OnePlus is preparing to launch its next flagship, the OnePlus 16, following a teaser that hints at a design shift and enhanced gaming capabilities.
At the Snapdragon Gaming Technology Showcase, OnePlus China Brand General Manager Liu Baoyou shared initial details about the device.
Gaming performance upgrades
Liu highlighted OnePlus's achievements in gaming technologies and its collaboration with partners to advance the high-frame-rate gaming ecosystem.
He noted that OnePlus recorded 13% year-on-year sales growth in the first half of 2026, making it the fastest-growing smartphone brand during that period.
Three exclusive gaming technologies—Fengchi Gaming Kernel, Extreme High Refresh Rate, and Esports Triple-Chip—will receive major upgrades.
These enhanced technologies will debut on the OnePlus 16, delivering next-level gaming performance, according to Liu.
Design teaser
A warm-up poster circulating on Chinese social media suggests the OnePlus 16 may feature a circular camera module.
This would replace the square module introduced on the OnePlus 15, returning to the circular design seen on the OnePlus 13.
The authenticity of the teaser could not be confirmed, and an AI-generated image based on it shows a design similar to last year's Realme GT 8 series.
According to reports, the OnePlus 16 may go official in early October in China.
Expected specifications include a 6.78-inch LTPO OLED panel with 1.5K resolution, a 185Hz refresh rate, and an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor.
It may pack a battery of around 9,000mAh capacity with 100W wired and 50W wireless charging.
The device is rumored to feature the next-generation Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro chipset, Android 16-based ColorOS 17, an X-axis bionic vibration motor, symmetrical dual speakers, and IP68/IP69-rated dust and water resistance.
