OnePlus 3T no longer has 128GB storage option in every market [Update]

If you are planning to buy a OnePlus 3T, you should know that, at least in some markets, there will only be one storage option available in the foreseeable future. OnePlus has dropped the 128GB model from the line, leaving only the 64GB version on the table for prospective buyers in some markets.

The 64GB OnePlus 3T continues to be available in both Gunmetal and Soft Gold, so you at least have two color options to choose from -- just like before. The 128GB OnePlus 3T was only launched in Gunmetal -- as well as black, if you count the limited editions announced this year.

That is a shame, because the bump in the price to the 128GB OnePlus 3T was very reasonable. The 64GB model goes for $439, while the 128GB version only cost $479 -- the $40 difference is quite small, if you look at what other companies are charging for that kind of bump in storage. Apple, for instance, asks $100 to give you 128GB, on an iPhone 7, over the 64GB version.

Posting on Reddit, user Rediwed shared a message from OnePlus in which the company basically says that it needs to focus its efforts "on one flagship device" and, as such, it will "no longer be selling the OnePlus 3T Gunmetal 128GB." However, it will "continue to provide support" for this model.

The reason for this seems to be Samsung's decision to terminate the 128GB UFS 2.0 chip used in the OnePlus 3T. That's now listed as EOL (end-of-life) on its website. If Samsung is no longer making that chip, and taking into account the fact that there is UFS 2.1 on the market and the OnePlus 5 is coming, OnePlus probably thought that the effort to produce a different 128GB storage chip was not worth it.

Speaking of the next flagship killer, the OnePlus 5 is expected to make its debut this summer. When it's introduced, it'll most likely be available in a 128GB model from the get-go -- possibly using UFS 2.1 storage. So, if you can wait, it's probably a good idea to see what the OnePlus 5 brings to the table.

Update: This story has been updated to reflect that the 128GB OnePlus 3T will be available again, at least in some markets. There is no word yet on which markets will continue to get it, after it goes back in stock.