Anticipation for the forthcoming OnePlus 13 has prompted a recent unofficial render to be circulated on the Chinese social media platform Weibo.
This render offers a glimpse into the potential design of the device,suggesting a noteworthy departure from the circular camera housing employed in previous iterations. The new design depicts a square camera module with softened corners, a significant aesthetic shift.
While the authenticity of this render remains unconfirmed, it corroborates existing rumors concerning a substantial design overhaul for the OnePlus 13. Industry speculation further suggests that the OnePlus 13 may be among the first smartphones to integrate the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 SoC. However, reports indicate that Xiaomi may possess exclusive launch rights for this chipset, potentially delaying the unveiling of the OnePlus 13 until after the launch of the Xiaomi 15 and Xiaomi 15 Pro series.
Drawing a parallel to the launch schedule of the preceding year, the OnePlus 12 entered the Chinese market in early December, trailing the Xiaomi 14 by a brief period. It is conceivable that a similar pattern may emerge in 2024. However,rumors suggest an earlier unveiling for the Xiaomi 15 series, potentially scheduled for mid-October. Consequently, the launch of the OnePlus 13 could be postponed until mid-to-late November.
It is important to exercise caution when interpreting this leaked render, particularly considering the emergence of another render in early March depicting an entirely different design. Nevertheless, the cumulative evidence suggests a significant aesthetic shift for the OnePlus 13, marking a clear distinction from its predecessor.