The OnePlus 16 is the company’s upcoming flagship smartphone. Unfortunately, though, unlike its predecessors, this one will be available in notably fewer markets. It will not be available in the US or Europe, as OPPO decided to focus on other markets with the OnePlus branding. That’s a shame, but the phone is still expected to arrive in a global variant, as it is probably coming to India.
In any case, the OnePlus 16 will be a powerhouse smartphone based on what we’ve seen thus far. That much was expected, and it’s what’s going to happen, at least based on rumors. We’ve seen plenty of rumors and leaks thus far, so we’ll structure this OnePlus 16 preview article around those. Let’s get to it, shall we?
This article will be regularly updated with new information on the OnePlus 16 (this is a preview article) — both official teasers and credible leaks, rumors, and insider claims — as it becomes available in the run-up to the release of the upcoming Android smartphone. This is the original publishing of the article.
When will the OnePlus 16 be released?
The OnePlus 16 is expected to arrive around the same time its predecessor dropped. The OnePlus 15 was announced at the very end of October 2025, so the OnePlus 16 will likely arrive in the same time period. However, there’s a chance it’ll come in September, as that’s the month a well-known tipster mentioned. Either way, the launch will occur either in September or October.
What models are coming?
OnePlus will once again announce only one flagship series smartphone in 2026. That’s what every single rumor has pointed to thus far. That phone will likely come in several RAM and storage options, though. The OnePlus 15 went up to 16GB of RAM, though a 12GB RAM model was also available. We’re expecting something similar from the OnePlus 16. A 24GB variant is highly unlikely due to RAMageddon.
How much will the OnePlus 16 cost?
The OnePlus 16 could be more expensive than its predecessor. Increasing component costs are having an effect on every smartphone OEM, and OnePlus will not be an exception. We still don’t know what the price increase will be, though. It is expected to get a price bump in pretty much every market that it’ll be available in, including its homeland, China.
What will the OnePlus 16 look like?
The OnePlus 16’s design is a well-kept secret at this point (the featured image above is a concept image). Not a single believable image surfaced thus far. We’re not sure if the company plans to revamp the design, or will it stick to the existing formula. The design could change, though, considering that the phone will not arrive in the US or Europe. OnePlus could try to spark some more interest in other markets by offering a design refresh. That could also be why we haven’t seen the phone leak thus far.
It will have the thinnest bezel ever on a smartphone
What we do know, however, based on trusted tipsters, is that the OnePlus 16 will have the thinnest bezels ever on a smartphone. Well, if the rumors prove to be accurate. It is said that the phone’s display bezels will be uniform, and that they’ll measure under 1mm each. That will make the bezels even thinner than the ones on the OnePlus 15, which were almost non-existent, basically.
The phone will likely include a flat display once again, with a centered display camera hole up top. We also don’t see OnePlus stepping away from a flat frame. The camera island on the back is the biggest question mark at this point. Samsung could continue with a squarish camera island, return back to a round one, or do something else entirely. We still don’t know which route will the company will take.
The OnePlus 16 will be a large phone
One thing is for sure, though. The OnePlus 16 will be a large-format smartphone; that will certainly not change. It is also expected to utilize aluminum and glass once again, but it remains to be seen.
What specs will the OnePlus 16 have?
Let’s start with the SoC. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro, Qualcomm’s upcoming flagship processor, is expected to fuel the OnePlus 16. If rumors are to be believed, that chip will be backed by LPDDR6 RAM. OnePlus is tipped to offer 12GB and 16GB RAM models, though that could vary from one market to the next. The company is also expected to use UFS 4.1 flash storage here, and no, it will not be expandable.
A 6.78-inch 185Hz OLED display is tipped
When it comes to the display, a 6.78-inch flat panel is expected. That display will be provided by BOE, and it will use a 1.5K resolution. Needless to say, we’re looking at an OLED panel here. It will be an LTPO panel as well, and its refresh rate will go up to 185Hz. We’re still not sure what sort of protection will OnePlus opt for. Based on past launches, Corning’s glass will be used, we’re just not sure which one.
A 9,000mAh battery is tipped to be included. That is a massive battery, needless to say, and yes, it’s a silicon-carbon battery. It could be paired with 100W wired and 50W wireless charging, while reverse wireless charging will also be a part of the package. Android 17 will come pre-installed on the phone, along with ColorOS. OxygenOS is becoming a thing of the past. The two OS’ were immensely similar as is, and the same team was making them, so… there you go.
A camera boost is expected
The OnePlus 16 will also get a boost in the camera department. The latest rumor regarding the camera setup claims that a 200-megapixel main camera will be used, along with a 50-megapixel ultrawide unit, and a 50-megapixel periscope telephoto camera. That last camera will offer a 3x optical zoom. IP68/IP69 rating is expected as well, and the same goes for stereo speakers. That’s basically everything we (think we) know thus far.
Should you wait to buy the OnePlus 16?
If you live in the US or Europe, the answer to this question is… no. OnePlus will not officially sell the OnePlus 16 in either of the two markets, so looking into different brands is your best call. If you really want to stick with OnePlus, the OnePlus 15 is still available, and OnePlus promised it will fulfill its promise on software support. If you live in China or India, your chances of getting it are much better. It will be available in China for sure, while it could launch in India as well.
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