The next OnePlus flagship smartphone will launch on T-Mobile here in the U.S. in addition to its normal global launch, CNET says. This marks the first time that OnePlus will have a U.S. carrier partner for a device launch.

“T-Mobile will be the exclusive US carrier partner for the OnePlus 6T when it launches in October, according to people familiar with the launch plans,” CNET claims. “That includes a specific version of the OnePlus 6T optimized for T-Mobile’s network, the people said.”

Like its predecessor, the highly-recommended OnePlus 6, the OnePlus 6T is expected to start at $550, far below the $850 to $1000 price tag of most modern flagship handsets.

But it’s unclear what will differentiate the 6T from the 6: With last year’s OnePlus 5T, the firm moved to the tall and thin 18:9-ish form factor that is now common with flagship phones. And the OnePlus 6 already has a notch. So where can the 6T improve matters?

There are some small but important things that OnePlus might add, like wireless charging, stereo speakers, and water-proofing. And the camera is always a good area for improvement too.

Anyway, this is great news for OnePlus. And for T-Mobile subscribers.

Tagged with OnePlus, OnePlus 6, OnePlus 6T