Oneplus 16 rumored to embrace lpddr6, raising price concerns
OnePlus faces a difficult choice: push performance with the latest LPDDR6 RAM or risk alienating a customer base increasingly sensitive to price increases. The potential launch of the OnePlus 16 in April is overshadowed by hardware rumors suggesting a significant RAM upgrade, a move that could make the phone a China-exclusive or even a pricier offering in key markets like the US and UK.
Lpddr6: speed at a cost?
The whispers started with reports of LPDDR6 RAM in the upcoming flagship. A substantial leap from LPDDR5X, LPDDR6 promises faster speeds, boosting multitasking and performance in demanding tasks. This enhanced data handling is particularly beneficial for AI workloads and 8K video editing. However, the current global RAM shortage coupled with escalating chip prices means this upgrade won’t come cheap.
A recent poll revealed consumer sentiment is sharply divided. While 26.58% are willing to absorb the cost for the speed and power, a significant 46.84% are resistant. The option of a dual-RAM configuration (choosing between different RAM types) garnered 16.54% of the votes. And, predictably, 10.04% yearn for LPDDR6 at the existing price point, even if it means compromises elsewhere, such as a less sophisticated camera system – a strategy OnePlus employed with the OnePlus 15.
The irony isn’t lost on many: consumers are already questioning the tangible benefits of incremental RAM speed gains. “LPDDR5X is great,” one respondent commented. “2026 looks like the worst time for pointless 10–15% gains in terms of RAM speed.” For many, the extra horsepower offered by LPDDR6 is overkill, especially when they already possess powerful desktop computers.
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