OnePlus 5T Thin Bezels Leak Again: What’s New

The OnePlus 5T has leaked again with images showing even thinner bezels than the OnePlus 5, and this time the leaks appear to be more credible. Yes, the OnePlus 5T with thin bezels has leaked again, and the new renders and alleged real-life photos suggest a significant design shift for the company.

Background: OnePlus’s Design Evolution

OnePlus has traditionally followed a fairly consistent design language. The OnePlus 3 and 3T had relatively standard bezels for 2016. The OnePlus 5, released in mid-2017, refined that design with a more rounded body and slimmer side bezels, but the top and bottom chin remained noticeable. The company’s focus was on performance and software, not on pushing the boundaries of screen-to-body ratio.

However, by late 2017, competitors like Samsung with the Galaxy S8 and LG with the G6 had already moved to near-bezel-less displays. OnePlus was seen as lagging in this area, and rumors of a “5T” with a larger, edge-to-edge display started circulating as early as August 2017. The leaks we’re seeing now align with that narrative.

What the Leaks Show

The latest leaked images, which surfaced on Chinese social media and tech forums, show a device that looks very similar to the OnePlus 5 from the back, but the front is distinctly different. The most notable change is the reduction of the bezels above and below the display. The top bezel is significantly thinner, and the bottom bezel, while still present, is also reduced. The fingerprint sensor has been moved to the back, a necessary change to accommodate the taller screen.

The display appears to be a 6-inch AMOLED panel with an 18:9 aspect ratio, which was the emerging standard for flagship phones in 2017. The resolution is rumored to be 1080 x 2160 pixels, which is Full HD+ rather than Quad HD. This is a strategic choice to maintain battery life and performance, as the Snapdragon 835 chipset would have to push fewer pixels.

How the Design Change Works

Moving the fingerprint sensor to the back is a significant ergonomic shift. On the OnePlus 5, the sensor was a physical home button on the front. On the 5T, you’ll find a virtual navigation bar on screen, and the rear sensor is placed in a similar position to many other 2017 flagships. This allows the display to extend further down, reducing the bottom bezel to just a few millimeters.

The front camera, sensors, and earpiece are still housed in the top bezel, but OnePlus has managed to make that area more compact. The result is a screen that occupies a much larger portion of the front face, giving the phone a more modern look.

Common Questions and Misconceptions

One common misconception is that the 5T is a completely new phone. In reality, it’s a mid-cycle refresh, similar to what OnePlus did with the 3T. The internal hardware is largely the same: the Snapdragon 835 processor, 6GB or 8GB of RAM, and the same dual-camera setup. The main changes are the display, the fingerprint sensor placement, and the slightly larger battery (likely 3,450mAh vs. 3,300mAh).

Another question is whether the 5T will have a notch. Based on the leaks, the answer is no. The design uses a more traditional approach with a thin top bezel, not a notch like the iPhone X or the later OnePlus 6. This was a deliberate choice to avoid the controversy and software complications that notches introduced.

How to Choose: 5T vs. OnePlus 5

If you’re deciding between the OnePlus 5 and the upcoming 5T, consider what matters more to you:

• Display size: The 5T offers a larger 6-inch screen in a body that’s only slightly taller than the 5. If you consume a lot of video or games, the extra screen real estate is a plus.
• Fingerprint sensor placement: The 5 has it on the front, which some users prefer. The 5T’s rear sensor is faster to reach when the phone is on a table, but it’s less convenient when the phone is lying flat.
• Price: The 5T is expected to launch at the same price as the 5 did, but the 5 will likely get a price drop. If you’re on a budget, the 5 is a better deal.
• Future-proofing: The 5T’s taller display is more in line with 2018 trends, so it may feel less dated in a year.

Potential Issues and Concerns

One potential issue with the 5T is the lack of optical image stabilization (OIS) on the main camera. The OnePlus 5 already had this limitation, and the 5T is expected to keep the same camera hardware. This means low-light photography may still be a weak point.

Another concern is the durability of the thinner bezels. With less bezel, there’s less room for impact absorption if you drop the phone. A good case is strongly recommended. Also, the rear fingerprint sensor is more exposed and could get scratched if you place the phone face-up on rough surfaces.

Comparison: OnePlus 5T vs. Rivals

In late 2017, the main competitors to the OnePlus 5T were the Samsung Galaxy S8, the LG V30, and the Google Pixel 2 XL. The 5T’s advantages were its lower price (typically $499 for the base model) and its near-stock Android experience with fast updates. The Galaxy S8 had a better display and wireless charging, but it cost significantly more. The Pixel 2 XL had the best camera, but it also had a higher price and a less refined design.

The 5T’s 18:9 display and thin bezels brought it visually in line with these flagships, while maintaining OnePlus’s value proposition. It wasn’t the best in any single category, but it offered a balanced package at a competitive price.

Cost and Availability

The OnePlus 5T was expected to launch globally in November 2017, with a price of $499 for the 6GB/64GB model and $559 for the 8GB/128GB version. This was consistent with OnePlus’s strategy of offering flagship specs at a mid-range price. The phone was sold through OnePlus’s own website and select retail partners, often through invite-based or flash sales.

One thing to note is that the 5T did not support expandable storage, so you had to choose the storage tier that fit your needs. The 128GB option was a reasonable choice for most users, as 64GB could fill up quickly with photos and games.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the OnePlus 5T have a headphone jack?
Yes, based on all leaks and the company’s stance at the time, the 5T retained the 3.5mm headphone jack. OnePlus did not remove it until the OnePlus 6T.

Is the OnePlus 5T waterproof?
No, the 5T did not have an official IP rating. It had some splash resistance due to internal seals, but OnePlus did not advertise it as waterproof.

Does the 5T support Dash Charge?
Yes, the 5T supported Dash Charge, which was OnePlus’s fast charging technology. It could charge the battery from 0 to 60% in about 30 minutes.

Will the 5T get Android 10?
Officially, the OnePlus 5T received Android 10 in 2020, but it was the last major OS update. It did not receive Android 11.

Is the 5T still worth buying in 2024?
As a used phone, the 5T is outdated. It lacks modern bands for some carriers, and its battery life has degraded. It’s not recommended as a daily driver, but it can still work as a secondary device for basic tasks.

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