OnePlus 5T Discontinuation: Why It Happens and Its Impact
When OnePlus launches a new phone, they typically discontinue the previous model. This practice is executed systematically across various regions, often leading to the selling out of older devices. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the discontinuation of OnePlus 5T and its implications on the market and customer satisfaction.
Reasons Behind OnePlus 5T Discontinuation
OnePlus follows a strategic approach to phasing out older models once a new one is launched. This approach is not unique to OnePlus; many technology companies follow similar practices.
Market Strategy: The discontinuation of a previous model helps to create a sense of urgency and hype around the new release. By selling off the remaining stock, OnePlus ensures that customers are aware of the limited availability of older models.
North America and Stock shortages
In North America, units of the OnePlus 5T have been sold out. This rapid selling out is common when a new model is launched, leading to stock shortages. Customers who want to purchase OnePlus 5T must act quickly to find the last available units.
India: No Signs of Return
In India, there have been no reports of the OnePlus 5T being sold out. However, it is unlikely that the model will be made available again. The lack of stock can be attributed to the company's decision to discontinue the model to push customers towards the newer OnePlus 6. Alternatively, it could be a strategic move to build hype for the upcoming release.
Given the recent trends, it is reasonable to expect that OnePlus 5T will no longer be available in the market. This could also be an attempt to increase the anticipation and excitement around the OnePlus 6, a strategy that has proven effective in previous launches.
OnePlus Drops Older Models After New Releases
OnePlus follows a pattern of discontinuing older models as soon as a new one is launched. The company sells off remaining stock to clear inventory, allowing the newer models to take over the market. This practice is observed globally, as evidenced by the lack of availability of OnePlus 5T in various regions.
For instance, when OnePlus 3T was launched, OnePlus 3 found itself difficult to come by. This is because OnePlus aggressively phasing out older models to make way for the new ones. This strategy ensures a fresh start and a clean slate for the new model.
T Version Models: A Double-Edged Sword
OnePlus T version models, such as OnePlus 5T, often receive mixed responses from the community. These devices are positioned as middle-tier replacements, providing an upgrade for older models. However, they can sometimes feel like a betrayal to loyal customers. Cyanogen OS, a popular choice among OnePlus users, was cut out of OnePlus 5T, leading to dissatisfaction among some users.
Users with OnePlus 13 or previous models have expressed disappointment with OnePlus 5T, believing it should have been named OnePlus 5. This suggests that the naming convention can sometimes fall short of meeting user expectations, leading to a sense of letdown.
Customer Satisfaction and Brand Loyalty
The discontinuation of OnePlus 5T has led to a mixed bag of reactions among customers. While some are happy to see the manufacturing of new models, others are disappointed by the lack of improvement and the decision to discontinue the T version.
Brand loyalty plays a significant role in these reactions. Customers who have been with OnePlus since the beginning may feel betrayed by the lack of improvements in the T version. This can impact their trust in the brand and their future purchasing decisions.
Conclusion
OnePlus follows a strategic approach to discontinuing older models, ensuring a steady flow of new products. This practice can create hype and urgency among customers but may also lead to dissatisfaction among those loyal to the brand. Understanding the reasons behind these decisions can help customers make informed choices and manage their expectations.