The OnePlus 8 series launched this week, bringing an end to months of rumors, leaks, and speculation. Unfortunately, we didn’t see the OnePlus Z at the global launch event.
OnePlus then teased a new product on Weibo for its Chinese launch event on April 15, but we only saw the OnePlus 8 series once again. Now, it looks like we might have an explanation for why the phone was a no-show.
Frequent leaker Steve ‘OnLeaks’ Hemmerstoffer claimed on Twitter that the phone was originally supposed to launch alongside the OnePlus 8 series this week. However, he added that the OnePlus Z launch has now been postponed to summer due to the coronavirus pandemic, citing his own sources.
According to my sources, that model was initially planned to be unveiled along with the #OnePlus8 series during yesterday’s event but has been postponed (at least to upcoming summer) due to #CoronaVirus situation…
— Steve H.McFly (@OnLeaks) April 16, 2020
It’s worth noting that leaker Ishan Agarwal previously stated the OnePlus Z would launch in most markets by July. So it’s entirely possible OnePlus never intended to launch the device alongside the OnePlus 8 series in the first place.
Nevertheless, the apparent decision to delay the OnePlus Z launch will be a little disappointing for budget-conscious OnePlus fans. After all, the OnePlus 8 series is far and away the most expensive OnePlus line-up yet.
The unreleased phone is tipped to be a pretty capable device when it’s eventually released. Earlier leaks point to MediaTek’s flagship-level Dimensity 1000 5G chipset, a 90Hz screen, and at least two rear cameras.
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