OnePlus is among my top smartphone manufacturers, and I was really enthusiastic when the OnePlus 13T Was announced at the beginning of this month. However, that initial enthusiasm was quickly dampened when the company stated that the phone will not be released in Europe or the U.S., which is quite disappointing.
For one, the OnePlus 13T has a unique feature set that I know I'd at least like to try. The OnePlus 13T is a small body, 6.3-inch phone with one fewer camera than a typical flagship phone. But it still contains a top-tier Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and a battery that's larger than many full-sized Android flagship phones.
The 13T also shakes up a staple OnePlus feature by swapping the alert slider for a rebindable shortcut key , something we noticed in the recommendations section Oppo Find X8 series but never on a OnePlus phone until now.
The full-size OnePlus 13 is still a strong pick for anyone looking for one of the best Android phones , and can be easily found. However small phones Are becoming increasingly rare, particularly within the Android segment of the smartphone market, making it even more desirable to have another alternative that doesn’t involve pricey folding phones, thus enhancing consumer choices.
Nevertheless, for some reason, OnePlus has chosen to reserve the release of the OnePlus 13T exclusively for China and India alone. while acknowledging the interest from other regions .
Two bothersome notifications within three months.
This is the second of two unfortunate announcements from OnePlus this year, after it confirmed that there is no OnePlus Open 2 coming in 2025 . My colleague Philip Michaels Has already expressed sorrow over this decision , but I also have to do the same.
Again, the current OnePlus Open is excellent, and remains at the pinnacle of our list best foldable phones guidance nearly two years following its initial launch.
But without upgraded hardware, or even just a reset on the timer for OnePlus' promised Android updates, OnePlus can't stay at the top of the pile when Samsung, Motorola and Google continue to launch yearly upgrades for their foldables.
We need this, OnePlus!
OnePlus occupies an unusual position within the Western smartphone market. Despite being up against major players like Samsung, Google, and Motorola, OnePlus produces devices that can rival theirs both in quality and features. As one of few surviving Chinese manufacturers still operating in the U.S., it stands out as a significant challenger to these well-established companies. Its strategy often involves offering competitive pricing without compromising on specifications.
However, OnePlus continues to focus on its bigger markets—China and India—with an increasing number of diverse products. Additionally, the connection between OnePlus and Oppo adds another layer of complexity.
Although Oppo isn’t present in North America, they are making efforts to enter the European market with similar products. Both companies aim to avoid competing against each other for potential customers, which might explain why the complete range of OnePlus’s lineup isn't available even within the U.K.
I can only wish that OnePlus follows through with its promises and pays close attention to what the public wants regarding the OnePlus 13T. Additionally, I hope they do not delay excessively before releasing the Open 2.
The competition in the smartphone industry remains crucial because rising costs and minimal improvements in hardware necessitate providing customers with the greatest value for their money. If this resonates with your viewpoint, share your thoughts with OnePlus by letting them know in the section for comments beneath this message.
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