OnePlus 16 Set to Launch With 200MP Camera and 9000mAh Battery

OnePlus is preparing its next flagship smartphone, the OnePlus 16, for a launch in China next month. The new model will succeed the OnePlus 15 and is expected to bring major changes to the camera system, battery capacity, processor and gaming hardware.

The battery is among the biggest upgrades expected with the upcoming smartphone. The OnePlus 16 will reportedly carry a 9000mAh battery, considerably larger than the 7300mAh unit used in the OnePlus 15. The larger capacity could give the phone additional endurance for gaming, video playback and other demanding activities.

Performance will be handled by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 processor. OnePlus is positioning the device as a flagship built for high performance, with dedicated hardware and software features aimed particularly at mobile gaming.

The company is expected to provide several memory configurations. These include 12GB RAM with 256GB storage, 12GB RAM with 512GB storage, 16GB RAM with 512GB storage and a top version with 16GB RAM and 1TB storage.

Benchmark information has also provided an early indication of the phones performance capabilities. On AnTuTu, the OnePlus 16 reportedly recorded 1,458,283 points in the CPU performance test and 2,010,584 points in the GPU test. Benchmark figures can vary depending on testing conditions and software versions, so they should not be treated as a direct measure of everyday performance.

Photography is another area where OnePlus is making a significant change. The rear camera system is expected to include a 200MP primary sensor with a 1/1.4 inch sensor size.

The main camera will reportedly be accompanied by a 50MP ultrawide camera and another 50MP Sony IMX882 sensor offering 3x optical zoom. This combination would give the phone options for standard photography, wider scenes and subjects at a distance.

A 50MP front camera is also expected for selfies and video calls. The camera system will reportedly use Oppos Lumo colour management system, which is designed to handle colour processing across the cameras.

The physical design is also receiving attention. OnePlus has indicated that the OnePlus 16 will feature a flat display surrounded by extremely thin bezels on all four sides. The phone is expected to retain rounded corners similar to its predecessor while adopting a square shaped rear camera module.

Another interesting addition is a customisable shortcut key. The button will reportedly support nine preset functions, allowing users to assign different actions according to their preferences. A single press could be used for functions such as activating the flashlight or starting a recording.

OnePlus is also putting considerable emphasis on gaming. The OnePlus 16 is expected to feature the Wind Chaser Gaming Core, high refresh rate support and an E Sports Triple Chip system.

These features are intended to improve the gaming experience by combining processing performance, display responsiveness and dedicated gaming related hardware. More information about these capabilities could be announced during the OnePlus Game Conference scheduled for September 28.

Software will also mark an important change for the series. The OnePlus 16 is expected to run ColorOS 17 based on Android 17. It is reportedly set to become the first OnePlus smartphone to launch with ColorOS 17.

The design details were recently discussed by OnePlus China President Li Jie Louis in a post on Weibo. The company executive indicated that the phone would use a flat screen with very thin bezels, while the rounded corners would continue the visual approach used on the previous generation.

The new square camera module should give the rear panel a noticeably different appearance. Combined with the flat display and slim bezels, the design is expected to give the phone a more modern flagship look.

OnePlus plans to offer the OnePlus 16 in three colour options, although the supplied information does not specify the names of those colours.

The combination of a 200MP main camera, large battery and new flagship processor suggests that OnePlus is focusing heavily on hardware upgrades with this generation. The increase from a 7300mAh battery on the OnePlus 15 to 9000mAh on the new model is particularly notable.

At the same time, the company appears to be targeting mobile gamers through its dedicated gaming system and high refresh rate display. The availability of up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage should also give the highest configuration considerable room for demanding applications and large game libraries.

OnePlus is expected to reveal more information about the OnePlus 16 during its upcoming events and launch activities in China. Details such as the exact launch price, complete camera specifications, charging capabilities and availability in markets outside China are still awaited.