OnePlus is working on a new smartphone, the OnePlus 7, and leaks at this stage suggest that it will feature a full front screen without a notch (including no drop-shaped notch) and a sliding design. It's worth noting, though, that it may not support wireless charging, even though it's quickly becoming a standard feature on flagship phones. So, what gives?
Publicly, the company's position is that wireless charging is not what it should be, and as OnePlus phones are apparently known for their charging capabilities, OnePlus decided not to incorporate it into the OnePlus 7.
"OnePlus charging is one of the best, wireless charging is much lower," said OnePlus CEO Pete Lau in an interview with CNET.
No, you are not the only one to raise the eyebrows to this explanation, I am too. I do not know if one phone has ever been chosen by another simply because of its incredible charging capabilities: plug it when you go to bed and enjoy a rejuvenated phone when you wake up.
That said, Lau is not wrong to say that the wireless charge is lower. It's more convenient than plugging in a cable, of course. But a fast charge via a wired connection is faster than a quick charge on a pad or wireless stand. This is also the reason why Qualcomm is expanding its Quick Charge compliance program to wireless technology, which will include Qi interoperability.
"Wireless charging products have been introduced that call for Quick Charge support, while they have not gone through the required Quick Charge compliance process." In response to these issues, Qualcomm Technologies has expanded its compliance program in order to include wireless charging pads based on Quick Charge technology, "Qualcomm said earlier this week.
Despite this, Lau's explanation looks like a cop. It also means that the OnePlus 7 will be behind the 8 balloon to compete with the latest flagship products such as Apple, Samsung, Huawei and others. I think that OnePlus will change its tone when the OnePlus 7 or 8 will be visible, but for 7, the wireless charge will simply not be supported.
Everything else must be high-end, including the processor (such as a Snapdragon 855 SoC) and the arrangement of multiple cameras.
