OnePlus has announced that its upcoming flagship smartphone, the OnePlus 15, will launch globally in “Sand Storm” edition. This model will be the first in the industry to incorporate aerospace-grade Micro-Arc Oxidation (MAO) on its middle frame and camera module.
Inspired by desert landscapes, the Sand Storm edition aims to combine durability with a minimalist aesthetic. The MAO process involves using high-voltage plasma to grow a ceramic coating directly onto the metal frame. According to OnePlus, this treatment makes the frame 3.4 times harder than a standard aluminum mid-frame and 1.3 times tougher than titanium.
The company also notes that the process is environmentally sustainable. The design is completed with a lightweight fiberglass back, intended to create a balanced feel between the cool ceramic frame and a warm, silky grip.
In addition to its new build materials, OnePlus confirmed the device will be among the first smartphones powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform. The company stated that the new chipset will be paired with its latest cooling system to ensure sustained peak performance and efficiency.
OnePlus has indicated that more specifications and details about the OnePlus 15 will be revealed closer to the official launch date.