The OnePlus 8 series may be announced on April 15, if recent reports are to be believed. Tech informant, Max J tweeted about the release date Friday, which falls in line with details that the smartphones may be announced in mid-April. Other reports suggested an April 14 launch, which isn’t far off.
OnePlus is expected to host an online live stream event to announce the OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 8 Pro due to recent COVID-19 pandemic concerns. There is no word on whether the market launch of these particular models will be delayed; however, reports do indicate that the also rumored OnePlus 8 Lite model likely won’t be announced or released alongside the other premium models.
The OnePlus 8 Lite is expected to run the MediaTek Dimensity 1000 chip, which could have its production held up being as that handset may be offered more toward international markets outside of the US. The OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 8 Pro models are expected to run the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865, which has already been featured on devices that have had successful market launches, even amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
Even with the uncertainty surrounding the OnePlus 8 series, there are many details available about the devices, several that have come directly from OnePlus. The brand has confirmed that all models of the OnePlus 8 will be 5G compatible, also noting that with the connectivity upgrades will come higher prices for the brand that has long prided itself on being more affordable than its competitors.
“We’ve always had a position in creating the best product possible at the best price point. The new technology does add costs so costs have risen in comparison to 4G products,” OnePlus CEO, Pete Lau recently told CNET.
Specific price details for the OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 8 Pro, in particular, are not yet available, but with Lau’s statement, we can be sure that the device will sell for more than the $669 base price tag than the OnePlus 7 Pro had in the U.S. in 2019.
OnePlus has had an interesting marketing strategy in recent years, positioning certain models with higher or lower price points in very specific markets. The standard OnePlus 7, for example, sold primarily in Europe for £499. Later in 2019, the brand introduced the OnePlus 7T Pro 5G McLaren for western markets, including the U.S. Featuring the next-generation connectivity and an $899.99 price tag made the 7T Pro 5G McLaren the most expensive OnePlus device to date. It will be interesting to see if the new models exceed the McLaren in price, considering it was a specialty model. There was also a standard OnePlus 7T Pro, which sold for £539.99 internationally.
While the OnePlus 8 series price remains a mystery, another recent leak suggests Robert Downey Jr. may be a OnePlus ambassador. An image surfaced Friday of the actor holding what many believe is a OnePlus 8 Pro model. The image doesn’t give away much about the smartphone that hasn’t already been leaked. We see the device’s vertical camera setup, and what could be an orange color option. However, in a closer inspection, the device looks like it could have been photoshopped into Downey Jr’s hand. The Instagram photographer who originally posted the images has since taken them down, but the images have already made their rounds. So far, there have been no details to confirm or deny the validity of this leak.
The OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 8 Pro have also made a stop at the TENAA, which confirmed the connectivity certifications for the smartphones, including 5G. Finally, Pete Lau has also shared some official shots of the OnePlus 8 Pro. Without giving away too many other details, we see the handset in the long time leaked blue color option.
