OnePlus is preparing to shake up the performance smartphone segment with a new lineup. Following the official confirmation of the "Turbo" series, a flurry of leaks has painted a picture of devices designed to push the boundaries of gaming endurance and display technology, potentially setting a new benchmark for what users can expect in this competitive category.
OnePlus Confirms New Turbo Series for Performance Seekers
On December 16, 2025, OnePlus President Li Jie Louis officially announced the brand's plans to launch a new smartphone series named "Turbo." In a Weibo post, he stated that the upcoming phones would inherit the powerful performance genes of OnePlus flagships while offering long battery life and unprecedented gaming performance for their price segment. While the company has not disclosed specific pricing or a detailed global launch strategy, the announcement confirmed the series' existence and its core focus on delivering high-end performance characteristics to a potentially more accessible market.
Leaked Specifications Point to a Gaming and Endurance Powerhouse
Credible leaks from sources like tipster Digital Chat Station have provided a detailed, though unconfirmed, look at what the Turbo series might offer. The most striking rumored feature is a massive battery capacity reportedly nearing 9,000mAh, a figure rarely seen outside of rugged or niche devices and one that promises exceptional longevity, especially for demanding tasks like gaming. This would be paired with a newly developed native 165Hz refresh rate OLED display, described as an exclusive implementation with redesigned larger rounded corners for visual consistency, rather than a reused panel from older models.
Rumored OnePlus Turbo Series Specifications (Based on Leaks)
| Feature | Rumored Specification | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.7-inch OLED, 1.5K resolution, 165Hz refresh rate | Described as a new native 165Hz panel with redesigned rounded corners. |
| Chipset | Custom-tuned Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 (4nm) | Paired with OnePlus's in-house gaming optimization engine for thermal control. |
| Battery | ~9,000mAh capacity | Cited by multiple leaks; would be exceptionally large for a performance phone. |
| Charging | 100W wired charging | Mentioned in early leaks alongside the large battery. |
| Main Camera | 50MP sensor | Not a highlighted feature in early announcements. |
| Ultrawide Camera | 8MP sensor | Not a highlighted feature in early announcements. |
| Launch | January 2026 (China) | Global launch strategy is currently unconfirmed. |
Performance Engine: A Custom-Tuned Snapdragon Chipset
At the heart of the device is expected to be a performance-tuned variant of a Snapdragon 8-series chipset, with multiple reports pointing to a customized version of the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4. This 4nm platform is rumored to be paired with OnePlus's in-house gaming optimization engine, which aims to provide superior thermal management and stable performance output during extended gaming sessions. This combination suggests OnePlus is targeting sustained peak performance, addressing a common pain point where phones throttle under prolonged load.
Camera and Global Availability Remain Uncertain
Other leaked specifications include a 50MP main camera sensor and an 8MP ultrawide lens, though camera capabilities have not been a highlighted feature in the early messaging. The most significant unknown remains the series' availability. While the launch is confirmed for China in January 2026, it is unclear if OnePlus plans a simultaneous or subsequent global release for the Turbo models. The brand's decision on this front will ultimately determine the series' impact on the wider international market.
Positioning and Potential Market Impact
The OnePlus Turbo series appears strategically positioned to compete directly in the fiercely contested performance-for-price segment. By focusing on extreme battery life, a high-spec display, and a tuned chipset, OnePlus is signaling a move to capture users who prioritize endurance and smooth gameplay without necessarily needing all the premium extras of a top-tier flagship. If the rumored specifications and pricing align, the Turbo series could redefine expectations, forcing competitors to respond with similar focus on core performance metrics. The tech community will be watching closely for official details on January 2026.