The OnePlus Turbo is an example of why I'm losing patience with iPhones and Galaxy phones

OnePlus is clearly not taking a break anytime soon. Between the already announced OnePlus 15 and the soon-to-launch OnePlus 15R, the company has now confirmed it’s working on an entirely new phone lineup called the OnePlus Turbo series. And yes, that name alone already suggests what it’s aiming for.

From what we know so far, the Turbo lineup isn’t just another midrange experiment. It looks like OnePlus wants to deliver a full flagship-level experience, with a strong focus on gaming and performance. But what really made me stop scrolling and pay attention wasn’t the gaming angle – it was the rumored battery size. Around 9,000mAh. And yeah… that’s huge.

Batteries are getting bigger, and I love it

Let’s be honest: phones sold in the West are still playing it way too safe when it comes to battery capacity. While Chinese-market phones have already moved on to much bigger batteries, most devices widely available in the US and Europe are still hovering around the same old numbers.

OnePlus is one of the few exceptions right now. The OnePlus 15 already broke expectations with its 7,300mAh battery, and the OnePlus 15R – expected to launch in the US tomorrow – pushes things even further with a 7,400mAh battery. That alone puts both phones in a different league compared to most mainstream phones.

Meanwhile, the rest of the industry seems stuck at around 5,000mAh, and the reason is pretty clear. Companies like Apple, Samsung, Google, and Motorola still haven’t fully adopted silicon-carbon battery technology, which allows manufacturers to cram more power into the same physical space. Until they do, battery gains will continue to be incremental at best.

That’s why this Turbo news feels important. OnePlus may not dominate the Western market, but it does have a presence here. And if a brand like OnePlus starts pushing battery capacities closer to 9,000mAh as a key selling point, there is at least a chance the bigger names will finally feel some pressure to follow. I can dream, right?

Because let’s be honest – battery life matters. Not because most of us are camping in the wilderness without electricity, but because constantly thinking about your next charge is annoying. A phone should work around your life, not the other way around.

The OnePlus 15 already proved how much of a difference a big battery can make, easily outperforming phones like the iPhone 17 Pro Max and Galaxy S25 Ultra in battery endurance.