The OnePlus 9 series will be unveiled on March 23 along with the company’s first smartwatch called the OnePlus Watch.
Originally, we expected just to hear about the OnePlus 9 and the OnePlus 9 Pro smartphones but a new development confirms that there will be a third smartphone to share the stage that will be cheaper than the other two – the OnePlus 9R.
In a recent interview, OnePlus CEO Pete Lau confirmed the existence of the OnePlus 9R and talked about how it will be an India-exclusive device for now, aiming to touch one more price point with the series. Interestingly, this first official mention of the affordable flagship came only recently, and the company hasn’t revealed much else either.
On March 23, OnePlus is hosting a global launch event its next series of devices. This is almost a month earlier than the company’s usual timeline and will compete with other flagships such as the Samsung Galaxy S21 and the Xiaomi Mi 11.
Since OnePlus already has a series of budget smartphones in the Nord family, we expect the upcoming OnePlus 9R to sit between the Nord and the OnePlus 9 series — in terms of specifications as well as the price. Here’s everything we know and what we want to see on the OnePlus 9R.
Cut to the chase
What is it? A new affordable flagship from OnePlus
When it is out? Possibly March 23, but in India
How much will it cost? Unclear right now
OnePlus 9R release date and price
The OnePlus 9R is confirmed to share the stage with the other products on March 23. For now, it looks like it will be an India-exclusive device as there’s no mention of global availability just yet.
The only real bit of information we have is that it will be cheaper than the rest of the OnePlus 9 series.
Considering that OnePlus’ main line of flagships start at over Rs 40,000 (about $550, £400, AU$700), and there’s already the Nord under Rs 30,000, we expect the OnePlus 9R’s price to be in the middle, around the Rs 35,000 mark. The company has not had a lot of offerings in this space in recent years as it has shifted focus to the more premium offerings.
The OnePlus 9R is unlikely to make its way to other markets, but that isn’t a gurantee and it may be we see the company bring its cheaper smartphone to places like the US, UK and Australia in the future.
OnePlus 9R specs and features
In the interview, it was confirmed that the OnePlus 9R will be a 5G device. Knowing that it is a flagship, that narrows down the choice of chipset to either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888, the Snapdragon 870 or last year’s Snapdragon 865.
To keep the costs low without skimping on the performance, we expect the OnePlus 9R 5G to be powered by the Snapdragon 870 chipset — a new platform that the company had confirmed it will be adopting in the near future.
For those unaware, it is a new chipset that was announced earlier this year as an upgrade to the Snapdragon 865, but with a higher clock speed of 3.2GHz.
A teaser on Amazon.in shows the OnePlus 9R with physical shoulder triggers, which not only reaffirms that it could be a gaming phone, but also suggests that the company will launch dedicated accessories at some point.
We presume the OnePlus 9R will retain the 120Hz AMOLED display, catering to gamers. A big battery and fast charging are also expected to make the cut. It remains to be seen if it gets a Hasselblad camera upgrade like its siblings or not.
Little is truly known about the OnePlus 9R, and we expect to hear much more about the upcoming handset at the company’s March 23 launch.
What we want to see
The OnePlus 8T (Image credit: Aakash Jhaveri)
A larger battery
The OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro are confirmed to pack in a 4,500mAh battery. Since the OnePlus 9R will be a gaming phone where ergonomics can take a backseat, we hope to see a larger battery inside
65W fast charging
Recent OnePlus devices are amongst the faster-charging smartphones available, taking just about 30 minutes for a full charge. We would like to see 65W charging make it to the OnePlus 9R as well.
Capable cameras
With the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro, the OnePlus is teaming up with Hasselblad to improve the camera experience. With the 9R being a gaming device of sorts, our expectations are not too high. However, it would be nice if it would at least offer the same photography hardware as the OnePlus 8 Pro, and not go lower.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
