OnePlus is gearing up for the international launch of its newest flagship and the Chinese release of its Ace 5 series. However, whispers suggest another exciting development: a compact flagship phone.
Reliable leaker Digital Chat Station hints that OnePlus is developing a “small” phone with a 6.53-inch display, a noticeable difference from the OnePlus 13’s 6.82-inch screen. This isn’t entirely new territory for OnePlus; in 2019, the company released the OnePlus X, a 5-inch phone with a premium design, a high-end Qualcomm processor, and a competitive price point.
While companies like Google and Apple have maintained a focus on pocketable phones, even with displays exceeding 6 inches, a renewed interest in smaller flagships is emerging. Vivo’s X200 Pro mini, launched earlier this year, exemplifies this trend, packing top-tier hardware into a smaller form factor.
OnePlus appears to be joining this resurgence. The leaked information, originating from Weibo, points towards Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset powering this new device.
OnePlus X rear glass shell.
The display is rumored to boast a 1.5K resolution, and a 50MP Sony sensor is expected to lead the rear camera setup. Furthermore, the phone is said to feature a redesigned horizontal camera island. An under-display fingerprint sensor is anticipated, though a periscope zoom lens might be absent. The leaked specifications suggest a distinct device, separate from the China-exclusive Ace series.
OnePlus has yet to officially acknowledge the existence of this compact flagship. Interestingly, Oppo, which shares R&D resources with OnePlus, is also reportedly developing a “mini” smartphone for the Chinese market, according to the same source. The relationship between these two companies is close, evidenced by the Oppo Find N3 and OnePlus Open essentially being the same device. It’s uncertain which company will spearhead this renewed focus on compact flagships, but considering its past ventures, OnePlus could be the first to market.
In conclusion, a smaller, powerful OnePlus phone might be on the horizon. This potential release caters to users seeking a premium experience without the bulk of larger devices. While official confirmation remains pending, the leaks paint a compelling picture of OnePlus’s potential return to the “mini” flagship arena.
