OnePlus unveils £649 6T McLaren Edition phone with superfast charging
Smartphone maker OnePlus has unveiled a new superfast charging phone, built in collaboration with motor racing firm McLaren.
The new OnePlus 6T McLaren Edition uses a new charging standard the phone maker calls Warp Charge 30, which it says can provide “a day’s worth” of battery power – around 50% charge – in 20 minutes.
OnePlus says the technology is powered by new integrated circuits in both the charger and the phone and more efficient power management software, which also prevents the device from overheating when charging.
The Chinese firm’s chief executive, Peter Lau, hailed the first result of the company’s link-up with McLaren.
“The OnePlus 6T McLaren Edition is stunning. Engineered with exact precision and new technology we’ve never used before, it’s our fastest, most cutting-edge device ever – the epitome of craftsmanship,” he said.
“It’s the start of an exciting partnership with McLaren, giving people a feeling of incredible speed and performance.”
The new Android phone also includes 10GB of RAM, one of the first firms to do so and among the largest available on a consumer mobile device. This increases the speed with which the phone can switch between different apps.
OnePlus confirmed the device will launch in the UK on December 13 for £649.
In reference to the link with McLaren, the phone also features the Papaya Orange colour of McLaren’s Formula One cars.
The OnePlus 6T McLaren Edition features the Papaya Orange colour of the motoring firm’s Formula One cars (Tim Goode/PA)
McLaren Racing chief executive Zak Brown said: “The OnePlus 6T McLaren Edition is a special collaboration between McLaren and OnePlus.
“The end product is a device that brings performance never seen before. Our thanks to our OnePlus partners for capturing our spirit accurately and bringing unmatched power and speed in the new flagship device.”
The phone is the third new device from OnePlus in 2018, as the company attempts to challenge the likes of Samsung, Huawei and Apple by offering similar specification phones at lower prices.
Expert opinion: OnePlus can reach wider audience through link with McLaren
Ru Bhikha, mobiles expert at uSwitch.com, said:
“On paper, the tie-up between affordable mobile manufacturer OnePlus and luxury car brand McLaren isn’t that obvious, but makes sense when you think about the smartphone manufacturer’s intrepid approach to collaborations.
“McLaren’s place in the mainstream and as a byword for high-end design makes this a decidedly big step out of the start-up bracket for OnePlus.
“This limited edition 6T has had a cosmetic overhaul that brings it closely in line with the automaker’s premium modus operandi.”
Mr Bhikha said the hardware upgrades, including the new superfast charging, would also appeal to smartphone enthusiasts.
“Changes that we raved about earlier in the year, such as the under-glass fingerprint scanner are all still present, but the phone now boasts some great upgrades under the bonnet – such as 10GB more RAM and ultrafast ‘Warp’ charging capability,” he said.
“This is all complemented by the sleek design overhaul which includes McLaren’s signature Papaya Orange colouring and a carbon fibre texturing on the rear of the phone.
“At £649 it’s a touch more expensive than the ‘vanilla’ 6T, but is still a distance from falling into the sky-high premium pricing bracket.
“This edition is a lavish twist on an already top-end device and will no doubt see OnePlus cut through to an even wider audience with a big boost from McLaren’s credentials.”
