Chinese smartphone maker OnePlus is set to launch its upcoming OnePlus 8 series merely two weeks from now. The 5G-enabled devices will be the latest flagship phones tech geeks will rave about, but until they're launched, all we can do is listen to leaks and rumors.
The latest of which is a rumored mid-range phone expected to launch alongside other OnePlus 8 versions. It's been referred to as the OnePlus 8 Lite, but apparently, it will sport a different name at launch, that is according to XDA Developers' Max Weinbach.
In a tweet, Weinbach claims that the OnePlus 8 Lite will launch as the OnePlus Z, which is actually the company's second mid-range phone. It will potentially look like the OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 8 Pro, but in terms of hardware specs, naturally, it won't be as impressive as its brothers.
The OnePlus Z is said to arrive with a MediaTek Dimensity 1000 processor and a 90Hz AMOLED display. The company's CEO, Pete Lau, recently confirmed that they will be unveiling the OnePlus 8 series soon, but it's not clear if the OnePlus Z is included. It's rumored that the mid-range phone will launch in July instead and will definitely be more affordable than the OnePlus 8 series, thanks to its mid-range specs.
Rumors aside, this bit is definitely confirmed by OnePlus: its next line of smartphones will feature an Always On Display feature. The company announced the good news on Twitter after the feature topped as fans' most requested idea.
OnePlus began a program called IDEAS earlier this month, which allows fans to make suggestions for new software features. Late last week, the company tweeted the winning feature and said it's already "on our roadmap."
It's worth noting that nearly all of the company's flagship smartphones come with AMOLED display, but they sadly do not support the Always On Display feature. The tweet serves a confirmation that the feature is already in the pipeline, which could be rolled out later this year.
OnePlus also said it is working on a "test applied to the power consumption of the AOD in a device with a higher refresh rate display." Always On Display is notorious for draining battery life, so the company wants to ensure that the feature is optimized well before releasing it to users.
As for the OnePlus Z, the smartphone maker is yet to confirm if it will indeed launch a mid-ranger. We're hoping it will make announcements soon.
