OnePlus 9R revealed as the missing piece in the OnePlus 9 puzzle

OnePlus set to revamp the OnePlus 9 series with a new name for its 'lite' smartphone

OnePlus 9 Pro 5G concept
(Image credit: Waqar Khan)

The OnePlus 9 series is reportedly launching next month, and the lineup is primed to feature three handsets; the OnePlus 9, OnePlus 9 Pro, and a 'lite' version which has been keeping everyone guessing with its name; but the secret is out with the news that the device will be dubbed the OnePlus 9R.

OnePlus usually offers its flagship in three variants to hit different consumer budgets, which is par for the course now; Apple does it with its iPhones, like the most recent iPhone 12, and the Samsung Galaxy S21 series is carrying on the tradition although the difference between the two cheaper models is negligible. 

Last year's OnePlus 8 included the T3 award-winning OnePlus 8 Pro, and OnePlus 8 Lite, but Twitter leaker Evan Blass posted a snippet of code – which he says is related to "three stub guide pages being prepped for the 9 series" that makes mention of a OnePlus 9R. 

So far, we've heard whispers of a OnePlus 9 Lite, and OnePlus 9E, and this appears to be the same device, so any mention of the Lite, R, and E monikers are referring to the same smartphone going by Blass' comments.

Just this week, there was a massive OnePlus 9 leak  that detailed the specs for the base model handset. Fans can expect the latest Snapdragon 888 processor, a smooth 120Hz display, and 6.55-inch screen. 

While we've also heard details on the OnePlus 9 Pro, the OnePlus 9R is somewhat more mysterious, but with the budget OnePlus Nord line, which includes the OnePlus Nord N10 5G, and OnePlus Nord 100, the smartphone needs to offer significant upgrades to give savvy shoppers a reason to fork out more for a lite OnePlus 9 over cheap and cheerful alternative.  

Shabana Arif

Shabana worked at T3.com as News Editor covering tech and gaming, and has been writing about video games for almost a decade (and playing them since forever). She's had bylines at major gaming sites during her freelance career before settling down here at T3, and has podcasts, streaming, and video content under her belt to boot. Outside of work, she also plays video games and should really think about expanding her hobbies. If you have any tech or gaming tips, shoot over an email or DM her on social media.