We asked, you told us: The OnePlus 9 should focus on price, not new features

This week brought some thirst-quenching news for those panting over 2021’s flagships. After the Samsung Galaxy S30 series was uncovered in purported early renders, the OnePlus 9’s code-name was spilled. Dubbed “Lemonade,” the phone is reportedly due for an earlier than normal arrival.

There have been no concrete specs leaked for the Chinese flagship just yet, but considering OnePlus has already confirmed we’ll see faster displays across all models in 2021, we wanted to know from readers what else the new series should include.

To that end, we asked you in a recent poll to choose one of four feature sets you likely have on your wish lists. Here’s how you answered.

What would you most like to see from the OnePlus 9 series?

Results

Tallies were surprisingly one-sided, but it’s understandable that readers are voting with their wallets in mind. To that end, 41.1% of readers’ don’t care about new features but do want the OnePlus 9 series to be less expensive.

That’s a fair request. Sure, the OnePlus 8 was among the cheapest flagships of 2020 debuting at just $699, but the OnePlus 8 Pro started at ~$900. Meanwhile, the OnePlus 8T launched for $750 and added the Pro’s higher refresh rate display, faster charging than both models, and an extra rear snapper. It wasn’t an all-around improvement, though. It shed the Pro’s wireless charging support and IP rating in return.

OnePlus’ phones don’t yet retail for the $1,000+ levels of Samsung and Apple flagships, but the firm once renowned for its devices’ affordability is encroaching on this territory with every new release.

The OnePlus 8T also had sub-par camera performance. We noted this in our review, and it’s a feature set readers wish to be remedied on the OnePlus 9 series. Around 28% of voters want “top-notch cameras” in the firm’s next flagship iteration.

“Premium features” were also high on the wishlist of voters, with 23.2% selecting that particular option. Users hope to see the return of an IP rating and wireless charging to the OnePlus 9 line.

Finally, just 7.3% of users want “class-leading displays” on the flagship, calling into question OnePlus’ focus on display quality and features above other practical features.

Judging by the comments, practical features are exactly what potential buyers crave, too.

Here’s what you had to say

• John: Smaller form factor, thank you.
• tjkr: Better cameras, smaller form factor, a better GPU, and QHD screens on all variants.
  Plus, no bloatware and no “later bloatware” through updates as well promise.
• AnySmarterIdRunLinux: Basic features: Big battery; 3.5mm port; sdCard in a ~6″ form factor. These 3 things require no R&D $$ and improve on anything they have ever released. And give it a SD 775 and sell it for $599.
• Ali Afraz: OnePlus charm has been milked to death by these 6 month release windows.
• Pete Armstrong: Samsung and OnePlus already talking next phones – too many, too soon and too expensive – for most people!

That’s it for this OnePlus 9 series poll. Thanks to all those who voted and commented on this one. If you have any additional comments about the OnePlus 9 series, its rumored earlier release window, or the poll results, be sure to drop them down below.