The OnePlus Open has an IR blaster, and so will the OnePlus 12 [Gallery]

Ben Schoon | Oct 24 2023 - 10:03 am PT

The OnePlus 12 is expected to make its debut in December, and now we’ve got an early reveal that has confirmed the display, as well as the return of a long-lost favorite feature, the IR blaster.

In China this week, OnePlus has shown off a new collaboration with Chinese display maker BOE. That includes a new 3,000 nit display, but also the OnePlus 12, which has a 2,600 nit panel. The new display is apparently the “X1 OLED” according to Abhishek Yadav and others on Twitter/X.

The device being shown is indeed an early version of the OnePlus 12, but we can’t really see anything about it. The display is the only thing visible, with the rear design and cameras completely hidden. However, there is an interesting little cutout at the top which, according to Max Jambor, is an IR blaster.

The IR blaster is a piece of hardware that was once commonplace in Android smartphones. Samsung, HTC, LG, and others all included IR blasters on their flagships, with the feature pitched on its usefulness with controlling a TV from a distance in lieu of a proper remote. But, over the years, the feature fell out of favor, and has been rarely seen on modern Android devices. OnePlus, in fact, has never shipped the feature on

But the return of the IR blaster is not as crazy as it sounds. The OnePlus Nord 3 that launched earlier this year revived the IR blaster, even though it didn’t get much attention for doing so. Even OnePlus’ own website doesn’t even mention the feature. The OnePlus 11R also offered the needed hardware.

Similarly hidden is the fact that the new OnePlus Open foldable that just launched this month also has an IR blaster, complete with a built-in app for controlling IR devices. This includes TVs, soundbars, and a ton of other smart home gear. It’s something that OnePlus simply isn’t talking about, even though it’s a super unique offering. The app is pictured below in a few screenshots from the OnePlus Open.