The highly anticipated OnePlus 15 is set to debut next week, featuring a cutting-edge third-generation BOE Flexible Oriental OLED display. This new screen offers a crisp 1.5K resolution paired with an impressive 165Hz refresh rate. Interestingly, this marks a resolution change from its predecessor, the OnePlus 13, which sported a 2K panel. With the device launching in China on October 27, a top OnePlus executive has stepped forward to clarify why the OnePlus 15 will feature a slightly lower resolution screen. The company points to significant technological limitations in combining an ultra-high refresh rate with a 2K resolution, and highlights several ways the new display will actually surpass its predecessor.
Why the OnePlus 15 Opts for 1.5K Over 2K with a 165Hz Refresh Rate
OnePlus China President Li Jie Louis explained the company’s decision, stating that the priority for the OnePlus 15 was to deliver an exceptional 165Hz refresh rate. He elaborated that achieving a combination of 2K resolution and 165Hz refresh rate proved challenging due to existing limitations in luminescent materials and circuit technology.
Historically, the highest refresh rate of 165Hz was typically restricted to 1080p displays. However, the advanced third-generation BOE Flexible Oriental OLED panel in the OnePlus 15 breaks new ground by being the first to support a 165Hz refresh rate at a 1.5K resolution. This technological leap allows the new smartphone to offer a superior refresh rate experience, even with a slight adjustment in resolution.
Louis further clarified that this decision was not a cost-cutting measure; in fact, the OnePlus 15’s new display is more expensive than the 2K screen found in the OnePlus 13. He outlined five significant technological obstacles encountered while striving for a 165Hz refresh rate. These included the charging time for individual pixels, limitations in screen chip computing power, challenges with touch-display feedback synchronization, and concerns regarding screen lifespan.
OnePlus successfully navigated these hurdles by developing a custom X3 luminous material and undertaking a complete redesign of the screen circuit and chip. Beyond its 165Hz refresh rate, the OnePlus 15’s display promises a host of enhancements, including superior image quality, incredibly slim 1.15mm “ultra-narrow” bezels, advanced eye protection features, and support for a remarkably low 1 nit brightness.
The OnePlus 15 is slated for its official launch in China on October 27. This flagship device will be powered by Qualcomm’s cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset and boasts a substantial 7,300mAh Glacier Battery, supporting both rapid 120W wired and 50W wireless fast charging. Photography enthusiasts will appreciate its confirmed triple-rear camera setup, featuring a 50-megapixel Sony primary sensor and a 50-megapixel periscope telephoto lens.