2025 has been an eventful year for OnePlus, marked by nearly a dozen global launches across various categories. However, it has also been one of the brand's more controversial years, signaling a shift in direction that may not resonate with its loyal fans.
Loser: OnePlus Open 2
The year began on a disappointing note with the cancellation of the OnePlus Open 2's foldable plans in February. The OnePlus Open from 2023 was a remarkable device, not only for its impressive foldable design but also as an excellent smartphone overall. It was anticipated that the OnePlus Open 2, a rebranded Oppo Find N5, would continue the legacy of its predecessor.
While Oppo proceeded with its foldable introduction, the OnePlus version was shelved, putting the company's foldable roadmap on indefinite hold. This would later emerge as the beginning of a troubling trend.
Winner: OnePlus 13s
Thankfully, the first major smartphone launch of the year, the OnePlus 13s, was well-received. It addressed the longstanding challenge of achieving a compact design alongside flagship performance and strong battery life, managing to deliver all three elements in one device.
However, it was not without its drawbacks. Though marketed as a flagship, it fell short in several areas, notably the camera performance, which was distinctly mid-range. Fortunately, its pricing remained competitive, making the entire package appealing.
OnePlus 13S 5G
One significant drawback is its limited availability, as it is currently offered solely in India, while its variant, the OnePlus 13T, is exclusive to China. The rationale behind this remains unclear.
Loser: Nord 5
When OnePlus unveiled the Nord 4 last year, the emphasis on its design was warranted. That model featured a beautifully crafted machined aluminum unibody design with a seamless glass panel that set it apart from competitors, reminiscent of a time when phones embraced aesthetic diversity.
In stark contrast, the Nord 5 featured flat sides and an entirely plastic build. One cannot help but wonder if the original designers were unceremoniously replaced by AI-generated concepts. Did OnePlus allocate any resources for design this year?
OnePlus Nord 5 5G
While the Nord 5 does offer improvements in areas such as battery life, the design of the Nord 4 provided a distinctive profile compared to other models released last year. It raises the question of whether all devices from a single brand need to share a similar appearance. Perhaps we should welcome the diversity that characterized earlier models from the same manufacturer. Transitioning from a sleek aluminum unibody design to a plastic construction feels like an unfortunate misstep.
Winner: Nord CE5
The Nord CE series is intended to provide budget-conscious smartphones and often come across as quite forgettable. In fact, I needed to refresh my memory on the previous models due to their lack of distinctiveness.
With such a low standard, the Nord CE5 surprisingly performed well this year. This model showcased a notable design improvement over its predecessor and stands out as the most aesthetically pleasing phone OnePlus launched this year. Its minimalistic design, especially in the striking blue colorway, exudes an air of sophistication.
OnePlus Nord CE5 5G
While I was testing the new Nord models, I naturally gravitated toward the CE5, even though the Nord 5 boasted superior specifications. In previous generations, the CE variants typically failed to impress. The Nord CE5, however, manages to be simple without being dull, which makes all the difference.
Loser: OnePlus 15
The OnePlus 13, launched at the end of last year, was exceptional and nearly made our 2024 recommendations list. It remains one of the top smartphones you can purchase today. So how does one improve upon such a well-received device? The answer appears to be: they don’t. In fact, the newer model ended up being a downgrade.
With a noticeably inferior display, camera performance, and even haptic feedback, the OnePlus 15 appears to have been designed with little care. Its design resembles a rough sketch of an iPhone crafted under poor lighting conditions, giving the impression that it was a product of resentment.
OnePlus 15
While certain aspects of the OnePlus 15 are indeed superior to the OnePlus 13, it is disappointing to see a new device regress across several essential features while also being offered at a higher price point.
Winner: OnePlus 15R
Initially, the OnePlus 15R seemed destined to follow the trend of its predecessor. The omission of the telephoto lens from the OnePlus 13R was yet another misstep in a year full of disappointments for the company. Furthermore, the design appeared unfinished.
However, in many respects, the OnePlus 15R surpasses its predecessor. It offers improved performance, better battery life, a more responsive fingerprint sensor, enhanced build quality, and superior speakers. The primary rear camera also performs well, thanks to an upgraded image processing engine—though the ultra-wide lens remains subpar.
OnePlus 15R 5G
While it may not be thrilling, it serves as a reliable mid-range phone that accomplishes its intended purpose.
Loser (Bonus Round): OnePlus
In recent years, OnePlus has established itself as a formidable player in the smartphone market, offering budget options, solid mid-range devices, and flagship models that compete with the best. Nonetheless, this year revealed a lack of interest from the company's leadership in maintaining OnePlus's strong presence in the competitive landscape.
This disinterest has been reflected in decisions such as halting the foldable roadmap, ending the Hasselblad partnership, and transforming the flagship numbered series into a gaming-centric product (with additional gaming models reportedly on the way). It has become evident that OnePlus is receiving less attention from its parent company.
Conversely, Oppo has continued to flourish, launching its foldable device, retaining exclusive rights to the Hasselblad partnership, and delivering premium flagship models with all the enticing features. It is clear that Oppo is being positioned as the premium brand within the conglomerate.
Despite previous attempts, Oppo has yet to emerge as a serious contender in the premium smartphone segment, especially in Western markets. OnePlus, on the other hand, has maintained its relevance and market presence, even in the face of apparent sabotage. Yet this could change as trends evolve.
Clearly, the circumstances unfolding within OnePlus are troubling. The current approach seems perplexing, akin to tackling an ailment in one leg by inflicting pain on the other.
This speculation may be unwarranted, and perhaps the anticipated flagship and foldable lineup from OnePlus is just around the corner. Perhaps the events of this year are an anomaly. Only time will reveal the truth. However, for OnePlus fans witnessing these changes, it may be time to vocalize their concerns. OnePlus deserves better than to fade into obscurity and to be treated as an afterthought. Remember the brand's original motto.
