OnePlus has finally opened US preorders for its flagship OnePlus 15, nearly a month after the phone's global reveal. The delay stemmed from FCC clearance issues tied to the recent government shutdown, but the company can now take orders for what reviewers are calling one of the longest-lasting smartphones on the market.
OnePlus just broke through a regulatory bottleneck that's been frustrating the company and eager customers for weeks. The Chinese smartphone maker finally launched US preorders for its flagship OnePlus 15 today, after receiving the FCC clearance that was delayed by the government shutdown.
The timing couldn't be better for OnePlus as it tries to gain ground against Samsung and Apple in the premium smartphone space. Pricing starts at $899.99 for the 12GB RAM and 256GB storage configuration, with a bump to $999.99 for 16GB RAM and 512GB storage. That puts it squarely in competition with the base iPhone 16 and Galaxy S24 models.
But here's where OnePlus thinks it has an edge - the OnePlus 15 packs a massive 7,300mAh battery that reviewers say easily lasts two full days of heavy use. According to The Verge's review, tech journalist Allison Johnson called the battery life exceptional despite the phone maintaining a standard size and weight.
The secret sauce is silicon-carbon battery technology, and OnePlus appears to be the only major brand bringing this tech to US consumers right now. While Chinese manufacturers have been experimenting with silicon-carbon for months, OnePlus is betting this breakthrough will differentiate it from the pack when American buyers are choosing their next flagship.
The month-long delay has been painful for OnePlus, which revealed the phone globally in early November but couldn't sell it in its crucial US market. FCC approval is mandatory for any wireless device sold in America, and the recent government shutdown created a backlog of pending applications. OnePlus wasn't alone - several tech companies faced similar delays during the shutdown period.
Customers who preorder now get their choice of freebies, including the 43mm OnePlus Watch 3 or Buds 3 Pro earbuds. The company hasn't announced ship dates yet, but phones will be available through Amazon and Best Buy alongside OnePlus's direct sales.
The preorder launch comes just two weeks before OnePlus unveils the more affordable 15R on December 17th. That device will be the first smartphone powered by Qualcomm's new Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor, a step down from the 8 Elite Gen 5 chip in the standard 15 but still a significant upgrade for mid-range buyers.
Industry watchers see this as OnePlus trying to capture market share during the holiday shopping season, even with the delayed launch. The company has been steadily building its US presence over the past few years, moving beyond its enthusiast roots to compete directly with mainstream flagship phones.
The silicon-carbon battery technology represents a genuine innovation in a smartphone market that's been struggling with incremental upgrades lately. While most flagships barely make it through a full day of heavy use, early OnePlus 15 testing suggests users could go camping for a weekend without bringing a charger.
For OnePlus, the US market represents a massive growth opportunity. The company has strong brand recognition among Android enthusiasts but needs broader consumer awareness to truly challenge Samsung's dominance. A phone that lasts twice as long as the competition could be exactly the differentiator they need.
The OnePlus 15's delayed US launch finally gives American consumers access to what might be the most significant battery breakthrough in years. While the month-long FCC delay hurt momentum, OnePlus is betting that silicon-carbon battery technology and two-day battery life will grab attention in a crowded flagship market. With the 15R launching in just two weeks, OnePlus is clearly making its biggest push yet for US market share.
