While the global tech community prepares for the imminent launch of the OnePlus 15R, the company has already shifted gears, offering a tantalizing glimpse into its future. In a recent announcement, OnePlus has confirmed it is developing an entirely new smartphone series focused on delivering extreme performance and endurance, potentially setting a new benchmark for power-hungry users and mobile gamers.
OnePlus Confirms New Turbo Series for 2026
The confirmation came directly from OnePlus China's president, Li Jie Louis, during the company's anniversary celebrations. On the Chinese social media platform Weibo, Louis revealed that OnePlus is preparing to launch a new "Turbo" series of smartphones. The executive stated that this new product line will focus on leading its price segment in three key areas: raw performance, battery life, and gaming capabilities. While specific pricing details were not disclosed, Louis emphasized that the series is coming soon, with more information expected to be unveiled throughout 2026. This strategic move signals OnePlus's intent to carve out a more defined niche in the competitive performance-oriented smartphone market.
Announced Specifications & Focus:
- Series Name: OnePlus Turbo
- Key Focus Areas: Leading performance, battery life, and gaming within its price segment.
- Announced By: Li Jie Louis, President of OnePlus China.
- Platform: Announced on Weibo during OnePlus's anniversary celebration.
- Expected Launch Window: 2026
Leaks Point to Extreme Battery Capacity and Large Displays
Following the official teaser, notable tipster Smart Pikachu provided additional context, suggesting that OnePlus plans to launch two devices under the Turbo banner in 2026. The most striking claim is that these phones will be equipped with batteries around the 9,000mAh range, a capacity that would dwarf most current flagship offerings, including the upcoming OnePlus 15. The tipster also indicated that the devices will feature large displays to complement their substantial power packs. This combination suggests phones designed for prolonged, immersive gaming and media consumption sessions, potentially positioning them as direct rivals to series like Xiaomi's Redmi Turbo line.
Leaked Details (via Tipster Smart Pikachu):
- Number of Models: Two phones planned for 2026.
- Battery Capacity: Around 9,000mAh (rumored).
- Display: Large screens (specific size not mentioned).
- Potential Rival: Positioned to challenge the Redmi Turbo series.
Market Strategy and Global Availability Remain Unclear
A significant question mark hangs over the global availability of the Turbo series. It is common for Chinese smartphone manufacturers to release certain models, particularly those with niche features like ultra-large batteries, exclusively in their home market. OnePlus has a precedent for this; the Chinese variants of the OnePlus 15 and 15R featured larger batteries than their global counterparts. The company has not yet indicated whether the Turbo series will follow a similar path or if it intends to bring these power-centric devices to an international audience. This decision will ultimately determine whether the series becomes a global phenomenon or remains a specialized product for the Chinese market.
Context & Market Considerations:
- Global Launch Uncertainty: It is unclear if the Turbo series will be released outside China. OnePlus has a history of offering different battery sizes for Chinese vs. global variants (e.g., OnePlus 15/15R).
- Current Product Timeline: The global launch of the OnePlus 15R is scheduled for December 17, 2025.
Balancing Power with Practicality
The prospect of a smartphone with a 9,000mAh battery raises interesting questions about design and practicality. While the promise of multi-day battery life is incredibly appealing, especially for gamers and heavy users, such a large cell will inevitably impact the device's size, weight, and potentially its charging times. The challenge for OnePlus will be to engineer the Turbo phones in a way that manages these trade-offs effectively. The focus on "the upper limits of gaming performance," as mentioned by Louis, suggests that thermal management and sustained performance will also be critical engineering hurdles alongside the massive battery.