Never Settle. That’s the call of OnePlus, the Chinese smartphone brand that has generated plenty of interest last year. Redefining the flagship smartphone space with the OnePlus One, its debut product, the guerrilla brand is back with a self-proclaimed “2016 Flagship Killer” – the OnePlus 2.
OnePlus owes its cult following to its ability to pack killer specs into an accessible, attractive package. The One Plus 2 follows the same strategy, boasting plenty of “flagship killer” performance and features while maintaining an affordable price tag.
After keeping fans’ and consumers’ tails wagging over the past few weeks, the OnePlus 2 was finally revealed yesterday, 28 July 2015. The launch was also significant because, it was the world’s first VR-enabled launch – enabling fans across the world to be immersed in the event proper as it happened.
The leaked specs you’ve read about on the interweb and also here on VERNONCHAN.COM have been accurate. Just to recap, the OnePlus 2 runs an updated version of the 64-bit Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor (1.8GHz octa-core) mated to 4GB LPDDR4 RAM.
You get two storage options: a base 16GB or a higher-end 64GB of eMMC. Sadly, no microSD expansion, so the 64GB version is a safer bet.
The familiar 5.5-inch Full HD IPS panel is the same as its predecessor but has been improved with a brighter in-cell IPS panel that offers better visibility under harsh sunlight. It boasts a higher 1500:1 contrast ratio.
Design-wise, the OnePlus 2 features an all-round aluminium alloy frame with a backplate in signature sandstone black. OnePlus didn’t reinvent the wheel here, and took the safe route in the design department. Still, a pleasant and understated form factor that should appeal to most.
For those who require a more personal touch (ala Moto X), you get to choose from an array of StyleSwap covers (sold separately). Go ahead and go crazy with bamboo.
Nothing ground-breaking in the camera department – still, an able 13MP f/2.0 shooter with 1.3 micron pixel size, coupled with laser focus and Optical Image Stabilisation. The laser focus system, similar to what you’ve seen on the LG G4, gives you precise focus in under 0.2 seconds.
Shoot 4K videos or take super resolution photos of up to 50MP; the world is your oyster.
Without forgetting selfie-loving folks, there’s a 5MP front-facing shooter.
Ensuring all-day usage is a 3,300Ah battery that charges up via reversible USB Type C. Yes, you no longer need to match the orientation of the cable head to the port. Win.
The OnePlus 2 also gets a fingerprint scanner on the Home button, for the first time. OnePlus claims the new scanner is quicker than TouchID found on the iPhone.
The flagship killer runs OxygenOS which is based on Android 5.1 Lollipop. It also boasts several Android M features that are not yet available on other smartphones currently.
Features at a glance
- Color: Sandstone Black
- Dimensions: 151.8 x 74.9 x 9.85 mm
- Weight: 175 g
- Operating System: OxygenOS based on Android 5.1
- CPU: 64-bit Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor with 1.8GHz Octa-core CPUs
- GPU: Adreno 430
- RAM: 4 GB/3 GB LPDDR4
- Storage: 64 GB/16 GB eMMC v5.0 (available capacity varies)
- Sensors: Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity and Ambient Light
- Battery: Embedded rechargeable 3,300 mAh LiPo battery
- Connectivity:
GSM: 850, 900, 1800, 1900MHz
WCDMA: Bands: 1/2/5/8
FDD-LTE: Bands: 1/3/5/7/8/20 - Wi-Fi: Dual-band Wi-Fi: 2.4GHz 802.11b/g/n and 5GHz 802.11a/n/ac
- Bluetooth: Bluetooth 4.1
- Positioning: Internal GPS antenna + GLONASS
- Digital Compass
- Audio
Speakers: Bottom-facing speaker
Microphones: Dual-microphone with noise cancellation - Camera
Sensor: 13 Megapixel (1.3um)
Lenses: 6 lenses to avoid distortion and color aberration
OIS: Yes
Laser Focus: Yes
Flash: Dual-LED
Aperture: f/2.0
Front Camera: 5 Megapixel – Distortion free - Video: 4K resolution video, Slow Motion: 720p video at 120fps
- Display
Size: 5.5 inch
Resolution: 1080p Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels), 401 PPI
Type: LCD In-cell
Protection: Corning Gorilla© Glass - Ports: Data & Charging: USB Type-C
Audio: Jack 3.5mm - SIM: 2 slots – Nano SIM (DSDS)
In the Box
- 1x OnePlus 2
- 1x USB Type-C Cable
- 1x OnePlus 2 USB Power Adapter
Pricing and availability
The OnePlus 2 will be available in the US, Canada, India, Europe and China on 11 August. The rest of Southeast Asia will need to stay patient until it reaches in Q4 2015. OnePlus will retain its invite-based system (ugh…) but will also be offered via Maxis, which is the exclusive telco for the current OnePlus One device.
The OnePlus 2 retails at US$329 (RM1,255) for the 16GB version and US$389 (RM1,484) for the 64GB. To compare, the current OnePlus One (64GB) sells for RM1,199 via Maxis.
Initial thoughts
OnePlus’ debut into the smartphone game was a warning to other smartphone brands, particularly those in the upper ranks like Samsung, HTC, Sony and Apple. It signalled a new coming of affordable phones that rivalled more expensive flagships.
Would you ever buy a RM2,500 phone again?
With OnePlus 2, the niche Chinese smartphone player is once again taunting the big boys. The sub-US$350 carrot is undeniably a tempting one. Now, if only OnePlus can get these babies to customers’ hands quickly and en masse. 1.5 million units sold last year for its maiden device is commendable for a startup, but a mere speck on the map compared to numbers raked in by Apple and Samsung.
Perhaps through more partnerships like the one with Maxis, and more distribution channels globally, we’d see OnePlus as a serious player in the competitive smartphone space.
For now, let’s hope OnePlus can churn out those handsets fast enough. And send some over to Malaysia pretty please, thank you.
https://youtu.be/0beQH0UdfFQ
