In the months leading up to the OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro‘s launch, we’d listened to various rumors leading to an ‘OnePlus 8 Lite,’ but that never concluded. But for those requiring a more affordable OnePlus device, not all hope is lost.
Leakster Max J recently posted an image teasing an ‘OnePlus Z’ to come this summer, advising the smartphone was just delayed and rebranded.
While a rare picture isn’t much to go on, Max J has a good record of certain leaks. The design outline also echoes the renders of the OnePlus 8 Lite we’d seen back in December.
As with many things these days, the delay of the Z was blamed on the Coronavirus outbreak. Although Unofficially, OnePlus never confirmed that they are working on a “lite” model.
Though the OnePlus Z would presumably not have flagship-level specs, it could provide a budget alternative for people who want to balance up for the high-end models, but still appreciate the company’s minimal Android skin and highly optimized software. It is set to be the first OnePlus phone not to use a Snapdragon chipset, allegedly opting for a MediaTek Dimensity 1000L instead. That would still enable 5G connectivity assuredly.
The device may have a centered punch-hole camera upfront unlike the OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro, both of which have their selfie-camera cutouts on the top-left looking like a notch. And also Longside a triple-camera setup at the back.
OnePlus phones are becoming a bigger and bigger draw, with the company quickly amassing an Apple-like following of dedicated fans, and that’s because of the quality of the handsets themselves and the value they provide to their customers.
Launching of OnePlus Z will provide a more affordable price-point experience for consumers who can’t spend the extra money on the OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro.