OnePlus 5T release date, specs, price news: Latest flagship packed with 18:9 bezel-less OLED display for $500

Teaser image for the new OnePlus 5T smartphoneTwitter/OnePlus

After weeks of teasing the public with another flagship reveal, OnePlus has finally unveiled the new OnePlus 5T smartphone. As the name suggests, the Shenzhen-based handset maker's latest offering is the upgraded version of the OnePlus 5, sporting an all-screen front view and improved dual camera module.

While it is not necessarily a full step ahead of the OnePlus 5 that was launched back in June, the OnePlus 5T boasts a brand new design with its 6-inch bezel-less OLED display. The reduced bezels make way for a taller screen with 18:9 aspect ratio. Unlike its predecessor, the OnePlus 5T has 1080x2160 pixel resolution, and a pixel density of 401ppi for clearer and sharper graphics.

Another featured upgrade of the OnePlus 5T is the new face unlocking security scanner, which is similar to Apple's new Face ID technology via iPhone X. However, it should be noted that the Cupertino-based tech giant's facial recognition system is more complicated than the OnePlus 5T facial scanner, as the latter only makes use of a simple front-facing camera.

OnePlus 5T's facial recognition feature is not the only biometric scanner of the device, as the fingerprint reader still remains. However, as the front panel of the smartphone is made to be all-screen, the fingerprint scanner is now located at the rear portion, just below the camera module. Speaking of camera, the OnePlus 5T also boasts an upgrade in the dual-lens setup compared to OnePlus 5. As reported by Tech Crunch, the OnePlus 5T replaced the previous telephoto lens of the previous model with a higher aperture. Another improvement in the dual camera is the higher quality of image captures in low-light environment, adding more light into the shot to minimize noise.

The OnePlus 5T is now available in the markets with a starting price of $500. Given the additional features and design upgrade, a $20 bump from OnePlus 5's original price is acceptable. Nevertheless, the OnePlus 5T remains a budget-friendly smartphone that offers similar features as those of the expensive high-end devices.