OnePlus Gears Up for More Phones This Year
OnePlus is said to have lined up some major launches this month, with its most recent flagship launching internationally, as well as the introduction of the Ace 5 series of phones to China. Fresh leaks are suggesting the brand may have another ace in the box for fans – a compact smartphone.
Leak Implies Smaller Phone
According to Digital Chat Station, a reliable source of various smartphone leaks in China, OnePlus is working on a “small” phone with a 6.53-inch display. That’s much smaller than the 6.82-inch display on the upcoming OnePlus 13. This would not be the first attempt at a compact device by OnePlus. In 2019, OnePlus released the OnePlus X, featuring a premium design, a 5-inch display, a powerful Qualcomm processor, and an attractive price of $250. The OnePlus X quickly became a darling among fans of smaller smartphones.
Compact Smartphones Gain Popularity
While big-screen phones are the dominating force in the market, compact smartphones are making a comeback. Google and Apple have stuck to offering pocket-sized phones despite their flagship displays crossing the 6-inch barrier. This year also saw Vivo jump into the fray with its X200 Pro Mini, packing flagship features into a smaller size.
Now, it looks like OnePlus is ready to take the plunge into this growing niche with its new compact offering.
Expected Features and Specifications
The leaked details suggest that this compact OnePlus phone will carry Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, meaning performance will be top-notch. It is expected to feature around 1.5K resolution, providing sharp visuals.
For the photography enthusiasts, the phone will most probably feature a 50MP Sony sensor as one of its main rear cameras. The device is also said to boast a new horizontal camera module design. An under-display fingerprint sensor is reportedly included, though the phone might lack a periscope-style zoom lens, often used for advanced optical zoom capabilities.
Based on the leaked design and specs, the device seems different from the Ace series that remains exclusive to China.
Collaboration with Oppo
Often, given the close relationship between OnePlus and its sister company Oppo, technology and design elements often overlap. For example, the Oppo Find N3 was an essentially identical phone to the OnePlus Open, but with different branding. The same source suggests Oppo is also working on a compact smartphone destined for the Chinese market.
It is yet to be seen whose name will stay at the top in the compact smartphone segment, but regarding its recent history, OnePlus could be the first brand to introduce a mini flagship into the market.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for OnePlus
Although OnePlus has not officially confirmed the existence of this compact phone, the rumors have generated considerable excitement. With flagship-level hardware, a smaller form factor, and a sleek design, this rumored smartphone could cut out a unique niche in the market. As compact smartphones become more popular, OnePlus’s new device may set a new benchmark for powerful, pocket-friendly tech.
