“Another new OnePlus phone is out. Should I upgrade?”
This thought probably flashed across the minds of every OnePlus 13 user watching the OnePlus 15 launch event. Under the overwhelming hype of “exciting upgrades,” rational thinking gets swept away by emotions, and wallets begin to itch. But pause for ten seconds, and close those dazzling spec sheets.
Today, we’re not talking about cold data. We’re discussing a single practical question: for you, is upgrading a necessary evolution—or just an impulse sparked by marketing language?

Camera Upgrades: Pragmatism Replaces Faith, Underwater Mode Becomes the Biggest “Perceptible Upgrade”

OnePlus 15 replaces the long-term Hasselblad collaboration with its self-developed “LUMO Photon Imaging.” Some loyal users see this as a loss of “soul.” However, once we look beyond stylized modes like “XPAN,” which are rarely used, we realize that OnePlus 15 has shifted toward more practical imaging benefits.

OnePlus 15

For most non-professional everyday users, the newly added “Underwater Camera” mode may be far more meaningful than a co-branding logo. Although the OnePlus 13 also has top-tier IP69 waterproofing, touch controls become ineffective underwater due to wet fingers, limiting waterproofing to “accidental protection.”
The underwater mode on the OnePlus 15 triggers shooting via physical volume keys, transforming waterproofing from passive protection into an active tool. In swimming, snorkeling, or rainy outdoor scenarios, this is an experience gap that the OnePlus 13 cannot offer. It is a functional upgrade in essence.

In video capabilities, OnePlus 15 hides an easily overlooked “smoothness killer.” Both devices support 4K 60fps and 8K 30fps, but the OnePlus 15 supports 4K 120fps high-frame-rate shooting. The direct benefit is ultra-smooth preview scrolling and significantly faster clip selection in post-editing. This level of smoothness cannot be conveyed through specs—it is instantly noticeable when used.

Mofa Button Controversy: From “Not Sophisticated” to “More Universal” Function Evolution

When the Mofa Button (multi-function slider) debuted on the OnePlus 13T, it received massive backlash, with longtime users accusing it of abandoning the iconic three-stage mute switch. However, after two weeks of use on the OnePlus 15, a fair conclusion is necessary: for most modern users, it is an upgrade—not a compromise.

It fully covers the core functionality of the three-stage mute switch. With customization, you can still set “slide up to ring, slide down to mute.” The logic remains intuitive, and new users face almost zero learning curve. The essential demand for “one-step silence” remains intact.

The controversy lies in the “loss of mechanical feel.” However, instead of asking “Do I like it?” the question should be “Is it more useful?”
The Mofa Button’s biggest advantage lies in customization. Beyond mute mode, it can be assigned to: one-tap camera launch, voice recording, switching performance modes, etc.
For business users: one-tap silent meetings.
For creators: one-tap recording.
For gamers: one-tap e-sports mode.
It evolves from a single-purpose switch into a versatile shortcut adaptable to multiple scenarios.
Those criticizing it for “not compromising” may need to ask themselves: is clinging to a singular, nostalgic form of compromise actually less considerate of diverse needs?

Feel and Build Quality: Bare Phone vs. With Case Determines Your Choice

OnePlus has always excelled in hand feel, but choosing between the 13 and 15 depends heavily on how you use your phone.

If you prefer the feel of a bare phone, the OnePlus 13’s curved screen and rounded frame still offer superior comfort and warmth in the hand. Visually, it also looks slimmer. This remains the best choice for hand-feel enthusiasts.

However, if you’re like most users who keep a case on for protection, then the OnePlus 15’s flat frame is likely the better option. With a case, flat edges provide more stable grip and control, reducing slippage. The case also diminishes noticeable design differences on the back. In this situation, there is little point fussing over bare feel—the flat frame of the OnePlus 15 presents no practical drawback.

Battery Life and Fast Charging: There Is a Gap, but Does It Match Your Usage Intensity?

Battery and charging upgrades are the true “hardcore updates.” OnePlus 15 offers a larger battery and faster wireless charging—an objective improvement. The key is whether this improvement is a necessity for you.

If you are a medium-to-heavy user who needs to charge twice a day or heavily relies on fast wireless charging (car charging, desk charging, etc.), then the OnePlus 15 offers a clear upgrade.

However, for most OnePlus 13 users, as long as the battery is still healthy, it offers a full day to 1.5 days of use without issue. The leap from “enough” to “more than enough” yields diminishing returns. Unless your battery has clearly degraded, upgrading solely for battery life offers low cost-effectiveness.

Final Decision: Understand the Accounting of “Needs” and “Costs”

Overall, deciding whether to upgrade from OnePlus 13 to OnePlus 15 can be reduced to a clear checklist:

Do NOT upgrade if:

  • You love the mechanical feel and ritual of the three-stage switch.

  • You frequently use Hasselblad XPAN or its unique stylized modes.

  • Your OnePlus 13 still lasts more than a day per charge.

  • Your budget is limited (OnePlus 15 starts at ¥3999, and even with trade-in, the real cost remains around ¥2000).

Consider upgrading if:

  • Your OnePlus 13 battery health has seriously declined.

  • You film frequently and need OnePlus 15’s LOG video format for professional color grading.

  • You heavily rely on extreme battery endurance and fast wireless charging.

  • You are comfortable with the flat-edge design.

In conclusion, the OnePlus 15 offers solid, targeted upgrades, particularly in functional imaging, button customization, and charging performance. However, for most OnePlus 13 users whose phones still work well—good battery life, satisfactory photography, comfortable feel—this upgrade is more like “icing on the cake” rather than “life-saving warmth.”
In consumer electronics, the difference between “good enough” and “better” is often just clever marketing. Understanding your true needs matters far more than chasing new model numbers. Ultimately, the best phone is the one that integrates seamlessly into your life—one you almost forget exists because it simply works.