OnePlus is Ditching Hasselblad: A Deep Dive into the New In-House Camera Engine for the OnePlus 15
OnePlus is poised to make a significant gamble with its camera strategy. All signs point to the OnePlus 15 launching with a completely new, in-house developed imaging engine – effectively signaling the end of its partnership with Hasselblad.This is a bold move, and one that could dramatically reshape the photography experience on future OnePlus devices.
For years,Hasselblad branding has been synonymous with OnePlus flagship cameras,starting with the OnePlus 9 series. The collaboration aimed to refine color science and deliver a distinct photographic style. But OnePlus appears ready to take full control of its image processing pipeline.
Why the shift? Building a Future on Self-reliance
This isn’t simply a minor tweak. according to reliable tipster Yogesh Brar and a follow-up report from Smartprix,the “Image Engine” is a complete platform for both photo and video processing. It’s designed to manage everything from low-light performance to dynamic range, offering a level of control OnePlus hasn’t had before.
This move aligns OnePlus with industry giants like Samsung,Google,and apple,all of whom rely on internally developed imaging pipelines. Building everything in-house offers several key advantages:
Faster Updates: OnePlus can roll out camera improvements and new features more quickly without relying on external partners.
Greater Consistency: A unified platform ensures a more consistent camera experience across all OnePlus devices.
unique Differentiation: Developing its own engine allows OnePlus to forge a truly unique photographic identity.
Though, the decision isn’t without risk. As our own Joe Maring pointed out, abandoning the Hasselblad partnership could be a “critical mistake.” The success of this venture hinges on whether OnePlus can deliver results that rival the established leaders in mobile photography.
Beyond the Camera: What Else to Expect from the OnePlus 15
The OnePlus 15 is shaping up to be a considerable upgrade in several areas, not just the camera. Here’s a rundown of the latest rumors:
Display: A 6.78-inch flat OLED display is expected, offering a modern and immersive viewing experience. Battery: A massive 7,000mAh battery promises all-day (and perhaps multi-day) battery life.
Design: A striking “SuperBlack” finish is rumored, designed to absorb nearly all visible light for a unique aesthetic.
* Storage: oneplus may start with a generous 256GB of base storage, a significant jump from the 128GB offered by competitors like Google and Apple.
due to cultural considerations in China, OnePlus is skipping the “14” moniker. The OnePlus 15 is thus the next logical step in the numbering sequence. While a firm launch date hasn’t been announced, a global release in early 2026 seems likely, following OnePlus’s typical release schedule.
The Bottom Line: A High-Stakes Bet for OnePlus
OnePlus is betting big on its ability to deliver a superior camera experience through in-house development. This is a pivotal moment for the company. If successful, it could solidify OnePlus’s position as a major player in the smartphone market. If not, it risks alienating loyal fans and falling behind the competition.
You can expect a lot more details to emerge as we get closer to the OnePlus 15’s launch. We’ll be closely following the developments and providing you with the latest facts.
