OnePlus has started revealing details about its next flagship smartphone, the OnePlus 16. The company has confirmed several design and performance focused features, giving users an early look at what could be a significant upgrade over the OnePlus 15.
The upcoming smartphone is expected to stand out with a flat display and a high refresh rate. OnePlus has indicated that the device will support a 165Hz refresh rate, which should make scrolling and supported gaming content appear smoother.
The display design will also feature very thin bezels on all four sides. Like the previous generation, the phone is expected to retain rounded corners while moving to a flatter overall screen design. Reports suggest that OnePlus could use a BOE X4 panel for the display.
Camera hardware is another major area where the OnePlus 16 is expected to receive an upgrade. The rear camera setup will include a 200 megapixel primary sensor. This would give the flagship a much higher resolution main camera than the previous generation and could bring improvements in detailed photography, depending on the final sensor and image processing system.
The camera module itself is expected to have a square shaped design. OnePlus is also introducing a customizable shortcut key that can provide quick access to selected functions. The key is expected to offer nine preset options, with functions such as the flashlight and recording available through quick presses.
Battery capacity could be one of the biggest changes in the new model. The OnePlus 16 is expected to carry a 9000mAh battery, which would be considerably larger than the 7300mAh battery found in the OnePlus 15. A larger battery could provide additional endurance, although actual battery life will depend on display settings, processor efficiency and everyday usage.
Charging should remain a strong part of the phone as well. A OnePlus smartphone identified by model number PYB110 has appeared on the Chinese 3C certification platform with support for 100W charging. This device could be the Chinese version of the OnePlus 16, although OnePlus has not officially confirmed that connection.
Gaming is also receiving considerable attention. OnePlus says the OnePlus 16 will include the Wind Chaser Gaming Core, a high refresh rate display and an E Sports Triple Chip system. These features are aimed at improving gaming performance and maintaining a smooth experience during demanding gameplay.
The combination of a high refresh rate display and gaming focused hardware suggests that OnePlus is continuing to position its flagship range toward performance focused users. More details about the exact gaming system and how the three chip setup works are expected closer to launch.
The software experience could also change with the upcoming phone. The OnePlus 16 is expected to run ColorOS 17 based on Android 17 in China. If launched as expected, it would become the first OnePlus smartphone to arrive with this version of ColorOS.
OnePlus has also hinted that the launch is approaching, although a specific launch date has not been provided. The 3C certification listing adds to the indications that development of the device is progressing.
Another possible change concerns memory configurations. Reports suggest that OnePlus could bring back an 8GB RAM option for the new flagship. The company has not offered an 8GB RAM variant in this series since the OnePlus 11, making its possible return notable for buyers who prefer a lower memory configuration.
The OnePlus 16 will replace the OnePlus 15 in the company’s flagship lineup. The previous model features a 6.78 inch FHD Plus LTPO AMOLED display with a refresh rate of up to 165Hz and peak brightness of 1800 nits. It is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor and includes a large 7300mAh battery.
Compared with that model, the OnePlus 16 is expected to focus on several major hardware changes. The larger battery, 200 megapixel main camera, flat display and new gaming features could give the phone a noticeably different specification package.
OnePlus is expected to reveal additional information about the smartphone before its official launch. Details such as the complete camera setup, storage options, pricing and availability in markets outside China remain to be confirmed.
For now, the confirmed and reported details point toward a flagship built around a high refresh rate flat display, a high resolution main camera, a large battery and dedicated gaming features. More information should become available as OnePlus moves closer to the official launch.
