OnePlus 9 Lite could launch with Snapdragon 865
Recognition: Ryan-Thomas Shaw / Android Authority
- According to a new rumor, OnePlus could launch a OnePlus 9 Lite next year.
- The source of the rumor also suggests that the phone might come with a Snapdragon 865 processor.
- In theory, this phone would be cheaper than the OnePlus 9 and significantly cheaper than the OnePlus 9 Pro.
It looks like OnePlus is poised to outdo itself in 2021 when it comes to the number of phones that launch at once. According to a rumor that came from an anonymous “inside source” that was spoken to Android CentralThe company could launch three OnePlus 9-series phones early next year. It is supposedly a vanilla OnePlus 9, a Pro variant and a new Lite variant.
Connected: OnePlus 9 Series: What We Know So Far
The source also claims that the OnePlus 9 Lite could land with 2020’s flagship smartphone processor, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865. This would be in contrast to the vanilla OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro, both of which would land with the Snapdragon 888. This processor is going to be the flagship silicon for 2021.
OnePlus 9 Lite: better than a north?
If this rumor comes true, it would add another price tier to OnePlus’ repertoire. The OnePlus Nord has a Snapdragon 765 and costs around $ 500 in the countries where it’s available. The OnePlus 8 starts at $ 699, and the newer OnePlus 8T starts at $ 749.
If we assume the OnePlus 9 is more expensive than the OnePlus 8T, it’s likely that it starts at $ 799. A OnePlus 9 Lite would have to clumsily exist somewhere between the OnePlus Nord and the OnePlus 8T without affecting sales of either of the two. That doesn’t leave much wiggle room and would likely put it in the $ 649 price range.
Load surveyOf course, just because OnePlus may be releasing a lite version of its latest flagship doesn’t mean it will be available everywhere. For example, the OnePlus Nord isn’t available in the US, so a OnePlus 9 Lite could be priced closer to $ 600 and OnePlus wouldn’t have to worry about cannibalizing Nord sales.
We’ll have to wait and see if this rumor spreads. In the meantime, let us know what you think in the poll above!
