OnePlus to reportedly launch entry-level 'Clover' for only $200

OnePlus is reportedly planning on releasing an entry-level smartphone called "Clover" imminently for around $200.

OnePlus has been known for its budget smartphones that rival the likes of flagships, but recently with high end OnePlus 8 series with Snapdragon 800 series; they didn't have a phone under $500.

They introduced the Snapdragon 765G-powered midrange Nord, only now to reveal that they are working on an entry-level phone codenamed "Clover" powered by the Snapdragon 460 chipset, reported Android Central.

Clover will have a 6.52-inch 720p (1560 x 720) IPS LCD, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage (expandable via MicroSD), a rear fingerprint sensor, and 3.5mm headphone jack.

The phone will also reportedly have three cameras at the back, with a 13MP primary camera joined by two 2MP lenses. 

However,  the feature that is mostly like to capture consumers is the 6000mAh battery with 18W fast charging that is designed to deliver two-day battery life. 

The Snapdragon 460 debuted earlier this year, highlighting the introduction of the Cortex A73 cores — a first in this category. The Cortex A73 cores deliver significantly better performance over the Snapdragon 450, and the chipset also has four energy-efficient A53 cores. Similarly, the Adreno 610 GPU is touted to deliver 60 percent better performance over the Snapdragon 450.

OnePlus Clover is slated to launch later this year, and OnePlus will position it in the vicinity of $200. That's in line with the hardware on offer, and it's clear that OnePlus is looking to target Xiaomi and Realme with its entry-level phone. 

The phone has a lot of similarities to the Realme C15. With the Nord sharing most parts with the Realme X50 series, it makes sense that OnePlus is doing the same with Clover.

OnePlus was restrained when it comes to diluting its portfolio — limiting itself to the mid-tier and high-end segments — so it is interesting to see the Chinese manufacturer target the entry-level category with its upcoming phone. 

OnePlus built up a lot of cachet as a premium manufacturer in markets like India, so the entry-level segment's shift doesn't fit with the company's overall strategy.

That said, the fact that Clover will be going on sale in the US is a big deal as it allows OnePlus the ability to gain some ground in the country. 

OnePlus didn't release the Nord in the US — instead of stating that it will launch another variant later in the year — and Clover may be the device the company was alluding to.