Carl Pei, the co-founder of OnePlus, has confirmed that the third handset model from the company will come out later this year.
The executive noted that although the device may not receive the same high-end specs as the 2, it might sport better design features.
Even before the official launch of the OnePlus 2, the company has already been teasing about an upcoming device. But, based on Pei's recent interview with USA Today, the new device may not be marketed as a flagship device.
If this is true, then the upcoming model could mark OnePlus' entry into the mid-rang smartphone market.
Although details of the device are not yet clear, Pei said it might come out during the holiday season.
"There's going to be a second phone this year, before the end of the year," he told the news site. "Hopefully for Christmas."
Earlier in January, Pei said that the company might shift its attention on a different target market for its third smartphone. Instead of focusing on its specs, the executive noted that OnePlus will give more importance on its overall design.
"It's going to be a phone catering to a different type of audience," he told NDTV. "Perhaps for those who appreciate design over specs."
As to what the device might be called, some are speculating that it will be marketed as the OnePlus 3, or possibly a low-end variant of the company's current flagship, the 2.
However, during a recent Reddit AMA session held by the company, a representative from OnePlus clarified that the upcoming handset will not be called the OnePlus 3 or OnePlus 2S. This supports rumors that the new device will not be released as a flagship smartphone.
In addition, Pei explained through Twitter that aside from this year's planned handset, OnePlus is also working on the successor of the 2.
"OnePlus 3 will be released in 2013, probably H2," he tweeted.
Hopefully, more details about these two devices will be released by the company within the next few months.
As for the 2, OnePlus officially unveiled its latest brand-carrier during a virtual reality event last month. Like the One, the company also launched an invite system for those who wish to purchase the handset.
As of today, the number of users who signed up for the release of the OnePlus 2 has already reached more than 1,500,000. The device is scheduled to hit stores on August 11 in various regions including the U.S., Canada, China, Europe and India.
