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There are a lot of things to consider when purchasing a new phone. For many, having an incredible camera is a top priority while others focus on performance, software, or price. When it comes to OnePlus devices, the company’s phones have always been top picks for those seeking high-end performance at a price that’s significantly less than its main competitors.
While OnePlus phones have gotten more expensive over the years, the company’s managed to keep its prices a few hundred dollars lower than Samsung, Sony, and LG’s flagships. In 2019, OnePlus delivered its biggest price bump in history with the OnePlus 7 Pro’s $669 price tag – a $140 increase over the previous year’s phone.
Based on the latest rumors, the OnePlus 8 Pro will come with the same basic features as other 2020 flagship devices. It’ll feature a Qualcomm 865 SoC with 5G connectivity, a large display with a high refresh rate, a multi-camera setup on the back and may even come with wireless charging and an official IP68 rating, two features that have been notably missing from OnePlus phones for years.
So what’s the problem?
It all comes down to price. While we haven’t yet seen any credible rumors or leaks regarding the price of the OnePlus 8 Pro, the price increases we’ve seen from the company over the past few years suggest the new phone could be $120 to $170 more expensive than last year’s device. For those keeping track, that would put the OnePlus 8 Pro in the same price category as the LG V60 and the Samsung Galaxy S20 which just got a $200 price cut only a few weeks after launch.
OnePlus would essentially lose its main feature. Can the OnePlus 8 Pro truly compete without a price advantage?
- OnePlus 5 – $479
- OnePlus 6 – $529
- OnePlus 7 Pro – $669
- OnePlus 8 Pro – ?
The company still has a loyal base who will buy the latest OnePlus smartphone no matter what. I have to admit that I mainly use Oneplus devices purely for the software experience. The OnePlus 7 Pro managed to deliver a decent camera setup, but with what Samsung and Huawei are bringing to the table this year, it will be very hard for OnePlus to get noticed in that space.
Don’t get me wrong. I don’t want OnePlus to fail. I simply want the company to live up to the brand promise it made to us since the company’s inception: Never Settle.
If the OnePlus 8 Pro crosses the $800 threshold, the company will be asking its customers to do the exact opposite.
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