OnePlus is preparing to launch a compact magnetic smartphone cooler designed to prevent overheating during mobile gaming and other demanding tasks. The Ice Card Mini Magnetic Cooler is set to debut in China on October 12 alongside the company’s upcoming OnePlus 16 flagship smartphone.
Weighing just 50 grams, the accessory is designed for users who want to keep their phones cool without carrying bulky gaming equipment. Measuring 70mm by 53.4mm, it is smaller than a standard bank card and focuses on portability as its main selling point.
The launch comes as smartphones become increasingly powerful, with advanced processors, high-refresh-rate displays and graphics-intensive games placing greater demands on internal components. Extended gaming sessions, video recording and other resource-heavy activities can generate considerable heat, sometimes forcing devices to reduce performance to protect themselves.
The Ice Card Mini aims to address this issue with a combination of thermoelectric cooling technology and an integrated air-cooling system. Its thermoelectric chip helps draw heat away from the smartphone, while the cooling mechanism supports heat dissipation during intensive use.
Unlike passive cooling accessories, which primarily spread heat across a larger surface, active cooling devices are designed to lower temperatures more directly. Their effectiveness, however, depends on the smartphone model, the intensity of use and the surrounding temperature.
The cooler measures 9.7mm thick at its main body, increasing to 12.3mm around the air intake. Its construction combines polycarbonate and aluminium alloy, with a reported finish called Silver Wing Grey.
The accessory offers two cooling modes to suit different situations. The quieter setting produces around 25 decibels of noise, while the higher-performance mode reaches approximately 35 decibels. This gives users the option to prioritise quieter operation or stronger cooling depending on their needs.
A built-in indicator helps users identify the selected mode. Green indicates the quieter setting, blue signals the higher-performance mode, and a flashing red light warns of a fault.
The magnetic attachment system allows the cooler to connect directly to compatible smartphones. OnePlus is also expected to include a magnetic plate for phones without built-in magnets, potentially extending compatibility to a wider range of Android devices and iPhones. Actual compatibility will depend on the device and its configuration.
The Ice Card Mini connects through a USB Type-C port and supports an input of up to 5 volts at 0.7 amperes. It can be powered through a compatible smartphone, power bank or adapter.
OnePlus claims that a 10,000mAh power bank can operate the accessory for up to eight hours in its higher-performance mode. The actual duration may vary according to the power source and operating conditions.
The retail package is expected to include the cooler, a USB cable, a lanyard, a magnetic plate, auxiliary adhesive film and a user manual.
The new model follows OnePlus’ earlier Magnetic Ice Cooling Clip, which weighs around 68 grams. At approximately 18 grams lighter, the Ice Card Mini offers a more compact alternative for users who want an external cooling solution that is easy to carry.
Smartphone cooling accessories are gaining relevance as mobile gaming becomes more demanding. When a phone’s temperature rises significantly, it may reduce processor speeds through a process known as thermal throttling. This can affect frame rates, responsiveness and overall gaming performance. External coolers may help manage heat, although their benefits vary across devices and workloads.
The accessory could appeal to mobile gamers who use conventional flagship phones rather than dedicated gaming smartphones. It may also interest users who regularly record high-resolution video or run applications that place sustained demands on their devices.
OnePlus has not yet confirmed the Ice Card Mini’s official price or announced availability outside China, including in India. Further details are expected around its October 12 unveiling alongside the OnePlus 16.
With its lightweight design, magnetic attachment and two cooling modes, the Ice Card Mini adds to the growing range of smartphone accessories aimed at improving performance and managing heat during intensive use.