The OnePlus 2 Launch event is finally over and it was quite an experience. Those who managed to watch it in VR would know how immersive the overall experience was via the app. The company revealed all the details we wanted to know about the new device.
OnePlus has made some subtle changes in the design, but in the first glance, it does look like the next generation OnePlus flagship. This is because you get a similar design and the same sandstone black back. What’s new is the sturdy magnesium alloy frame, slightly flatter design and a dedicated action slider to toggle notifications (standard, priority & DND modes). And yea, like we saw in the pictures a few hours back, there’s the physical home button with fingerprint ID right below the display. Well, its not really a clickable button but rather a touch pad. You can even customize what a long press or double tap on the button does, like opening up the camera or launching Google Now.
As confirmed by the company earlier, the OnePlus 2 will come with a Snapdragon 810 processor under the hood. This will be the third generation version v2.1, which is also found on the Mi Note Pro. Given that its the flagship chip from Qualcomm, it supports even 4K recording. We hope that the company managed to fix the over heating issues associated with the chip.
Next up is the RAM, which was once again confirmed earlier by OnePlus. The flagship will come with 4GB of LPDDR4 RAM, making it one of the few smartphones with 4GB RAM in the market. This is more than enough to tackle any tasks that you throw at it, making it truly a flagship device.
One thing we were not quite clear about the OnePlus 2 was the camera. And finally, the company has confirmed that it will be a 13MP camera with a large 1.3 microns sensor. This sensor size is reportedly 35% larger than the standard smartphones in the market. This also means better low light photography. Further, the sensor is supported by OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) which helps reduce camera shake to a considerable extent. Finally, the camera is supported by the awesome Laser Focus, which translates into faster (less than 0.3 seconds) focus. Overall, its a great improvement from the standard 13MP sensor found on the OnePlus One.
The display remains the same, 5.5-inch with full HD 1080p resolution but with contrast ratio of 1500:1 bringing blacker blacks and better colors. It will be brighter than the OPO’s screen, making it much more visible outdoors. Coming to the battery, well, we knew that already. The OnePlus 2 will have a 3300mAh, which is once again an improvement from the previous generation. This coupled with the same sized display should essentially provide you somewhat better battery life than the OnePlus One.
Now, coming to the new features. First up, there’s the fingerprint sensor which is faster than the iPhone’s sensor and can reportedly store up to 5 unique fingerprints. Then there’s the new Action Slider button, which can be used to switch between notification settings. Finally, there will be the famous USB Type C port on board. But the company claims that even the other side is reversible (patented). You can even buy a special connector for the cable to use it with regular chargers.
Next up is the StypeSwap covers. The standard version comes with the much loved sandstone black cover, but you can replace that with any of the following four StyleSwap covers: Bamboo, Black Apricot, Rosewood, and Kevlar. We expect more options to be available later.
Now coming to the OS, the OxygenOS v2.0, its going to be quite clean and near stock Android. However, it does come with a few additional features such as color/ dark modes, custom icon packs, custom icon grid size and notification lights. You get a special apps permission page (like in that of Android M) too in the OxygenOS where you can manage the permissions on the apps installed on your OnePlus 2.
The OS also comes with a new camera app which comes loaded with special features. For example, there’s a Super-Resolution Mode which can click pictures in up to 50MP resolution (remember Gionee?). You have other options such as time lapse, slo-mo shooting etc.
Now coming to the best part, the OnePlus 2 starts at just $329 for the 16GB variant. Yes, even with the flagship specs like 4GB RAM, you can get it for as low as $329. And if you want the 64GB variant (which most of you would want due to the lack of MicroSD), you have to shell out just $389. Once again, it looks like OnePlus nailed it with its pricing!
However, avaialability has always been a concern for OnePlus, and this time too, you will have to rely on invites and other contests to get hold of a OnePlus 2. However, the company promises that there will be much more invites and they will be sent out faster than before.
The OnePlus 2 will be available for sale in different regions like US, Europe, China and India starting August 11. The company adds that the phone will hit the South East Asian markets in the fourth quarter of 2015.
So, what do you think about the OnePlus 2 flagship? Impressed or not?
HERE’s A QUICK SUMMARY:
- $329 for 16GB and $389 for 64GB.
Snapdragon 810 v2.1
3300mAh battery
Fingerprint sensor
OxygenOS v2.0
1080p 5,5″ screen with newer panel (401 ppi)
16/64GB ROM (No MicroSD)
4GB LPDDR4 RAM
13MP with OIS, 1.35 sensor size and fast laser focus (0.3sec focus time)
5MP front-facing camera
USB Type-C
Dual SIM
Dedicated Action Slider button
Styleswap Covers – 4 variants: Bamboo, Black Apricot, Rosewood, and Kevlar
Available from August 11th
