Oneplus 15's matte finish back is a chalkboard - a minor flaw in an otherwise great phone

The OnePlus 15 is an excellent flagship device, boasting impressive specs like long battery life, a solid camera system, and lightning-fast performance. However, I've discovered a peculiar issue with the phone's matte finish back - it acts like a chalkboard!

A unique coating

OnePlus claims to have used a new process called micro-arc oxidation (MAO) for the phone's back, creating a nano layer of ceramic-like material. This makes the surface extremely tough and abrasive.

The chalkboard effect

Unfortunately, this toughness translates to the back feeling like a piece of chalkboard. You can easily scratch in a message with your fingernail or any other object. While this might seem convenient for jotting down quick notes, it's an annoyance that's hard to ignore.

Dust and keys: a recipe for disaster

When you put the phone in your pocket with other items like keys, the back can become scratched and discolored. And even without keys, dust and microparticles will leave noticeable marks. Constantly wiping the phone with a wet cloth becomes a necessary habit.

A bigger durability concern

While the MAO coating is remarkably resistant to scratches, it's not entirely unscratchable. After a week of careless use, I found some permanent marks etched into the surface. This highlights a durability concern - the phone's back can be damaged, and once scratched, those marks may not come off completely.

A word of caution

While the OnePlus 15 is an amazing device overall, it's essential to be aware of this unique back material. If you value a pristine-looking phone, consider using a case or taking extra care to avoid scratches and marks. Additionally, OnePlus could benefit from providing more information about this coating upfront to manage user expectations.

Conclusion

The OnePlus 15 is a powerful and feature-rich smartphone, but its matte finish back, while aesthetically pleasing, has a chalkboard-like quality that can be frustrating. It's crucial to understand these quirks before purchasing and to take proper care to maintain the phone's appearance.