With launch cycles speeding up, Android manufacturers are introducing their smartphones quicker than ever before. For example, the OnePlus 15 was globally revealed on November 13, 2025, merely 10 months after the OnePlus 13’s release.
Now that the OnePlus 15 is out, the Chinese brand is diligently working on next year’s model. There isn’t a lot of information available about the OnePlus 16 at this stage, but as usual, we can make some informed predictions.
Having experienced the OnePlus 15, I hope for several improvements in the OnePlus 16, particularly regarding its design and camera features. I will be updating this article in the coming months as more details emerge about the OnePlus 16, but for now, here’s what we know and what I’d like to see in OnePlus’ upcoming flagship.
OnePlus 16: I desire a distinct design
I’m not a fan of the OnePlus 15’s design — it appears too standard and lacks the unique characteristics that made previous models pop. While I understand that phone aesthetics in general are converging towards a boxy style reminiscent of iPhones, various brands have successfully established their uniqueness; Google’s Pixel 10 Pro XL showcases a more pronounced camera bar, Samsung’s distinct camera accents are innovative, and Vivo consistently launches phones with substantial camera modules.
With OnePlus, I find their identity lacking. If anything, the OnePlus 15 comes off as a subpar imitation of the Find X8, and I prefer the OnePlus 16 to bear resemblance to the OnePlus 13 — at least that model featured a memorable design.
I want enhanced cameras on the OnePlus 16
Admittedly, the OnePlus 15 possesses decent cameras, handling most situations adequately. In fact, it competes well with the Pixel 10 and Galaxy S25.
Nonetheless, it falls short compared to its Chinese competitors, as both the Find X8 and Vivo X300 offer significantly better camera performance. The issue here is that OnePlus is utilizing older camera modules, with the main camera featuring a smaller sensor compared to last year’s model.
I fail to see the rationale behind this decision, and while the device captures marginally improved images compared to the OnePlus 13, the difference is hardly substantial.
Then there’s the absence of Hasselblad integration. OnePlus originally partnered with Hasselblad, so not seeing the renowned Swedish camera company’s enhancements on the OnePlus 16 is frustrating. Instead, the device is equipped with a new DetailMax engine, and whoever named it clearly missed the mark.
With the OnePlus 16, the company must at least include camera sensors comparable to those of its Chinese competitors.
OnePlus 16 will likely feature these specs
It’s easy to speculate that the OnePlus 16 will be equipped with Qualcomm’s next flagship chipset, and that the phone will support a large battery. Truthfully, my favorite aspect of the OnePlus 15 is its impressive 7,300mAh battery, and I hope this feature continues next year.
We will also probably see the same 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage in the base model, and I would like to see the 1TB version launched worldwide — I still can’t grasp why this is exclusive to China.
OnePlus 16 may launch as early as before
While I currently have no information on the potential launch date for the OnePlus 16, it will likely follow the same timeline as this year. This suggests a launch in China at the beginning of Q4, followed by a global release later in the same quarter.
Of course, OnePlus may opt to advance the timeline, meaning the OnePlus 16 could arrive sooner. As it stands, there aren’t many details regarding the device, but I will update this post as new information comes to light.
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