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I'm a diehard OnePlus user: Here's my plan now that the company is leaving North America
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ZDNET's key takeaways
- OnePlus has ceased operations in North America and Europe.
- Existing phones will receive updates, patches, and support.
- Nothing phones are similar to OnePlus, and Motorola offers value.
Today is a sad day for Android enthusiasts. OnePlus has officially ceased operations across North America and Europe. It will no longer launch new smartphones or restock existing models in either region. The company first announced the decision to leave on July 16 over on its Community blog. OnePlus states that this move is the result of a "proactive global strategy adjustment" and also thanks its customers for their years of support. As part of the shutdown, the official Community app and website will go offline on August 16 at 11:59 p.m. EST. The final smartphone released in these markets was the OnePlus 15.
Review: OnePlus 15
Since July 16, the OnePlus 15 has been available for purchase on the company's official website, but it has since sold out, along with nearly every other product in the catalog. As of this writing, only eight items are still available for purchase:
- OnePlus Half In-Ear Wired Digital Type-C Earphones
- OnePlus Buds Pro 3
- OnePlus Nords Buds 3 Pro
- OnePlus Pad Go2 Stylo pen
- OnePlus Folio Case 2
- OnePlus 13 Wood Grain Case
- OnePlus 15 Hole-pattern case
- And the OnePlus 15R Hole-pattern case.
So, it's just a bunch of accessories. You can still find OnePlus phones on sale through third-party retailers. Amazon, for example, still has the OnePlus 15R for $699. Keep in mind that the remaining stock is limited. Once those devices sell out, they're gone forever, leaving the secondhand markets like eBay as your only option.
The reason for the brand's exit from these regions is unclear, beyond the vague phrase "strategy adjustment." There is a lot of speculation online. Some people believe the exit is due to the ongoing global RAM shortage; maybe OnePlus couldn't get the components it needs for the phones. Bloomberg, in a recent report, said the decision is related to stiff competition from phone giants, such as Samsung and Apple, as OnePlus struggled to gain market momentum. Others point to geopolitical tensions between the United States and Canada.
Also: 5 ways I speed up my Android phone beyond clearing system cache - all for free
Regardless of what happened, one question lingers on everybody's mind.
What happens now?
If you're worried that your OnePlus is about to become obsolete overnight, don't be. In a recent Notice of Business Adjustment, OnePlus said customers in affected regions will continue to receive promised software updates, security patches, and customer support until a device's end-of-service date. As an example, the OnePlus 15 is set to receive four years of updates. Your warranty will remain valid, and you can repair your device through the company's official service network.
Also: How long should you keep your phone for? I did the math - it's likely not what you think
Arguably, the biggest change is the end of the operating system, OxygenOS. OnePlus is retiring the system globally in favor of parent company Oppo's ColorOS. ColorOS 17 is slated to be the next major update. The system promises to bring a smoother software experience and better performance. Oppo hasn't announced a release date for the new OS, although it could be soon. OnePlus has launched a closed beta program for ColorOS 17 for OnePlus 15 users in India.
ColorOS 17 is not mandatory. OnePlus stated that users will have the option to switch. If you do switch, you can roll back to OxygenOS. However, there is a catch, as "specific rollback versions available will be subject to future official announcements." This statement means the rollback may differ from your initial OxygenOS build.
OnePlus isn't disappearing entirely. Following its exit from North America and Europe, the company will narrow its focus to China and India. However, as noted in the Bloomberg report mentioned earlier, that strategy may not be permanent, as the brand reportedly plans to exit India in 2027. OnePlus also isn't finished making phones. Recent leaks suggested the OnePlus 16 is currently in development.
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Determined fans may try to import the OnePlus 16 and connect the device to a local carrier. Unfortunately, that approach may not work. Carrier support isn't guaranteed, as they can choose which smartphones from around the world they will provide service to. AT&T has a BYOD (bring-your-own-device) program that lets you add any phone to the network, meaning the connection might work, but I have my doubts.
What you should buy instead
If you were planning to buy a OnePlus phone, you'll now have to look elsewhere. Lucky for you, I have plenty of suggestions.
My top recommendation is Nothing. Founded by OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei, the company has carved out a similar niche by delivering premium mobile devices at a competitive price. They stand out even further with their unique user interface and eye-catching designs. Models like the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro feel like a spiritual successor to early OnePlus devices. They offer a similar streamlined experience to the one that made people fall in love with OnePlus in the first place.
Motorola is another strong choice if value is a top priority. I've reviewed several Motorola models over the past couple of years, and they've impressed me with their great balance of performance and battery. For recommendations, check out the 2025 Razr Edge and 2026 Moto G Play. If you want a more luxurious Motorola device, I suggest the 2026 Razr Ultra.
Also: I've been using the Galaxy Z Fold 8 for two weeks - these two accessories perfect the experience
For people wanting to spend more, Samsung and Apple remain the premium options. Both brands offer industry-leading cameras, top-notch hardware, and mature ecosystems packed with great accessories. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is the best choice if you want to stay with Android, while the iPhone 17 Pro is the best way to experience iOS.
What I'm going to do
As someone who's used OnePlus phones for years, I am very disappointed. I currently own the OnePlus 13R, and before that, I used the Nord N20. I loved both. The devices consistently delivered strong performance, housed high-quality cameras, and had great battery lives. With OnePlus leaving the market, Android buyers have fewer choices than before.
I plan to use my OnePlus 13R until its final firmware update. After that, I'm not sure where to go. Samsung seems like the obvious choice, but I've never been a fan of how much bloat is a part of the Galaxy experience. I could see myself switching to an iPhone, but I think my next phone will be a Motorola. As stated, I have been consistently impressed by Motorola devices recently. If that streak continues, I'll probably get whatever Razr model comes out in 2030.