OnePlus may be preparing to expand into the mobile gaming segment with a new gaming-centric smartphone, according to reports from industry tipster Yogesh Brar.
Highlights
- New Gaming Sub-Series: OnePlus is reportedly developing a dedicated gaming phone as part of an experimental sub-brand, according to tipster Yogesh Brar.
- Flagship Specs + Shoulder Triggers: Leaks suggest high-end specs, physical shoulder buttons, and attachable Omron-switch triggers tailored for competitive gaming.
- Battery Beast: A rumored 8,000 mAh battery could offer top-tier endurance—30% more than the OnePlus 13—ideal for long gaming sessions.
- High Refresh Rate Display: Expected to feature a 165 Hz screen, improving on the 144 Hz panels of past OnePlus models, with possible gaming tablet integration.
- Early Development Phase: The device is still under R&D; a global launch remains uncertain and may start in China under the Ace series banner.
- Rising Competition: The leak surfaces alongside Infinix’s GT 30 Pro launch in India, signaling industry momentum around mid-range gaming devices.
- Fits OnePlus’ Product Strategy: The rumored phone complements the brand’s expanding portfolio, including the Nord 5, Nord CE 5, and Buds 4 launching July 8.
The device, said to be part of an experimental sub-series, is still in the early stages of research and development. While official confirmation is pending, the move could signal OnePlus’ intent to challenge established gaming brands like Asus ROG and Nubia Red Magic.
Experimental Concept, Uncertain Global Rollout
Brar’s post on X indicates that the gaming phone is far from finalized and that a global release remains uncertain.
The product may initially launch in select markets, possibly starting with China, where OnePlus has previously tested new product categories under its Ace series.
Performance and Hardware Designed for Gaming
Early leaks suggest the upcoming device will include flagship-level hardware, a high-capacity battery, and physical shoulder triggers—all features tailored to competitive mobile gaming.
One of the standout details comes from a Weibo leak, which claims the phone could feature a massive 8,000 mAh battery—around 30% larger than the one in the OnePlus 13. If accurate, this would place it in direct competition with leading gaming smartphones in terms of endurance.
High Refresh Rate and Precision Triggers
Additional reports point to the inclusion of a 165 Hz high-refresh-rate display, possibly extending to a companion gaming tablet OnePlus is also said to be developing. This would be an upgrade from the 144 Hz panels used in existing OnePlus devices like the Ace 5 and Pad 3.
Combined with physical shoulder buttons—and potentially enhanced by attachable Omron-switch gaming triggers—the phone appears to be targeting gamers looking for both immersive visuals and precise controls.
Growing Interest in Mid-Range Gaming Phones
The timing of these leaks coincides with Infinix’s launch of the GT 30 Pro 5G in India, a budget gaming phone featuring a 520Hz touch response rate, MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Ultimate SoC, and AI-assisted cooling, all priced at ₹24,999.
This suggests a broader industry trend toward accessible gaming hardware, not just premium-tier models.
Product Strategy
The rumored gaming phone complements OnePlus’ broader device roadmap. The company is set to launch the Nord 5, Nord CE 5, and OnePlus Buds 4 on July 8 in India, and recently introduced the OnePlus 13s featuring the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, emphasizing its ongoing focus on high-performance internals.
