One of the most anticipated cell phone releases in a while, the OnePlus 2, was launched early last week. The much awaited successor to the OnePlus, this phone has been speculated about, debated and ruled discussion threads on fan boy sites and tech speculator sites for almost a year now. The original OnePlus, delivered on ‘premium’ performance, without the hefty price tag. In fact at a sub-22,000 rupee price tag, it really made life tough for the smartphone biggies.
Design, Specs and Performance.
The OnePlus 2, carries on this proud tradition, without too much of a bump up in price. In terms of specifications, the OnePlus 2 does not skimp, on any of the bells and whistles. For starters, the processor is state of the art, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 810, a 64-bit SoC processor, married to 3 & 4 GB LDDR4 ROMs, in the 16 & 64 GB variants. A svelte aluminium- magnesium alloy frame, literally sculpted with laser precision, in tandem with the iconic black sandstone textured (among others) finished back cover, houses the internal machinery. This time around, the OnePlus 2 also ships with back covers made from bamboo, rosewood, black apricot and Kevlar (yup the same stuff that bulletproof gear is made of!)
This behemoth is capable of shredding through daily, multiple tasks in no time. One major difference to the original OnePlus, is that the OnePlus 2, ships with the company’s Oxygen OS, based on Android 5.1. Though this in no way takes away from the appeal, or the performance of the handset. The screen is the true thing of beauty on this phone. Vivid, crisp and bright, without oversaturating, this excellent screen, features brilliant viewing angles, and problem-free sunlight reading.
According to many Android enthusiasts, this is one of the best displays on the OS’ phones, and the closer competitor to Apple’s Retina Display. While the former claim is unsubstantiated, the OnePlus 2, does seem to leave other Android phones behind in terms of its screen clarity and resolution. The OnePlus 2 does this by scoring higher than most ‘flagship’ phones in the benchmark ratings.
In terms of sound, the OnePlus 2 scores a huge thumbs-up from audiophiles, for its clever integration and manipulation of MaxxAudio Technology. There seems to have been a really clever collaboration between the two parties, as a user can discernibly make out the difference in the type of sound, while using the phone for different tasks.
Overall Verdict:
There’s an old saying, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. The mavens at OnePlus, seem to have taken this to heart. Quite simply because they have taken a superior product and enhanced it, without trying to mess about with the device’s DNA. What they’ve created however is a device that stays true to the brand’s philosophy and gives the big boys, another serious nose bleed, in the ‘mid-range and premium’ segments.
The OnePlus 2 is going to be available on Amazon from 11th August, by invite only. As of now only the 64GB variant priced at Rs. 24,999/- is going to be available. Watch this space for more.
