Highlights
- OnePlus 16 tipped to feature ultra-slim bezels and an industry-first 165Hz system-wide refresh rate.
- The phone is expected to run ColorOS 17 paired with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro and upgraded exclusive gaming technologies.
- Launch timeline not confirmed, but reports suggest an October debut in China.
The OnePlus 16 could bring a major upgrade to the brand’s flagship display experience. Early reports suggest the upcoming smartphone will combine extremely slim bezels with a 165Hz refresh rate that could work across the entire system. The latest information repeats earlier reports about the display. Previous leaks claimed that the OnePlus 16 could become the first smartphone to feature a new-generation Oriental Screen.
OnePlus 16 Display Upgrades Leaked
According to Weibo tipster Digital Chat Station, the OnePlus 16 is expected to retain the thinnest bezels seen on a OnePlus flagship so far. The tipster described them as “around this narrow” while pointing to very slim edges on all four sides of the screen.
The phone is also said to feature a custom display designed to offer a clear and sharp viewing experience, which could help the device stand out from other Android flagships.
Moreover, the panel is reportedly being developed as the industry’s first display capable of delivering a 165Hz ultra-high refresh rate across the entire system.
This means the high refresh rate would not be restricted to supported games. Regular activities such as scrolling through menus, browsing and viewing system animations could also benefit from the faster refresh rate. The phone is expected to run ColorOS 17, which is said to include redesigned system animations specifically for the high-refresh-rate display.
OnePlus 16 – What Else We Know So Far?
The OnePlus 16 is also rumoured to use Qualcomm’s upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro chipset, although the company has yet to announce the complete hardware specifications.
OnePlus has already revealed some information about the phone’s gaming capabilities. Speaking at the Qualcomm Snapdragon Gaming Technology Awards, OnePlus China President Li Jie discussed the company’s work with Qualcomm on gaming technology. According to the company, three of OnePlus’ exclusive gaming technologies are being completely upgraded and will make their debut with the OnePlus 16.
The high refresh rate reportedly managed to go even higher while testing with certain games. OnePlus is said to achieve this through a combination of an overclocked display controller, dedicated co-processing hardware, game-focused kernel optimisation and a triple-core e-sports processor setup.
The smartphones are aimed at delivering smoother gameplay, reducing latency and maintaining more stable high frame rates during gaming sessions.
OnePlus 16 Launch Timeline
OnePlus has not yet revealed the complete specifications or official launch date of the OnePlus 16. The smartphone is still expected to be several months away, although some reports have pointed towards an October launch in China.
