 or $999 is possible. No official pricing has been announced, and these are only estimates.
Should You Wait for the OnePlus 15 or Buy the OnePlus 13?
If you are in the market for a flagship phone and the camera is your priority, waiting for the OnePlus 15 could be worthwhile, especially if the leaked 5x zoom and larger sensor materialize. However, the OnePlus 13 is already an excellent camera phone, and the difference may be marginal for most users. Consider these factors:
- If you want the absolute best zoom and low-light performance, wait for the 15.
- If you need a phone now and want the Hasselblad color science, the 13 is a safe choice.
- If you are on a budget, the OnePlus 13 will likely drop in price after the 15 launches.
Also, note that the OnePlus 15 may not include a Hasselblad-branded camera app, so if you are used to the “Pro� mode with Hasselblad’s UI, the new phone might feel different.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the OnePlus 15 have worse cameras without Hasselblad?
Not necessarily. The hardware is expected to be better, and the software tuning may be just as good, just different. The Hasselblad name was not a guarantee of quality; it was a marketing collaboration. OnePlus’s own algorithms have improved significantly, so the camera could be even better.
What is the new imaging brand called?
As of now, no official name has been leaked. Some rumors suggest a partnership with a Chinese lens maker, but nothing is confirmed. OnePlus may announce it at the launch event.
Is the OnePlus 15 still a flagship phone?
Yes, the OnePlus 15 will use the latest Snapdragon chipset and top-tier camera hardware. The change in branding does not affect its flagship status.
Will the OnePlus 15 have a periscope zoom?
Yes, leaks indicate a 50MP periscope telephoto with at least 3x optical zoom, possibly up to 5x. This would be an upgrade from the OnePlus 13’s 3x zoom.
When will the OnePlus 15 be released?
It is expected to launch in China in late 2025 and globally in early 2026. OnePlus typically announces the global release a few weeks after the China launch.
Should I buy the OnePlus 13 now or wait for the 15?
If you need a phone immediately, the OnePlus 13 is still a great choice. If you can wait, the 15 will offer better zoom and a new imaging experience, but the difference may not be dramatic.
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