what you should Know
- OnePlus is reportedly considering launching the Nord as a separate brand.
- The spin-off is rumored to create a separate unit with more ecosystem products, such as smart TVs and wearables.
- Future Nord phones may also have a new interface on top of Oxygen OS.
Since introducing the Nord brand two years ago, OnePlus has never stopped filling the smartphone market with low- and mid-range models. Nord’s growing presence may soon usher in a new chapter for the brand.
A report from The Mobile Indian (opens in new tab) claims that OnePlus is considering spinning off the Nord, similar to what Xiaomi did with the POCO. The report suggests that Nord will operate as an independent entity going forward, complete with its own team and minor rebranding. This means it will replace its current trademark color with a lighter shade of blue.
Future Nord phones may also drop the OnePlus brand from their names as part of the alleged spin-off, according to the report. However, the brand may still retain the name of its parent company in some cases by including the phrases “by OnePlus” or “OnePlus brand” in its branding.
For consumers, this will lead to a wider range of options. The spin-off is expected to see the brand expand into the market for the best budget Android phones. According to the report, the Nord will specifically target the slightly higher and lower price segments ranging between INR 15,000 (approx. $189) and INR 35,000 (approx. $441). The latter price point is supposed to be for a “budget flagship” phone.
In addition, Nord may expand its offerings to include smart TVs, fitness bands, smartwatches, Bluetooth neckbands, power banks and other accessories. OnePlus already sells a pair of headphones called the Nord Buds, and we can expect the line to expand in the future.
As for the phones, the report claims that future Nord phones will run a custom interface on top of Oxygen OS. The brand could also see a significant offline presence if this succeeds.
OnePlus’ rumored plan reflects a growing tendency among Chinese phone makers to spin off their smartphone brands after a while. Apart from POCO, a number of brands come to mind including iQOO by Vivo and Realme by Oppo, all of which fall under the BBK umbrella.
Android Central has reached out to OnePlus for comment and will share more details when we hear back. For now, take this information with a grain of salt.
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