OnePlus has traditionally rebranded its Ace series for global markets as its R-line, and recent images shared by OnePlus China president Li Jie Louis suggest a significant upgrade to this “sub-flagship” formula. The teasers reveal the OnePlus Ace 6T in three colors—Flash Black, Phantom Green, and Electric Purple—featuring a flat display and a clean, circular dual-camera setup on the back. The design notably omits the iconic Alert Slider, replacing it with a remappable shortcut button on the left frame, marking a design evolution that began with the OnePlus 15 series. This button offers customizable functions like AI shortcuts, Do Not Disturb, camera access, flashlight, audio recorder, translation, and screenshots, aligning OnePlus with industry trends toward one programmable button instead of a three-stage switch.
Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset, the Ace 6T promises flagship-level CPU and GPU performance. The phone boasts an unusually large 8,000mAh battery with 100W wired charging alongside a 165Hz display and an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor. The battery capacity more than doubles typical high-performance phones, promising exceptional stamina and fast charging times. The 165Hz panel enhances gaming and smooth scrolling experiences, while the ultrasonic fingerprint reader offers improved reliability, including with wet fingers. OnePlus also claims an impressive suite of durability certifications, including IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K, which would be unprecedented in this series.
The dual rear cameras likely include a 50MP main sensor and an 8MP ultrawide, indicating a focus on powerful primary and ultra-wide photography, with zoom handled through computational techniques rather than a dedicated telephoto lens. This aligns with past R-series strategies that prioritize performance and battery life over telephoto hardware. The flat, metal frame features a “micro-arc” curve for better grip and balance, achieved by optimized internal stacking for a 50:50 weight distribution, enhancing comfort for gaming or video viewing. Materials vary between silk glass finishes in black and green and a more premium fiberglass finish in the Electric Purple variant to reduce fingerprints and add luxurious sheen.
Globally, the Ace 6T is poised to be rebranded as the OnePlus 15R, following the pattern set by earlier Ace models. It is expected to launch before the holiday season, with minor regional variations on battery capacity or IP ratings but largely consistent specs worldwide. This device targets the highly competitive “sub-flagship” segment where buyers seek flagship-grade speed, display quality, and fast charging without paying top-tier prices. With its large battery, high refresh rate, flagship chip, and smart controls, the 15R might push boundaries for value and performance in this market segment.
As launch approaches, more details will emerge from certification listings, benchmark leaks, and promotional materials, with particular attention to software integration. OnePlus’s OxygenOS is emphasizing AI features, which may be closely linked to the new shortcut button. A limited edition collaboration with a gaming brand is also hinted to enhance appeal to power users. Overall, the OnePlus 15R looks set to prioritize battery life, raw performance, and pragmatic controls—a formula that appeals to users who want flagship experience without flagship prices.
