The OnePlus 15 is one of the best flagships of the year. Not just because of its amazing battery life, or fancy new AI features, but mostly because it gets the fundamentals right.
The device’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, with a minimum of 12GB of RAM, ensures that even the most demanding workflows can be completed without any stutter, while its camera system ensures that all memories are captured in high-fidelity with accurate colors.
It’s all but confirmed that the Chinese tech giant will make the OnePlus 15’s successor better by giving it a newer chip, but early rumors suggest that the OnePlus 16 could boast a much better camera system as well.
OnePlus 15 review: The end of battery anxiety as we know it
The OnePlus 15 delivers on the hype, in all but one area
The information comes via credible tipster Digital Chat Station on Weibo, via AndroidHeadlines. According to the tipster, OnePlus is reportedly testing out a 200-megapixel main camera sensor for the OnePlus 16.
Samsung, for reference, has been shipping a 200MP main shooter with its ‘Ultra’ phones since the Galaxy S23 series.
For OnePlus enthusiasts, going from a 50MP main shooter on the OnePlus 15 to a 200MP main shooter on the OnePlus 16 would be a big upgrade, provided that the underlying sensor can keep up.
It is likely that the upgrade will be limited to the main shooter, and the periscope telephoto and ultrawide cameras will retain their 50MP sensors.
Shared DNA
For what it’s worth, this high-end camera hardware might not be limited to the OnePlus 16. It will reportedly also make its way to OnePlus’ sister company’s upcoming flagship foldable.
According to the leak, the same 200MP shooter will first make its way to the Oppo Find N6, and subsequently to the OnePlus 16 late next year. This doesn’t really come as a surprise, since both companies operate under BBK Electronics and often share research and development.
Digital Chat Station has an impressive track record, especially when it comes to phones from Chinese manufacturers. However, simply considering how early we’re in the OnePlus 16’s development cycle, it’s best to take this leak with a grain of salt.
