OnePlus has finally announced its much anticipated new smartphone, the OnePlus 2, highlighting strong improvements on its predecessor.
Now, the OnePlus One was, actually is, a fine device. So much so that our review not too long ago still recommended it as a purchase. However, the improvements made in the OnePlus 2 are pretty much across the board, as expected.
There’s a better camera, despite the megapixels staying the same. The rear 13mpx camera, for example, has six physical lenses using an OmniVision Sensor to give it better stability, a dual LED flash, f/2.0 aperture and Object Image Stabilisation.
The processor is a 64-bit Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 system on a chip with the capability for 4k videos and a 1080HD display. There’s improved audio and what appears to be an improved keyboard.
Although the vast array of downloadable keyboards out there renders the latter, perhaps, redundant.
The invite system for purchasing the OnePlus 2 is similar to that of the One in the early days, so you’ll need to either know someone buying the device or follow the company’s various promotions to get in on the action.
The 64Gb iteration comes on stream on August 11 for order, with the potential of a three-week wait before it is shipped.
Worth the wait
“Trust us, it’s worth the wait, but if you change your mind and wish to cancel your order, you can do that,” the company said.
The 16Gb version won’t be released for a while longer, with it priced around €329, while the 64Gb will retail for around €399.
The invites your friends make available are only valid for 24 hours, though, so you need to act swiftly.
There is a reservation list, of course, but were you to sign up for that now, you would be sitting around 385,000th in the queue.
What’s a surprise, perhaps, is that OnePlus has a new sphere of influence to play with, after reports emerged that China was no longer its biggest market.
Speaking to Engadget, OnePlus CEO Pete Lau said up to 70pc of sales come from outside the company’s homeland, well up on figures from late last year.
“Our biggest influence right now comes from Europe and the US. India has a big following because of US influence,” the CEO said.
OnePlus 2 — Specs
- Color: Sandstone Black, though replacement covers in Kevlar or actual wood are available
- Screen: 5.5in, Gorilla glass
- Resolution: 1080p Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels)
- OS: OxygenOS based on Android 5.1
- CPU: 64-bit Qualcomm© Snapdragon™ 810 processor with 1.8GHz
- Storage: 64 GB/16 GB eMMC v5.0 (available capacity varies)
- RAM: 4GB/3GB LPDDR4
- Battery: Rechargeable 3,300 mAh LiPo battery (Cannot be removed)
- Weight: 175g
- Sensors: Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity and Ambient Light
- Cameras: Rear — 13mpx, Front — 5mpx, plenty more support in behind
