A possible shift in camera strategy could put OnePlus back into serious flagship camera conversations later this year. After a period marked by scaled-back imaging hardware and the end of its collaboration with Hasselblad, new information suggests the company may be preparing a significant upgrade for its next flagship device.
The OnePlus 15 has earned praise for its speed, software smoothness, and battery endurance. However, its camera system has remained a frequent point of criticism among users and reviewers alike. When OnePlus ended its partnership with Hasselblad, expectations were high that the company would compensate with stronger in-house imaging hardware. Instead, the most recent flagship leaned toward modest camera specifications, leaving photography enthusiasts wanting more.
That could change with the upcoming OnePlus 16. According to well-known tipster Yogesh Brar, the next OnePlus flagship is expected to feature a 200 megapixel primary camera sensor. This would be a major jump from the 50 megapixel main sensor used in the OnePlus 15 and could signal a renewed focus on competitive camera performance.
Based on the information shared, the camera setup may include a 200 megapixel main sensor paired with two 50 megapixel secondary cameras. One of these is expected to serve as an ultrawide lens, while the other could offer up to 3.5x optical zoom through a dedicated telephoto system. While exact sensor sizes and apertures have not yet been disclosed, the configuration alone represents a noticeable shift from recent OnePlus hardware decisions.
A higher megapixel count does not automatically guarantee better photography, but when paired with larger sensors and proper tuning, it can significantly improve detail, dynamic range, and low-light performance. This is especially relevant as competitors across the Chinese smartphone market have already demonstrated the benefits of advanced 200 megapixel systems.
Devices such as the Vivo X300 Pro and the Find X9 Pro have shown how a high-resolution sensor combined with a periscope zoom lens can deliver strong optical zoom results without relying heavily on digital processing. These phones typically balance a 200 megapixel telephoto system with 50 megapixel primary and ultrawide sensors, creating a versatile camera setup that performs well across multiple shooting scenarios.
If OnePlus adopts a similar approach, it could finally address long-standing concerns about image consistency and zoom performance. In recent years, the company has leaned heavily on software solutions like its DetailMax Engine to offset hardware limitations. While computational photography can help refine images, it cannot fully replace the advantages of larger, higher-quality sensors.
One lingering question is whether the rumored 200 megapixel sensor would be used strictly as the primary camera or integrated into a zoom-focused role. Many manufacturers have found success using ultra high-resolution sensors for telephoto purposes, enabling cleaner crops and improved long-range shots. Without confirmation on sensor placement, both possibilities remain open.
Beyond raw specifications, camera tuning will play a critical role in determining whether the OnePlus 16 truly represents an upgrade. OnePlus has historically delivered strong color science and reliable performance, but recent releases have lacked the distinct imaging character that once set the brand apart. Refining that identity will be just as important as increasing megapixel counts.
At the same time, the company appears to be streamlining its flagship lineup. Reports suggest that OnePlus has quietly shelved plans for the OnePlus 15s, which was previously expected to serve as a more compact alternative within the lineup. This move hints at a tighter focus on a single flagship model, potentially allowing more resources to be allocated toward perfecting hardware and camera development.
If the OnePlus 16 does arrive with a well-implemented 200 megapixel camera system, it could mark a turning point for the brand’s imaging reputation. Competition in the premium smartphone market continues to intensify, and camera quality remains one of the most influential factors for buyers choosing between flagship devices.
For OnePlus, delivering meaningful camera improvements is no longer optional. Users expect flagship pricing to come with flagship photography, and the rumored changes suggest the company is aware of that pressure. Whether these upgrades are enough to match or exceed rivals will depend on execution, sensor quality, and the company’s ability to fine-tune its imaging software alongside stronger hardware.
As with all early leaks, details may evolve before the device officially launches. Still, the possibility of a 200 megapixel camera signals a more aggressive approach from OnePlus, one that could finally bring its camera performance back into serious contention among top-tier smartphones.
