Recent reports tipped off a BOE X4 panel for the OnePlus 16, co-developed by OnePlus and BOE. Building on it, a new leak has now suggested the phone could make the display's 165 Hz refresh rate available across the entire system, rather than limiting it to select apps and games.
According to tipster Digital Chat Station (DCS) on Weibo, the upcoming OnePlus 16 could bring a system-wide 165 Hz refresh rate to the phone. The phone is said to debut a "new generation Oriental Screen" and could become the "industry's first screen to support a global 165 Hz ultra-high refresh rate".
This is an important development, since on paper, the OnePlus 15 also comes with a 165 Hz refresh rate. However, the high refresh rate value is limited to a handful of supported apps, menus and games, so this is where the OnePlus 16 could shine.
If true, the OnePlus 16 will be able to maintain a consistent 165 Hz refresh rate, no matter which app, service or menu users open. This will make 165 Hz the norm across the interface, which is much more meaningful than having it restricted to certain use cases.
Not to mention that since the OnePlus 16 display would be a BOE X4 panel, it could outperform both the OnePlus 15's BOE X3 display and even Samsung's M-series panels.
Earlier reports have indicated that the OnePlus 16 could feature an 185 Hz display, specifically reserved for gaming. This also aligns with OnePlus China President Li Jie's recent confirmation that the OnePlus 16 will feature three exclusive gaming technologies.
Moreover, the tipster claims that the OnePlus 16 will ship with new system-level animations in ColorOS 17 to take advantage of the high refresh-rate panel. It is unclear how the process will work and could translate to both everyday use and gaming.
Since OnePlus has retired OxygenOS in favour of ColorOS in markets like India, the OnePlus 16 could bring these features outside of China, in markets where the phone will launch.
That said, the OnePlus 16 is expected to launch in October 2026. The brand has not started teasing the phone, but the OnePlus 16 has cleared key certifications in China. Hence, take the above leaks with a pinch of salt and it's best to wait for official confirmations. So, stay tuned.
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