It feels like we've just finished introducing the OnePlus 8T. However, there are already rumors that the OnePlus 9 will be launched much earlier than usual in 2021.
With the new rumors, we've been thinking about what we'd like to see with OnePlus' first flagship for 2021. The OnePlus 8 series has had some setbacks that we hope will be corrected. We also hope that OnePlus will make further advances with innovative new features and design elements.
See also: Everything you need to know about OnePlus
In the interests of disclosure, what you will find in this article is in no way based on leaks or inside information. This is just a wish list. That being said, I've tried to keep the wish-list feasible. In other words, I'm not going to ask about support for microSD cards (which never happens), the best camera of the year (definitely no), or a return to the old Oxygen OS (those days are over). This is a realistic list of the things OnePlus could potentially do with the OnePlus 9 series.
After all, I will not wish for things that we are relatively certain we will get. It's almost certain that the next OnePlus flagships will have the Snapdragon 875 processor, for example, so it's not worth wishing for.
Here's what we'd like to see from the OnePlus 9!
1. A smaller form factor
This is something OnePlus fans have longed for. There's a big chance with the introduction of the iPhone 12 Mini: it's time for a smaller OnePlus phone.
Connected: The iPhone 12 Mini is proof that there should be a Galaxy S20e
Since the differences between OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 8 Pro are blurry for the general consumer, this is an easy way to distinguish OnePlus 9 from the Pro variant. The Pro could be the same size we've seen from previous Pro-tier OnePlus devices, while the Vanilla model could be much more compact.
Samsung dropped the ball by not launching a Samsung Galaxy S20e, so a "mini" OnePlus phone would conquer an untapped market in the Android world.
2. Wireless charging and IP protection for everyone
The two big distinguishing features between OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 8 Pro were its IP protection and wireless charging capabilities. In a way, that makes sense as it makes the price difference between the two acceptable.
However, it will be 2021 when these phones launch. A flagship phone costing more than $ 700 will need an IP rating and wireless charging. OnePlus can't get away with passing on these features anymore, not when there's a budget line for phones without these features and when the Galaxy S20 FE has both for $ 699.
Granted, it still needs to be ensured that the OnePlus 9 Pro is better than the regular model. While it can't shake the IP rating, it could offer ultra-fast wireless charging with the Pro model, while the vanilla variant only offers regular wireless charging. I think buyers would be totally fine with that.
3. Warp Charge 65 for everyone
While OnePlus could keep Warp Charge 30 Wireless away from the OnePlus 9 and only reserve it for the Pro, this is not possible with Warp Charge 65. For both the regular and the Pro variant, Warp Charge 65 is required so the OnePlus 8T makes sense to have it and then only the Pro flagships to have it afterwards.
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This is probably the wish list that is most likely to come true. However, OnePlus will be looking at ways to make the OnePlus 9 Pro look higher quality than the regular model, and eliminating Warp Charge 65 on the smaller variant might do the trick. Don't do it, OnePlus, it would be a bad move.
4. The end of tricky cameras
In 2020, OnePlus suffered badly from the "more is more" mentality when it comes to cameras. In order to get as many lenses as possible into his phones, silly gimmicks were thrown into them. I'm talking about the color filter lens on the OnePlus 8 Pro, the monochrome lens on the OnePlus 8T, or even the macro lenses on several of the company's phones. We don't want these lenses, OnePlus. We don't care.
The OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro should have three lenses: a main lens, an ultra-wide-angle lens, and a telephoto lens. That's it. Maybe the Pro could get a periscope zoom, or maybe the Vanilla model could have a weaker sensor in comparison. Whatever OnePlus wants to do there, we'll be fine as long as those three lenses are in place. No more and no less.
5. Higher storage options, at least for OnePlus 9 Pro
To be clear, I've created one of these wishlist-style articles for upcoming OnePlus phones several times below Android Authority. This one is on everyone's list. Everyone. Time. I'm throwing it up here again because I love to let myself down!
Connected: OnePlus Phones: A History of the Company's Entire Product Line
There has never been a OnePlus phone with more than 256 GB of internal storage. There's never been a OnePlus phone with expandable storage either.
It's time for an option for a 512GB variant of a OnePlus phone. The OnePlus 9 Pro would be the perfect candidate for this. It might help justify its inevitably higher price tag compared to the vanilla model. It would make the fans happy and also attract people who go over OnePlus phones because they need more storage space.
6. Selfie camera in the display
We've heard reliable rumors that Samsung is unlikely to be delivering an in-display selfie camera for the upcoming Galaxy S30 series. This makes the OnePlus 9 series the perfect candidate for the technology's first global release.
OnePlus beat Samsung with built in fingerprint sensors with the OnePlus 6T. Now it has the option to do it again with a built-in selfie camera. It's perfect.
Of course, this would probably only be reserved for the OnePlus 9 Pro. It would probably also give weaker results compared to "normal" selfie cameras. However, going to market has its advantages even when the quality is not there. It's a risk worth taking, OnePlus!
7. Please flat screens (or at least less curve)
With the OnePlus 7 series, curved displays have been added to the OnePlus portfolio. While people like the idea of curved displays, they have some distinct drawbacks, like accidental touches and sunlight glare. Fortunately, the OnePlus 8T dropped the curve entirely and opted for a completely flat display.
It is unclear whether OnePlus would continue this with the OnePlus 9 series. It is possible that the Vanilla model will stick to a flat display while the Pro model sees some curves. If it does, that's fine as long as the curves are subtle. We don't need ski slopes on the sides of our phones. Rule it and hold it noble and it will work. Or vice versa, just go all the way. That would be cool too.
8. Better feel
One of the biggest complaints about the OnePlus 7 Pro was that it definitely isn't a pro-level feel. When OnePlus launched the OnePlus 8 Pro, it revealed "Haptic Vibration 2.0," which is supposedly better. If so, it's not much.
Strong haptics are one of the easiest ways to feel the difference between a premium phone and a non-premium phone. OnePlus has to improve its game for the OnePlus 9 series here, at least for the OnePlus 9 Pro. If the vanilla model has the same feel as the OnePlus 8 Pro, that's fine as long as the Pro model is seriously updated.
9. The prices remain the same
The prices of OnePlus phones were a point of contention until the launch of the OnePlus 2. This was the first time OnePlus hiked prices, and it has barely stopped since then. If the OnePlus 9 series lands, the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to occur. Budgets will still be tight, many will still be unemployed, and the last thing people want to do is spend too much on a smartphone.
Connected: How the price of OnePlus phones has changed over the years
The $ 699 price for the OnePlus 8 is a good range for the OnePlus 9. The OnePlus 9 Pro offers more headroom. If OnePlus ticks off each and every one of those wishlist features, I'd happily pay over $ 1,000 for them. With affordable competitors like the Galaxy S20 FE and Pixel 5, this upcoming launch is likely the one where keeping prices down is of the utmost importance.
What do you want to see most of the OnePlus 9 series? Let us know by completing the surveys in this article and dropping your comments below!