OnePlus is preparing to introduce a compact magnetic smartphone cooler designed to tackle overheating during gaming and other demanding tasks. Called the Ice Card Mini Magnetic Cooler, the accessory is scheduled to debut in China on October 12 alongside the upcoming OnePlus 16 flagship smartphone.
Weighing just 50 grams and measuring 70mm by 53.4mm, the device is smaller than a standard bank card. Its compact design makes it easier to carry than conventional phone cooling accessories, offering mobile gamers a lightweight option to manage heat without adding significant bulk to their devices.
The launch comes as smartphone manufacturers compete to deliver stronger processors, high-refresh-rate displays and improved gaming performance. While these upgrades make phones more capable, sustained gaming, video recording and other resource-intensive activities can cause temperatures to rise, potentially affecting performance and battery efficiency.
The Ice Card Mini aims to address this problem through a combination of thermoelectric cooling technology and an air-cooling system.
Unlike a conventional phone case or passive heat spreader, the accessory uses a thermoelectric cooling chip, known as a TEC chip, to help lower temperatures. An integrated air-cooling mechanism then directs cooling towards the phone’s main heat-generating area. The design is intended to help manage heat when a smartphone is under heavy load.
The accessory measures 9.7mm thick across its main body, increasing to 12.3mm around the air intake. Its exterior combines polycarbonate and aluminium alloy, balancing a lightweight construction with durability. OnePlus is expected to offer it in Silver Wing Grey.
Two cooling modes for different situations
The Ice Card Mini offers two operating modes to suit different usage conditions. Its quieter setting produces around 25 decibels of noise, while the higher-performance mode reaches approximately 35 decibels.
These options allow users to choose between quieter operation and stronger cooling, depending on whether they are playing games, streaming content or using demanding applications. A built-in status indicator helps users identify the selected mode. A green light indicates the quieter setting, blue signals the higher-performance mode, and a flashing red light warns of a fault.
The cooling accessory attaches magnetically, with a reported holding force of approximately 10 newtons. This allows it to be fitted to compatible smartphones without requiring a bulky mounting system.
OnePlus is also including a magnetic plate for devices that do not have built-in magnets. This could expand compatibility to a wider range of Android smartphones and iPhones, although the precise compatibility and performance may vary between devices.
The cooler connects through a USB Type-C port and supports an input of up to 5 volts at 0.7 amperes. Users can power it directly from a compatible smartphone or connect it to a power bank or adapter.
According to the reported specifications, a 10,000mAh power bank can keep the accessory running for up to eight hours in its higher-performance mode. Actual runtime may vary depending on 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.
A growing market for smartphone cooling accessories
The Ice Card Mini follows OnePlus’ earlier Magnetic Ice Cooling Clip, introduced in 2026. The earlier model weighs approximately 68 grams and has a larger footprint. The new version is around 18 grams lighter and has a footprint roughly 30% smaller, making portability its main selling point.
The move reflects a broader trend in the smartphone industry, where manufacturers are building accessories around gaming, charging and thermal management. Dedicated gaming phones have long used advanced cooling systems, but compact external coolers offer an alternative for users who prefer conventional flagship smartphones.
Heat management matters because prolonged high temperatures can cause a phone to reduce processor speeds to protect its components. This process, known as thermal throttling, may lead to inconsistent frame rates, slower performance and less comfortable gaming sessions. An external cooler could help reduce these effects, although its real-world benefits will depend on the phone, game and surrounding temperature.
OnePlus has not yet announced the Ice Card Mini’s official price. Its availability outside China, including in India, also remains unclear.
The accessory is expected to be unveiled on October 12 alongside the OnePlus 16. Pricing, sales details and wider market availability will be important factors in determining whether the compact cooler can appeal beyond dedicated mobile gaming enthusiasts.
With its small footprint, magnetic attachment and two cooling modes, the Ice Card Mini positions itself as a portable solution for users who want to keep their smartphones cooler during demanding tasks without carrying a large gaming accessory.
