Credit: Jimmy Westenberg / Android Government
- OnePlus is reportedly releasing a $ 40 fitness band known as the OnePlus Band.
- It will compete against the Xiaomi Mi Band 5 by offering AMOLED, water resistance and long battery life.
- It starts in early 2021.
Update, December 31, 2020 (10:00 AM ET): It was only yesterday that the first news became known about a fitness group from OnePlus that was possibly on its way. Now, thanks for the fun @stufflistings on Twitter we have the first versions of the device.
Look at the picture below:
As you can see, the fitness band looks a lot like other products from several competing brands, including Xiaomi. What is needed to distinguish it from the package is the linked app software, which will be the first for OnePlus.
The original article on this new product continues below.
Original Article, December 30, 2020 (1:38 PM ET): You may not have to brag about the OnePlus Watch to get a laptop from the enthusiast label. Android Central sources claim that OnePlus is developing a fitness group of about $ 40 that will compete against cheap activity trackers like the Xiaomi Mi Band 5.
See also: The best fitness trackers
The OnePlus Band will reportedly match its main opponent with key features, including an AMOLED screen, a “multi-day” battery and practice-friendly water resistance. It’s not sure what (if any) benefits OnePlus can offer, although it would clearly bet that its name has some weight.
OnePlus Band: when and where will it land?
OnePlus could launch the fitness group for some time in the first quarter of 2021, the tipsters said. Since the company wants to unveil the OnePlus 9 launch, it can launch the tracker only in January or early February. However, it can only be launched for India first – other regions will get the group later.
An entry into this space would make sense. As AC pointed out, the fitness band will serve as the portable counterpart for the OnePlus Nord line – a more affordable alternative for those willing to forgo the best benefits. And when analysts say the North has fared well in India, it could be easy to launch a tracker that masters the success.
The challenge can be simple to stand out. There is not much room for advanced hardware in this space, and OnePlus does not have the luxury of customizing a complete smartwatch platform like Wear OS. Competitors like Xiaomi may only succeed by having an existing foothold and offering a ‘good enough’ product. While OnePlus has its brand, it still needs to start from scratch.