OnePlus could be readying affordable phones with flagship chips

OnePlus gained a reputation in its formative years as a brand offering flagship performance and specs in an affordable package. The company’s phones have increased in price over the years, but it seems like the brand could be going back to its affordable roots for a new series.

Weibo leaker Digital Chat Station has claimed that OnePlus is working on a new phone line focused on performance and gaming. It’s believed that this phone series will have a price ranging from 2,000 to 3,000 yuan (~$315 to ~$473). Chinese pricing tends to be cheaper than the rest of the world, so we’d expect a substantial price hike in Europe and potentially India.

The leaker adds that this new series will have a flagship processor and a flat screen rather than a curved panel. Of course, a flagship chipset doesn’t necessarily mean the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in theory. This could potentially mean the MediaTek Dimensity 9000 or older SoCs like the Snapdragon 888, Snapdragon 870, or Dimensity 1200 too. But it would still make for a boost over many other phones in this price segment.

In any event, a more affordable smartphone line focused on horsepower would be a return of sorts to OnePlus’ origins. But we’re guessing the company would cut back in other areas in order to meet the reported price window. Some potential compromises include the cameras, IP rating, and wireless charging support.

There’s no word on release details for this rumored OnePlus series, but we hope it comes to other markets if it is indeed a cheaper yet powerful phone line.

What are you willing to give up for a more affordable Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 smartphone (e.g. $300 to $400)? Let us know via the poll below.