OnePlus is hard at work on updates to its OnePlus 7 and OnePlus 7 Pro handsets launched earlier this year. These minor refreshes, which typically focus on speed or camera updates instead of dramatic industrial design overhauls, are usually branded by a "T" after the numerical value, like the OnePlus 6T last year.
Previous leaks suggest the design won't be all that exciting, OnePlus has revealed some exciting information about the features coming to the next handset.
In an exclusive email interview with CNET, OnePlus co-founder Pete Lau confirmed rumours that a new handset is in the works at the moment and that the Shenzhen-based company will bring the 90Hz high refresh rate OLED (that we heaped praise upon in our OnePlus 7 Pro and OnePlus 7 Pro 5G reviews) to a lower-cost device.
Yes, that means you won't have to cough-up the £649 starting price for the OnePlus 7 Pro to get access to the feature, which makes scrolling within apps, system animations, and fast-paced mobile games appear much smoother.
At launch, OnePlus 7 Pro was the most expensive handset ever launched by the five-year-old company. It was unclear whether this was the start of a new trend for the company – bringing new flagship features not available on rival devices from the likes of Samsung, Apple and Huawei to a "Pro" variant with a higher price tag.
That's still possible, of course. However, it's reassuring to see that OnePlus hasn't forgotten what made it so popular – flagship features at an astonishingly low price point, compared to the likes of the Galaxy S and iPhone ranges.
90 Hz has changed the way we look at displays. Find out how we're sharing smoothness in all-new ways. https://t.co/zE8jb9bDzkSeptember 5, 2019
OnePlus CEO Pete Lau wouldn't be drawn into revealing the full details on the as-yet unannounced smartphone, but he told CNET the new device will launch "very soon" and keep the 90Hz display.
Upgrade to smarter living
Get the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products straight to your inbox.
"OnePlus was the first in the industry to use a QHD Plus 90Hz AMOLED screen with the ultrapremium OnePlus 7 Pro," he stated.
"The overwhelming positive feedback pushed us to bring 90Hz, which we believe will become standard on flagship phones, to our highly acclaimed premium lineup so that more people can experience the smooth scrolling display."
Lau didn't confirm whether the processor powering this new handset – likely the OnePlus 7T, rather than OnePlus 7T Pro – was the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 found in the 7 Pro, although he implied that will more than likely be the case.
"We design OnePlus devices to achieve the best fast and smooth experience on the market," Lau told CNET. "Implementing the best-in-industry Qualcomm 800 series processors is a major part of achieving this high-end performance."
With OnePlus confirming plans to hold an event in September to reveal its long-awaited Smart TV, it's possible we could see this refreshed OnePlus smartphone at the same event. If so, there's not long left to wait before we know everything there is to know about the handset. Stay tuned.
As a former Staff Writer for T3, Aaron writes about almost anything shiny and techie. When he’s not barking orders at Alexa-powered microwaves or gawping at 5G speed tests, Aaron covers everything from smartphones, tablets and laptops, to speakers, TVs and smart home gadgets. Prior to joining T3, Aaron worked at the Daily Express and and MailOnline.
-
OnePlus is increasing available storage space in a creative way
You'll soon have more room for all of your files and photos
By Sam Cross Published
-
OnePlus 13 now available with awesome specs, but you won't be able to buy it... yet
The OnePlus 13 officially goes on sale, but only in a specific region
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
OnePlus 13 launch date revealed, and it's much sooner than usual
The OnePlus 13 has as official launch date with some details already confirmed
By Chris Hall Published
-
OnePlus 13's display has already broken records and we've not even seen it yet
The launch of the OnePlus 13 is imminent and nothing is being left to the imagination
By Chris Hall Published
-
OnePlus 13 could come with one of the iPhone's best features
The OnePlus 13 could be the start of a new trend in Android phones
By Chris Hall Published
-
Your Oppo or OnePlus phone is getting an iPhone-like makeover for free
This could be a neat boost for Android phone fans
By Sam Cross Published
-
OnePlus 13 appears in official image – its next-gen display does, anyway
And it looks gorgeous
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
OnePlus 13 launch confirmed – coming much earlier than usual
OnePlus' flagship phone will likely come with an industry first
By Rik Henderson Published