OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro: What We Want to See

Currently, OnePlus is a brand that has brand-loyal customers on its side. Most OnePlus fan is loyal to OnePlus due to its pricing policy and top-of-the-line specifications. If we exclude the OnePlus 8 series, all previous releases from OnePlus are approximately priced under 500 USD, and everyone knows which hardware the OnePlus uses in their smartphones. Even though pricing has gone up recently, OnePlus has also bumped up its specs to compete with other giant brands like Samsung and Apple.

Like the OnePlus 8 series (released in Q2 2020), we expect the OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro in Q2 of 2021. OnePlus 9 series is reportedly in the works with codenamed Lemonade. We all know these days, we receive lots of leaks and rumors about flagship smartphones before they release, and the OnePlus series is no exception. In this article, we will try to put everything we know about the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro.

What will OnePlus call its next flagship?

We can expect the OnePlus naming scheme to continue with the earlier system so that it will move from 8 to 9. That’s why we will see a OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro next year.

OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro expected features & specifications

Qualcomm’s 5 nm-based SoC

We all know what we can expect here: nothing less than a Snapdragon 875. With all earlier releases, OnePlus showed that they prioritize speed before everything, so the best mobile CPU available at that time will be the choice of OnePlus. This year, they have chosen the Snapdragon 865, so next year, they will almost certainly pick the 5 nm-based Snapdragon 875 for the OnePlus 9 and the OnePlus 9 Pro.

QHD+ AMOLED panel with 144Hz refresh rate

This section is, however, somewhat tricky; on the display section, OnePlus might go with an HDR10+ 144Hz QHD+ AMOLED display for the OnePlus 9 Pro and an HDR10+ 120Hz FHD+ AMOLED display for the OnePlus 9. However, moving to 144Hz doesn’t make so much sense because 144Hz content and games are almost a negligible amount in the market at this time. But refresh rate is the new trend these days, so we might see OnePlus moving in this direction, too. Also, we have seen quite a few truly bezel-less display concepts for the OnePlus 9 and the OnePlus 9 Pro, but they are called concepts for a reason. We wish OnePlus to change the panel type from AMOLED to OLED because that way, users will save battery life.

Quad rear camera setup with 64MP wide lens

The OnePlus 9 series might come with a different camera setup. I don’t think the number of cameras will change next year, but the setup might change. So for the OnePlus 9 Pro, a Quad camera setup at the back with a 64MP Wide, a Telephoto, an Ultrawide, and a 3D TOF lens, and for the OnePlus 9, a Triple rear camera setup with a 64MP Wide, an Ultrawide and a 3D TOF lens. We can expect a video recording quality improvement as well as low-light photography improvements from the next OnePlus series.

UFS 3.1 Tech for faster read & write speeds

In this department, we can expect top-of-the-line UFS 3.1 storage for the new OnePlus 9 lineup. Also, we think next year, OnePlus will surely release a 512GB model of the OnePlus 9 Pro as we think the OnePlus 9 series will move to 800 USD territories next year.

Corning Gorilla Glass 6 protection

Next year we think the OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro both will come with IP68 dust/water-resistant. Also, both displays (as well as the backside because we expect wireless charging functionality in both devices) will be protected by Gorilla Glass 6.

Huge battery and Ultra-fast charge technology

We might see a 5000mAh battery with 65W Super Warp charging in the OnePlus 9 Pro and a 4500mAh battery with 40W fast charging in the OnePlus 9. Also, we might see wireless charging in the Non-Pro model as well.

OnePlus’s Latest Software

The company has announced its next version of OxygenOS, called OxygenOS 11. This custom skin is based on the latest Android 11 operating system. With OxygenOS 11, we get an Always-on Display, a New visual design for stock apps, Live wallpaper, a Dark mode schedule, a New OnePlus sans font, a Customizable swipe-down gesture, Better one-handed usability, and more. Both the upcoming OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro will pack these features as they will run on the latest OxygenOS 11.

OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro pricing & release date

We are expecting next year, OnePlus will move their starting pricing for the OnePlus 9 to $800, We have known OnePlus for its competitive pricing in the past, but OnePlus has moved on from that scheme, and now they is coming toward the premium pricing segment. Maybe in 2022, we will see a $1000+ OnePlus smartphone.

Like earlier OnePlus releases, we expect the OnePlus 9 and the OnePlus 9 Pro to be released in Q2 of 2021, probably in April 2021. However, a report from Androidcentral suggests that the OnePlus 9 lineup will go official in March 2021, i.e., four weeks earlier than the usual OnePlus flagship launch. It looks like the company will go up against the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S21 and Xiaomi Mi 11, launched in Q1 of 2021. Initially, the device will be available in the UK (and other European regions) and the US. After one month, the OnePlus 9 series India launch will likely happen.