OnePlus had previously stated that they will be launching a 5G smartphone in 2019 which many had assumed would be either the OnePlus 7 or the 7T. This is based on the company’s release schedule in which they typically launch two flagship smartphones a year. However as it turns out, that might not be the case.
According to a report from CNET Spain (via PhoneArena), they spoke with OnePlus who seemed to confirm that the OnePlus 7 will not have 5G. Note that this is based on a translation of the text so we can’t be 100% sure if that’s what they said or if something might have been lost in translation.
However assuming it is accurate, the article claims that OnePlus will unveil a 5G smartphone in 2019 as previously promised, but noted that it won’t be the OnePlus 7. Instead the 5G model will be of a completely new line of smartphones from the company that will feature new branding and also a new design.
This should be interesting as OnePlus has typically launched one phone at a time, versus the likes of other companies such as Samsung or LG or Xiaomi who tend to launch multiple handsets at varying price points and specs. OnePlus is not alone in their plans to launch a 5G smartphone in 2019. Other companies such as Huawei, Samsung, and LG are expected to launch 5G smartphones in the near future as well.