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OnePlus has sights set on Xiaomi with cheap smart TVs (Update: Screen sizes!)
Update, June 9 2020 (4:20AM ET): OnePlus has already revealed plans to launch two new smart TV lines on July 2, and it now looks like the Bluetooth SIG website may have given us a couple of key details.
A listing on the website reveals two OnePlus TV models, confirming that they’re LED TVs packing the model numbers 32HA0A00 and 43FA0A00. This listing also comes some time after another OnePlus TV listing, offering the model number 55UA0A00.
Now, the first two numbers in OnePlus TV model numbers usually denote the screen size. Therefore, it looks like OnePlus is launching 32-inch, 43-inch, and 55-inch TVs soon. This doesn’t necessarily mean all three models will be coming to India, as the firm chose to bring certain screen sizes to specific countries in the past.
It’s also interesting to note that the latest OnePlus TV listing contains a link (under the QDID field) to a Bluetooth listing for SKYWORTH TVs. We’re not sure what the link is between the two firms, but we’ve asked OnePlus about this nonetheless.
Original article, June 8 2020 (2:51AM ET): OnePlus has confirmed that it’ll launch two new smart TV ranges on July 2. The announcement was made by OnePlus founder and CEO Pete Lau on Twitter, followed by an official press release from the company.
“The new OnePlus smart TVs are targeted to bring a premium experience across different screen sizes to the mid-range as well as the entry-level smart TV segments in India,” says OnePlus in a release sent to Android Authority.
Previously, OnePlus launched its first set of TVs — the OnePlus TV 55 Q1 and OnePlus TV 55 Q1 Pro — in India starting at Rs 69,900 (~$925). In our top-end OnePlus TV review, we noted that it was too expensive in comparison to smart TVs that Xiaomi offers in India. Looks like OnePlus took that feedback home and is planning on drastically reducing the entry-point for its smart TVs.
According to a report in the Economic Times (ET), OnePlus will enter the mass-market smart TV segment in India to compete with the likes of Xiaomi, realme, TCL, and others. OnePlus’ entry-level TV series in India will reportedly start at around Rs 15,000 (~$198). Its new mid-range TVs, as noted in the same report, will be priced in the range of Rs 20,000 to Rs 40,000 (~$264 to ~$529).
OnePlus says that the launch of its new TV range is part of a “revamped global business strategy.” The company notes that it aims “to deliver a premium and more accessible connected ecosystem experience to its users.”
These remarks are in line with what the OnePlus CEO recently said about delivering on cheaper products. He noted (albeit obviously) that there’s still considerable demand for products with more accessible prices, and we couldn’t agree more. In fact, OnePlus itself built its foundation by offering affordable flagships before moving towards the more premium segment over the years.
So while the new OnePlus TVs might see the brand return to its value-for-money roots, all eyes right now are on the OnePlus Z and how it’ll spice up the mid-range smartphone segment. OnePlus is definitely on track to claim more market share from the likes of Xiaomi if its new, cheaper products are a hit with consumers, especially in India.
Meanwhile, if you want to catch the launch of the new OnePlus TVs, the company will be hosting a live stream at 7PM IST (9:30AM ET) on July 2. The stream should take place across OnePlus’ India social handles and on its India website. We’ll update this article with links once we get them.