OnePlus 3: Why the UK launch of this must-have device will be completely different
ONEPLUS is set to introduce its latest flagship smartphone – OnePlus 3 – later this month, and is preparing a major shake-up for its UK launch.
OnePlus will launch a new flagship smartphone later this month, dropping invites for the first time
OnePlus is known for its staggeringly good build quality, low price, and infuriating invite-only system.
The awkward system meant only those who had an exclusive invite were able to purchase the device.
Invites were available through competitions, giveaways and were distributed to people on a waiting list at irregular intervals.
OnePlus implemented the system for the launch of the OnePlus One, OnePlus 2 and OnePlus X.
However the hugely-anticipated OnePlus 3, set to launch June 14th 2016, will not use the invite system.
The news comes days after OnePlus started to sell its OnePlus 2 smartphone via Amazon UK.
Express.co.uk was impressed with the smartphone when we reviewed it last year, dubbing it "the best smartphone available in its unbelievably low price range."
Serial technology leaker Evan Blass, who has a strong track-record with these types of leaks, posted a picture of what he claims to be the OnePlus 3 via his Twitter account, @evleaks.
There's that logo. OnePlus 3 with AMOLED display and 3000mAh battery. pic.twitter.com/zvat9NaFd4
— Evan Blass (@evleaks) May 17, 2016
In the photograph, the OnePlus 3 appears to have a sleek all-metal unibody design.
The svelte smartphone has a aluminium case with thin antenna bands along the top and bottom of the device.
There's also a square camera module in the centre of the rear case, and what appears to be an LED flash, below it.
Unfortunately, there doesn't appear to be a laser autofocus on the back of the alleged OnePlus 3 – a feature that was praised on its predecessor.
The hugely-anticipated OnePlus 3 is set to launch June 14th 2016
However there doers appear to be a USB Type-C port this time around, alongside OnePlus trademarks including the front-facing fingerprint reader and three-stage alert slider.
Evan Blass also added that the device will boast an AMOLED display and a 3,000mAh battery.
Previous rumours around the device, believed to be scheduled for a late-May announcement, suggest it will be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 820 chipset and up to 6GB of RAM.
Oppo's VOOC rapid-charging tech and Android 6.0.1 are also suspected to feature.
If the leaked render is accurate, the OnePlus 3 looks like a strange blend of the iPhone 6S and the HTC One M9.