Another day, and we have some more information about the upcoming OnePlus 9 family of devices. This time, it looks like we have more leaks hinting at the existence of a OnePlus 9 Lite smartphone. According to TechDroider, the OnePlus 9 Lite exists in two variants with model numbers LE2100 and LE2101. The details of the difference between the two isn't clear, but we think it could be related to a difference in RAM and storage options. The leaker goes on to say that the OnePlus 9 Lite will be powered by the Snapdragon 865 5G CPU.
https://twitter.com/techdroider/status/1349185130636730368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
This isn’t the first time we have heard a bit of info about the OnePlus 9 Lite. Earlier information suggests that in 2021, we could see three smartphones from OnePlus – the OnePlus 9, OnePlus 9 Pro and the OnePlus 9 Lite. The earlier reports also indicated that the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro will be powered by the Snapdragon 888 SoC and the Lite will be powered by the Snapdragon 865 SoC.
It is possible that we will see the OnePlus 9 Lite have a lot in common with the OnePlus 8T (review) and sport a price tag between the OnePlus 9 and the OnePlus Nord (review). It is possible that OnePlus is looking to offer customers more options in different price segments, ensuring that OnePlus fans don't need to look elsewhere if they have a lower budget. Since the flagship OnePlus devices are moving more towards a premium price tag, there is a void for those looking for a smartphone with flagship features at a more affordable price. With the recently launched Mi 10i (review) giving the OnePlus Nord a run for its money, it is possible we will see OnePlus get a little aggressive in the budget segment while retaining flagship specs and features for the 9 and the 9 Pro.
While exact specifications of the OnePlus 9 Lite haven’t leaked, information circulating the internet suggests that the device could sport a 90Hz display and come with 30W fast charging. But take this information with a grain of salt as it is all speculative.