OnePlus 5T Photo Leaked Online? The Full Story
Yes, the OnePlus 5T was indeed leaked online through photos before its official launch. Multiple credible leaks in October and November 2017 revealed the device’s near-bezel-less design, dual rear cameras, and the relocated fingerprint sensor, well before OnePlus officially confirmed the phone on November 16, 2017.
The First Leaks: What the Photos Showed
The earliest OnePlus 5T photo leaks surfaced in late October 2017, posted by tech tipsters and Chinese social media accounts. They showed a device that looked like a refined OnePlus 5 but with a taller 18:9 display and noticeably slimmer bezels. The most distinguishing feature was the fingerprint sensor, which had moved from the front home button to the back of the phone, just below the dual-camera module. This was a major design shift for OnePlus, as the company had previously championed the front-mounted sensor.
How the Leaks Happened
Leaks of unreleased phones typically come from a few sources:
- Supply chain photos: Images taken at manufacturing facilities or of components like the chassis, display, or battery.
- Regulatory filings: Photos submitted to agencies like the FCC or China’s TENAA, which are often made public before the official announcement.
- Retail listings: Accidental or intentional posts by online retailers showing the phone before launch.
- Tipster renders: Some leaks are not actual photos but high-quality renders based on leaked specifications and schematics.
In the case of the OnePlus 5T, the first images were likely a mix of actual photos and renders shared by well-known leakers on Twitter and Weibo.
What the Leaks Revealed About the Specs
Beyond the design, the leaked photos and accompanying information pointed to several key specifications that were later confirmed:
- Display: A 6.01-inch AMOLED panel with a 1080 x 2160 resolution (18:9 aspect ratio).
- Processor: The Qualcomm Snapdragon 835, the same chip as the OnePlus 5.
- RAM and storage: Options of 6GB/64GB and 8GB/128GB.
- Cameras: A dual rear setup with a 16MP main sensor and a 20MP secondary sensor, both with f/1.7 apertures. The front camera remained at 16MP.
- Battery: A 3,300mAh battery, slightly larger than the 3,300mAh in the OnePlus 5 (actually the 5T had 3,300mAh, same as the 5).
Official Confirmation and Launch
OnePlus did not officially acknowledge the leaks until early November 2017, when they began posting teaser images on social media that clearly showed the new design. The company officially announced the OnePlus 5T at a launch event in New York City on November 16, 2017. The phone went on sale in the US and Europe on November 21, 2017, with a price of $499 for the 6GB/64GB model and $559 for the 8GB/128GB model.
Why Leaks Matter to OnePlus Fans
For a company like OnePlus, which built its reputation on a passionate online community, leaks are a double-edged sword. On one hand, they generate hype and keep the brand in the news. On the other, they can spoil the surprise of a launch and pressure the company to confirm details earlier than planned. OnePlus has historically taken a somewhat relaxed stance toward leaks, often using them as a way to gauge consumer interest and adjust their marketing strategy.
Was the Leak Accurate?
For the most part, yes. The leaked photos were remarkably accurate when compared to the final product. The design, the placement of the fingerprint sensor, and the overall dimensions were all correct. The only minor discrepancies were in some leaked specs, such as the battery capacity, which was initially reported as 3,500mAh but turned out to be 3,300mAh. This is common in the world of phone leaks, as early information is often based on prototypes or incomplete data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was the OnePlus 5T a major upgrade over the OnePlus 5?
No, it was an incremental upgrade. The main changes were the larger 18:9 display, the relocated fingerprint sensor, and improved low-light camera performance thanks to the new secondary sensor. The processor, RAM, and storage options were identical to the OnePlus 5.
Why did OnePlus move the fingerprint sensor to the back?
To achieve the taller 18:9 display with slimmer bezels, there was no room for the front-mounted home button and fingerprint sensor. Moving it to the back was the most practical solution at the time, as under-display fingerprint sensors were not yet mature.
Did the OnePlus 5T have a headphone jack?
Yes, it did. The OnePlus 5T retained the 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature that was still common in 2017 but was starting to be removed by some competitors.
How much did the OnePlus 5T cost at launch?
The 6GB/64GB model was priced at $499, and the 8GB/128GB model was $559 in the US. In Europe, prices were €499 and €559 respectively.
Is the OnePlus 5T still worth buying today?
No. The phone is outdated by modern standards. It lacks 5G support, has an older processor, and will not receive the latest Android updates. There are many better budget and mid-range options available today with more modern features.
Where can I see the original leaked photos?
Many tech news websites like The Verge, Android Authority, and XDA Developers covered the leaks and have archived the images. A quick search for “OnePlus 5T leak” will bring up these articles and the photos they embedded.
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