The OnePlus 15, the latest flagship from Chinese smartphone maker OnePlus, is poised to hit the U.S. market, but buyers will have to wait a little longer. Despite a U.S. price of $899 for the 12GB RAM, 256GB storage model—matching the OnePlus 13—regulatory delays have pushed the launch into uncertainty.
The hold-up comes from the federal government shutdown, which stalled operations at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the agency responsible for certifying devices before they can be sold in the United States. Even with the shutdown now over, OnePlus cautions that the FCC will need time to process a backlog of approvals accumulated during the closure.
Spenser Blank, OnePlus’ head of marketing, explained that the company has completed all required FCC testing at recognized labs and formally submitted its certification application.
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“As is the case with every smartphone manufacturer, the United States’ Federal Communications Commission certifies OnePlus devices before they are sold in the U.S. As a result of the government shutdown, device certifications have been delayed… We are hopeful that approvals can be generated quickly and as a result, we can bring the OnePlus 15 to our customers in the U.S. expeditiously,” Blank said, emphasizing that the delay is procedural rather than technical.
Consumers eager for the device can sign up for email alerts at OnePlus.com/us to be notified as soon as sales open. The OnePlus 15 promises one major reason to wait: its exceptional battery life. The device uses silicon-carbon battery technology, a breakthrough embraced by OnePlus’ parent company, Oppo, and other Chinese manufacturers. This technology enables thinner, higher-capacity batteries compared with traditional lithium-ion cells.
While the OnePlus 13 already used silicon-carbon batteries with a 6,000mAh capacity, the OnePlus 15 takes it further with a 7,300mAh battery, offering genuine two-day battery life—a rare feature in the U.S. smartphone market. For users frustrated by daily charging cycles, the 15 promises a transformative improvement, enabling extended use for work, gaming, and media without constant recharging.
The launch delay highlights the complexities of bringing global tech products to the U.S. market, particularly in the wake of government disruptions. FCC certification is a critical step, ensuring devices meet safety and communication standards. While OnePlus has cleared all testing requirements, the final approval stamp remains pending, leaving fans in suspense.
The OnePlus 15 also represents a broader trend among Chinese smartphone manufacturers, who are increasingly investing in advanced battery technology to differentiate their devices in competitive markets. By leveraging silicon-carbon cells, the OnePlus 15 balances capacity, weight, and efficiency, giving it an edge over many current flagship smartphones in the U.S.
For those willing to wait, the phone’s compelling combination of cutting-edge battery technology, robust hardware, and competitive pricing makes the wait worth it.
