OnePlus Carl Pei: another phone in 2015 & NFC is overblown
It’s barely been a week since OnePlus released its latest flagship – the OnePlus 2 – but the company already has its sight set on another phone for later this year. In an interview with USAToday, OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei revealed that the company has already turned its attention to another phone planned for before the end of this year and it may be a mid-range device.
Related: Should you buy the OnePlus 2?
Pei was asked whether the company had plans for another phone this year, to which he replied:
There’s going to be a second phone this year, before the end of the year. Hopefully for Christmas.
It may or may not be (higher spec’d than the OnePlus 2). When I saw the prototype for that phone I was like ‘holy s— that’s going to be my daily driver’ but then when the OnePlus 2 production version came out it’s also super nice, so its really hard to decide now what to use.
It’s going to be amazing, but today I’m not going to talk about it.
Pei’s answer suggests that we may see the company launch a handset that fits into the mid-range market but with the OnePlus 2 covering the $330-$400 price range and the OnePlus One filling in below that, the new handset will certainly need to be very aggressively priced.
Related: What features is the OnePlus 2 missing?
Rival companies such as Samsung, LG and Motorola have all gained significant market share by focusing on devices in the sub-$200 price range and OnePlus could be looking at a similar strategy. Pei said the company is targeting being the third major OEM in the market (alongside Apple and Samsung) in five years and expects all other OEMs to have died.
In 5 years I think it will be Apple, OnePlus and Samsung because there’s no more room in the market. Everyone else would’ve died because they couldn’t reach the scale they wanted fast enough or they couldn’t have a margin to sustain their business. Look at the soft drink space: there are only two players, Pepsi and Coke.
Pei was interviewed after OnePlus launched the OnePlus 2 last Tuesday and since then, the company has received somewhat mixed feedback; on the one hand, its latest smartphone delivers an impressive feature set at a reasonable price but on the other, it left out some features that many users associate with a flagship device.
Related: OnePlus 2 hands-on and first impressions
One of these is NFC (Near Field Communications), which is a major requirement for the increasing trend of using your mobile phone to pay for items. Pei said the company didn’t include NFC as very few people use it and that NFC is overblow.
I think the entire issue of NFC is overblown. Very few people are using NFC, so we cut it. It’s as simple as that.
I know that Android Pay is coming but all that is in the future. It (NFC) is going to gain widespread adoption in stores 12-18 months from now. By that time people will have moved on to the next device.
OnePlus 2 in video:
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The last comment is definitely interesting given that the company teased the OnePlus 2 by calling it the “2016 Flaship Killer” and we were expecting the handset that challenged flagships, both this year and next. Yet Pei expects people to be moving on within a year, which may yet happen but surprising given the forward-thinking claims of the Chinese company’s latest flagship.
Would you buy a low to mid-range OnePlus smartphone at the end of the year? What about Carl Pei’s thoughts on being one of only three manufacturers in five years and the lack of NFC in the OnePlus 2? Let us know your views in the comments below guys!
You can download the OnePlus 2’s wallpapers right here
People will not be able to purchase the OnePlus 2 until August 11 (invites required, of course), but the handset’s wallpapers are already available to download. The company detailed the default wallpaper, Hans, a few days ago before posting twenty-five wallpapers online. There are apparently twenty-seven wallpapers shipping with the OnePlus 2, though, and that means two of them are missing on OnePlus’ site. OnePlus did not explain each and every wallpaper. Instead, the company noted that they cover different genres for everyone.
Hit the break for the gallery to download the wallpapers.
- Select a wallpaper from below
- Open the wallpaper in a new tab
- Save to get full resolution
Source: OnePlus
Come comment on this article: You can download the OnePlus 2’s wallpapers right here
Here are 25 OnePlus 2 wallpapers for you to gawk at before the device is released
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While the OnePlus 2 was definitely the star of the show when OnePlus announced its new flagship, fans with an artistic eye took keen interest in the wallpaper that they saw on the OnePlus 2. As it turns out, OnePlus is very happy to share not only this wallpaper, but all the OnePlus 2 wallpapers that are going to be available when the device is released. Here’s a few wallpapers from the 25 wallpaper pack to get a feel for the style:
If those wallpapers have whetted your appetite, you can download the whole set from the link below:
OnePlus 2 wallpapers download link
Of course, since the OnePlus 2 has a 1080p display, the wallpapers are optimized for such a device at 1920 pixels tall. The OnePlus 2 is expected to release on August 11th, and if you need to get caught up on its hardware specifications, make sure to check out our summary here.
What do you think about the OnePlus 2 wallpapers? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: OnePlus via Droid-life
The post Here are 25 OnePlus 2 wallpapers for you to gawk at before the device is released appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Here are the videos you don’t want to miss this week – August 1st, 2015
It’s been a crazy week here at Android Authority. Not only did Motorola and OnePlus decide to announce their next flagship devices a mere hours apart from one another, but we’ve also managed to bring you four full reviews this week. Our video team has been working very hard, so we figured this is a good time to round up some of our best video coverage from the past seven days.
Below you’ll find our full reviews of the NUU Mobile Z8, Meizu MX5, Vivo X5Pro and ZTE Axon, as well as a ton of hands-on coverage for the Moto X Style, Moto G (2015) and OnePlus 2. Joe’s most recent Android Apps Weekly video is also attached at the bottom of this post, in case you missed it earlier today.
There’s a lot to cover here, so let’s jump right in:
Hands-on and first impressions
Motorola Moto X Style (aka Pure Edition)
Motorola has just unveiled its newest flagship device for 2015 – the Moto X Style. Combining a big Quad HD display, Snapdragon 808 CPU and a few aesthetic changes, this new smartphone may be a force to be reckoned with.
- Moto X Style hands-on and first impressions
- Moto X Style announced: 5.7-inch Quad HD, Snapdragon 808 and a whole lot of style
- Moto X Style vs Play: what’s the difference?
Motorola Moto G (2015)
Motorola also took the wraps off the newest device in its budget lineup – the Moto G (2015). Featuring a ton of improvements over last year’s model (while keeping the same price point), the new Moto G seems to be one heck of a smartphone so far. We went hands-on with the new device, and you don’t want to miss it!
- Motorola Moto G (2015) hands-on and first impressions
- We have the Moto G (2015): Ask us anything!
- Moto G (3rd Gen.) announced: everything you need to know
OnePlus 2
Just a few hours before Motorola announced its new devices, OnePlus took the wraps off its new “2016 flagship killer”, the OnePlus 2. Although it may be missing a few key features, the OnePlus 2 comes with some of the best specs on the market. Take a look at our full hands-on video above.
- OnePlus 2 hands-on and first impressions
- OnePlus 2 officially announced: everything you need to know
- (Video) OnePlus 2 StyleSwap cover hands-on comparison, availability and more
- OnePlus 2 vs the competition: by the numbers
- (Video) What features are missing from the OnePlus 2?
OnePlus 2 vs the competition
OnePlus 2 vs OnePlus One
How does the OnePlus 2 fare against the company’s 2014 flagship? We try to answer that question with our quick hands-on video of the OnePlus 2 vs OnePlus One.
OnePlus 2 vs Samsung Galaxy S6
Samsung’s Galaxy S6 is one of the best devices on the market, so we thought it was fitting to compare it to the newly-announced OnePlus 2.
OnePlus 2 vs LG G4
The LG G4 is also one of the best Android smartphones available at this time, but how does it compare to the newest from OnePlus? Check out the video above for more details.
Reviews
NUU Mobile Z8
Many of you may not be familiar with NUU Mobile, but perhaps you should. Although NUU Mobile’s Z8 handset may not sport the best speaker or battery on the market, it does offer up a killer design, performance and overall user experience. Check out Bailey’s full review for more information.
Meizu MX5
Meizu has been an up-and-coming smartphone manufacturer for some time, but can the company compete against the competition with its new MX5 smartphone? One of our newest team members, Krystal Lora, aims to answer that question in her full review of the Meizu MX5.
Vivo X5Pro
Vivo is another one of those companies that you may not recognize right away, but its latest X5Pro handset is definitely worth checking out. Phil puts the Vivo X5Pro through our full review treatment, which you can find attached above.
ZTE Axon
The ZTE Axon features some of the best specifications on the market, but can it compare to more popular handsets like the Galaxy S6 or LG G4? Lanh aims to answer that question, and more, in his full review of the ZTE Axon.
Android Apps Weekly
Fallout Shelter, Google removing Google+ requirement for YouTube and more – you don’t want to miss Joe’s newest episode of Android Apps Weekly!
What device were you most excited about this week? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below!
Download the 26 wallpapers that are pre-loaded on the OnePlus 2
The OnePlus team waxed poetic about the default wallpaper on the OnePlus 2 and indeed, the image that users see when they power up their new phone for the first time can have a huge influence on the impression the device leaves. As OnePlus’ Helen put it in a blog post, the default wallpaper is a sprinkle of “fairy dust” helping bring everything together.
Now you can download the OnePlus 2 default wallpaper (Pyra) and 25 others, thanks to Oxygen OS lead designer Arz Bathia.
Bathia, whom you may know from his excellent work on the Paranoid Android project, as well as various themes for custom ROMs, put up a OnePlus 2 wallpaper download link on the company’s forums, so you can get #hyped in anticipation of the phone’s release later this month.
You can get a preview here or download the OnePlus 2 wallpaper pack from here.
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For even more cool wallpaper, head over to the dedicated section our our forums, which includes wallpaper packs from most major devices.
The OnePlus 2 has certainly generated excitement among Android fans, even though the company lacks the reach and budget of bigger competitors. But OnePlus is also extremely controversial and its approach to marketing (which can be summarized nicely through its slogan #HYPEorGTFO) has earned it a ton of criticism.
Regardless of your views on the tastefulness of OnePlus’ marketing, the OnePlus 2 remains an excellent phone for its money. For more on it, check out our impressions, comparisons with the Galaxy S6 and Moto X Style, and a look at whether or not you should actually buy it.
OnePlus is doing something right: OnePlus 2 pop-up in Times Square kills it
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While I don’t think we’re ever going to stop being skeptical about OnePlus’ marketing stunts, their latest device, the OnePlus 2, appears to have garnered quite a lot of attention from the masses in the lead up to the device’s launch – it managed to pack out one corner of Times Square when they put up a OnePlus 2 pop-up in Times Square to show off their device to the public. As you can see from the photo, there are literally lines of people waiting to get a glimpse of the phone – the possibility of getting an invite also probably helped.
Join these NYC fans at our Times Square pop-up experience, and see the #OnePlus2 in person #NeverSettle pic.twitter.com/sBojfmhGHp
— OnePlus (@oneplus) July 31, 2015
New York isn’t the only place that OnePlus is hosting a pop-up store – San Francisco, London, Paris, Berlin, Milan, New Dehli, Bangalore, and Jakarta will also be seeing tents, presumably filled with OnePlus’ executives and the OnePlus 2. Regardless of what you think of the “2016 Flagship Killer”, it’s hard to argue with results – particularly with 1 million people signed up for invites – and that number of genuinely interested fans is hard to fake.
Source: The Verge via Phandroid
The post OnePlus is doing something right: OnePlus 2 pop-up in Times Square kills it appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
OnePlus 2’s ‘System’ seems to take up quite a bit of RAM
With the OnePlus 2 just being announced, you can expect it will have its rounds of testing. The OnePlus 2 will have two versions available, a 16GB and 64GB version with the 16GB having 3GB’s of RAM and the 64GB version having 4GB’s of RAM. In theory, either version you get will have more than enough RAM for the average user. Though according to Twitter user @iSubhamBapna, the amount of RAM actually available to the user is going to be less than usual because it appears the ‘System’ in the OnePlus 2 takes up a whopping 1.1-1.3GB’s of RAM. In comparison, my HTC One M9’s ‘System’ takes up about 800mb’s of RAM. Of course, for all we know what he’s using could still be beta software for the OnePlus 2, and the actual software that will be on the device once released could be different. Either way, definitely something to keep an eye on.
What do you guys think? Could this be a small problem, or is this much-a-do ’bout nothing?
source: Twitter
Come comment on this article: OnePlus 2’s ‘System’ seems to take up quite a bit of RAM
OnePlus 2 wallpaper design explained
The story of how OnePlus designed the wallpaper for their new flagship phone, the OnePlus 2.
The lead designer, Arz, was said to have gone through 188 iterations before finally ending up with the final design for the first OxgyenOS release. Talk about Never Settle.
The first OnePlus 1 wallpaper, Pyra, was designed to be simple, and minimal while still maintaining a stock Lollipop feel. The colors were chosen to be fresh and vibrant, but not over the top.
For the second version OnePlus says they wanted to make users feel like their phone was something more personal rather than just a metal and plastic device. They got designs from all around the world before deciding on the final.
However for their second flagship phone, the OnePlus 2, things were a little different. A Swedish artist named Hampus met one of the OnePlus employees in Goa, India mentioning he would like to make some wallpapers for OnePlus. After they checked out his website they were impressed and knew he was capable of great work.
After some talking Hampus said he wanted to design the official OnePlus 2 wallpaper. They were worried that this random artist didn’t understand the work he was getting himself into. Especially since Arz, the last lead designer took 188 attempts before arriving at something perfect. Hampus didn’t mind and took on the job.
After two month an email came in from Hampus with the final design named ‘Hans’, which ended up being the new default wallpaper.
Hampus explained his process:
“I wanted to make something simple and not distracting to work well with the UI, but still at the same time look daring and inspirational. I worked with Arz to express the OnePlus feel. We wanted to somehow show the oxygen cycle in a visual and abstract way.”
Hampus also created a collection of other wallpapers included in the OnePlus 2. Hampus goes on to describe the collection.
“I’ve got too many dreams and things I want to create. Things I create might differ from each other a bit, but they all got something in common and that is the abstract, kind of surreal look. I love mixing bright, warm colors and adding small complex details. The work I’ve done for OnePlus might feel a bit psychedelic, but thats probably just an outcome of my creative mind.”
Source: OnePlus
Come comment on this article: OnePlus 2 wallpaper design explained
OnePlus 2 vs LG G4 quick look
OnePlus has taken the wraps off of its latest flagship offering, and naturally, a question that a lot of you will have is with regards to how it fares against the latest and greatest that the world of Android flagships. We’ve already pit the device against the Samsung Galaxy S6, and now, we take a quick look at the OnePlus 2 vs LG G4!
The OnePlus 2 retains a lot of the design language of its predecessor, but with some minor tweaks and refinements along the way. The big change comes in the build material, with the OP2 featuring a metal frame and stainless steel accents. When it comes to the rear backing, apart from retaining the sandstone black version, new options include Kevlar, bamboo, rosewood, and black apricot, all as a part of the StyleSwap series. OnePlus also promises that switching between this rear backing options will be much easier this time around, and will not require any additional tools to do so.
The big change that is noticeable immediately is the introduction of a home button up front, and like most devices that feature the same, this button is home to a fingerprint scanner. Another added control is the Alert Slider, found on the left side, that lets you toggle between your notification settings (none, priority, and all) quickly and easily, without needing to unlock your phone. Another big addition with the OnePlus 2 is the use of a USB Type-C port, found at the bottom of the device, making it one of the first devices to adopt the latest USB standard.
On the other hand, the LG G4 brings together the best design elements of their last two high-end offerings, the G Flex 2 and the LG G3, culminating into the LG G4, with its subtle curve to the display, that is more pronounced when turning over to the back, as well as the signature LG rear button layout. While the design isn’t a dramatic departure from the the company’s norm, what LG tried to do in terms of uniqueness is seen in the material options available for the rear panel. Available in a plastic backing with a ceramic finish, or in leather, with a variety of color options, the LG G4 is a head turner in its own unique way.
Both devices feature 5.5-inch displays, with dimensions that are quite similar. As such, the handling experience is also similar between the two, although the LG G4 does get some points for easier access to the button layout courtesy of their unique position on the back, compared to the more standard placements found with the OnePlus 2.
Both devices feature 5.5-inch displays, but of the 1080p variety in the case of the OnePlus 2, compared to the Quad HD screen of the LG G4, resulting in a pixel density of 401 ppi and 534 respectively. The In-Cell IPS LCD display with a 178 degree viewing angles means that viewing angles are great, and with a brightness of 600 nits, the OnePlus 2 outperforms most devices in the market, including the LG G4, and in this regard, outdoor visibility should be of no concern. While many may be disappointed with the lack of Quad HD, 1080p certainly still gets the job done.
A big focus with the LG G4 was on making this display rival the DCI standard found in general television and cinema, with the Quantum display hitting 98% of the mark.The LG G4 display may not pop as much as the AMOLEDs of the world, but the color reproduction is certainly very accurate, and there are no issues with brightness or viewing angles.
Given that both smartphones are current generation high-end flagships, it’s no surprise that they feature the best that Qualcomm has to offer. The OnePlus 2 comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor, clocked at 1.8 GHz, and backed by the Adreno 430 GPU, while the LG G4 comes with a hexa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 and 3 GB RAM in the case of the LG G4, with an additional gig of RAM available with the OnePlus 2 64 GB version.
The performance is as smooth as ever with either device, and doing anything, from opening and closing apps, scrolling through various elements of the UI, to playing graphic-intensive games are handled easily, even though the hexacore processor of the of the LG G4 is considered the inferior of the two, it doesn’t really translate when it comes to real world performance. The Snapdragon 810 is notorious for getting uncomfortably warm though, and we will have to wait and see if that issue comes with the OnePlus 2, even though OnePlus claims that this shouldn’t be a worry.
The OnePlus 2 comes with either 16 GB or 64 GB storage options, which also dictates how much RAM you get, 3 GB or 4 GB, but there is no expandable storage available, so users will have to pay a little more to get the latter. On the other hand, the LG G4 comes with 32 GB of on-board storage, but with a microSD card slot that allows users additional storage of up to 128 GB. On the hardware front, the big addition in the case of the OnePlus 2 is the inclusion of a fingerprint scanner that is integrated into the physical home button up front. The OnePlus 2 packs a larger 3,300 mAh battery, compared to the 3000 mAh unit of the LG G4, and given the overall similarities between the two devices, the battery life story should also be along the same lines, with the OnePlus 2 maybe offering better battery life because of its lower resolution screen.
One feature that is conspicuously missing from the OnePlus 2 is a NFC chip. OnePlus claims it removed it because users don’t really care about it, but given that NFC is crucial for mobile payments and other applications favored by OnePlus’ target audience, we’re skeptical about this decision.
In the case of the G4, a f/1.8 aperture package outshines the competition with a larger sensor over ones found in other flagships. OIS is also enhanced with a wider stabilization range. Color has been given a big focus, with LG adding in a color spectrum sensor found right next to the optics that will analyze the scene to help achieve the right white balance automatically and accurately.The manual mode is another big story, as LG has put in all of the big features photographers get in full cameras – a full white balance gamut, a lot of ISO stops, manual focus, a histogram, and even the ability to shoot RAW and JPEG simultaneously. Overall, the LG G4 camera is one of the best in the business, and is certainly a very hard act to follow.
If there was any issue with the OnePlus One, it had to do with the camera, which, while definitely not the worst, wasn’t particularly great either. OnePlus is hoping to change all that with the 13 MP rear camera of the latest device, which comes with an f/2.0 aperture, OIS, and also a laser auto focus system similar to what the LG flagship is packing. The OP2 camera also supports 4K video recording and capturing images in the RAW format. While things look great in our initial time with the device, a more thorough testing will be required before we can make any final judgments.
The OnePlus 2 is running OnePlus’ own Oxygen OS, based on Android 5.1 Lollipop, which retains a lot of the stock Android and Material Design elements, while also adding some interesting and very useful features. It is filled with features though, including off-screen gestures, such as double tap to wake, drawing an O to open the camera, drawing a V to toggle flashlight, drawing two straight vertical lines with two fingers to play/pause music, and drawing < or > to play previous or next track respectively. Custom LED notifications lets you set a particular color for a certain type of notification, easy notification access, custom hardware and software navigation keys, a dark mode for better night time viewing, and Shelf, which is essentially a large widget that houses your most used apps and favorite contacts, and that is to only name a few.
In software, the G4 comes with a very familiar user interface that hasn’t changed much – but an optimized processing package allows for lag and stutter to be kept at a minimum. Many of LGs features have been retained, ranging from the useful, like Knock Code and Multiwindow, to the not so useful, like Smart Bulletin and Smart Notice.
Of course, the big story here is the price, and OnePlus continues to break the mold in this regard, by bringing to consumers another fantastic high-end smartphone, at less than half the price of its direct competition, including the LG G4. It’s difficult to argue against a device that offers all that the OnePlus 2 does, for just $389 for the 64 GB version, and even cheaper at $329 for the 16 GB iteration, which is more than enough reason to overlook any flaws that the device may have. It is actually quite unfortunate that OnePlus is re-introducing the dreaded invite system once again, because other than that, the company seems to have a sure fire winner on their hands, and hopefully, it’ll be much easier to get your hands on the device this time around.
Should you buy the OnePlus 2?
The OnePlus One was a major device last year and despite limited availability and marketing campaigns that went wrong, it continues to sell. Just over a year later, the Chinese manufacturer has taken to the stage to announce its new flagship, the OnePlus 2, which hopes to stay at the top with some impressive hardware.
Like its predecessor, the OnePlus 2 combines flagship specs with an affordable price tag, but should you buy one? With phones like the Axon and the Moto X Style just coming to the market, the choice is not as simple as it may simple. Here’s a few reasons to buy the OnePlus 2 (and a couple not to):
Reasons to buy the OnePlus 2
Latest hardware
The OnePlus 2 has a 5.5-inch Full HD display, which a density of 401 pixels per inch and this is one of the few specs that you might consider dated. Many of the leaks prior to today’s launch suggested we could see OnePlus adopt QHD resolution but as it turns out, the company felt that Full HD was good enough.
That being said, the handset can boast to have the brightest smartphone display and OnePlus says that – based on internal testing – it is brighter than competition including the likes of the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, LG G4, HTC One M9 and Samsung Galaxy S6.
While the display may not be the latest and greatest, a lot of the specs certainly are; the handset is powered by an octa-ocre Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor clocked at 1.8GHz with an Adreno 430 GPU and 3GB/4GB RAM (depending on the version you buy). The handset also has 16GB/64GB storage (which reflect the amount of RAM you get) and a 3300mAh non-removable battery which should power you through at least a day.
Future proofed
The display certainly isn’t the latest and greatest but even in a years’ time, handsets are likely to sport Full HD resolution (although Quad HD will hopefully be more widely adopted). The rest of the OnePlus 2 is pretty much set for the future, with OxygenOS (based on Android 5.1 Lollipop) and the promise of at least one update covering the software.
On the hardware front, the OnePlus 2 has 4GB RAM, which is likely to become the standard for flagship handsets next year, the Snapdragon 810 processor will still be one of the fastest and the 13MP camera with laser autofocus, f/2.0 aperture, 1.3µm pixel size and Optical Image Stabilisation will still pack a hefty punch.
A couple of hardware features could yet prove to be the deciding factor for the OnePlus 2 in the coming years – in the fingerprint sensor and the USB Type-C port, the handset does have features that are will become standard on flagships and more widely adopted respectively. USB Type-C is certainly a big feature for the future as we’re at the beginning of an era where a universal port covers all electronics, which is giving birth to new types of accessories and an era where your phone can charge whichever way you put the cable in!
Yes, “2016 flagship killer” should probably be taken as a marketing slogan and nothing more. In the fast paced race of mobile industry, no device can claim supremacy for more than a few weeks, never mind a year. That said, the OnePlus 2 strives to deliver on its promise of being a flagship killer, by offering a blend of the flagship specs from this year’s handsets combined with projected requirements of a flagship in a year’s time with an eye on the overall price.
In-part due to its affordable price tag and in part due to the specs including the RAM, fingerprint sensor, camera and dual SIM, the OnePlus 2 specs should, on paper, at least be good enough to challenge flagships from this year and next, at all but the top price bracket.
Value for money
On paper, the OnePlus 2 is equal to many devices – and better than a lot of others – but what really sets it apart is its price tag; other devices offering similar specifications retail in excess of $550 but the OnePlus 2 retails a lot lower at $389 for the higher-specced 64GB model (and even lower at $329 for the lesser-spec 16GB model).
Comparing the specs on paper is certainly one consideration but the actual experience also has to deliver. The $300 to $500 price bracket is becoming one of the most fiercely contested amongst OEMs and the OnePlus 2 will likely compete against devices that feature many of the similar specs.
See also: ZTE Axon vs OnePlus 2 vs Moto X Style: value for money, redefined
For a lot of consumers, the little considerations may be the difference when choosing a handset, and while the OnePlus 2 certainly has a lot going for it, there are a few little things that could let the handset down.
Reasons NOT to buy the OnePlus 2
Missing features
OnePlus has prided itself on offering flagship specs on its smartphones and while the OnePlus 2 does this mostly, there are a couple of features that have been omitted from the handset. The 3300 mAh battery is certainly large enough for most usage but as it’s non-removable, so you can’t swap it out when your battery does get low.
For other handsets like the Galaxy S6, this is not so much of an issue as that handset has both wireless and quick charging, but these are two features that are missing from the OnePlus 2. Wireless charging is a feature that is a nice-to-have but Quick Charge 2.0 is definitely a must-have feature and as the OnePlus 2 doesn’t have it, it means it’s likely to take several hours to charge to full (as opposed to other Quick Charge handsets that can charge half the battery in just half an hour).
A crucial feature that’s also been omitted from the OnePlus 2 is NFC (Near Field Communications) and while OnePlus claim it left the feature out as it’s not used that often, we’re entering an era where mobile payments are becoming mainstream. The lack of NFC means you won’t be able to pay for items using your phone and it also means you won’t be able to use NFC for accessories and cross-device communication, which are both likely to become popular features in the ecosystem over the next 18 months.
The invite system
The one thing that sets OnePlus apart from the competition is the (dreaded) invite system. To manage its inventory, the company issues invites to purchase the handset (and then allows people who have bought it to also share invites) and while they have promised a much larger launch inventory, actual availability could be an issue.
The other thing that could hamper the OnePlus 2 is its release date; the handset launches on August 13th and with availability likely to be significantly less than the demand, you might find yourself turning to other handsets. For example, the Galaxy Note 5 should be announced the same day before hitting the market a few days later on August 21st and offer similar specs (with a heftier price tag) while IFA at the beginning of September should herald other devices that vie for your money.
Support: Is there any?
One reason many customers opt not to buy a handset from a start-up (can we still call them that?) like OnePlus is the question of support and the OnePlus One doesn’t leave us with any confidence. OnePlus’ first handset failed on the support front and quality assurance fronts with numerous reports of DOA (defective/dead on arrival) devices and a lack of communication from the Chinese manufacturer.
For the OnePlus 2, it’s unclear how the company aims to improve this, especially as it seems to predominantly operate out of an Asian base (although it does have warehousing and admin functions in Europe). For customers in the USA and Europe, support (or the lack of it) could be a reason to skip the OnePlus 2 and opt for a handset with better support, should you need it.
So should you buy the OnePlus 2?
Whether you should buy the OnePlus 2 or not depends on one thing; how important is value for money for you. If you’re after the best specs (and likely one of the best experiences) but have a limited budget, the OnePlus is likely to be one of the best handsets you can buy. Similarly, if you’re after something unique that is most likely future-proofed for the next couple of years, the OnePlus 2 definitely ticks the boxes.
However, if you’re after a handset that you can buy subsidised as part of your subscriber agreement, you’re out of luck as the OnePlus 2 will only retail SIM free direct from the manufacturer and not through a carrier partner. Also, if price isn’t a factor and you need local support or would rather opt for a more established manufacturer, rival handsets like the Galaxy Note 5, LG G Pro 3 and rumoured Xperia Z5 could all be worth a look. Furthermore, the rumoured Huawei Nexus could go back to Google’s Nexus roots by offering impressive hardware and stock Android at an equally impressive affordable price tag and could yet be the challenger to OnePlus 2.
What do you think of the OnePlus 2; are you going to buy it? If not, what would you buy instead and how important are things like 4GB RAM, USB Type-C and a fingerprint sensor to you? Does the lack of removable battery, wireless charging and quick charging put you off the OnePlus 2? Let us know your views in the comments below and for all our coverage around OnePlus’ latest flagship, check out our OnePlus 2 portal.
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