OnePlus is testing 165Hz displays for its upcoming device lineup, jumping from the current 120Hz standard with new 1.5K resolution panels targeting both mid-range and flagship models. The OnePlus 15 series emerges as the primary candidate for this refresh rate upgrade, though practical benefits remain questionable for everyday users beyond gaming enthusiasts. Although competitors like Samsung and Apple stick with 120Hz limits, OnePlus pushes specification boundaries in spite of potential battery life trade-offs and software optimization challenges that reveal deeper implications.
OnePlus is pushing refresh rates into unexplored territory with new 165Hz displays currently undergoing testing across its device lineup. This represents a significant leap from the company’s current 120Hz maximum, marking the first time OnePlus has ventured into such high refresh rate territory.
The new panels pack a 1.5K resolution of approximately 2700 x 1240 pixels, positioning themselves as a sweet spot between Full HD and 2K displays. OnePlus appears to be targeting this configuration for both mid-range and flagship devices, with the OnePlus 15 and potential OnePlus Ace 6 or 15R models serving as primary candidates for implementation. The strategy reflects OnePlus’s historical approach of testing cutting-edge features on mid-range devices before rolling them out to premium models. This commitment to innovation aligns with the collaboration between hardware and software that enhances overall performance. Additionally, understanding client needs can help in tailoring the user experience for different segments of their customer base.
OnePlus targets 1.5K displays across mid-range and flagship models, testing cutting-edge features before premium rollout.
However, the practical benefits of jumping from 120Hz to 165Hz remain questionable for most users. Although the numbers sound impressive on paper, the visual difference during everyday tasks like scrolling through social media or reading articles is minimal at best. The upgrade primarily benefits gaming enthusiasts and users who consume high-frame-rate content, though current software limitations across ColorOS, OxygenOS, and Realme UI may not fully utilize the 165Hz capability in many gaming scenarios. In contrast, high-definition hardware is essential for ensuring that gaming performance meets player expectations.
OnePlus is pairing these high-refresh displays with upgraded integrated circuit chips designed to improve touch responsiveness and reduce latency. This technical improvement aims to guarantee that the hardware can actually deliver on the promise of smoother interactions, particularly during fast-paced gaming or rapid app switching. Without proper chip optimization, higher refresh rates often become meaningless marketing numbers rather than genuine performance advancements.
The timing aligns with broader industry trends pushing refresh rates higher across all price segments. Competing brands have already introduced similar or superior refresh rate panels on mid-range devices, forcing OnePlus to respond or risk falling behind in specifications wars that drive consumer purchasing decisions. While Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro maintain 120Hz limits, OnePlus’s 165Hz push positions the brand ahead in pure refresh rate specifications. Early adopters will need to sign up for notifications to stay informed about availability when OnePlus officially launches these enhanced displays.
Interestingly, the OnePlus 15 is rumored to feature a 6.78-inch version of this 1.5K display, representing a resolution downgrade from the OnePlus 13’s 2K screen. This decision suggests OnePlus is prioritizing battery life and performance optimization over pixel density, using the higher refresh rate as compensation for the reduced resolution. Previous OnePlus models have consistently struggled to exceed 60fps in gaming scenarios despite their high-refresh displays.
The company faces the classic smartphone balancing act between features and battery life. Higher refresh rate displays inherently consume more power, potentially negating recent battery optimization efforts. OnePlus must demonstrate that the 165Hz upgrade provides tangible benefits beyond impressive specification sheets. The battery life concerns intensify when considering that most users won’t notice meaningful improvements during regular everyday usage.
The actual rollout timeline remains unclear, with testing phases often extending for months before commercial implementation. OnePlus’s measured approach to introducing new display technology reflects lessons learned from previous rushed launches.
Whether 165Hz becomes a flagship exclusive feature or trickles down across the entire lineup will likely depend on manufacturing costs and consumer reception during the testing phase.