If you were on the verge of getting a OnePlus phone, wait. With a new flagship ready to expand beyond China and predictable price shifts just around the corner, this is one of those rare instances where waiting a bit might end up saving you major cash — and help you make a more informed decision when all is said and done.
Why Delaying a Few Days Could Be Cheaper
OnePlus generally does a staggered launch: China first, followed by a quick global release. The OnePlus 13 launched in China in early November and made its international debut at the beginning of January last cycle. This year, executives have teased on Weibo that the wait may be significantly shorter, and there have been a number of channel reports signaling an accelerated international release cycle for the successor.
That timing is important because with an arrival of a new model, retailers and carriers typically don’t hold the line on old pricing. In previous cycles, we have observed outright discounts in the 10–20% range for outgoing flagships early on, and even steeper bundles when carrier promos are stacked. Even a modest $100–$200 drop in price for the OnePlus 13 will make waiting to buy one a financially wise tactic if you expect to keep it for multiple years.
Trade-in values also shift quickly. Once a successor is official, carrier credits frequently shift to the new SKU, and the prior-gen device can get cheaper if you’re buying it outright but less lucrative in terms of enticement for trades later. Waiting allows you to decide between a newer model with better residual value or a battle-tested flagship at an entry price that is more attractive.
What the Next OnePlus Could Change in Specs and Design
Early promotional materials in China suggest it will have a larger battery, faster display, and Qualcomm’s latest 8-series silicon. A boost to around 7,300mAh would somewhat dwarf the already solid OnePlus 13 pack and enable multi-day endurance for average use. A 165Hz screen hints at ultra-smooth scrolling and a competitive advantage in high-frame-rate gaming.
Trade-offs are likely. The higher refresh rate will supposedly come in conjunction with a resolution step down from QHD+ to what Chinese listings have described as 1.5K, which would still be relatively sharp but maybe not high-resolution enough for some of the hardcore users who are all about that pixel density on the OnePlus 13’s screen profile. From a camera standpoint, the lack of Hasselblad co-branding in the Chinese marketing prompts queries regarding both sensor selection and tuning. They’re worth withholding judgment on until full global specs and sample shots make them public.
Performance, however, should be formidable. Last year’s latest and greatest flagship chipset from Qualcomm typically promised big CPU and GPU performance gains, enhanced AI acceleration, and more power efficiency. If you’re making a big deal about gaming thermals or on-device AI features, the next OnePlus may have more than just speed to offer.
Price History Is On Your Side, The Patient Investor
Look at recent patterns. After the 12 lineup debuted, the 11’s price plummeted at major retailers and carriers. Canalys and Counterpoint Research have both come out with reports on fierce discount activity in the space, noting many vendors aiming to hoover up share in a flat-to-declining premium market. That competition consistently translates into consumer-friendly pricing in the weeks before and after a launch.
Smartphone refresh cycles still extend beyond three years in mature markets, IDC noted. If you hold onto your device for that long, the combination of launch-window discounts and a longer software runway on an updated model can alter the total cost of ownership materially. A little bit of patience now can result in less spending at the outset or years of further OS updates, and sometimes both.
How to Choose Between the Current and Next OnePlus
After the new model goes worldwide, you will have a simple decision to make. If what you care most about is battery life, gaming smoothness, and the latest chipset, then again: the next OnePlus is probably more your jam. If a sharper display is more important to you and you’re skittish of camera changes, the OnePlus 13 is still a strong choice, especially at a discount when the new phone arrives.
Either way, timing is your leverage. Wait for the official pricing and early reviews, then make your selection based on where your priorities lie. If the new model is amazing, you get cutting-edge tech on Day 1. If it isn’t, you can still scoop a proven flagship for less without feeling guilty.
Bottom Line for OnePlus Buyers Considering a Wait
It can be tempting to grab what you see available today, but this is not the week for a OnePlus pickup. With a new flagship coming soon and price drops tending to come quickly after, a small amount of restraint could save you some cash and trouble in picking the right phone for the next several years. Wait — your wallet and future self will thank you.
