OnePlus is gearing up to launch its new flagship, the OnePlus 16, with a major focus on camera upgrades-a smart move after its last flagship’s modest photography performance.
Insider Smart Pikachu reveals that OnePlus is developing a 200-megapixel periscope camera module using Samsung’s HP1 sensor, previously spotted in Realme devices like the Realme 16 Pro and GT 8 Pro. This suggests OnePlus aims to boost zoom capabilities and image detail significantly.
The OnePlus 16 is also expected to carry two additional 50MP sensors: a main and an ultrawide, completing a balanced triple-camera setup focused on versatile shooting options.
Performance won’t disappoint either. Rumors point to a 1.5K display with an ultra-smooth refresh rate potentially hitting 200Hz or higher. Powering the phone will likely be Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, built on a 3nm process.
On the memory front, the OnePlus 16 may introduce LPDDR6 RAM, boosting bandwidth and enhancing everything from multitasking to gaming and on-device AI processing.
Other expected features include an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner and OxygenOS 17 running atop Android 17.
OnePlus 16 pricing and release dates
Component upgrades might drive the price up, with initial estimates putting the starting cost at around 5,000 yuan ($725). OnePlus plans to unveil the OnePlus 16 in China this October, followed by a global launch in November.
OnePlus 16 camera compared to top competitors
The move to a 200MP periscope camera aligns OnePlus with premium players pushing mobile zoom and sensor tech, like Samsung’s Galaxy S23 Ultra and Xiaomi’s 13 Ultra. The real question is how well the OnePlus 16 can balance top-tier imaging with its traditionally strong performance and competitive pricing-elements important to standing out as the Android flagship space gets fiercer.
Key specifications of the OnePlus 16
- 200MP periscope telephoto camera with Samsung HP1 sensor
- Main 50MP camera sensor
- 50MP ultrawide camera sensor
- 1.5K display with up to 200Hz refresh rate
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset (3nm)
- LPDDR6 RAM for enhanced multitasking and AI processing
- Ultrasonic fingerprint scanner
- OxygenOS 17 based on Android 17
- Expected starting price: 5,000 yuan (approx. $725)
- Chinese release in October, global launch in November