OnePlus will likely launch a new smartphone series called N on the Indian market in July at prices up to 20,000 rupees (approximately $209). This was first reported by Smartprix citing insider sources. There are currently no official confirmations from OnePlus regarding model names or specifications.

If the figure is confirmed, this would be a structural shift for the brand. Even the Nord lineup — positioned since 2020 as an "affordable alternative" — mostly costs above this price point. The N series would sit a notch lower.

Why now — and why India

According to IDC, in the first half of 2025, the $100–200 segment accounted for 42% of the Indian smartphone market, but showed a slowdown: vivo, OPPO, and Realme together control approximately 60% of this range. In other words, OnePlus is not entering a vacuum — established players with developed offline networks and aggressive pricing already operate there.

"OnePlus is directly in the crosshairs of budget heavyweights — Redmi, Realme, vivo, and POCO"

Smartprix

It is notable that OnePlus's parent company OPPO already has a presence in this segment and understands its mechanics well. The N series would essentially allow the BBK group to occupy multiple price niches in India under different brands — a classic strategy that Xiaomi executes through Redmi and POCO.

What is known about the devices

• Several models are expected with different specs and prices within the 20,000 rupee limit
• The estimated launch window is July 2025, though the date is not confirmed
• The series is primarily aimed at first-time smartphone buyers or those upgrading from the lowest segment

Specifications are still unknown. Given the price point, the most likely platforms are mid-range Qualcomm or MediaTek chipsets without flagship camera systems. This is where the main tension arises: OnePlus built loyalty on the thesis of "flagship experience at a lower price" — and the N series, whatever form it takes, will test whether this reputation holds when prices are half that of the Nord.

If OnePlus does not officially announce the N series by August, the most likely explanation is not manufacturing delays, but a repositioning review: too close to parent company OPPO's products, too risky for brand image.