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OnePlus is reportedly applying a major change in the upcoming launch of the OnePlus 9 series. The lineup is expected to grow with a total of three devices with the addition of a rumored “Lite” model.
OnePlus 9 series is getting a ‘Lite’ model
Android fans should look forward to three new devices to be unveiled once the OnePlus 9 series is announced next year. Android Central reports that a “OnePlus 9 Lite” will be added to the lineup along with the staple base model OnePlus 9 and the OnePlus 9 Pro. If this is accurate, 2021 will be the first year that the smartphone make introduces a Lite option to its flagship series.
The new entry reportedly has one defining feature that sets it apart from the OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro. The Lite model is rumored to be powered by the Snapdragon 865, which was originally launched in early December 2019. Other devices in the lineup would be equipped with the newly announced Snapdragon 888 as expected.
Snapdragon 888 is promised to perform 25% better than its predecessor and clocked at 2.84GHz CPU speed. The newer chipset also comes with a built-in Snapdragon X60 modem, which resolves one of the critics in the Snapdragon 865. There was no mention if the OnePlus 9 Lite will be released with 5G support.
Despite Snapdragon 865 being more than a year old now, it is still a much better option than having an SoC intended for mid-range devices. It also makes sense to have this chipset on the OnePlus 9 Lite so it could still fall under the premium category while allowing OnePlus to market it at a lower price point. The same report speculates it could cost around $600.
Expanding the flagship OnePlus smartphone series is also not entirely surprising. Over the last year, the company has made efforts in offering its fans more options. One notable development is the launch of the mid-range OnePlus Nord in some territories earlier this year.
OnePlus 9 release date eyed in Q1 2021
As for the announcement of the OnePlus 9, tech fans will have to wait a few more months. However, there have been reports that its launch could be happening in March 2021, which is about a month earlier than the OnePlus 8 last year.
