In an unexpected move, OnePlus has reportedly begun testing an early preview build of Android 16 on its upcoming flagship, the OnePlus 13. While the device itself remains shrouded in mystery, leaks from internal sources and developer forums suggest a standout feature: a customizable battery charging limit slider designed to extend battery longevity. This innovation could address one of the most common pain points for smartphone users—battery degradation over time.
The Charging Limit Slider: A Game-Changer for Battery Health
According to screenshots shared on the OnePlus Community Forum (viewable here), the Android 16 build includes a new “Battery Protection” menu that lets users manually set a maximum charging threshold. Sliding between 50% and 100%, owners can cap their device’s charging capacity to reduce wear on the battery. For example, setting the limit to 80% ensures the phone stops charging once it reaches that level, a practice long recommended by tech enthusiasts to preserve battery health.
This feature isn’t entirely new—Samsung and Google have offered similar tools in recent years—but OnePlus’s implementation appears more granular. Early testers praise the slider for its simplicity, calling it a “no-brainer addition” for power users who keep their devices for years. As reported by Android Authority (full details here), the update also integrates AI-driven charging patterns, learning user habits to optimize charging speeds during off-peak hours.
Why This Matters
Lithium-ion batteries degrade faster when consistently charged to 100%. By allowing users to limit charging, OnePlus could significantly extend the lifespan of its devices, reducing e-waste and saving consumers money. The move aligns with growing demand for sustainable tech—a priority OnePlus highlighted in its 2023 sustainability report.
“We’re committed to delivering both performance and longevity,” a OnePlus spokesperson said in a statement. “This feature empowers users to take control of their device’s health without compromising on experience.”
Android 16 Preview: What’s Under the Hood?
The Android 16 build also hints at broader upgrades. Leaked code references improved thermal management for gaming, smoother animations, and deeper integration with OnePlus’s ecosystem, including the upcoming OnePlus Pad 2. However, the preview remains unstable and is currently limited to developers. Public beta testing is expected to begin in late 2024, with a stable release likely coinciding with the OnePlus 13’s launch in early 2025.
Community Reactions and Availability
Early adopters on Reddit and X (formerly Twitter) are already buzzing about the charging slider. “Finally, a reason to skip third-party battery apps,” wrote one user. Others hope OnePlus backports the feature to older models like the OnePlus 12.
For those eager to join the OnePlus ecosystem ahead of the OnePlus 13’s debut, the current flagship OnePlus 12 remains a strong contender, available on Amazon with aggressive discounts.
The Bottom Line
OnePlus’s embrace of customizable charging limits signals a shift toward user-centric sustainability. While the OnePlus 13 is still months away, this leak underscores the brand’s ambition to stay ahead of the curve—both in software innovation and environmental responsibility.
Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the official launch window.
