OnePlus 15T Camera Leak: Disappointing News for Mobile Photography Fans
TLDR:
- OnePlus 15T may skip the periscope telephoto lens according to new leaks
- Expected to feature Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 processor
- Leaked renders show triple camera setup without periscope
- Launch expected in late 2026
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OnePlus fans looking forward to the next generation of OnePlus flagship phones might want to temper their expectations. New leaks surrounding the OnePlus 15T suggest that the company may be stepping back from one of the key features that made recent OnePlus phones stand out in the mobile photography space.
What the Leaks Suggest
According to multiple reliable sources in the tech rumor mill, the OnePlus 15T will feature a triple camera setup rather than the quad-camera array found in its predecessor. More notably, the periscope telephoto lens that allowed for impressive optical zoom capabilities may be absent.
This represents a notable downgrade for mobile photography enthusiasts who have come to expect premium camera hardware from OnePlus flagship devices. The periscope lens, which first appeared in the OnePlus 13 series, enabled users to capture distant subjects with remarkable clarity — a feature that became a key selling point.
Expected Specifications
While the camera situation may be disappointing, the OnePlus 15T is still expected to deliver solid performance credentials. The device will likely be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 processor, ensuring top-tier performance for all your mobile computing needs.
The display is expected to feature a 6.7-inch LTPO OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, continuing OnePlus’s tradition of offering smooth and responsive screens. The battery capacity is rumored to be in the 5,500mAh range with 80W fast charging support.
What This Means for Users
For users who prioritize mobile photography, this change may be significant. The periscope lens enabled 5x or higher optical zoom, which was particularly useful for capturing distant subjects, wildlife, and architectural details. Without it, users will be limited to digital zoom, which typically produces inferior results.
However, it’s worth noting that OnePlus may compensate with improvements to the main and ultra-wide sensors. The company could focus on computational photography enhancements through software improvements rather than relying solely on hardware upgrades.
Launch Timeline
The OnePlus 15T is expected to launch in late 2026, following the company’s traditional release schedule. This would put it in competition with other flagship devices from Samsung, Apple, and Google.
Our Take
While the potential loss of the periscope lens is disappointing, it’s important to remember that these are still early leaks and things could change before the official announcement. OnePlus has a history of surprising us with unexpected features and improvements.
That said, if photography is your priority, you might want to consider the OnePlus 13 series or look at competing flagships that offer more comprehensive camera setups. We’ll have to wait for the official launch to see what OnePlus ultimately delivers.
For now, take these leaks with the usual grain of salt. The OnePlus 15T could still turn out to be an excellent device even without the periscope lens — it all depends on how OnePlus compensates in other areas.
