The OnePlus 9T is expected to be the next OnePlus flagship phone, due some time this autumn.
The company has released updated ‘T’ versions of its flagships for the last few years, and since 2021 has already seen the launch of the OnePlus 9 series, it’s a safe bet that the 9T is on the way now. Here’s what we know so far.
When will the OnePlus 9T be released?
OnePlus has a steady release schedule for its smartphones, with the number model (7,8,9 etc.) arriving around March or April, followed six months or so later by the T models (7T, 8T, 9T, etc.). This means you should be looking on the horizon for the OnePlus 9T around the end of September or start of October.
Here’s when the last few models were released:
OnePlus 9 – March 2021
OnePlus 8T – October 2020
OnePlus 8 – April 2020
OnePlus 7T – September 2019
OnePlus 7 – June 2019
OnePlus normally launches a T Pro model too, but last year omitted the 8T Pro – and it’s already been reported by leaker Yisten that there’ll be no 9T Pro.
On the other hand this year’s OnePlus 9 series expanded to include three phones for the first time: the OnePlus 9, 9 Pro, and India-exclusive 9R. So the company could be working on just one 9T, or as many as three.
How much will the OnePlus 9T cost?
Pricing has been something of a thorny issue with OnePlus fans. When the first few devices arrived, they did so with premium specs and budget prices. Over time, the latter part of the equation has risen to move closer to its competitors. These days the cheaper models with impressive, but not top-tier, components wear the OnePlus Nord name – soon to be joined by the introduction of the OnePlus Nord 2, joining the likes of the Nord CE 5G and Nord N200.
That’s not to say that OnePlus is another of the flagship phone companies that charge over £1000/$1000 for its products though, as the prices still remain below that price point.
Here’s how much the last few core models have cost:
OnePlus 9 – 8GB/128GB £629/$729, 12GB/256GB £729
OnePlus 8T – 8GB/128GB £549, 12GB/256GB £649/$749
OnePlus 8 – 8GB/128GB £599/$699, 12GB/256GB £699/$799
As you can see, there’s something of a fluctuation within the pricing, but as a rule of thumb you’re looking at around £600/$700 for the 8GB/128GB configuration and £100/$100 more if you want 12GB of memory and 256GB of storage.
If you’re interested in the Pro models, then you’ll need to pay a little more. Here are the previous entries:
OnePlus 9 Pro – 8GB/128GB £829, 12GB/256GB £929/$999
OnePlus 8 Pro – 8GB/128GB £799/$899, 12GB/256GB £899/$999
What are the specs for the OnePlus 9T?
We’ve had no confirmation at this point as to what you’ll definitely see in the OnePlus 9T when it probably arrives later this year, but there have been a few tech leakers throwing their hats in the ring.
Display
Chinese leaker Yisten posted on Weibo (re-posted here on Twitter) that OnePlus will be using Samsung’s 120Hz LTPO E4 Flexible screen in the OnePlus 9T.
OnePlus likely to use Samsung’s 120Hz LTPO E4 Flexible Screen in the OnePlus 9T. 1080P Resolution + Variable RR. There’s no 9T Pro this year.
/Yisten (Weibo) pic.twitter.com/J49BMaNniQ
— TechDroider (@techdroider)
May 29, 2021
This yields a 1080p resolution and variable refresh rate, which will bring the OnePlus 9T closer to the 9 Pro, matching its display in just about every spec except resolution (which is QHD+ in the Pro model).
The current OnePlus 9 sports a 6.55in AMOLED display, as did the 8T before it, so this could be the size that OnePlus has settled on for the non-Pro models.
Design and build
Dimensions have also been consistent across the standard OnePlus models, with the 8T and 9 both measuring in at 160 x 74 x 8mm, give or take fractions of millimetres here or there. With this mind, we’d say there’s a good change this will continue with the OnePlus 9T.
Expect a metal frame, with the front and back coated in glass.
Processors
Processors are again something that shouldn’t be too much of a surprise. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 888 was the silicon of choice in the OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro, and is likely to return here.
There is also a chance that the upgraded Qualcomm Snapdragon 888+ makes it onto the OnePlus platform for the first time. This should bring subtle enhancements in performance over its predecessor, making the OnePlus 9T something of a powerhouse.
Cameras
One of the big selling points of the OnePlus 9 was the inclusion of technology from photography legends Hasselblad. This wasn’t quite what many had hoped though, as you’ll see from our full OnePlus 9 review.
To remedy this, there have been reports that OnePlus is set to include a 108MP Hasselblad Quad camera in the 9T. It should be pointed out that the leaker in question has since had their account suspended, so it could be just idle speculation on Twitter.
That being said, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra and Xiaomi Mi 11, Realme 8 Pro and Motorola Edge+ all sport a 108MP sensor, so OnePlus could be feeling industry pressure to adopt a higher resolution sensor.
That’s all we know so far but be sure to check back regularly as we’ll be updating this article as more information becomes available. In the meantime, take a look at best new phones coming to the UK this year and our roundup of the best smartphones.