OnePlus 16 hands-on videos reveal working rear notification lights
New hands-on footage shows OnePlus's 'Interstellar Lighting Effect' functioning on the rear of the OnePlus 16, with three illumination zones lighting up in a fixed orange-yellow glow to signal calls, texts, and other alerts. The feature appears limited to the Tomorrow's Starlight color option and pairs with a topographic-style pattern on the back panel that doesn't itself light up.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
OnePlus is joining Nothing and Google in experimenting with rear-panel lighting as a way to differentiate phones through hardware-based notifications rather than just software. Since the feature uses fixed-color LEDs instead of RGB, it likely keeps power draw low, similar to Nothing's Glyph system, making it a practical rather than purely cosmetic addition.
- Three rear zones light up in orange-yellow to signal calls, texts, and game highlights.
- The lighting effect appears exclusive to the Tomorrow's Starlight colorway.
- The OnePlus 16 is not expected to launch officially in North America.
Source: androidauthority.com, 2026-09-21
Published there as: “OnePlus 16’s glowing rear lights look even cooler in action”
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