OnePlus 9 Render: Flat Display, Triple Cameras Leaked?
Yes, leaked renders of the OnePlus 9, shared by known tipsters in late 2020, showed a flat display and a triple-camera setup. The renders depicted a punch-hole selfie camera, a flat AMOLED panel, and a rectangular camera module housing three lenses and an LED flash, which closely matched the final design of the phone released in March 2021.
Background: The OnePlus 9 Leak Timeline
The first credible OnePlus 9 renders appeared in November 2020, about four months before the official announcement. These were based on CAD files obtained by case manufacturers and were published by tech blogs like 91mobiles and OnLeaks. The renders showed a phone with a 6.55-inch flat display, a single punch-hole camera in the top-left corner, and a rectangular rear camera module with three lenses. The design was a clear evolution of the OnePlus 8T, but with a more prominent camera bump. Later leaks, including press renders and live photos, confirmed the same flat display and triple-camera arrangement, with the final product matching the leaked design almost exactly.
What the Leaked Renders Showed
The leaked renders revealed several key design elements that were later confirmed:
- Flat display: A 6.55-inch Fluid AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and a punch-hole cutout for the 16MP selfie camera. The flat screen was a deliberate choice to differentiate the standard OnePlus 9 from the curved-screen OnePlus 9 Pro.
- Triple rear cameras: A 48MP main sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide sensor, and a 2MP monochrome sensor. The camera module was rectangular and housed all three lenses plus an LED flash.
- Alert slider: The iconic OnePlus alert slider was visible on the right side of the frame, and the power button was placed below it.
- No headphone jack: The renders showed no 3.5mm audio jack, consistent with OnePlus’s move to USB-C audio.
How the Leaks Compared to the Final Phone
The final OnePlus 9, released on March 23, 2021, matched the leaked renders in almost every way. The display was indeed a 6.55-inch flat AMOLED with a 120Hz refresh rate and a punch-hole camera. The triple-camera setup was confirmed, though the monochrome sensor was later revealed to be a 2MP depth sensor. The only minor difference was the placement of the Hasselblad branding on the camera module, which was not visible in the early CAD renders but appeared in the final product. The overall dimensions and button placement were also accurate to the leaks.
Why Flat Displays Matter
Flat displays have several practical advantages over curved ones:
- Fewer accidental touches: Curved edges can cause unintended screen touches when holding the phone, especially with one hand. Flat screens eliminate this issue.
- Easier screen protector installation: Tempered glass protectors adhere better to flat screens and are less likely to bubble or peel.
- Better durability: Flat panels are less prone to cracking on impact because the edges are not exposed.
- More precise touch response: The edges of a curved display can distort touch input, which is noticeable when typing or gaming.
OnePlus chose a flat display for the standard OnePlus 9 to appeal to users who prefer a more practical, less flashy design, while the Pro model kept the curved screen for a premium look.
Triple Camera Setup: What It Means for Photography
The triple-camera system on the OnePlus 9 was a significant upgrade over the dual-camera setup of the OnePlus 8T. The main sensor was a 48MP Sony IMX689 with optical image stabilization (OIS), the ultra-wide was a 50MP Sony IMX766 with a 120-degree field of view, and the third lens was a 2MP depth sensor used for portrait mode. The ultra-wide camera was particularly notable because it had a larger sensor than most competitors, resulting in better low-light performance and less distortion at the edges. The Hasselblad partnership, announced in early 2021, brought natural color calibration and a pro mode with 12-bit RAW support, which was a first for OnePlus phones.
Common Misconceptions About the Leaks
One common misconception is that the leaked renders showed a periscope telephoto lens. They did not. The third lens in the renders was a small sensor, which led some to speculate it was a telephoto, but it was actually a depth sensor. Another misconception is that the flat display was a downgrade from the curved screen of the OnePlus 8T. In reality, the flat panel was a deliberate choice to reduce cost and improve usability, and it did not affect the display quality—the OnePlus 9’s screen was rated highly for brightness and color accuracy.
How to Verify Future Leaks
If you want to judge the credibility of future phone leaks, consider these factors:
- Source reliability: Well-known leakers with a track record of accuracy (like OnLeaks) are more trustworthy than anonymous posts.
- CAD vs. press renders: CAD renders are based on factory schematics and are usually more accurate for dimensions, while press renders may be artistic interpretations.
- Multiple sources: If several independent sources share similar renders, the leak is more likely to be genuine.
- Timing: Leaks that appear months before launch are often based on prototypes that may change; leaks closer to launch are more reliable.
Always cross-check with official announcements, as companies sometimes change design details at the last minute.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was the OnePlus 9 display really flat?
Yes, the OnePlus 9 had a flat 6.55-inch AMOLED display. This was confirmed by the official specs and multiple reviews. The flat screen was one of the main differences between the standard OnePlus 9 and the OnePlus 9 Pro, which had a curved display.
Did the OnePlus 9 have a triple camera?
Yes, the OnePlus 9 had a triple rear camera setup: a 48MP main camera, a 50MP ultra-wide camera, and a 2MP depth sensor. The camera system was co-developed with Hasselblad, which improved color science and added a pro mode.
Why did OnePlus choose a flat display for the OnePlus 9?
OnePlus likely chose a flat display to reduce costs and differentiate the standard model from the Pro. Flat displays are also easier to use with screen protectors and reduce accidental touches, which some users prefer.
Were the leaked renders accurate?
Yes, the leaked renders of the OnePlus 9 were highly accurate. The final phone matched the leaked design in terms of display, camera layout, and button placement. Minor details like the Hasselblad branding were not visible in early renders but were present on the final product.
Did the OnePlus 9 have a headphone jack?
No, the OnePlus 9 did not have a 3.5mm headphone jack. This was consistent with the leaked renders and OnePlus’s trend of removing the jack from flagship models.
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