We'll get our first look at a OnePlus 5G prototype at MWC 2019

Despite Samsung skipping MWC 2019 and instead launching its latest flagships elsewhere, the event will still be packed with exciting phone announcements. Thanks to an early announcement from OnePlus, we know the Chinese company will be showing off a 5G prototype handset at the show.

OnePlus released the following statement about its booth at MWC (via XDA-Developers):

Connect with the OnePlus Community over 5G

OnePlus, at Qualcomm’s booth (Hall 3 Stand 3E10), invites all to connect and communicate with our community over a 5G network. Attendees will also be able to experience the capabilities of 5G gaming on a OnePlus 5G prototype. Keep an eye out for the limited-edition Qualcomm x OnePlus pin badge, only available at the OnePlus stand.

Interestingly, the statement makes it seem like OnePlus is more interested in showing off the capabilities of 5G rather than the handset itself. This likely means that the device shown off at MWC will be barebones and confined in such a way that hides the phone’s design and features.

For now, all we know about the OnePlus 5G handset is that it will include the Snapdragon 855 SoC and Qualcomm X50 modem as both are currently required to work on 5G networks. Additionally, the company’s CEO has already hinted that the device will likely cost $200 to $300 more than other OnePlus phones, offer a similar design to previous handsets, and it won’t be the OnePlus 7.

Unless OnePlus makes an announcement at MWC, we will have to wait until May to learn more about the company’s 5G smartphone.