The OnePlus 15 camera is reportedly underperforming compared to other flagship phones in certain areas.

Beyond the several small flaws, like the poorer sound, vibration, and smaller fingerprint reader, there is a significant issue with the OnePlus 15 camera that is hard to ignore.

Typically, ultrawide cameras allow users to capture more of a scene compared to the main lens, or get very close to a subject for a more impactful image. This has been a consistent feature on nearly all phones with ultrawide lenses.

Most ultrawide cameras offer around a 120º field-of-view, which translates to a 13/14mm full-frame equivalent, or a 0.5X-0.6X zoom in the viewfinder. This is the standard, and the added width makes these cameras useful.

However, this phone has an unusually narrow 116º ultrawide camera, roughly a 16mm equivalent. The difference between 120º and 116º (or 13mm and 16mm) might seem small, but it is noticeable.

As a result, the OnePlus 15 ultrawide feels like a slightly wider standard lens, defeating its purpose.

Let's examine some photo samples, comparing the OnePlus 15 with rivals like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, iPhone 17 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro, to see how much each ultrawide camera captures.

First, a comparison between the OnePlus 15's main lens and its ultrawide lens.

It seems adequate, until compared to other leading phones.

The difference is clear: other flagships capture considerably more in the frame.

Here is another comparison that highlights the OnePlus 15 ultrawide's tighter field of view.

Some might suggest stepping back to fit more into the frame, as with a regular ultrawide.

However, this is not always possible or ideal.

Moreover, if one must step back, the regular main camera could be used instead. While "zooming with your feet" is valid, it negates the need for a dedicated ultrawide lens.

Ultrawide cameras are not just for fitting as much as possible into the picture.

They are most effective when used up close to a subject, drawing the viewer into the scene and accentuating both the subject and its surroundings. This approach is valid for phone cameras as well.

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