Most smartphone vendors let rumors about their devices float around. They neither confirm nor deny the rumors. OnePlus isn’t one of them. While Apple and Samsung try to maintain secrecy around their upcoming flagship smartphones, OnePlus has already confirmed that it is working on the OnePlus 6 that would launch towards the end of the second quarter. So, when rumors about the OnePlus X2 surfaced, OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei quickly shot them down.
Carl Pei took to Twitter to inform his fans that the OnePlus X2 was not on the cards, putting an end to all speculations about the OnePlus X successor. In a follow-up tweet, Pei shared an article about the science of fake news. He said, “Fake news is a huge threat to human civilization. Let’s all do our part in stopping it.” In short, the OnePlus co-founder referred to the rumors about OnePlus X2 as “fake news.”
https://twitter.com/getpeid/status/960790393913671680
It all began when TechPP claimed that the Chinese smartphone vendor was secretly working on the second-generation OnePlus X. The publication added that the OnePlus X2 would launch after OnePlus 6. As per TechPP, the OnePlus X2 would be a mid-range smartphone with a price tag of around $250. It was supposed to feature a 5.5-inch display, Snapdragon 835 processor, a 16MP main camera, an 8MP front shooter, Face Unlock, 32GB/64GB of internal storage, 4GB RAM, and a 3,000mAh battery.
Even before Carl Pei rubbished the report, TechPP’s claim that a $250 phone would launch with Snapdragon 835 had raised eyebrows. The original OnePlus X was launched in 2015 with a price tag of $249. The phone received widespread criticism upon launch and registered only lukewarm sales. OnePlus never released a successor to the OnePlus X.
Every time there were reports about the OnePlus X2 launch, the Chinese company has squashed the rumors. In 2016, OnePlus CEO Pete Lau told Engadget that there would be no successor to the OnePlus X. The original OnePlus X featured 3GB RAM, a ceramic body, Snapdragon 801 processor, and a 5.5-inch Full HD display.
OnePlus is preparing to launch OnePlus 6 in June this year. Pete Lau confirmed at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) last month that the upcoming flagship would be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 845 because “there’s no other choice.” However, Lau isn’t 100% certain whether the company would release the second flagship (OnePlus 6T) this year. But we expect the OnePlus 6T to hit the store shelves towards the end of this year.
Recent reports suggest that the OnePlus 6 would bring an advanced Face Unlock feature to take on Apple’s Face ID and Samsung Galaxy S9’s Intelligent Scan. It is said to use a 3D infrared module to enhance security. OnePlus will incorporate it in the top bezel instead of an iPhone X-like notch. The existing Face Unlock on OnePlus 5T is insanely fast, but not secure enough to authenticate financial transactions.
OnePlus has told consumers that Face Unlock on OnePlus 5T is for convenience, not for top-class security. It uses the camera and software to recognize users. The company has also brought the feature to its older smartphones via a software update. I set it up on my OnePlus 5 after receiving the update last week, and it works like a charm. However, security remains a challenge as Apple’s Face ID is far more secure than Face Unlock.
The OnePlus 6 is rumored to feature 8GB RAM and Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 845 chipset. The device would have a bezel-less OLED display with bezels slimmer than OnePlus 5T. OnePlus will likely retain the 3.5mm headphone jack and improve the dual camera system. There are also speculations that OnePlus 6 could feature Synaptics’ Clear ID FS9500 in-display fingerprint sensor. OnePlus’ sister brand Vivo (Both OnePlus and Vivo are owned by BBK Electronics) has already unveiled a phone with an optical fingerprint scanner.
OnePlus is exploring partnerships with US wireless carriers to sell its flagship phones through carrier stores. In the US, more than 80% smartphones are sold through carriers, which shows why the partnerships would be a great opportunity for OnePlus. The Chinese company has already joined hands with a few carriers in Europe. It would be interesting to see if OnePlus succeeds in persuading US carriers. Only a few weeks ago, Huawei failed to reach a deal with AT&T to sell its Mate 10 Pro handsets in the US.
