OnePlus has been one of the first brands to bring out a Snapdragon 8 Elite flagship smartphone, known as the OnePlus 13. It comes with several enhancements but has seen a price increase from the previous model. Nonetheless, there are reports that the company is developing another device that will also use the same chip but at a lower price point.
Upcoming Device Details
According to the reliable leaker Digital Chat Station, the OnePlus Ace 3 Pro is in the works, and it aims to be the most budget-friendly smartphone featuring the Snapdragon 8 Elite. Currently, the Realme GT 7 Pro holds the title of the least expensive flagship with this chipset, starting at CNY 3,599 (approximately $506).
Moreover, the Realme device is confirmed to be the first next-gen smartphone utilizing Qualcomm’s new chip to be sold outside of China. As for the OnePlus Ace 3 Pro, even if it turns out to be cheaper than the GT 7 Pro, the chances of it being available outside of China are quite low.
Market Availability
To give you some context, the Ace series is primarily intended for the Chinese market. While OnePlus has previously rebranded some of these phones for international sales, the last two Pro versions did not leave China. However, this situation might change for the non-Pro variant, which could be released as the OnePlus 13R.
As per Digital Chat Station's latest updates, the non-Pro Ace 5 will serve as a sub-flagship. This model will succeed the Ace 2 Pro, known internationally as the OnePlus 12R (256 GB currently priced at $529.99 on Amazon), but will feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 instead of the 8 Elite.
Conclusion
In conclusion, OnePlus is working on expanding its lineup with more affordable options while still using the latest technology. The OnePlus Ace 3 Pro and the OnePlus 13R may provide enticing choices for consumers looking for flagship features without the flagship price.
