OnePlus has now confirmed that the OnePlus 5 will launch this summer.
The OnePlus 5 is, of course, its next flagship phone, and rumors about it have already been making the rounds. Some suggest there will be 6 GB of RAM. Some say there'll be dual cameras on the back. At any rate, the rumors seem to pain a high-end device loaded with premium specs, which is no surprise at all, if true.
Over the years, OnePlus has gained a cult following of sorts by releasing top-rank premium devices that can rival products from Apple, Samsung, and other formidable smartphone players. OnePlus's phones offer premium phones but not at a premium price. For instance, its latest flagship, the OnePlus 3T, just starts at $439 — significantly cheaper than other phones with the same specs.
Why Is It Called The 'OnePlus 5?'
The OnePlus 5 will likely follow that same format: a top-rank device that won't break the bank, but there's one odd thing you might have noticed: why is it called the OnePlus 5? Why did the company skip the "4" name?
That's because the number 4 is considered unlucky in Chinese superstition. OnePlus, for the uninitiated, is based in China, but there's more to it than that, apparently. Speaking to The Verge, the company says that despite the OnePlus 5 being its fifth phone overall, that did not factor in its naming scheme. In fact, the number 5 jersey of former NBA player Robert Horry might have actually influenced the name since several OnePlus employees are fans of Horry.
But all fans of OnePlus can agree that it's not the name but what's inside that counts. OnePlus's pattern of relatively cheap high-end phones will likely continue with the OnePlus 5. The OnePlus 3 and 3T were some of the best smartphones last year, and the OnePlus 5 has a chance to emulate that sentiment this year.
The OnePlus 5, however, has its work cut out for it. Upon release, it'll compete with the Samsung Galaxy S8, which is already reaping acclaim; the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus; and the LG G6. If it's priced significantly lower than its competitors, then it definitely stands a chance to win consumers over.
OnePlus 5 Rumors
OnePlus has not given any word on the official specs of its forthcoming flagship, but rumors suggest that it'll come packing with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chip, which would make it the second phone to do so, following the Galaxy S8.
It might come with 6 GB of RAM, although earlier rumors do suggest that it'll come with 8. Now, 8 GB of RAM is astounding, and if it ends up being true, then the OnePlus 5 will be the first phone ever with such a RAM configuration. Rumors also say that it will sport a 3,600 mAh battery, which is decent enough but not exemplary. Expect due coverage when we learn more.
Feel free to speculate about the OnePlus 5's features and potential specs. As always, if you have any thoughts, don't forget to sound off in the comments section below!
