OnePlus 15 confirmed in “Sand Storm” edition with aerospace-grade ceramic coating

OnePlus has confirmed that its upcoming flagship, the OnePlus 15, will be offered in a new “Sand Storm” edition at launch. The design is inspired by desert landscapes and is claimed to be the first smartphone in the industry to feature aerospace-grade Micro-Arc Oxidation (MAO) on its middle frame and camera housing.

The MAO process involves high-voltage plasma treatment that grows a ceramic coating directly onto the metal. OnePlus claims the result is 3.4 times harder than aluminium frames and 1.3 times tougher than titanium, offering improved durability while maintaining a more sustainable footprint.

The Sand Storm edition is said to feature a feather-light fibreglass back, balancing cool ceramic hardness with a warm, silky grip for everyday comfort. According to the company, the combination delivers a sculpted feel that blends resilience with minimalism.

Performance is another highlight. OnePlus confirmed that the OnePlus 15 will be one of the first smartphones powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform. The chipset will be paired with OnePlus’ latest cooling system, which OnePlus claims can maintain sustained peak performance and efficiency during demanding tasks like gaming or multitasking.

While full specifications are yet to be disclosed, OnePlus said more details, including camera upgrades and availability information, will be shared closer to the global launch.