OnePlus is reportedly planning to introduce a compact flagship smartphone in its Ace series next year. While the exact model and placement within the lineup remain uncertain, industry insiders suggest that the new device might expand the Ace series’ offerings.
After unveiling the OnePlus 13 in China last month, the brand appears to be gearing up for the Ace 5 series. Rumors hint at a possible China debut for the Ace 5 lineup by the end of this year, but OnePlus is also said to be working on a smaller-screen flagship slated for launch between April and June 2025. The information, sourced from DigitalChatStation on Weibo, indicates a new addition to the Ace lineup, though the naming and detailed specifications are still under wraps.
Compact Flagship to Shake Up the Ace Lineup
Historically, the OnePlus Ace series features devices with larger displays, typically around 6.78 inches. If the rumors hold, this new compact flagship could mark a significant departure from that trend, potentially offering a smaller form factor to cater to users seeking a more pocket-friendly option.
It’s unclear if this model will align with the Ace 5 series or be introduced as an entirely new category under the Ace branding. Early speculation suggests it could rival compact devices like the Vivo X200 Pro Mini and the rumored OPPO Find X8 Mini, positioning OnePlus as a strong contender in the compact flagship market.
Expected Specifications and Availability
While details about the hardware remain scarce, the upcoming Ace 5 series itself is expected to feature powerful processors, with the standard Ace 5 potentially equipped with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and the Pro variant powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC. If the Ace 5 follows past trends, its global counterpart may be launched as part of the OnePlus R series (e.g., OnePlus 13R).
As for the compact model, there’s no confirmation on whether it will make its way to global markets. For now, OnePlus seems focused on solidifying its position in the Chinese market, with December rumored as the launch window for the Ace 5 and Ace 5 Pro.
Conclusion
The Ace series continues to serve as a premium alternative to OnePlus’ flagship lineup, and the rumored compact flagship could diversify its portfolio further. With competition heating up in the compact flagship space, OnePlus’ potential entry might be a game-changer. Fans and tech enthusiasts will have to wait for more updates on what this small-screen innovation holds.
