OnePlus 15R BGMI Gaming Test: Is 165Hz Really Worth It?

The OnePlus 15R has generated considerable hype in the gaming community, especially because it promises 165Hz gaming under ₹50,000—something we haven’t seen before in this segment. But specs alone don’t tell the full story. The real question is: does the 165Hz mode actually deliver in real-world BGMI gameplay, or is 120 FPS still the safer and more stable choice?

To answer this, we conducted a detailed OnePlus 15R BGMI Gaming Test, covering both TDM and Erangel matches. Based on extended gameplay sessions, this review breaks down how the phone performs under pressure, where it excels, and where there’s still room for improvement—so gamers know exactly what to expect before buying.

OnePlus 15R Gaming Hardware Overview

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset powers the OnePlus 15R, while the higher-end OnePlus 15 uses a more powerful Elite variant. On paper, this already creates a performance gap, but OnePlus has tried to bridge it through software optimization and frame-generation technology.

Key gaming-focused highlights:

• 165Hz AMOLED display
• Hyper Frame Plus (additional frame generation)
• Large 7200mAh battery
• Improved thermal management
• Competitive pricing for a high-refresh-rate phone

How 165Hz Gaming Works on OnePlus 15R

Unlike native 165 FPS rendering, the OnePlus 15R uses frame interpolation. BGMI runs at a base frame rate, and the processor generates additional frames in between to push the refresh rate closer to 165Hz.

In simple terms:

• Part of the FPS comes directly from the game engine
• The remaining frames are generated by the processor
• This technique is similar to what we’ve seen earlier on iQOO and some Infinix devices

The big concern with this method is usually input lag or gyro delay, which can ruin competitive gameplay. Thankfully, OnePlus has handled this well.

BGMI TDM Performance: Smooth and Consistent

In Team Deathmatch, the OnePlus 15R performs exactly how a high-refresh-rate gaming phone should.

• FPS mostly stays between 160–165
• Frame pacing is clean
• No noticeable micro-stutters
• Gyroscope response feels instant

Most importantly, there is no gyro delay, which is impressive considering virtual frame generation is being used. For competitive TDM players, this phone delivers a near-locked high FPS experience.

Verdict for TDM: ✔️ Approved for serious competitive play

BGMI Erangel Performance: Real-World Stress Test

Erangel is where phones truly get tested because of:

• Large maps
• Heavy rendering during landings
• Multiple enemies appearing at once

Landing & High Enemy Density

During hot drops with 25–30+ enemies, FPS does fluctuate. In some intense moments, FPS dipped below the ideal range. This usually happens during:

• Initial landing
• Rapid enemy rendering
• Short bursts of extreme load

However, these drops are brief and situational. Importantly:

• No major frame freezing
• No game-breaking lag
• Gameplay remains playable even during FPS dips

Mid-Game & Rotations

Once the map stabilizes:

• FPS climbs back to 160+
• Movement, rotations, and looting feel smooth
• Small fights (1–2 enemies) hold high FPS easily

Second Match Stability Surprise

Interestingly, in matches with 40–45+ enemies, the phone performed more consistently than expected:

• Average FPS hovered around 157–160
• Much fewer fluctuations
• Stability improved significantly

This suggests the phone’s performance can vary slightly depending on background conditions and optimization—something a future update can fix.

165Hz vs 120 FPS: Which Should You Use?

Here’s the practical advice:

• 165Hz mode
  • Delivers around 155–160 FPS in most scenarios
  • Excellent for competitive and high-refresh enthusiasts
  • Slight fluctuations during extreme moments
• 120 FPS mode
  • More stable overall
  • Ideal if you want consistent gameplay with fewer dips
  • Still feels very smooth

👉 If you are a hardcore BGMI player, 165Hz is absolutely usable.
👉 If you prefer maximum stability, 120 FPS is still a safe and reliable option.

Thermals & Battery Drain During Gaming

Thermal performance is one of the strongest aspects of the OnePlus 15R.

Temperature (30-minute session):

• Front: ~43–44°C
• Back: ~42–43°C
• No overheating warnings

Battery Drain:

• ~9% drop in 30 minutes
• Around 5–5.5 hours of continuous BGMI gameplay from 100% to 0%
• Perfectly aligns with BGMI’s daily play limits

For a phone with a 7200mAh battery, this is solid optimization.

Overall Gaming Stability Score

• 165Hz gaming stability: ~90%
• Potential after updates: Could reach 95%
• Thermals: Well-controlled
• Long-session reliability: High

The phone clearly has the hardware capability. A minor software update from OnePlus—or a future BGMI update—can further polish the experience.

Is OnePlus 15R Worth the Price for Gamers?

While the camera setup is not the highlight (portrait performance is average), the performance and software experience are strong.

Considering:

• Rising chipset and RAM costs
• Increasing smartphone prices across the market
• Rare availability of 165Hz gaming under ₹50,000

The OnePlus 15R does not feel overpriced for gamers. It offers a balanced mix of power, thermals, battery life, and smooth gameplay.

FAQ – OnePlus 15R BGMI Gaming Test

Final Verdict: Should You Buy OnePlus 15R for BGMI?

Yes—if gaming is your priority.

The OnePlus 15R:

• Delivers reliable high-FPS BGMI gameplay
• Offers usable and practical 165Hz gaming
• Handles long competitive sessions well
• Maintains good thermals and battery efficiency

For under ₹50,000, it stands out as one of the strongest gaming-focused phones currently available.

A long-term review will further reveal how it performs over time, but as of now, the OnePlus 15R is a solid recommendation for serious BGMI players.