OnePlus 12R Fiasco : OnePlus, once known for its flagship killers and disruptive pricing, found itself in hot water recently with the launch of the OnePlus 12R. The controversy? False advertisement regarding the phone’s storage type. While advertised as boasting the blazing-fast UFS 4.0 storage, the 256GB variant actually sported the older UFS 3.1, leaving buyers fuming and the company scrambling for damage control.
Facing the Music: Full Refunds Offered
Facing the ire of tech enthusiasts and accusations of misleading marketing, OnePlus took a bold step: offering full refunds to buyers of the 256GB OnePlus 12R until March 16, 2024. This unprecedented move, announced by OnePlus president and COO Kinder Liu, was an attempt to pacify disgruntled customers and rebuild trust.
A Cascade of Confusion: From Hype to Heartburn
The fiasco unfolded when eagle-eyed reviewers and early adopters noticed discrepancies between advertised performance and actual benchmarks. Apps like AnTuTu, known for measuring storage speed, were reporting UFS 3.1 speeds for the 256GB model, despite OnePlus touting the faster UFS 4.0. Social media erupted, with accusations of “scam” and demands for refunds echoing across platforms.
OnePlus Backtracks: Apology and Action
OnePlus, acknowledging the error, issued a swift apology, calling it a “miscommunication” and requesting patience from their community. However, the damage was done. The price difference between the 128GB and 256GB variants was significant, and buyers felt misled, especially considering the “flagship-grade” storage advertised.
Beyond Benchmarks: The Trust Factor
While OnePlus downplayed the performance difference between UFS 3.1 and 4.0, highlighting optimized software and “smooth beyond belief” experience, the technical truth remained. For many, it wasn’t just about raw speed; it was about broken promises and the eroded trust in OnePlus’ marketing claims.
A Lesson Learned: Trust Regained, One Refund at a Time?
Offering full refunds was a significant step, showcasing OnePlus’ willingness to listen to its customers and rectify its mistake. However, regaining trust takes time and consistent action. Whether this move effectively restores consumer confidence remains to be seen.
