Alleged OnePlus 7 prototype hints at sliding mechanism, bezel-less design
Last month, a mysterious prototype provided a big hint at what the next OnePlus flagship could look like from the rear. Since then, very few details have leaked out. But today one newly-leaked image showcases what is allegedly the front of a OnePlus 7 prototype placed alongside the OnePlus 6T.
Before we start analyzing the image, it’s worth pointing out that this could easily be a good photoshop job. Because of this, we urge you to take this leak with a big scoop of salt, rather than your typical pinch.
Commencing with the upper bezel, which is perhaps the most eye-catching design feature, there’s no denying that it’s incredibly thin. Rather importantly, though, this look is technically achievable with current technology. In fact, OnePlus parent company Oppo previously pulled off the design with the Oppo Find X and, considering the too brands often share their technology, a OnePlus smartphone with this design isn’t impossible.
By now, many of you may be thinking that this is simply an Oppo Find X complete with a OnePlus wallpaper. However, there are a few key differences. For one, the power key along the right side of the frame is accompanied by OnePlus’ signature Alert Slider. In addition to this, the speaker grill above the display is both taller and significantly wider than Oppo Find X’s alternative. In fact, the size of the speaker grill hints at a stereo speaker setup on the device.
If OnePlus chooses to stick to its usual schedule, the OnePlus 7 should arrive in May alongside the company's 5G device. This means that it shouldn’t be too long before further leaks start emerging.
Before we start analyzing the image, it’s worth pointing out that this could easily be a good photoshop job. Because of this, we urge you to take this leak with a big scoop of salt, rather than your typical pinch.
This factor brings us on to the next possible feature, a sliding mechanism. As clearly visible, the protective case that the alleged OnePlus 7 prototype is wearing features cut-outs for the front-facing camera and proximity sensors, despite the area directly below being empty. This would suggest that the device encased includes a pop-out module, similar, once again, to the one featured on the Oppo Find X. If that's the case, however, the OnePlus 7 may not be resistant to water and dust ingress since that's hard to achieve when you have parts popping in and out.
By now, many of you may be thinking that this is simply an Oppo Find X complete with a OnePlus wallpaper. However, there are a few key differences. For one, the power key along the right side of the frame is accompanied by OnePlus’ signature Alert Slider. In addition to this, the speaker grill above the display is both taller and significantly wider than Oppo Find X’s alternative. In fact, the size of the speaker grill hints at a stereo speaker setup on the device.
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