OnePlus 10 series might not be all about the eponymous vanilla model and the Pro variant, as fresh rumor suggests a cheaper third trim might also be in the pipeline that will rely on a top-end MediaTek chip instead of Qualcomm silicon. This won't exactly be a first for the company, but it is a noteworthy move. OnePlus flagships in the core numbered series have remained loyal to Qualcomm flagships since the company made its much-hyped debut years ago. Even OnePlus mid-rangers in the Nord series remained chummy with Qualcomm for quite some time.
However, it all changed last year when the OnePlus Nord 2 arrived with the MediaTek Dimensity 1200 AI SoC ticking at its heart. It was the top-end offering in MediaTek's catalog back then but far from rivaling what Qualcomm's 800-series chips had to offer. But the Taiwanese company has quickly filled that gulf as well, thanks to its new Dimensity 9000 SoC that is being pushed as MediaTek's first solid shot at Qualcomm's flagship chip crown. And the benchmark scores that have popped up online also look promising. So it seems like MediaTek aims to enter the flagship segment in style, and it is taking OnePlus' help to accomplish that.
As per a report from take the wraps off the OnePlus 10 series later this month, but so far, the leaks have only centered around the OnePlus 10 and its Pro sibling. There hasn't been any credible chatter about a third OnePlus 10-series phone with a MediaTek chip under the hood. But that doesn't mean the phone in question is vaporware. In fact, OnePlus' own recent product launch history suggests that a third — and more affordable — member in its flagship series of phones is quite likely to hit the shelves.
Returning To Roots With An Affordable Flagship
Last year, the OnePlus 9R ed the ranks of the standard OnePlus 9 and its Pro version. The key difference was in the chipset running the business inside. The OnePlus 9R relied on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 SoC instead of the Snapdragon 888 SoC powering the rest of its siblings. The Snapdragon 870 was essentially a repackaged Snapdragon 865, offering flagship-grade performance, albeit from the previous year's standards. The strategy was to cut costs on the silicon and the benefits to the buyers who otherwise couldn't afford the vanilla OnePlus 9 or its Pro version.
OnePlus might again execute the same tactic in 2022, but this time, the processor of choice is MediaTek's Dimensity 9000. However, it appears that OnePlus won't be the only brand knocking at MediaTek's flagship doorsteps in 2022. As per a ever-strengthening ties between the two brands and close integration of their supply chain, it is very much likely that the Dimensity 9000 SoC might grace flagships in both the OnePlus 10 series as well as the Oppo Find X5 family next year.
Sources: MySmartPrice, Weibo