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There will not be a OnePlus 8T Verizon model, but it's not all bad news
- According to the carrier, there will not be a OnePlus 8T Verizon model.
- This leaves the OnePlus 8 UW as the only OnePlus phone on Verizon’s shelves.
- Thankfully, Big Red says it will likely support activations of the new smartphone.
Earlier this year, OnePlus hit the big leagues when it launched the OnePlus 8 UW on the largest wireless carrier in the United States, Verizon. However, it doesn’t look like Big Red is interested in the latest model, as the carrier confirmed to Android Authority that there won’t be a OnePlus 8T Verizon variant.
This means Verizon customers won’t be able to stop into their carrier shop to buy the new phone. They also won’t be able to take advantage of any discounts or payment plans offered by Verizon.
However, it’s not all bad news. The Verizon representative did say that activations of the OnePlus 8T will likely be supported. This leaves open the possibility that Verizon customers could buy an unlocked model of the OnePlus 8T and use it on their Verizon account.
No OnePlus 8T Verizon model, but why?
OnePlus fans on Verizon might be wondering why the 8T is getting shafted. The rep with whom we spoke didn’t clarify, unfortunately. However, it might have something to do with rumors that the OnePlus 8 UW wasn’t a hit with Verizon’s customers.
According to news from PC Mag, the OnePlus 8 UW just didn’t sell as well as hoped. It’s possible that Verizon wants to continue focusing only on the OnePlus 8 UW and sees a OnePlus 8T Verizon variant as too confusing for customers. Or, it could be that the alleged weak sales of the OnePlus 8 make it too risky to bring in a second version.
Whatever the case, the bad news at Big Red doesn’t appear to be affecting OnePlus’ other carrier partnership in the US. On T-Mobile, there will definitely be a OnePlus 8T model. In fact, T-Mo is bringing in a special version of the 8T called the OnePlus 8T Plus (seriously). It appears to be the same hardware but with added support for T-Mo’s 2.5GHz 5G network and an IP68 rating against water and dust.
For all the info you need on the OnePlus 8T, check out our guide here.