‘Flagship Killer’ Features OnePlus Is Building Into Its Next Smartphone

‘Flagship Killer’ Features OnePlus Is Building Into Its Next Smartphone

In the smartphone market, there’s one company that’s billing itself as the “flagship killer”—Chinese handset maker OnePlus. Now the boutique smartphone maker is dropping big hints that another one of its highly regarded handsets is on the way. This one, dubbed the OnePlus 5, will deliver high-end performance, including support for today’s most powerful smartphone processor currently on the market—the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835. The OnePlus 5 is also rumored to include a dual-lens camera and a long-lasting battery, with the ability to run on the networks of all major carriers. There’s even a particular reason why it’s named “OnePlus 5.” This slide show will cover the most credible rumors surrounding one of the year’s most anticipated smartphones.

It’s Getting a Major Redesign

The latest OnePlus devices have had big screens and curved back plates. However, several leaks and rumors suggest the OnePlus 5 has a new design that includes a thin bezel and flat back,  à la the LG G6 or iPhone 7. The new handset also might be crafted from metal and glass.

There’s No Consensus on Screen Sizes

Rumors surrounding the OnePlus 5’s screen vary greatly. Some say the OnePlus 5 will come with a full-HD resolution and measure about 5.5 inches. Others say the device could deliver quad-HD resolution and be bigger than the 5.5-inch option. OnePlus isn’t saying.

There’s Talk of a Dual-Lens, Rear-Facing Camera

While most of the OnePlus 5 rumors say the company is planning a dual-lens, rear-facing camera, the lens orientation isn’t agreed upon. Some reports say the lenses will be arranged vertically, while others say horizontally. A single-lens design is also possible. It’s worth noting that OnePlus has hinted at a dual-lens design.

It Will Have the Latest Snapdragon Processor

On the power front, the OnePlus 5 will be among the best. The handset is expected to ship with Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon 835 processor—the same one used in the Galaxy S8 line. It likely will be complemented by a high-end Adreno GPU to enhance graphics performance.

Long Battery Life Is a Given

While there are conflicting reports about the OnePlus 5’s battery, all agree it will be capable of lasting more than a day on a single charge. Media reports say the smartphone likely will ship with a USB-C rapid charger.

It Won’t Have Multiple Security Features

While other high-end smartphones come with a variety of ways to secure the device, the OnePlus 5 isn’t expected to follow suit. Instead, the OnePlus 5 is believed to have a fingerprint sensor but other biometric security features, such as an iris scanner, are not planned.

Memory and Storage Is More than Adequate

According to most reports, the OnePlus 5 will ship with about 64GB of onboard storage—a sufficient amount for most users. The handset also might support a microSD card up to 128GB in size. Users also can expect at least 6GB in memory, but that could be pushed to 8GB, reports say.

It’s an Unlocked Handset

One of the benefits of buying a OnePlus device is that it’s carrier-agnostic. Customers buy the OnePlus 5 unlocked to use it with the carrier of their choosing. There is a chance it will come with dual-SIM support, allowing the OnePlus 5 to be used internationally.

Why One Plus Is Skipping a Number

Those who follow OnePlus know the company’s last high-end handset was the OnePlus 3T, and  OnePlus has always launched its devices in succession. Why, then, is the next device called the OnePlus 5? According to reports, the company is skipping the OnePlus 4 branding because the number four is bad luck in China.

Look for the OnePlus 5 to Appear in June

Questions remain about the OnePlus 5’s pricing and availability. However, the company has said it will release the handset this summer, following earlier rumors that it might be made available in June. The smartphone could be priced at $450 to $500, substantially less than other high-end handsets.