A fresh leak is focusing in on two details fans obsess over before launch: color names and how much the phone is going to weigh. “The OnePlus 15 will have three official colors, matte backplane design, and two different weight classes,” insisted popular Weibo tipster Digital Chat Station.
Three colorways, three vibes
The leak suggests it comes in Original Sand Dune (Titanium), Absolute Black and Mist Purple. The naming language is telling. ‘Original Sand Dune’ implies a warm, desert-themed finish with a nod to titanium in a structural element and ‘Absolute Black’ matches the earlier rumor about an ultra-dark, high light-absorbing black similar to “black hole” levels of reflectivity. “Mist Purple” follows the industry-wide comeback for purples in premium devices.
Color names are not just marketing fluff. More often than not, they are telling us about the material or the surface treatment. OnePlus has had luck in the past with textured and matte finishes (early “Sandstone” backs are still a favorite with some), and a titanium reference might hint at a frame or trim that would shave weight and simultaneously increase rigidity. Regional naming can of course be confounding but as with previous models, global markets might see marginal variations to these monikers:
Two weights, modest but significant
The source also says Absolute Black and Mist Purple Tip & Vapor will be nearly equal in heft, at around 215g, whereas the Original Sand Dune (Titanium) edition will come in just slightly lighter at around 211g, and while that four-gram discrepancy doesn’t sound dramatic, it can make a huge difference in the hand, subtly affecting the balance and perceived density of the device, particularly where the relatively larger flagships are concerned.
This sort of spread usually originates from back panel materials (glass vs vegan leather), frame alloys or coating stacks. It’s in line with what previous OnePlus generations have done, where finishes decided a few grams’ worth of swing. It also fits with what we’ve seen from other brands based on the simple fact that companies always release slightly different weights for the same model depending on material and regional configuration, while Chinese certification agencies tend to surface these numbers before launch anyway, as per TENAA.
Context matters, too. If true, ~211-215g would put the OnePlus 15 as being lighter than ultra heavy hitters like Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra (circa 232g) while still yet in the same kind of weight bracket as big screen flagships like Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro Max (circa 221g). For those of us prone to fatigue during one-handed use, those few grams could easily be the difference between “hefty premium” and “unwieldy.”
What the names tell us about materials
The most evocative of the three is “Original Sand Dune (Titanium). A titanium frame has the potential to add stiffness and save weight, as well as offer excellent corrosion resistance, and it typically feels cooler to the touch than stainless steel. If OnePlus pairs that with a matte texture — something the company has done well in the past — it might result in a finish that hides fingerprints and wear better than glossy glass.
“Absolute Black”, meanwhile, ties in with previous “Super#Black” talk: a finish that’s been tuned to take out more light than conventional paint systems. That could involve micro-textured coatings or layered treatments that are made to cancel reflections, akin in principle to what the camera companies have done inside lenses to get rid of stray light. The tradeoff you might be keeping an eye on is durability; an ultra-matte black may be more prone to showing scuffs if not properly protected.
“Mist Purple” typically indicates a soft gradient or a satin sheen rather than a rich, glossy purple. Industry trends suggest a finish that’s meant to appear deluxe, but not scream for attention — think more lavender-gray than neon violet.
What to watch before takeoff
Pre-release specs like these tend to solidify when they’re listed in certification databases or retail packaging leaks, so keep an eye on certifications that list mass, dimensions and battery capacity. Secondly, if the titanium-tipped Sand Dune model does actually weigh less, then it could also include a different back material that might affect where the wireless charging coil is placed and heat dissipation. Early hands-on impressions will be crucial in verifying the texture, grip and how “black” the Absolute Black appears in everyday lighting.
As with all leaks, details can shift before the announcement and color availability typically changes depending on the region. Yet the leaked color trio and tight weight range do fit comfortably within OnePlus’s new strategy: unique finishes, precise material tuning, and a focus on making a big phone feel a little less unwieldy while still retaining flagship credentials.