The launch of the OnePlus 15 is drawing closer, and anticipation is building with leaks hinting at a groundbreaking feature — a 165Hz display refresh rate. This would make it one of the fastest screens ever seen on a mainstream smartphone.
Li Jie, President of OnePlus China, has strongly hinted at the upgrade in a recent Weibo post. While highlighting the importance of high refresh rates in enhancing user experience, he welcomed Apple to the “high refresh rate era” following its decision to adopt 120Hz across all iPhone models. He also suggested that OnePlus is prepared to “once again lead the industry” in display innovation.
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If the rumors hold true, the OnePlus 15 will become the company’s first flagship to feature a 165Hz panel — surpassing the 120Hz standard currently found in most top-tier smartphones, including Apple’s latest iPhones.
Interestingly, OnePlus has chosen to skip the “14” branding, moving directly to the OnePlus 15. This decision is influenced by cultural considerations in some Asian regions, where the number 14 is avoided due to tetraphobia — the fear of the number four.
Experts note that while the jump from 60Hz to 120Hz delivered a dramatic improvement in fluidity and responsiveness, the step up from 120Hz to 165Hz may feel less noticeable in everyday use. However, gamers and power users could greatly benefit, with smoother visuals and faster response times offering a competitive edge.
For OnePlus, this move reinforces its reputation as a challenger brand willing to push boundaries. Li Jie’s confident remarks suggest that the company expects others to follow, just as they did when 120Hz became mainstream.
Although the full specifications remain under wraps, it is clear that display technology will be at the heart of the OnePlus 15’s appeal. Whether the leap to 165Hz becomes a game-changer for everyday users is uncertain, but OnePlus appears determined to stay ahead in the race for display supremacy.
