OnePlus launches new 5G smartphone amid intensified competition

Chinese smartphone vendor OnePlus unveiled its latest 5G smartphone, as the company works hard to expand its popularity among consumers who prefer premium products.

The move comes as OnePlus steps up push to better resonate with consumers in its home turf after it continuously made splash in overseas markets.

Starting from 3,399 yuan ($505.8) in China, OnePlus 8T 5G features a quad-camera setup, 65W fast charging technology and what the company said "an impressive overall package of powerful hardware and smooth software."

Liu Zuohu, founder and CEO of OnePlus, said in a statement that "With the OnePlus 8T 5G, we're offering pro-level capabilities for even more users across our flagship smartphone portfolio."

The company has also been working hard to expand its offline presence in China. Liu said the company's offline retail stores now have covered about 110 cities in more than 30 provinces, and municipalities in the nation.

According to the senior executive, OnePlus will scramble to expand its retailing presence and optimize its after-sales services so that more consumers can access the company's products.