Why are OnePlus “R” series phones so much cheaper?

Even though OnePlus recently announced that it would be exiting the US and UK markets, the phones are still in circulation. You may still be considering purchasing one, or maybe you’re just curious about programming. Typically with its latest phones, OnePlus has released a model with a numerical designation, the most recent being the OnePlus 15, as well as a second with an “R” appended to the end of the number. The latter option is the most affordable, but you may be wondering why.

It comes down to features and specifications, which are reduced to the cheapest option. Each generation, the phone designated “R” has a slightly less powerful processor, less RAM and storage for the higher option, and often a slightly smaller battery. However, the biggest differences you’ll find across the board are in the secondary cameras. Even so, for some, the phone designated “R” might actually be the better solution while saving you money in the process.

When you look at the latest phones, the OnePlus 15 and OnePlus 15R, the latter is around $200 cheaper. The same strategy happened with the releases of the OnePlus 12 and OnePlus 12R in 2024 and the OnePlus 13 and OnePlus 13R in 2025, both with a delta of $300 for the high-end phone. (There is no OnePlus 14). Along with the OnePlus 15 series, the OnePlus 15R has a slightly larger screen and uses an LTPS display that can adjust the refresh rate in increments of 60Hz to 165Hz versus 1 to 165Hz. So you won’t get as smooth or efficient an experience as you would with the OnePlus 15. But it probably won’t be noticeable unless you’re a heavy multitasker or mobile gamer.

The OnePlus 15 has a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip while the OnePlus 15R has a slightly less powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chip. You also get more RAM at 16GB with the 512GB storage version of the OnePlus 15, while the OnePlus 15R hits 12GB for all versions. But again, both of these specs are pretty good, even for the heaviest of users. Overall, OnePlus phones are known for their incredible battery life, and the OnePlus 15 has a slightly smaller battery at 7,300 mAh compared to the OnePlus 15R’s 7,400 mAh. Either way, it’s still a step ahead of most other brands. The OnePlus 15R charges slower at 55W versus 80W, but again, both speeds are fantastic compared to the others.

Perhaps the most notable difference is the cameras, which were bundled in partnership with Hasselblad until that deal ended after the OnePlus 13. With the OnePlus 15 and OnePlus 15R, you get the same 50 MP main camera. But it’s paired with an 8MP ultra-wide camera for the ‘R’ phone versus a 50MP ultra-wide camera with the 15. You don’t get a telephoto lens either. However, both have the same 32 MP front camera.

Although the specifications are different, the idea is the same with other OnePlus phones. The cameras are the biggest difference from the OnePlus 12 and OnePlus 12R, alongside other minor decreases like less RAM and fewer storage options, a slightly smaller battery, and a slower processor. With the OnePlus 13 compared to the OnePlus 13R, you’ll see the same drops in maximum storage, RAM, processor, and ultra-wide camera (this “R” phone also has a smaller front camera). Both have the same 6,000mAh battery but the OnePlus 13 charges much faster.

So there are concessions at all levels, but they are rather minimal. What’s worth noting is that even though the OnePlus ‘R’ phones are down, both phone designations have impressive specs to boot. Since these phones are already affordable compared to others, you may find it worth spending a few hundred dollars extra to get better cameras. But if the main sensor and basic selfie camera suit you, the OnePlus ‘R’ phones offer excellent value for money.