OnePlus is reportedly testing a new display technology with a 165Hz refresh rate, potentially marking a significant upgrade for its midrange smartphones. This development suggests the company is aiming to bring smoother visuals and enhanced touch responsiveness to a broader segment of users.
Midrange Phones Could Get Premium Display Features First
A recent leak from Weibo tipster Digital Chat Station revealed that OnePlus is experimenting with a flat display offering a 1.5K resolution and an unusually high 165Hz refresh rate. This would be a first for the brand, as such high refresh rates have typically been reserved for flagship devices. The test is said to include an upgraded integrated circuit (IC) chip designed to improve touch responsiveness.
Interestingly, this new display technology is expected to debut not on premium flagship models but on OnePlus’s mid-tier lineup. The move appears to be a strategic way for the company to evaluate user experience and performance before potentially rolling it out to its more expensive smartphones.
Possible Launch Timeline and Specifications
The midrange device in question might be part of the upcoming OnePlus Ace 6 series or the Ace Racing Edition, both scheduled for release in China. Reports suggest the Ace 6 will feature this new 165Hz 1.5K display along with Snapdragon 8 series processors and a large 7,000mAh battery. There is also speculation that the phone will come with an IP68 rating, offering dust and water resistance.
The OnePlus Ace 6 series is expected to launch in October 2025. It may be released internationally under the name OnePlus 15R.
Last December, OnePlus introduced the Ace 5 Pro and Ace 5 in China, both sporting 6.78-inch full-HD+ displays with refresh rates up to 120Hz. These models come with up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage, powered by Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Edition and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipsets, respectively. Both feature a triple rear camera setup led by a 50-megapixel main sensor.
This move to bring a 165Hz refresh rate to midrange smartphones could enhance the gaming and overall user experience significantly, setting a new standard for this segment. It also reflects OnePlus’s growing focus on innovation across its product range rather than limiting advanced features to flagship devices alone.