OnePlus reportedly working on a budget 4G-only phone for India, exclusive to the market, as it shifts focus to affordable devices

OnePlus is reportedly working on a budget 4G-only smartphone tailored for the Indian market, set to launch as early as next month. This device will be exclusive to India and is expected to be priced below ₹20,000, aligning with the company's strategy to focus on affordable devices.¹²³⁶⁷

According to tipster Yogesh Brar, the new phone will be a part of the N series and is likely to serve as a lower-end variant of the N6x. The decision to produce a 4G-only device is seen as a move to reduce costs, allowing OnePlus to offer a more affordable option in a competitive market.⁴

OnePlus has shifted its strategy in India, emphasizing low-cost smartphones to attract budget-conscious consumers. The company has faced challenges in offline distribution, which is crucial for success in the Indian market. Currently, OnePlus' offerings start at around ₹20,999, and the introduction of a budget model could help the brand compete more effectively against rivals.

The upcoming phone is expected to be OnePlus' final launch of the year, as the company prioritizes affordable options over premium models like the OnePlus 16, which may not be released in India. If priced correctly, this new budget phone could attract buyers who prefer OxygenOS but are deterred by higher prices.