Update: OnePlus CEO Pete Lau has confirmed that the OnePlus 5G smartphone will be at least $200-$300 more than the average OnePlus device.
- Other updates include an added analyst quote and a clarification that the OnePlus 5G device will be one of the first devices to run the Snapdragon 855, but not necessarily the first.
Other than 5G, there is at least one Qualcomm-powered feature the 2019 flagship by OnePlus is almost guaranteed to have: an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor.
The Chinese manufacturer announced at Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Summit Wednesday that it will release one of the first smartphones running the newly official Snapdragon 855 chip in January 2019. So far nothing about the OnePlus flagship has been confirmed except its 5G capability. However, OnePlus and Qualcomm’s close partnership during the Snapdragon Summit is a big indication that OnePlus’ device may benefit greatly from several features powered by the Snapdragon 855 chip.
Unspoken details of OnePlus/Qualcomm collaboration?
Biometrics could easily be one of those feature upgrades as Qualcomm announced its 3D Sonic Sensor as a highlight on the Snapdragon 855 chip during its main summit keynote on Tuesday. The ultrasonic sensor is able to capture detailed 3D images of a user’s fingerprint, according to Qualcomm. The optical sensors being used in most in-display fingerprint sensors already on the market capture 2D images.
The added detail captured by the ultrasonic sensor can potentially improve accuracy and security for device authentication. Qualcomm claims the sensor is also able to read through wet, oily, or otherwise obstructed fingerprints to quickly identify users. The “3D fingerprint is a bit more expensive than optical, but in many cases, worth it from a user perspective,” analyst, Patrick Moorhead told TechViewPRO.
Having already released the OnePlus 6T with an in-display fingerprint sensor, OnePlus will likely to continue the trend for future devices. The OnePlus 6T uses an optical fingerprint scanner developed by the Chinese biometrics firm, Goodix. While the biometric feature was hailed for its 0.34 second unlock speed, there were some early adopter hickups with the sensor. OnePlus deployed a software update to quickly resolve an issue that made fingerprints hard to read if the OnePlus 6T had a detailed wallpaper set.
The company will surely want a more reliable in-display fingerprint scanner solution for its 5G device, which will be on the block for heavy scrutiny come January. Qualcomm stated that devices will release with its 3D Sonic Sensor within the first half of 2019, which matches the timeframe for OnePlus’ device launch.
5G to increase OnePlus prices?
OnePlus has also confirmed that the upcoming 5G device is not the OnePlus 7, which suggests the manufacturer is developing a new line for 5G enabled products. This device could be OnePlus’ foray into the truly premium device sector, by way of price, in addition to specs and features. OnePlus devices have always run the latest Snapdragon flagship chip to make them premium tier products but the manufacturer has strategically left out common high-end features to keep devices affordable.
OnePlus’ push to be a major global manufacturer may make it challenging for the company to continue with a strict affordable premium business model. Recent launch cycles have introduced limited edition models of OnePlus devices with special colors and hardware specifications, accompanied by slight price bumps. These models were likely made to prepare fans for larger price increases, with the hopes that the brand’s growing popularity will make consumers not flinch about spending more for a OnePlus phone.
Pundits already expect 5G smartphones will be synonymous with expensive. With many flagships on the market already exceeding $1,000, other device makers are likely to use the new standard to push prices even higher. But there is potential for the OnePlus 5G smartphone to be one of the cheaper models on the market in 2019, even if its price vastly exceeds a more traditional OnePlus device.
