The OnePlus 6T was announced last Monday in two typical color options, Mirror Black and Midnight Black. Hints before the device’s launch detailed that OnePlus was experimenting with other color options for the device, including some gradient options, where the device may look like its a different color depending on how its held. Now, one of those models is on the market, at least in China.
OnePlus has released a Thunder Purple model of the OnePlus 6T, which does from black to purple top-to-bottom. This model is available in an 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage configuration and sells for 3,599 yuan ($520).
There’s no word on whether this model of the OnePlus 6T will become available anywhere else, but the manufacturer typically keeps its color options to a minimum in order to keep device prices lower. Its affordable premium branding makes it so details like style and color options are sacrificed to stuff devices with the latest technology while keeping prices lower than the average high-end smartphone. Any color options offered by the company typically are more expensive than the standard black options.
The OnePlus 6 came in a special Silk White color option, while the OnePlus 5T was available in a Lava Red model. The Chinese manufacturer has mentioned one of the reasons it doesn’t experiment too much with color is because investing in such variations can drive up the price of devices. However, special device colors are becoming increasingly popular; even U.S. consumers are more interested in colors beyond black and white.
Huawei ushered in the gradient color design and several rivals have begun adopting the new scheme. Apple’s new iPhone XR models come in a kaleidoscope of options. Samsung’s latest Galaxy Note 9 is available in colors including Lavender Purple.
With OnePlus attempting to step a little outside of its cult following persona and into the mainstream with a T-Mobile collaboration and a major public launch in New York City, you’d think the company would want to put a special model of the OnePlus 6T front and center. However, the device is still new and companies, including the above mentioned, often release new color options months after the original launch to review interest in devices. So there’s always a chance the Thunder Purple OnePlus 6T can make it to other markets down the line.
