Highlights
- Early leaks suggest the OnePlus 16 could debut with a 200Hz+ refresh rate display and possibly up to 240Hz panels.
- The flagship is tipped to feature a 200MP primary rear camera within a triple-camera setup, potentially paired with two 50MP sensors.
- It could feature the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 chipset and is expected to launch in China around October 2026.
OnePlus 15. (Image credit – OnePlus)
OnePlus may have just launched the OnePlus 15 and the OnePlus 15R in global markets, but that does not mean we can’t anticipate the next-gen OnePlus flagship. Leaks about the OnePlus 16 have already started surfacing online, so it should be totally unexpected. According to fresh information shared on Weibo, the upcoming flagship could bring some notable upgrades in display and camera technology.
OnePlus 16 Display and Camera Upgrades (Rumoured)
OnePlus has steadily increased display refresh rates over the past few years with recent models such as the OnePlus 15 series offering up to 165Hz panels. A new leak from well-known tipster Digital Chat Station suggests that the company is now testing ultra-high refresh rate displays starting at 200Hz.
DCS’s Weibo post. (Translated via Google Translate)
This claim lines up with an earlier report indicating that OnePlus is experimenting with panels that balance resolution with refresh rates as high as 240Hz. It also hints that the OnePlus 16 could debut with a 200Hz or higher refresh rate screen.
If this materialises, it would mark a significant change in OnePlus’ display strategy.
With the OnePlus 15, the brand reduced screen resolution from 2K to 1.5K to ensure smoother performance at 165Hz. It remains uncertain whether OnePlus can retain at least a 1.5K resolution while pushing refresh rates close to 240Hz, especially when factoring in power efficiency and battery drain.
DCS’s Weibo post. (Translated via Google Translate)
On the camera side, the tipster claims that OnePlus plans to adopt 200-megapixel camera sensors for its 2026 smartphone lineup. The OnePlus 16 is expected to feature a 200-megapixel primary rear camera. Additional reports suggest a triple-camera setup, possibly similar to the upcoming Oppo Find N6, which is rumoured to combine a 200-megapixel main sensor with two 50-megapixel cameras.
In terms of performance, the OnePlus 16 is said to be powered by the next-generation Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 chipset, which could be unveiled around September next year. To support a high-refresh-rate display, the phone may also include a large battery, following the direction taken by the OnePlus 15, which packs a 7,300mAh battery.
OnePlus 16 Expected Launch Timeline
Although OnePlus has not officially confirmed any details, the OnePlus 16 is expected to launch in China around October 2026. This seems in line with the company’s usual flagship release schedule.
While we wait for that, it appears OnePlus is currently set to unveil the OnePlus Turbo 6 series, which is tipped to debut in January 2026.
FAQs
Q1. What display upgrade is rumoured for the OnePlus 16?
Answer. Leaks suggest the OnePlus 16 could feature a 200Hz or higher refresh rate display, with testing reportedly going up to 240Hz.
Q2. What camera setup is expected on the OnePlus 16?
Answer. The flagship is tipped to include a 200MP primary rear camera, possibly in a triple-camera system alongside two 50MP sensors.
Q3. When is the OnePlus 16 expected to launch?
Answer. Although not officially confirmed, the OnePlus 16 is expected to debut in China around October 2026, following the OnePlus Turbo 6 launch in January.