An undated image. — Samsung
Both approaching their launches, the OnePlus 15 and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra are set to compete head-on, with the OnePlus 15 confirmed to be unveiled globally on November 13, 2025, whereas the Galaxy S26 series will make it out in February 2026.
While being a flagship of a relatively newcomer in the smartphone arena, which Samsung has long dominated, the OnePlus 15 is expected to feature a range of jaw-dropping specifications, including a massive 7,300mAh battery in the Chinese variant, which may prove an unprecedented standard for battery performance.
With an estimated price around $1,000, the latest OnePlus 15 is believed to attract enthusiasts seeking high-end specs at a reasonable cost.
But, despite these specs bumps and strengths, the OnePlus 15 won't be a significant challenger to the Galaxy S26 Ultra due to its limited presence in carrier stores, which affects its market share in the US.
It's worth noting that between the Galaxy S26 vs OnePlus 15 showdown, Samsung loses a winning edge, for it has relied on improved chipset efficiency rather than increasing battery size in its flagship models, which will likely hold it back against OnePlus’s advancements in battery technology, including the adoption of silicon-carbon batteries.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to pack some design tweaks and improved charging speeds, while 60W wired charging is also on the cards.
Speculations have also hinted at the integration of the Exynos 2600 chipset, whose performance and efficiency might outperform the upcoming OnePlus 15.
While the OnePlus 15 may not be sufficient to outsell the Galaxy S26 Ultra, rumours have it that it will definitely shed light on the stagnation in Samsung’s recent designs and performance, because it continues to innovate, pushing boundaries in battery life and design.
The rivalry between OnePlus 15 and Galaxy S26 shows the importance of driving technological advancements to remain relevant.