OnePlus Withdraws from Europe, New Xteink Model, and AYANEO Launches New Handheld Console

OnePlus to Withdraw from Europe and North America

Smartphone manufacturer OnePlus has decided to withdraw from the North American and European markets. According to Brad Linder from Liliputing, the company will now focus its business resources on the domestic Chinese market (and possibly the Indian market). While its parent company Oppo will continue its global operations, it is unlikely to enter the U.S. market.

OnePlus launched its first model in 2014, rapidly gaining global popularity as a “flagship killer.” The brand was known for combining high performance with relatively low pricing, which resonated strongly with tech-savvy users. Its most recent model, the OnePlus 13, featured the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 and up to 16GB of RAM, maintaining its presence in the fiercely competitive high-end market.

However, in recent years, differentiating itself from its parent company Oppo has proven challenging, with overlapping product lines between the two brands. The maturing global smartphone market and intensifying competition are also seen as factors behind the withdrawal decision. In North America, OnePlus struggled to forge strong partnerships with carriers, while in Europe, regional regulatory compliance and high logistics costs weighed on profitability.

MeLE QuieterDL Sees Price Surge with N150

Processor

The fanless mini PC “MeLE QuieterDL” has undergone a specification upgrade and significant price hike a year and a half after its launch. According to Liliputing, the model, which debuted in 2024 with an Intel N100 processor and a starting price of $160, has been updated with an Intel N150 processor, resulting in prices jumping to $310—a nearly twofold increase.

The QuieterDL is known for its silent operation, dual 2.5GbE LAN ports, and support for triple display output. These features, housed in a compact form factor, have earned it a niche following, particularly for networking equipment and digital signage applications.

The price hike is primarily attributed to the rising costs of memory and storage. The phenomenon, often referred to as “RAMageddon” due to the supply-demand imbalance in the DRAM market, has driven up the cost of mini PCs. The market characteristics of industrial and commercial mini PCs, where price sensitivity tends to be lower, have also made it easier to pass on these increased costs to consumers.

At this price point, competitors such as ASUS’s NUC series, as well as products from Chinese manufacturers like GMKtec and Beelink, come into consideration. QuieterDL’s competitiveness will hinge on its unique value propositions, such as silent operation and dual LAN ports.

Xteink X4 Pro: A New Direction for E-Readers

Xteink, known for its affordable e-readers, is gearing up to launch a high-end model, the “Xteink X4 Pro.” The current X4 model features a compact 4.3-inch display and gained attention for its sub-10,000 yen price point. However, its small battery capacity and non-backlit screen were seen as drawbacks.

The X4 Pro is rumored to include a front-lit touchscreen, addressing the previous model’s shortcomings. The battery capacity is also expected to be enhanced, aiming to improve its functionality as a fully-fledged e-reader. However, it remains unclear whether it will continue to support the third-party firmware “CrossPoint Reader.” The current X4 model has been criticized for its low-quality proprietary firmware, with users often relying on CrossPoint Reader for practical use.

Another new model, the “Xteink X4 v2,” is also reportedly in the works. This version is expected to retain the 4.3-inch screen size but may feature an upgraded battery, serving as a refined version of the current X4.

With an anticipated increase in price, the X4 Pro will face competition from entry-level models like the Amazon Kindle and smaller Kobo devices. Xteink’s ability to maintain its low-cost strategy while enhancing functionality will be crucial to its market position.

AYANEO Unveils Game Boy Advance-Inspired Handheld

AYANEO has announced a new handheld gaming console, the “Konkr Pocket Advance,” which bears a striking resemblance to Nintendo’s Game Boy Advance. While specific specifications and pricing have not yet been disclosed, the device will reportedly include modern features such as stereo speakers and a USB-C port.

AYANEO is known as a manufacturer of Windows-based handheld gaming consoles powered by Ryzen processors. The Konkr Pocket Advance appears to target the retro gaming market, combining the iconic Game Boy Advance form factor with modern hardware.

In the retro gaming market, competitors such as Anbernic, Miyoo, and Retroid are already active. AYANEO’s ability to leverage its brand strength and Windows compatibility will be key to its differentiation. Features like cloud saves and multi-platform support could provide a modern gaming experience that sets it apart from traditional retro gaming devices.

Editorial Opinion

The withdrawal of OnePlus from the North American and European markets is a clear example of the strategic shifts being made by Chinese smartphone manufacturers. In highly mature markets, differentiation is increasingly challenging, and OnePlus faced structural issues such as overlapping product lines with Oppo. In the short term, concerns over aftermarket support could accelerate brand disillusionment among OnePlus users.

The price surge of MeLE QuieterDL exemplifies how fluctuations in the semiconductor market impact niche products. While the industrial and commercial mini-PC market is less price-sensitive, the nearly twofold price increase could significantly dampen demand.

The Game Boy Advance-inspired handheld from AYANEO signals the broader expansion of the retro gaming market from a niche into a mainstream segment. However, long-term challenges such as intellectual property rights with Nintendo and the legal status of emulation could constrain the market’s growth.

References

• “Lilbits: Goodbye OnePlus, Hello Xteink X4 Pro and a Game Boy Advance lookalike from AYANEO”, by Brad Linder — Liliputing, 2026-07-17T19:22:43.000Z (ARR)
• Source URL: https://liliputing.com/lilbits-goodbye-oneplus-hello-xteink-x4-pro-and-a-game-boy-advance-lookalike-from-ayaneo/