A New Camera Direction

The OnePlus 16, expected to launch in China as the successor to the OnePlus 15, is generating buzz with a fresh wave of leaks pointing to a substantial camera upgrade. According to leaker Digital Chat Station, who posted the expected specifications on Weibo, the device will feature a 200MP main rear camera with a 1/1.4-inch sensor, accompanied by two 50MP cameras on the back. This marks a clear departure from the OnePlus 15, which used 50MP sensors for all three rear cameras.

The leak also indicates that the OnePlus 16 will include a 50MP periscope telephoto camera with a 1/1.95-inch Sony sensor capable of up to 3x optical zoom, and a new 50MP ultrawide camera. On the front, a 50MP selfie camera with autofocus is said to be in the works, a feature that could help keep faces sharp at varying distances. This configuration—200MP + 50MP + 50MP on the back and 50MP on the front—suggests OnePlus is placing a stronger emphasis on photography this generation.

Interestingly, this new information contrasts with earlier reports that speculated OnePlus would retain a 50MP main camera and instead use a 200MP sensor for the periscope lens. The latest leak suggests the company may have shifted its approach during development.

Design and Display

OnePlus has already teased the design of the OnePlus 16, hinting at a notable change in camera placement. Unlike the square-shaped camera housing of the OnePlus 15, the new phone is expected to sport a circular camera island. The company has been teasing the device since the end of July, with the first reveal occurring on July 31 at the Snapdragon Gaming Technologies Awards 2026.

The display is also set to receive an upgrade, with OnePlus reportedly collaborating with BOE on new screen technology. The OnePlus 16 is said to feature a BOE Oriental Screen 4.0 display with X4 luminance material, a 165Hz refresh rate, and an exclusive display chip with per-chip calibration. Additionally, the device may include Oppo's next-generation Bright Eyes Protection Technology and ultra-thin bezels according to the same leak.

Performance and Battery

Under the hood, the OnePlus 16 is expected to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro chipset, a detail that has been confirmed by the company as an upcoming Snapdragon chipset, though the exact model has not been officially revealed. The device is also rumored to pack a massive 9,000mAh battery, which would be a significant upgrade. Charging speeds are said to reach 100W over a cable and 50W wirelessly.

Additional leaked specifications include an ultrasonic fingerprint reader, dual speakers, and IP68/IP69 water and dust protection. The phone is expected to run Android 17 with ColorOS 17 in China.

Launch Timeline

OnePlus is expected to launch the OnePlus 16 in China in early October, according to reports. The device is still a few weeks away, and these specifications remain unconfirmed until the official announcement. As with all leaks, actual features may differ from what has been reported, especially given the conflicting information that has emerged about the camera setup.