OnePlus might be gearing up for a display spec bump that looks impressive on paper but could leave fans divided in practice. According to a new leak from Digital Chat Station on Weibo, the brand is testing a flat 1.5K display with an eye-watering 165Hz refresh rate-something never before seen on a OnePlus device. 
The panel reportedly comes with an upgraded IC chip for snappier touch responsiveness, but early indications suggest the feature is currently tied to a mid-range test device.
Rumors point to this tech possibly landing in the upcoming OnePlus 15, expected in October. Unlike the OnePlus 13’s 6.82-inch 2K screen, the new flagship could shrink slightly to 6.78 inches and drop to 1.5K resolution, aligning with earlier whispers about a downgrade in sharpness. This would mirror the rumored specs for the mid-tier OnePlus Ace 6, which is likely the blueprint for the OnePlus 15R. If true, both phones could share the same 165Hz panel.
While the numbers may beat rivals like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, iPhone 16 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro-which top out at 120Hz-the real-world benefit is debatable. OnePlus’s OxygenOS has a spotty track record with variable refresh rate handling, meaning even 120Hz sometimes feels underutilized. The jump from 120Hz to 165Hz is barely perceptible in everyday use, and combined with a lower resolution, the upgrade risks feeling more like marketing flash than meaningful improvement.
In short: expect faster numbers, but maybe not a better experience-unless you’re chasing bragging rights.