TechGADGET REVIEW

OnePlus 16 launches in China after company quits US and Europe

The phone features a Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen chip built for performance, launching only in China after OnePlus exited Western markets this summer.

On air: Dr. Nina Byte and Chip Darnell on BBN This Morning
Published 9:18 AM ET, Monday, October 12, 2026

Photo: Own work · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

Photo: OnePlus — Photo: Own work · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

At a glance

First reported by The Verge: “The OnePlus 16 is the company’s most interesting phone in years”.
Covered on BBN on Monday, October 12, 2026, at 9:18 AM ET on BBN This Morning, by Dr. Nina Byte and Chip Darnell.
Topics: Europe, China, US.
BBN covered this story before: Volkswagen CEO's 'China' remark follows biggest layoffs (October 12).

The real story

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

The VergeThe OnePlus 16 is the company’s most interesting phone in years

What BBN said about it

Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorThe OnePlus 16 launched in China today, and The Verge calls it the company's most interesting phone in years, which is a little awkward, because OnePlus quit the US and Europe this summer.
Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentSo the best phone in years exists, and it lives on the other side of the planet.
Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentI have never been so jealous of a rectangle.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorIs it fast, at least?
Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentIt's built for performance, with a Snapdragon chip whose name needs its own zip code. Pro: speed. Pro: it left before I could return it.
Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentCon: I can't buy it.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorThat's a lot of cons for one phone.
Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentFour stars. And I suspect it's listening, because it clearly heard we were here and left.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorKenji will want it anyway.