iQOO 16 Tipped to Bring 165Hz Samsung M16 OLED Display and Advanced Ray Tracing Features

The iQOO 16 could bring a major gaming-focused upgrade with a 165Hz Samsung M16 OLED display, next-generation LEAD technology, advanced ray tracing and an 8,500mAh battery.

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iQOO’s flagship model, the iQOO 15, already differentiates itself from the current batch of Android smartphones on the market thanks to its gaming-oriented display and graphic capabilities, but the company seems intent on topping their previous creation with an even more impressive one. In addition to being powered by Samsung Display’s latest M16 emissive material, the iQOO 16 will reportedly utilize the next-generation LEAD display technology. On top of that, it may include the support of 165Hz refresh rate compared to 144Hz on the iQOO 15, as well as new ray tracing functions for mobile games.

As reported by Digital Chat Station, the iQOO 16 might be the first Android smartphone to feature Samsung Display’s M16 emissive material combined with new-generation LEAD display technology. The smartphone is expected to launch in China sometime around the end of September or beginning of October.

iQOO 16 Display

The display will most likely remain the main feature of the iQOO 16 as well. The iQOO 15 has a 6.85 inches 2K Samsung M14 LEAD OLED display with 144Hz refresh rate that offers a combination of high resolution and quick responsiveness and that is perfect for gaming. While the size of the display will most likely be the same (6.85 inches) and the resolution will keep the 2K class, the refresh rate may get increased up to 165Hz, and the M16 LEAD material will be used.

The new LEAD technology will also help with many other things besides the increase in the refresh rate. Whereas the older generation of OLED displays uses the polarising layer technology, the new one uses nano-lithography filter structures. This helps reach 40% more efficient light transmission, 44% less power consumption and 50% more life of the display panel.

In the iQOO 15, the manufacturer had already touted the advantages of the display without a polarizer that include enhanced light transmission, energy savings, and possibly an extended lifespan of the display panel. If the improvements reported here find their way into the iQOO 16, then the new device will have an improved outdoor performance while retaining its focus on gaming.

Remarkably, the new M16 material from Samsung along with the recently announced LEAD display technology is reportedly being considered by Apple for its upcoming foldable iPhone Ultra. Although the implementation by Apple will be in a completely different format, the fact that both firms reportedly plan to implement Samsung’s OLED display technology marks a major advance in smartphone displays.

iQOO 16 Could Take Mobile Ray Tracing Further

The display upgrade is said to be just a part of iQOO's plan for their gaming strategy on the iQOO 16 smartphone. The firm is set to launch a new Q4 chip which will focus on graphics processing and real-time lightning effects. The chip may reportedly include virtual point light sources and HDR technology in the games supported by it.

The Q4 chip is supposed to work with game screenshots at maximum 8K resolution and give gamers some extra graphics settings in the compatible titles. It will expand the gaming feature set already included in the iQOO 15 smartphone that has a separate Q3 chip to work with real-time ray tracing, 2K game super resolution and up to 144 fps.

Thus, the iQOO 16 does not seem to depend on an upgraded flagship processor and focuses on gaming more. Along with the 165 Hz display and advanced graphics hardware, this phone might become interesting for gamers.

iQOO 16 Specifications and Other Expected Features

Other major hardware upgrades have also been indicated by earlier leaks. As per leaks, the iQOO 16 would use Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro chipset, even though no official word has been confirmed regarding the processor. There could be a huge 8,500mAh battery along with 100W charging support.

There is also going to be an overhaul in the camera module department. Some reports indicate that there could be a redesign of the iQOO 16 camera module as compared to the iQOO 15 model. While the specifications regarding the camera department have not yet been specified, the overhaul is likely to add up to the futuristic look of the new flagship smartphone.

iQOO 16 India Launch Still Uncertain

It seems that the iQOO 16 is set to debut in China soon, with the rumors pointing at the time period between the end of September and beginning of October. But we still have no information about any upcoming release in India.

For the owners of the previous-generation iQOO 15 phones, the latest offering may not seem like a necessary upgrade, especially if they are pleased with their 144Hz display and overall gaming experience. But for those who are looking for a new gaming flagship device, this phone may provide some justification for waiting. The 165Hz Samsung M16 OLED screen coupled with improved ray-tracing capabilities may help the iQOO 16 become one of the most gaming-oriented flagships of Android.

For the buyers from India, however, the main concern lies in the availability of the product. Only after iQOO officially announces something regarding the Indian market will we know whether the company plans to launch the iQOO 16 in India.