OnePlus 16 may skip 200MP camera for 50MP telephoto sensor, new leak suggests
OnePlus 16 is shaping up to be a highly anticipated flagship based on all the rumours and leaks about its specifications. This time, OnePlus is reportedly going all out in terms of numbers with a 200MP camera, 185Hz display, and even a 9,000mAh battery. However, there’s a new leak contradicting what was revealed earlier about its camera. Just weeks after it was reported that the device would feature a 50MP primary camera paired with a 200MP periscope telephoto lens, a fresh leak from Chinese tipster Digital Chat Station paints a very different picture.
OnePlus 16 camera details leaked again
According to the latest claim, the OnePlus 16 could arrive with a 200MP main camera, a 50MP periscope telephoto camera, and a 50MP ultra-wide sensor. The shift is significant because it changes the phone’s photography priorities. A 200MP main sensor would focus on improving overall image quality, detail retention, and low-light performance, while a 200MP telephoto setup would have emphasised long-range zoom capabilities. It would also put the OnePlus 16 on par with rivals from OPPO and Vivo, which are primarily known for their cameras.
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The OnePlus 15 already offers a 50MP telephoto camera with 3.5x optical zoom. Therefore, it’s unclear whether OnePlus plans to use the same sensor or an upgraded one. The main camera would still be an upgrade from the 50MP primary sensor on the OnePlus 15.
At this stage, neither configuration can be considered definitive. Smartphone makers often test multiple hardware combinations during development, and leaks from different prototype units frequently surface before final specifications are locked in. That could explain why conflicting reports continue to emerge.
Beyond the camera debate, the rumoured hardware points to an ambitious flagship. The OnePlus 16 is expected to be powered by Qualcomm’s next-generation Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro chipset. Leaks suggest a 6.78-inch LTPO OLED panel supplied by BOE, featuring ultra-thin 1mm symmetrical bezels. The rumoured refresh rate will reportedly reach 185Hz and potentially scale to 240Hz. If accurate, that would exceed the 120Hz and 144Hz panels commonly found in today’s premium smartphones, although real-world benefits beyond gaming remain debatable. A high refresh rate is more beneficial for gaming than regular scrolling.
Perhaps the most headline-grabbing specification is the battery. Rumours point to a massive 9,000mAh cell with support for 120W wired and 50W wireless charging. At present, only a few flagships offer big batteries, including the OnePlus 15, which packs a 7,300mAh cell.
Users seeking the longest possible battery life may want to keep an eye on the OnePlus 16, especially if the 9,000mAh claim proves accurate. Mobile gamers and heavy users could benefit significantly from such capacity. Since the camera specs are still unclear, it might be better to weigh your options before coming to a decision. There’s still ample time for the OnePlus 16, so we should get more concrete details as time goes by.
If you’re currently using a OnePlus 13 or older and prioritise camera zoom, you might want to hold off until the 200MP telephoto rumour is confirmed. However, if battery life is your absolute top priority and the 9,000mAh claim holds, the OnePlus 16 could be a compelling upgrade regardless of the final camera setup, making it worth the wait over current flagships.
