OnePlus 2 Has Price, Features to Take On Top Smartphone Models

Can the new OnePlus 2 compete against the smartphone giants? OnePlus believes it can. Here’s a look at what the phone has to offer.

OnePlus was quick to tout the design of its 2, with its magnesium and aluminum alloy case, curved back panel and thin profile. While the device may be attractive, it’s by no means a groundbreaking design. In fact, one could argue that it looks somewhat similar to the iPhone and Samsung’s latest Galaxy handsets. Still, it’s a nice-looking product with stainless steel accents and Gorilla Glass screen.

While the OnePlus 2 is based on Android and runs on Google’s platform, the company was quick to point out that the device runs with a user interface skin called OxygenOS. The operating system has the standard Android features, like Chrome and access to the Google Play store. But it includes exclusive features, such as extra support for gestures and customizable buttons. The device also removes some of the software “bloat” built into Android to make it a little more responsive and use up less of the handset’s storage capacity.

Although it doesn’t have the hexa-core CPU found in Motorola’s new flagship, the Moto X, the OnePlus 2 still features a high-powered processor in the 64-bit 1.8GHz Snapdragon 810 octa-core. That processor, which is among the top chips available now, will provide all the power a user would need to play games, run productivity apps or quickly swap between programs.

Although Adreno GPUs don’t always get enough attention, the Adreno 430 in the OnePlus 2 deserves users’ attention. The Adreno 430 chip is inarguably one of the best graphics chips on the market today, with sufficient power for every graphics-intensive task a person should expect to tackle on a smartphone.

To its credit, OnePlus hasn’t forgotten about security in the OnePlus 2. The device has a built-in fingerprint sensor to deliver secure biometric log-ins. In addition, OnePlus argues that it has bolstered the operating system built into the platform, making it more secure than the standard Android build. Whether that’s true is unknown at this point, but better security in the Android ecosystem is always welcome.

Going global is a major selling point for the OnePlus 2. The device comes with a dual SIM, allowing users to connect to different networks at the same time. So, when users who typically connect to the Verizon network in North America go abroad, they won’t have trouble connecting to a GSM network in Europe. It may also be useful for those who want to separate work and personal numbers but not carry two devices.

Like the recently announced Moto X, the OnePlus 2 comes with several customization features for users. Upon placing an order, users can choose from a host of back plates to customize the look and feel of their handsets. Customization has quickly become a differentiating factor for Android handset makers, and it could help the OnePlus 2 stand out in the crowded field.

OnePlus says that its 2’s camera will deliver some of the best visuals of any handset on the market, and based on what’s known right now, it might be true. The device has a 13-megapixel rear-facing camera, but more importantly, it has 1.3um light-collecting pixels, meaning it will perform exceedingly well in low light. There’s also a dual LED flash and an aperture of f/2.0. In other words, the OnePlus 2 promises a stellar camera experience.

USB-C is the main connectivity option in the OnePlus 2, which creates a world of possibilities for the device. With USB-C, not only can users charge the OnePlus 2, but they can also transfer data. In the coming years, USB-C is likely to become the standard for most smartphones, and the OnePlus 2 is on the cutting edge. That’s an important feature that shouldn’t be overlooked when eyeing a new smartphone.

Prices on flagship smartphones are coming down, and the OnePlus is priced aggressively low. The 16GB OnePlus 2 will cost $329 at release, while the 64GB option will retail for $389. Both versions will be unlocked, meaning they can run on any carrier’s network. Considering the unlocked iPhone 6 can be had for twice that price, OnePlus is offering a great price for what promises to be a solid smartphone.