From a specs perspective, the OnePlus 2 features a 5.5-inch, 1080p screen, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor, and either 16GB of storage with 3GB of RAM or 64GB of storage with 4GB of RAM. The back-facing camera has a 13-megapixel sensor with optical image stabilization, while the front camera lets you shoot selfies at 5 megapixels. That back camera also includes a two-tone flash and a laser focusing system. While most of these specs are pretty standard fare for a high-end smartphone, the price remains anything but: the 16GB model will retail for $329, while the 64GB version will go for $389. That’s more than last year’s model, but after spending some time with the phone, I feel like the price increase is justified for what you get.
This phone’s got some standout features I really like – aside from its price – such as a hardware switch on the side to cycle between the three default notification settings in Android Lollipop (all, priority, and none), similar to the hardware switch every iPhone has had since day one. I’ve always wondered why Android phones never included this incredibly useful feature. The software is very close to stock, so it’s got that going for it as well. There’s downsides too – it’s still not truly stock, so yeah, expect update problems. It’ll only be sold – again – through a silly invite system, and it lacks NFC and an SD card slot.
This is very close to what the Nexus 6 should have been, or what the next Nexus should be.
I agree, Google should learn from oneplus design choices. I only wish oneplus had better support. I still don’t get why Google don’t get what power users want – battery and decent camera.
After all the hype from the last months, it seems a bit disappointing to me:
Pro:
– metal case
– better camera -> this needs to be proven
– usbC
– fingerprint reader
Contra:
– no Cyanogen mod, ok I know about the fallout but a fact is a fact
– no NFC
– higher price
– still no SD, but 64Gb is probably enough for most of us
– still the shitty invite system
Basically there is very little new compelling stuff in this new version and it looks like it’s not a very competitively priced anymore like it was a year ago.
Really no NFC? That’s crazy.
Probably no wireless charging either.
No wireless charging and no fast charging.
I have never used NFC though, but maybe it will become popular this year.
I don’t so much care about the so-called wireless charging (which isn’t actually wireless because you still have to connect the charging pad to an outlet) because it’s energy inefficient (wastes about 2/3 of the energy going in), but no rapid charge would be a deal breaker for me given how fast Android tends to guzzle battery power. Even my “mid range” Moto G 2nd gen has rapid charge.
I wonder when we will get real wireless technology. Wireless mouse still have to be connected to usb, cell towers are still connected to wires, tv remotes only work when the tv is plugged in.
You can get around the stupid invite thing by using sites like swappa.com (I’m not affiliated, just a happy user, it’s a very buyer-oriented site). There’s almost always someone selling the OnePlus One new at or just barely above the retail price, and that includes shipping. I would imagine the same will happen with the Two once it’s released (though of course prices will surge for a little while, so caveat emptor).
Because this “useful feature” can quickly become a pain in the ass if you don’t have a case to block accidentally hitting the switch as your phone jostles while you walk. Simple as that.
With both my older iPhone 4S and my current iPhone 6+ this has never been a problem, and I _never_ use a case, and have the phone in my trousers pockets usually. At least on the iPhone the switch is well designed and implemented to prevent that kind of problem.
Of course, I have no idea if this is also the case with the OnePlus 2 though….
It has for me (5s). Not specifically in my pocket, but I’ve manage to flip it accidentally on a couple of occasions, and then people from work wondering why they couldn’t get in touch with me. To hell with that switch
Just realized another complication with that switch. Android 5’s scheduled do not disturb features work by switching your notification mode at a given time. Given that this phone will have a switch, I can forsee a huge potential for confusion. Do I use the software method? Do I have to flip the switch off of “all” then back to it if I want to turn off my downtime early? Will it even work, or will it simply set it back to its default state which is assumed to be “all” because they’ve removed the other ways to change it in software?
This is a non-issue on iPhone because the switch only controls vibrate or ring, and does not control the phone’s actual notification mode or do not disturb features. In Android, however, these functions are one and the same.
The side mounted buttons are a PITA. I have HTC One M9 and previous loved the Galaxy Nexus placing it at the top. Way too often I pick it up and hang up calls. Way too often I try to pick it up and the screen goes blank. Never had that bullshit** using the top button.
Other than that the M9 is kick butt.
Unless they manage to produce these faster than last time, the invite system means that this phone is basically unattainable for six months to a year. The specs look high-end now, but how will they look in a year. Based on the fact that I just bought an LG G4 for about $100 more ($500), I’m thinking OnePlus is going to have some serious competition in their price point by the time this phone is anywhere near available.
I do hope the switch catches on though. That is the one feature of my wife’s iPhone that I actually like.
Its arbitrary and dumb. I’m really put off by their terrible ads. Its like 1990’s Sega. I feel like I need a lobotomy in order to buy their phones.
Interesting comment: “This is what the Nexus 6 should have been” What’s wrong the N6? – It’s pretty good, if you want a giant screen phone. the Oneplus two is more like what the next N5 should be. I just got rid of a Oneplus One (for what I paid for it) to get a Nexus 6 – got a good price on the 6 and am very happy. I didn’t have any of the major screen issues that others experienced with their Oneplus’ but at the same time there were a few reliability issues that put me off staying with them.
I got the 6 after finding out that the new Oneplus didn’t have fast charging, wireless charging or NFC.
Wouldn’t be surprised if Oneplus don’t issue a a new rear shell in a few months that provides NFC and wireless charging in a few months for $50
I think those comments are coming from those that wanted a cheaper phone like the nexus 4 & 5 were.