Featuring a combination of last year’s processor and this year’s manufacturing prowess, this is an intriguing phone indeed
OnePlus has launched their new “upper mid-range” smartphone in India today, at a price of Rs 16,999. This glass-backed phone incorporates an interesting blend of components and features--one that happens to use a previous-generation processor, but in a form factor and price range that place the phone in a solid sub-flagship slot without really sacrificing too much ability.
Based on a palm-friendly 5-inch screen, the device is clearly aimed at users who shy away from the phablets brigade. The display is AMOLED with a Full HD resolution, which should make for a very sharp yet vivid viewing experience. It packs 3GB of RAM which should more than suffice for even demanding applications, a 13MP primary camera with a 0.2 second capable phase detection autofocus, and an 8MP front-facing one. All of this is contained with a brushed metal frame.
In a first for any OnePlus device, the X (which incidentally implies ‘experimental’, for their decision to experiment a bit more with this line of phones,) has expandable storage via its microSD card slot up to 128GB. Although this slot is shared by the second SIM, so it’s either dual SIM or expandable memory.
Quick Specs
OnePlus X
-
Network: GSM/HSPA (850, 900, 1800, 1900MHz), LTE (Band 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40)
-
SIM: Dual nano SIM
-
Screen: 1080x1920 pixels, 5 inches (~441 ppi pixel density), Gorilla Glass 3
-
OS: OxygenOS based on Android 5.1.1
-
Key hardware:2.3GHz Quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 801, Adreno 330 GPU, 3GB RAM, 16GB storage (expandable to 128GB via microSD)
-
Camera: f/2.2 13MP rear, f/2.4 8MP front
-
Wireless: Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 4.0
-
Weight: 138 gms (Onyx), 160 gms (Ceramic)
-
Battery: 2,525mAH Li-Po
Price: Rs 16,999 (Onyx) / Rs 22,999 (Ceramic)
The only big tradeoff with this device is the choice of the year-and-a-half old Snapdragon 801 processor. While this lack of cutting-edge processing power is not likely to affect even many demanding users, it rings unusual that one has to settle for a lower-spec component in a current-day phone, and a key component at that. Taking cues from the iPhones, the OnePlus X also features a physical Alert slider button that makes it a snap to switch among ‘mute’ to ‘priority’ to ‘all’, to quickly change its ability to interrupt the owner.
Interestingly, the phone will only be available in a 16GB variant (which isn’t a big deal given it’s expandable storage.) Also it excludes some of the more conventional modern-day frills such as integrated fingerprint or heart rate sensor.
Like its predecessors when they were initially launched, this one will be going on sale using the invite system, starting 5 November in India and the EU. But this inventory-controlling hype-generating system is expected to be in play for only a month post which it will open up to general purchase.
Also available are five types of cases for the OnePlus X: cases made from Rosewood, Black Apricot, Bamboo, Karbon and Sandstone. The earphones also see an upgrade with larger drivers (11mm versus the earlier 9mm) that are aimed at delivering a better audio experience. Apart from the standard Onyx version, the phone will also be available in a limited-edition Ceramic version, priced at Rs 22,999.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
 "OnePlus X")
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}