iPhone 17 vs OnePlus 15: Which should you buy in 2025?
Here we tell you everything you should keep in mind if you're thinking about buying a new high-end phone and can't decide between the OnePlus 15 and the iPhone 17
If you're thinking about upgrading your phone and have two of the best smartphones of 2025 in mind, you're probably wondering which one is worth it. The iPhone 17 and the OnePlus 15 represent two completely different philosophies: one focuses on seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem, while the other offers impressive specifications at a very competitive price. To give you some concrete figures in the United States, the iPhone 17 starts at $799 for the base 256GB model, maintaining Apple's classic entry-level price. However, if you're looking for something more premium within the same brand, the new ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air goes up to $999, and the Pro models start at $1,099. Meanwhile, the OnePlus 15 starts at $899.99 for its 12GB RAM version, while the top configuration of 16GB RAM with 512GB of storage sits just under $1,000, costing $999.99. In other words, the base OnePlus is more expensive than the base iPhone, but it offers twice the RAM and ultra-fast charging for that difference.
Screen and design: size versus quality
The screen is one of the aspects where both phones shine, but with different approaches. The iPhone 17 features a 6.3-inch LTPO OLED display with a resolution of 2622 x 1206 pixels, ProMotion technology up to 120 Hz, and a pixel density of 460 ppi. Its Super Retina XDR design with Dynamic Island offers an impeccable visual experience, especially if you enjoy consuming multimedia content or working with applications that require color accuracy. The OnePlus 15, for its part, goes big with a 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display boasting a resolution of 1272 x 2772 pixels and an even more aggressive 165Hz refresh rate. It also features Dolby Vision support and 1800 nits of brightness in HBM mode. If you're a gamer or simply prefer larger screens, you'll love the OnePlus 15, especially considering that for $999.99 for its top-of-the-line version, you get a screen superior to that of the iPhone 17 Air at the same price.
In terms of physical design, the iPhone 17 maintains the elegant lines that characterize Apple, weighing 177 grams and measuring 8 mm thick, and features Ceramic Shield 2.The OnePlus 15 has adopted more rounded corners and a redesigned camera module that gives it a premium feel, setting it apart from its predecessors.
Camera: the battle for the best photos
This is where things get interesting. The iPhone 17 debuts a 48MP dual-camera Fusion system. The main camera comes with an f/1.6 aperture and optical image stabilization, while the ultra-wide camera is also 48MP with a 120-degree field of view. Apple includes a total optical zoom range of 4x. The OnePlus 15 strikes back with a triple-camera system led by a 50MP main sensor, accompanied by a 50MP ultra-wide-angle lens and a 50MP telephoto lens with 3.5x optical zoom. What makes the OnePlus 15's system special are its AI algorithms, such as the Clear Night Engine. It also records in 4K at 120 FPS with Dolby Vision, a feature that content creators will love. If you're looking for versatility and raw photographic power for under $1,000, the OnePlus gives you that third lens that would force you to upgrade to the $1,099 Pro model on Apple. Battery and performance: raw power. The battery makes a dramatic difference. The iPhone 17 comes with a 3692mAh battery that promises up to 30 hours of video playback, with 40W fast charging. But the OnePlus 15 breaks the mold with a monstrous 7300 mAh battery thanks to its silicon-carbon technology. It also includes 120W SUPERVOOC charging (full charge in 39 minutes), something Apple simply doesn't offer even in its most expensive models. In terms of performance, the iPhone 17 uses the A19 chip with 8 GB of RAM, perfectly optimized with iOS 26. The OnePlus 15 features the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and offers options up to 16 GB of RAM, double that of the base iPhone. So, which one should I buy? If you're on a tight budget, the $799 iPhone 17 is the cheapest entry into the 2025 high-end range. But if you have around $1,000 to spend, the battle is between the style of the iPhone 17 Air ($999) or the raw power of the OnePlus 15 ($999.99), which for the same price gives you double the battery life and a better screen, even if you sacrifice the Apple ecosystem. The iPhone 17 debuts a 48MP dual-camera Fusion system. The main camera has an f/1.6 aperture and optical image stabilization, while the ultra-wide camera is also 48MP with a 120-degree field of view. Apple includes a total optical zoom range of 4x. The OnePlus 15 counters with a triple-camera system led by a 50MP main sensor, accompanied by a 50MP ultra-wide lens and a 50MP telephoto lens with 3.5x optical zoom. What makes the OnePlus 15's system special are its AI algorithms, such as the Clear Night Engine. It also records in 4K at 120 FPS with Dolby Vision, a feature that content creators will love. If you're looking for versatility and raw photographic power for under $1,000, the OnePlus gives you that third lens that would force you to upgrade to the $1,099 Apple Pro model.
Battery and Performance: Raw Power
Battery makes a dramatic difference. The iPhone 17 comes with a 3692 mAh battery that promises up to 30 hours of video playback, with 40W fast charging. But the OnePlus 15 blows the competition out of the water with a monstrous 7300 mAh battery thanks to its silicon-carbon technology. It also includes 120W SUPERVOOC charging (a full charge in 39 minutes), something Apple simply doesn't offer even on its most expensive models.
In terms of performance, the iPhone 17 uses the A19 chip with 8 GB of RAM, perfectly optimized with iOS 26. The OnePlus 15 features the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and offers options up to 16 GB of RAM, double that of the base iPhone.
If you're on a tight budget, the $799 iPhone 17 is the cheapest entry into the 2025 high-end range. But if you have around $1,000 to spend, the battle is between the style of the iPhone 17 Air ($999) or the raw power of the OnePlus 15 ($999.99), which for the same price gives you double the battery life and a better screen, even if you sacrifice the Apple ecosystem. The iPhone 17 debuts a 48MP dual-camera Fusion system. The main camera has an f/1.6 aperture and optical image stabilization, while the ultra-wide camera is also 48MP with a 120-degree field of view. Apple includes a total optical zoom range of 4x. The OnePlus 15 counters with a triple-camera system led by a 50MP main sensor, accompanied by a 50MP ultra-wide lens and a 50MP telephoto lens with 3.5x optical zoom. What makes the OnePlus 15's system special are its AI algorithms, such as the Clear Night Engine. It also records in 4K at 120 FPS with Dolby Vision, a feature that content creators will love. If you're looking for versatility and raw photographic power for under $1,000, the OnePlus gives you that third lens that would force you to upgrade to the $1,099 Apple Pro model.
Battery and Performance: Raw Power
Battery makes a dramatic difference. The iPhone 17 comes with a 3692 mAh battery that promises up to 30 hours of video playback, with 40W fast charging. But the OnePlus 15 blows the competition out of the water with a monstrous 7300 mAh battery thanks to its silicon-carbon technology. It also includes 120W SUPERVOOC charging (a full charge in 39 minutes), something Apple simply doesn't offer even on its most expensive models.
In terms of performance, the iPhone 17 uses the A19 chip with 8 GB of RAM, perfectly optimized with iOS 26. The OnePlus 15 features the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and offers options up to 16 GB of RAM, double that of the base iPhone.
If you're on a tight budget, the $799 iPhone 17 is the cheapest entry into the 2025 high-end range. But if you have around $1,000 to spend,the battle is between the style of the iPhone 17 Air ($999) or the raw power of the OnePlus 15 ($999.99), which for the same price gives you double the battery life and a better screen, even if you sacrifice the Apple ecosystem. Raw power
Battery makes a dramatic difference. The iPhone 17 comes with a 3692 mAh battery that promises up to 30 hours of video playback, with 40W fast charging. But the OnePlus 15 breaks the mold with a monstrous 7300 mAh battery thanks to its silicon-carbon technology. It also includes 120W SUPERVOOC charging (full charge in 39 minutes), something Apple simply doesn't offer even on its most expensive models.
In terms of performance, the iPhone 17 uses the A19 chip with 8 GB of RAM, perfectly optimized with iOS 26. The OnePlus 15 features the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and offers options of up to 16 GB of RAM, double that of the base iPhone.
If you're on a tight budget, the $799 iPhone 17 is the cheapest entry into the 2025 high-end range. But if you have around $1,000 to spend, the battle is between the style of the iPhone 17 Air ($999) or the raw power of the OnePlus 15 ($999.99), which for the same price gives you double the battery life and a better screen, even if you sacrifice the Apple ecosystem. Raw power
Battery makes a dramatic difference. The iPhone 17 comes with a 3692 mAh battery that promises up to 30 hours of video playback, with 40W fast charging. But the OnePlus 15 breaks the mold with a monstrous 7300 mAh battery thanks to its silicon-carbon technology. It also includes 120W SUPERVOOC charging (full charge in 39 minutes), something Apple simply doesn't offer even on its most expensive models.
In terms of performance, the iPhone 17 uses the A19 chip with 8 GB of RAM, perfectly optimized with iOS 26. The OnePlus 15 features the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and offers options of up to 16 GB of RAM, double that of the base iPhone.
If you're on a tight budget, the $799 iPhone 17 is the cheapest entry into the 2025 high-end range. But if you have around $1,000 to spend, the battle is between the style of the iPhone 17 Air ($999) or the raw power of the OnePlus 15 ($999.99), which for the same price gives you double the battery life and a better screen, even if you sacrifice the Apple ecosystem.It also includes 120W SUPERVOOC charging (full charge in 39 minutes), something Apple simply doesn't offer even on its most expensive models.
In terms of performance, the iPhone 17 uses the A19 chip with 8 GB of RAM, perfectly optimized with iOS 26. The OnePlus 15 features the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and offers options of up to 16 GB of RAM, double that of the base iPhone.
If you're on a tight budget, the $799 iPhone 17 is the cheapest entry into the 2025 high-end range. But if you have around $1,000 to spend, the battle is between the style of the iPhone 17 Air ($999) or the raw power of the OnePlus 15 ($999.99), which for the same price gives you double the battery life and a better screen, even if you sacrifice the Apple ecosystem. Raw power
Battery makes a dramatic difference. The iPhone 17 comes with a 3692 mAh battery that promises up to 30 hours of video playback, with 40W fast charging. But the OnePlus 15 breaks the mold with a monstrous 7300 mAh battery thanks to its silicon-carbon technology. It also includes 120W SUPERVOOC charging (full charge in 39 minutes), something Apple simply doesn't offer even on its most expensive models.
In terms of performance, the iPhone 17 uses the A19 chip with 8 GB of RAM, perfectly optimized with iOS 26. The OnePlus 15 features the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and offers options of up to 16 GB of RAM, double that of the base iPhone.
If you're on a tight budget, the $799 iPhone 17 is the cheapest entry into the 2025 high-end range. But if you have around $1,000 to spend, the battle is between the style of the iPhone 17 Air ($999) or the raw power of the OnePlus 15 ($999.99), which for the same price gives you double the battery life and a better screen, even if you sacrifice the Apple ecosystem.It also includes 120W SUPERVOOC charging (full charge in 39 minutes), something Apple simply doesn't offer even on its most expensive models.
In terms of performance, the iPhone 17 uses the A19 chip with 8 GB of RAM, perfectly optimized with iOS 26. The OnePlus 15 features the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and offers options of up to 16 GB of RAM, double that of the base iPhone.
If you're on a tight budget, the $799 iPhone 17 is the cheapest entry into the 2025 high-end range. But if you have around $1,000 to spend, the battle is between the style of the iPhone 17 Air ($999) or the raw power of the OnePlus 15 ($999.99), which for the same price gives you double the battery life and a better screen, even if you sacrifice the Apple ecosystem. Raw power
Battery makes a dramatic difference. The iPhone 17 comes with a 3692 mAh battery that promises up to 30 hours of video playback, with 40W fast charging. But the OnePlus 15 breaks the mold with a monstrous 7300 mAh battery thanks to its silicon-carbon technology. It also includes 120W SUPERVOOC charging (full charge in 39 minutes), something Apple simply doesn't offer even on its most expensive models.
In terms of performance, the iPhone 17 uses the A19 chip with 8 GB of RAM, perfectly optimized with iOS 26. The OnePlus 15 features the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and offers options of up to 16 GB of RAM, double that of the base iPhone.
If you're on a tight budget, the $799 iPhone 17 is the cheapest entry into the 2025 high-end range. But if you have around $1,000 to spend, the battle is between the style of the iPhone 17 Air ($999) or the raw power of the OnePlus 15 ($999.99), which for the same price gives you double the battery life and a better screen, even if you sacrifice the Apple ecosystem.But the OnePlus 15 breaks the mold with a monstrous 7300 mAh battery thanks to its silicon-carbon technology. It also includes 120W SUPERVOOC charging (full charge in 39 minutes), something Apple simply doesn't offer even on its most expensive models.
In terms of performance, the iPhone 17 uses the A19 chip with 8 GB of RAM, perfectly optimized with iOS 26. The OnePlus 15 features the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and offers options of up to 16 GB of RAM, double that of the base iPhone.
If you're on a tight budget, the $799 iPhone 17 is the cheapest entry into the 2025 high-end range. But if you have around $1,000 to spend, the battle is between the style of the iPhone 17 Air ($999) or the raw power of the OnePlus 15 ($999.99), which for the same price gives you double the battery life and a better screen, even if you sacrifice the Apple ecosystem.But the OnePlus 15 breaks the mold with a monstrous 7300 mAh battery thanks to its silicon-carbon technology. It also includes 120W SUPERVOOC charging (full charge in 39 minutes), something Apple simply doesn't offer even on its most expensive models.
In terms of performance, the iPhone 17 uses the A19 chip with 8 GB of RAM, perfectly optimized with iOS 26. The OnePlus 15 features the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and offers options of up to 16 GB of RAM, double that of the base iPhone.
If you're on a tight budget, the $799 iPhone 17 is the cheapest entry into the 2025 high-end range. But if you have around $1,000 to spend, the battle is between the style of the iPhone 17 Air ($999) or the raw power of the OnePlus 15 ($999.99), which for the same price gives you double the battery life and a better screen, even if you sacrifice the Apple ecosystem.

