The OnePlus 5 is highly tipped to be OnePlus’ first big phone launch of 2017, rather than the previously anticipated OnePlus 4. Here’s everything we think we know about the OnePlus 5 so far, including leaked specs, likely UK release info and how it will compare to the OnePlus 3T.
OnePlus has been pretty consitent with its flagship phones to date, offering top-end specs and killer performance for a price that undercuts most rival handsets. The OnePlus 3 and OnePlus 3T, both released in 2016, proved to be the best mobiles the Chinese company has launched so far. In fact, the OnePlus 3T even impressed us enough to be billed as Recombu’s Best Phone of 2016.
In the next few months we’re expecting to see the first new OnePlus phone of 2017. At first we of course thought this would be launched as the OnePlus 4, but now it seems like we’re skipping straight to the OnePlus 5 – for a very unusual reason.
So what do we know about the OnePlus 5 so far? And will it be a worthy upgrade for OnePlus 3T owners?
OnePlus 5 specs (rumoured)
| Phone | OnePlus 5 |
|---|---|
| Screen size and type | 5.5-inch AMOLED |
| Screen resolution | Quad HD (2560×1440) |
| Water resistant? | TBC |
| Processor | Snapdragon 835 |
| Memory | 6 or 8GB |
| Storage | From 64GB |
| microSD? | TBC |
| OS | Android 7.1 |
| Battery | 4000mAh with Dash Charge |
OnePlus 5 features
As with previous OnePlus phones, you can expect the OnePlus 5 to come packing the latest version of Android. In other words, Android Nougat 7.1 if this handset is released in the next few months. On top of this will come OnePlus’ own Oxygen OS overlay, which adds some bonus customisation and some other nifty features. We’re expecting the next version of Oxygen OS to add some new functionality, on top of the likes of the Shelf shortcuts.
You can also expect quite a leap in specs compared with the OnePlus 3T.
OnePlus 5 display rumours
The manufacturer is rumoured to be sticking with a 5.5-inch AMOLED display for the OnePlus 5. However, some changes will have to be made if the company wants to remain a well-priced rival to the current range of flagship phones.
The LG G6 and Samsung’s Galaxy S8 both support HDR video playback, offering seriously realistic image reproduction. With the likes of Netflix and Amazon Prime Video supporting HDR streaming on mobile devices from 2017, that’s a big draw for media fans.
Of course, the OnePlus 3T already offers good-looking visuals via its vibrant AMOLED panel, and anyone who isn’t fussed about next-gen displays will no doubt be more than happy to do without. In fact, adding HDR support will really jack up the asking price of the OnePlus 5. So we’re doubtful this will creep onto the new OnePlus handset.
What we might see instead is a jump in resolution, from Full HD to Quad HD. This will offer supremely crisp movie playback and photo reproduction. Plus, Quad HD makes for a much more immersive VR experience – something OnePlus has already jumped on with previous handsets. We’ve even seen a OnePlus VR headset, launched with the OnePlus 3.
Some of the latest OnePlus 5 rumours point to a screen that curves at the edges, similar to the Galaxy S8’s. This is likely to be a more subtle curvature if true, to help make the phone more compact and comfortable to wield one-handed.
OnePlus 5 performance rumours
You can once again expect the latest Snapdragon processor from Qualcomm to be packed inside the OnePlus 5 – in other words, the mighty Snapdragon 835 chipset. This is a big upgrade over the Snapdragon 821 found in the OnePlus 3T.
As well as improved performance, the Snapdragon 835 platform offers a boost in power efficiency, for longer mobile battery life. You get support for some seriously next-gen VR experiences, including full hand mapping and freedom of movement. There’s also a big improvement in connectivity, for smoother media streaming.
We might once again see 6GB of RAM packed inside, which right now seems the most likely option. Some rumours do point to 8GB of memory, although we don’t want to be too greedy.
A whopping 4000mAh battery is said to be packed inside the OnePlus 5, which would hopefully give two days of life between charges like the Huawei Mate 9 and Honor 8 Pro. The latest version of Dash Charge will ensure quick charging, while keeping the battery cool and safe.
OnePlus 5 other rumours
We’ve heard very little about the OnePlus 5’s camera tech thus far, although Slashgear picked up on a rumour that the new phone will leap on the dual-lens camera bandwagon. We know nothing more than that, besides weak rumours that the camera will be a 23-megapixel effort, most likely rocking Sony sensor tech.
Rounding off the features is a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, if recent rumours are on the money. That Snapdragon 835 chipset supports iris scanner tech, so we might well see an alternative to the fingerprint sensor also on offer.
Some web whisperings also point to added water resistance, although including this feature would further add to the OnePlus 5’s price tag. We reckon that might be skipped, to keep the asking price as low as possible without skimping on performance and camera tech.
OnePlus 5 UK price and release date
You can expect the OnePlus 5 to launch some time in summer 2017. This will leave enough of a gap between the new handset and the OnePlus 3T to avoid annoying fans. We reckon you’ll see the OnePlus 5 on sale around July or August 2017, most likely for a £399 to £449 asking price – depending on the specs, of course.