OnePlus Plans Gaming Phone, But Only for China First

OnePlus appears to be testing the waters in the gaming smartphone segment, with early indications pointing toward a new device series centered around high-performance gaming. However, for Indian consumers, the wait could be indefinite, as initial development is reportedly targeted at the Chinese market.

According to industry insider Yogesh Brar, OnePlus is working on a new line of smartphones tailored for gaming enthusiasts. This project remains in a nascent phase, and current plans suggest the brand has no immediate intention of launching the device outside China.

A key highlight of the prototype includes integrated physical gaming triggers—shoulder buttons embedded into the frame of the phone—a feature popular among players of games like Call of Duty Mobile and BGMI. Though official details remain unavailable, the upcoming device is expected to include top-tier hardware specifications, enhanced thermal management, and a larger battery capacity to support extended gaming sessions.

This development surfaces as OnePlus prepares to introduce the Nord 5 and Nord CE 5 models in India on July 8. These launches follow the unveiling of the OnePlus 13s, equipped with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. Unlike these broader market offerings, the proposed gaming phone may cater to a niche user base and remain confined to the domestic market in China.

Meanwhile, the gaming smartphone segment in India is experiencing growing momentum. Infinix recently released the GT 30 Pro 5G at a price of Rs 24,999, which includes features such as shoulder triggers with a 520Hz touch response rate, MediaTek’s Dimensity 8350 Ultimate processor, and an advanced cooling system.

While OnePlus has yet to confirm plans for a gaming phone release in India, the competitive landscape suggests the company might reassess its strategy in response to rising demand.