OnePlus 9 Series: Leaks and Details

OnePlus is going to launch its new line of phones in India on 23rd March 2021. There are rumoured to be three smartphones this time around, unlike the last couple of years. Alongside the flagship OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro, we will also see a younger sibling- the OnePlus 9E/9R (the name is yet to be confirmed). This embarks OnePlus following Apple and Samsung’s footsteps by bringing in a more budget-friendly option with their flagship series.

The OnePlus Watch is also expected to launch alongside the three phones. While there is no official spec sheet yet, rumours have given us an idea of how the three devices are. While the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro are the usual run-of-the-mill flagships, the 9E is rumoured to be the competitor of OnePlus Nord. Considering the 9E is priced in the same range, yet offering better features may mean that the next Nord will be more affordable. It might also mark the brand’s entry into the sub 20k range. However, all this is just speculation.

Let’s take a closer look at all the three models:

OnePlus 9 Pro:

The priciest of the bunch, the OnePlus 9 Pro, is expected to cost upwards of 45,000. The specifications are also expected to be worth the price. The device should likely be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, along with up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. Various reports and leaks suggest that the OnePlus 9 Pro will feature a 6.7-inch QHD+ LTPO display with a dynamic refresh rate of 120Hz. The battery is rumoured to be around 4,500 mAH supporting 65W Warp Charging. Whether we get a charging adapter in the box is still dicey. The quad-camera setup has been revealed though- a 48MP Sony IMX789 primary sensor, a 50MP Sony IMX766 ultra-wide, 8MP telephoto lens that offers 3.3x optical zoom, and a 2MP depth sensor.

They feature Hasselblad branding, which has been one of the major marketing points for OnePlus.

OnePlus 9:

The OnePlus 9 is more of an upgrade over the OnePlus 8T. It houses a 6.55-inch FHD+ 120Hz display, which is the same as the 8T. The processor is an upgrade, with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G. Storage and RAM will also take a hit, with 128GB and 8GB compared to its elder sibling. The camera setup is a triple camera one, which is likely to share some hardware with the OnePlus 9 Pro. Battery capacity is rumoured to be the same as its elder sibling.

OnePlus 9E/9R:

The trend of a lite version of flagships is now the new meta. Samsung is doing it, Apple is doing it, and it is only natural that OnePlus follows suit.

All the information on the 9E is currently just speculation. The processor will likely be a mid-ranger, considering the price. However, the device must be better or equal to Nord, as we expect it to rival Nord. Other specs include a 6.5-inch FHD+ display along with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. The camera module is likely to be borrowed by the OnePlus 9/OnePlus 9 Pro. The device will have a 4,000mAh battery along with 30W fast charging.

OnePlus is slowly moving away from its initial tag of “Flagship Killer”. However, they are looking to regain it back this time around. The OnePlus 9E/9R will be an interesting addition to the fiercely competitive sub-30k price range. The OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro will take on the heavyweights- The Samsung Galaxys and iPhones.

One of the most interesting aspects will be the camera module. Considering that it has been designed in partnership with Hasselblad, a well-known brand in the camera industry.

The OnePlus 9 series will be available on Amazon, oneplus.in, and probably on other major retailers too.