Overview of the OnePlus 16
The OnePlus 16 has finally been announced by Oppo’s sub‑brand and it arrives with a set of specifications that aim to challenge the likes of Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and Apple iPhone 16 Pro. While the device is currently only available in China, its price point of roughly £680 after conversion makes it an intriguing candidate for enthusiasts willing to navigate the import process.
Design and Display
OnePlus sticks to its minimalist aesthetic with a glass front and back, framed by an aluminium side band. The front houses a 6.78‑inch LTPO OLED panel that delivers a crisp 1272 by 2772 pixel resolution. The display can push up to a 185Hz refresh rate, although that peak is limited to select gaming modes. For everyday use the screen feels smooth and vibrant, comparable to the display experience on the Xiaomi 14 Pro.
Performance Powerhouse
Under the hood the OnePlus 16 is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6, the newest flagship chipset. Paired with up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and a massive 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage, the phone promises seamless multitasking and future‑proof performance. Benchmarks suggest it will sit comfortably alongside the Google Pixel 8 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra in raw speed.
Camera System
The camera array is a standout feature. The rear module includes a 1/1.4‑inch 200MP primary sensor with an f/1.6 aperture, a 1/1.95‑inch 50MP telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom at f/2.6, and a 50MP ultra‑wide sensor at f/2.0. On the front, a 50MP selfie camera ensures high‑resolution self‑portraits. While it does not quite match the sensor size of the Oppo Find X10 Pro Max, the OnePlus 16 still delivers impressive detail and low‑light performance, rivaling the camera capabilities of the Apple iPhone 16 Pro.
Battery Life and Charging
Perhaps the most eye‑catching specification is the 9000mAh battery. In comparison, the OnePlus 15 shipped with a 7300mAh cell, so the new capacity should comfortably last multiple days under moderate use. Fast charging is supported with 100W wired and 50W wireless options, though the lack of built‑in Qi2 magnetic alignment means users will need a compatible case for the fastest wireless experience.
Pricing and Import Considerations
Official pricing starts at CNY 5,999, translating to about £680. Even after adding import duties and shipping, the total cost remains competitive against flagship models that retail above £1,000 in Europe. Oppo has confirmed that OnePlus will not launch officially in Western markets, but a global variant without China‑specific software is reportedly in the pipeline, potentially easing the import process.
How It Stacks Up Against Other Flagships
When placed side by side with the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, the OnePlus 16 offers a comparable display size and refresh rate, but the battery advantage is significant. Against the Apple iPhone 16 Pro, the OnePlus provides a higher resolution main camera and a larger battery, though iOS integration remains a differentiator. The Google Pixel 8 Pro shares a similar chipset generation, yet its battery capacity falls short of the OnePlus 16’s 9000mAh.
Verdict
For tech enthusiasts who value a massive battery, a high‑resolution camera suite, and top‑tier performance, the OnePlus 16 presents a compelling case despite its limited official availability. Importing the device could be justified for users seeking flagship specs at a lower price point, especially when compared to the premium pricing of Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, Apple iPhone 16 Pro and other high‑end competitors.