The OnePlus 16’s coolest feature is also its most embarrassing

OnePlus has unveiled the OnePlus 16, with a notable feature that has garnered mixed reactions: a glowing LED light array on the back of the phone. While some may find it a unique selling point, others believe it to be a glaring embarrassment for the company. The LED lights, which are expected to be exclusive to one color variant, have been compared to a tacky design choice that fails to match the phone's overall personality.

With similarities to the OnePlus 15, the OnePlus 16 appears to be an incremental upgrade rather than a groundbreaking device. The company's previous innovations, such as the Alert Slider and off-screen gestures, have been overshadowed by this questionable feature. Some argue that OnePlus has resorted to desperate measures to hype up the new phone, drawing comparisons to Nothing, a brand founded by OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei.

Nothing's unique feature of a low-res rear LED panel has been criticized for being executed far better than OnePlus's attempt. OnePlus has not provided a clear explanation for this choice, leaving many to speculate about the reasoning behind the elaborate backlit design and nonsensical typography. Pre-orders in China suggest that the LED lights will only be available on one color variant, potentially minimizing the backlash.

However, the overall design and functionality of the phone remain to be seen. OnePlus has decided not to bring the OnePlus 16 to the United States, which may be a fortunate outcome for those who find the glowing LEDs embarrassing.