OnePlus introduces a button similar to the iPhone's that replaces its Alert Slider.
OnePlus has finally revealed a preview of the multifunction button that will replace the iconic alert slider on its upcoming phone, which is expected to be released in the coming weeks.
Recently, Pete Lau, co-founder of OnePlus, announced the removal of the well-known alert slider on their devices. The decision was driven by the brand's intention to adopt a more versatile format, opting for a button instead of the traditional two-stage system. Although not many details were revealed at that time about the new button or its functions, more specifications have now been shared.
An executive from OnePlus posted an image of the button on an upcoming release, the OnePlus 13T, on the microblogging platform Weibo. The image highlights the side profile of the device, focusing attention on the new button located in the same place where the alert slider used to be. Li Jie Louis, president of OnePlus China, mentioned that, in its native format, the button will maintain the functionality of the alert slider, allowing users to switch between silent, vibration, and ringing modes. However, he also clarified that the button will be customizable, similar to the Action Button on the latest iPhones.
The removal of the alert slider marks a significant change for OnePlus and has generated nostalgia among users. From a technical standpoint, this decision makes sense. In the OnePlus 10T model, eliminating the slider allowed for internal space savings to include an additional charge pump, more powerful antenna hardware, and a larger battery.
A button offers advantages not only by requiring less internal space but also due to its versatility. Apple’s previous experience in replacing its own alert slider with a multifunctional touch button is a good example of this trend. While the alert slider on OnePlus phones had limited functions, a physical button can be adapted to respond to different pressure types, allowing users to customize its functions.
The new multifunctional button will debut with the OnePlus 13T, a high-end Android smartphone. This device is expected to be equipped with Qualcomm's advanced Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, a 120Hz OLED display, a 6,200mAh battery with 80W charging support, and a powerful camera setup led by 50-megapixel image sensors.