Speculation around OnePlus’ future smartphone plans has continued despite uncertainty surrounding the brand in recent months. The latest focus is on the OnePlus 16, which is expected to succeed the current flagship lineup. A new leak suggests that the handset is already in internal testing and could introduce several firsts for the company, including a very high refresh rate display, slimmer bezels, and a significantly upgraded telephoto camera system.
The information comes from a tipster who shared details on the Chinese social media platform Weibo. Although the post has since been deleted, its contents have been reported by multiple sources. As with all pre-launch information, the details remain unconfirmed and could change before the device is officially announced.
Display
According to the leak, the OnePlus 16 is being tested with a display offering a refresh rate of 185Hz. If this figure proves accurate, it would mark the highest refresh rate ever used on a OnePlus smartphone. Current flagship models from the brand, including the OnePlus 15, are equipped with displays that go up to 165Hz.
Earlier rumours had suggested that OnePlus was exploring refresh rates as high as 240Hz for its next-generation phones. The revised figure of 185Hz indicates that the company may be balancing performance gains with power efficiency and thermal considerations.
The handset is also tipped to feature ultra-narrow bezels on all four sides. Previous leaks have pointed towards a flat OLED panel with a 1.5K resolution. The display is expected to use LTPO technology, which allows the refresh rate to dynamically adjust depending on content, helping to manage battery consumption.
Additionally, the use of LIPO packaging technology has been mentioned in earlier reports. This manufacturing approach could help reduce bezel thickness to around 1mm, contributing to a more immersive front-facing design.
Camera
Camera hardware appears to be another area of focus for the OnePlus 16. The tipster claims that the device could feature a 3x periscope telephoto camera with a 200-megapixel sensor. If implemented, this would represent a major jump in resolution for OnePlus’ telephoto systems, which have traditionally relied on lower-resolution sensors paired with optical zoom.
A high-resolution periscope sensor could allow for improved detail capture, better digital zoom performance, and enhanced cropping flexibility. However, details such as sensor size, image processing capabilities, and low-light performance have not yet been revealed.
The primary and ultra-wide camera specifications remain unknown at this stage. Historically, OnePlus has focused on tuning and colour science in partnership with imaging brands, so further information is likely to emerge closer to launch.
AI Button
The leak also mentions the possible inclusion of a dedicated AI button on the OnePlus 16. While the tipster did not share specifics about its function, the addition suggests a growing emphasis on on-device artificial intelligence features.
A physical AI button could be used to trigger voice assistants, activate contextual tools, or access system-level AI functions such as image editing, summarisation, or productivity features. Several smartphone brands have recently experimented with custom buttons to support AI-driven software experiences, and OnePlus may be preparing to follow a similar path.
At present, there is no confirmation on whether the button will be customisable or restricted to specific functions.
Performance
Earlier reports have indicated that the OnePlus 16 could be powered by Qualcomm’s next-generation flagship chipset. This processor is expected to succeed the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and may be branded as the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro.
The upcoming chipset is rumoured to feature clock speeds reaching up to 5GHz, pointing towards a significant performance increase over current-generation hardware. Such gains would support high refresh rate displays, advanced camera processing, and on-device AI workloads.
Thermal management and sustained performance will be important considerations, particularly given the reported display specifications. OnePlus has previously focused on cooling solutions in its flagship models, and similar attention is expected here.
Battery
Battery capacity could see a substantial increase with the OnePlus 16. Some reports claim that the device may house a battery approaching 7,000mAh, which would be a notable step up from its predecessor.
A larger battery would help offset the power demands of a high-refresh-rate display and a more powerful chipset. Fast charging support is also expected, although specific charging speeds have not yet been mentioned in leaks.
Launch Timeline
OnePlus has not officially confirmed the existence or launch timeline of the OnePlus 16. However, based on the brand’s previous release patterns, the device could debut in the fourth quarter of 2026. The OnePlus 15 was also launched around the same period, making this timeframe a reasonable assumption.
As development and testing continue, additional details regarding software features, camera configuration, and regional availability are likely to surface. Until then, the OnePlus 16 remains a device to watch, particularly if the reported specifications make it into the final product.
FAQs
What refresh rate is the OnePlus 16 being tested with?
The phone is reportedly being tested with a 185Hz display.
Will the OnePlus 16 have a 200MP camera?
Leaks suggest a 200MP periscope telephoto camera may be included.
Is the OnePlus 16 expected to get a new chipset?
It may use Qualcomm’s next-generation Snapdragon flagship processor.
Does the OnePlus 16 have an AI button?
A dedicated AI button is mentioned in leaks, but details are unclear.
When could the OnePlus 16 launch?
It is expected to debut around Q4 2026.
