Packing top-of-the-line specs and a particularly interesting camera, the OnePlus 2 also has a price that’s hard to ignore.
At what is arguably one of the most awaited smartphone launch events of recent times, the OnePlus 2 was unveiled earlier today at their headquarters in Guangdong, China. And in unconventional fashion that seems to be synonymous with the way they do things, the launch was streamed over a VR experience in Google Cardboard (that you can still watch, incidentally, even if you don't have Google Cardboard.)
From all indications, the phone shouts flagship from virtually every angle. This 5.5-inch device packs a Qualcomm 810 v2.1 processor and an Adreno 430 GPU, with a generous 4GB of RAM. The screen is Full HD (1080p), with a 1500:1 contrast ratio that apparently offers up better contrast and brightness compared to the norm. Powering the entire show is a pleasingly beefy 3,300 mAH battery.
The phone is also based on the all-new USB-C socket, which famously features a reversible plug to deliver power and data transfer to the phone via computer. There is also a fingerprint sensor that is able to store up to five separate fingerprints. The phone offers up dual SIM 4G slots, which keeps it future ready on the communication front.
Key specs
OnePlus 2
- Processor: Qualcomm 810 v2.1
- GPU: Adreno 430 GPU
- RAM: 4GB
- Display: 5.5 inch 1080p display, contrast ratio of 1500:1
- Camera: 13MP camera, 1.3um pixels, laser focusing, optical image stabilisation, slow motion video at 120fps, time lapse mode, 50MP photos in super resolution mode
- OS: OxygenOS based on Lollipop
- Battery: 3,300 mAH
- Other features: Fingerprint sensor, USB C with reversible plug, Dual 4G SIM, Alert slider, customisable buttons
Price: Rs 24,999 (64GB)
The 13MP primary camera brings a fair number of new tricks to the mobile photography game: it is based on a sensor with 1.3 micrometer pixels for better low light performance and cleaner images, a laser-based focusing system that apparently takes under 0.3 sec to lock on to subjects, optical image stabilisation, slow motion video at 120fps and a time lapse mode. There is also a super resolution mode that uses interpolation to create images up to 50MP in resolution. All of these, great specs on paper that should be interesting to put to the test in due course.
The phone offers plenty of customization options including completely configurable buttons (you can assign which one does home, back, menu etc), and will come with four snap-on interchangeable covers including Bamboo, Black Apricot, Rosewood and Kevlar. The phone is crafted using an aluminium alloy, having that characteristically Spartan appearance that OnePlus has come to be known for--there isn’t even a logo on the front.
On the OS front, the OnePlus 2 abandons CyanoGen and opts instead for OxygenOS, a customized version of Android Lollipop that offers plenty of features for tweaking appearance and performance. The user interface sports the custom accent colors or can also be run in a dark themed mode. In addition there are custom icon packs and an LED indicator that can be configured.
Users concerned about privacy will appreciate the App Permissions that enable control over what features of the phone apps can access: individual features like location, identity and contacts can be turned on or off per app.
The OnePlus 2 will be launched using the familiar invite system, purportedly to manage inventory and expectations. It will initially be available in India, the US, Canada, EU and China starting August 11. To obtain an invite, buyers can get on the reservation list by logging in to oneplus.net and enroling their mail ID. Users can also snag a chance at an invite over OnePlus India’s social media channels starting 1 August.
Pop up stores will also be coming to cities including New Delhi (Cafe Coffee Day Square 44, Janpath), Bangalore (Vittal Mallya Road, Opposite UB City, Lavelle Road, Bangalore), New York, San Francisco, London, Paris, Berlin, Milan, and Jakarta on July 31. At these locations you can reserve the phone as well as snag goodie bags and the like.
The 64GB version OnePlus 2 is priced at Rs 24,999 and will be sold exclusively on Amazon.in using the invite system. The pricing of the 16GB version will be announced later this year.
Check out the launch video here:
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