OnePlus could return to the “mini” flagship formula in 2025

OnePlus is on the verge of unveiling its latest flagship in the global market, as well as preparing for the release of its Ace 5 series smartphones in China. However, there appears to be another surprise in store for fans.

According to Digital Chat Station, a reliable source for leaks on Chinese smartphone brands, OnePlus is working on a “small” phone with a 6.53-inch display. For comparison, the OnePlus 13 features a 6.82-inch display.

This wouldn’t be the first time OnePlus has launched a more compact phone. In 2019, the OnePlus X was released with a glass and metal design, a 5-inch screen, a high-end Qualcomm processor, and an attractive $250 price tag.

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Currently, companies like Google and Apple have stuck to smaller-sized phones, even though they still offer screens larger than 6 inches. The trend of compact phones is gaining popularity. Earlier this year, Vivo launched the X200 Pro mini, packing top-tier hardware into a smaller form factor.

OnePlus seems to be joining the trend. The latest leak, initially shared on Weibo, suggests that OnePlus’s upcoming phone will feature Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite processor.

The rumored phone will have a 1.5K equivalent display resolution and a 50MP Sony sensor for one of its main rear cameras. It will also feature a new horizontal camera layout on the back.

The fingerprint sensor will be under the display, but the phone may not include a periscope-style folded lens zoom system. The design and specifications indicate that this device is separate from the China-only Ace series smartphones.

While OnePlus has not confirmed the existence of this device, it seems that sister company Oppo, which collaborates with OnePlus on research and development, is also working on a “mini” smartphone for the Chinese market, according to the same leakster.

Notably, the relationship between the two brands is strong. For instance, the Oppo Find N3 is essentially the same phone as the OnePlus Open. It remains to be seen which company will lead in this new segment, but given its track record, OnePlus may be the first to launch a mini flagship.