OnePlus opened up applications for The Lab: OnePlus 11

Reviewers may be able to keep the device. You can apply until 31st December 2022 23:59 EST.

"The Lab" is a unique concept OnePlus first introduced in May 2016 with the OnePlus 3. The OnePlus 6/6T, 7- & 7T-series, 8T-series, 9-series, Nord 2 & Buds Pro, 10 Pro, Nord 2T, and 10T were a part of the program. This unique concept contains answering a few basic questions, including a relatively thorough review of your current device. We recommend taking your time to think about your answers, especially to stand out from the crowd. OnePlus decides which applications they approve, and they'll send devices to the selected reviewers. Assuming all goes well and you complete your review on time, you get to keep the device.

Note: the 7T-series' Lab had it slightly different — participants had to buy the device first, and winners could choose between a full reimbursement of their purchase, or a custom device with their name engraved. This year's iteration (for the 11) is similar to previous ones — there are 10 devices available.

OnePlus also posted a very useful thread explaining the selection process (including dos & don'ts), so give that a read as well. We were a bit late in publishing this article, but you still have 2 days to apply.

Timeline

Dec 19 – Applications open
Dec 31 11:59 PM EST – Application closes
Dec 31 to Jan 6 – Community team reviews the applications
Jan 8 – OnePlus announces the reviewers in the Community
Jan 10 – OnePlus ships devices to reviewers
Jan 25 – Release partial review
Feb 7 – Release complete review

Only 10 reviewers will be selected, so make sure your application stands out. Try adding links to your existing work, if you have any (photography, news articles, blog posts, YouTube videos, etc). You can also check out this thread (posted 2 years ago), where OnePlus explains the story behind The Lab. A user on OnePlus Community who was also a Lab Reviewer for the 7T, gave some tips when writing an application. They made that post for the 9-series Lab, but it applies here as well.

Who can apply?

Both OnePlus and non-OnePlus users can apply, as well as community and non-community members, although OnePlus has reserved at least 5 seats for existing community members.

How can you apply?

Head to this website and fill the form.

Application deadline

Until 31st December 2022 23:59 EST (GMT -05:00).

FAQ

OnePlus posted the following FAQ:

Q: Who is eligible?
A: Users that are above 18 (included) from our sales region (both online and offline) that covers EU, IN, NA, and part of Asia.
Q: What criteria will OnePlus use to select the winners?
A: Your entry will be reviewed based on your photography and writing skills. Other criteria include your tech gadget experience, review history, blogging, and related user-generated content highlighting your writing proficiency. This allows us to determine whether you qualify as a Lab reviewer.
Q: How many devices have you prepared for The Lab?
A: We have prepared 10 devices for each edition of the Lab.
Q: When will you ship out the review devices?
A: Reviewers will receive devices around the official launch event date.
Q: For how long do reviewers get to create their review thread after receiving the device?
A: We allow approximately seven calendar days for reviewers to write their reviews. A follow-up review after using the device for one month is also required.
Q: Will reviewers be able to keep the devices?
A: Yes, provided both reviews are completed and submitted on time.
Q: Are Lab reviewers allowed to write critical reviews of the products they received?
A: Our top priority is to elicit honest feedback, so we can better improve our products. We are committed to publishing user feedback – positive or critical – with zero censorship or influence.

If you're looking for some inspiration, check out previous reviews by The Lab reviewers:

Keep in mind, however, reviewers will have to sign an NDA before they receive the devices. Check out the official post on OnePlus Community, which contains more information, and a sign-up link as well (which we also linked to above).

This iteration of The Lab seems to have a stricter selection process, so put some effort into your application as well as your review of the devices. Best of luck! If you'd like to know more about the upcoming devices, you can read our rumour-roundup article. The device is supposed to launch on 7th February 2023, and we may write another article when it does. If you get selected, do let us know, either on our Discord server or over email.

Source: OnePlus Community