OnePlus

1,557 'OnePlus' stories April 2014 - December 2015

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Known for its tagline “Never Settle,” OnePlus makes smartphones that rival other flagship handsets with more budget-friendly price tags.

5 Android smartphone makers to watch in 2016

Cam Bunton Dec 30 2015 - 9:39 am PT

In 2015, the smartphone or, more specifically, the Android smartphone market reached tipping point. What you can get for your money now compared to 12 months ago is pretty astounding. It started with the sub $300 Alcatel OneTouch Idol 3 in March, and ended with the $100 BLU phone equipped with a full HD screen. With 2016 almost here, we’re right in the thick of a race to the bottom, and the price drops are being driven primarily by Chinese companies.

If 2016 is the going to be the year of anything, it’ll be the year more western consumers will be handing over their hard-earned cash for something designed and made in China. These are the companies to watch:

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Ceramic and Champagne OnePlus X models are now available in Europe & Hong Kong

Stephen Hall Dec 22 2015 - 8:16 am PT

Forgetting OnePlus’ annoying invite system, the OnePlus X is actually a pretty solid option when it comes to budget smartphones. Our own Dom Esposito went as far as to say that it’s the “best budget phone available.” Now, as expected, OnePlus says that you can buy both Ceramic and Champagne variants via open sale in Europe and Hong Kong for a limited time…

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OnePlus X in Champagne Gold available to order from December 22

Cam Bunton Dec 17 2015 - 2:07 am PT

OnePlus has announced that it will be bringing its alternative white/champagne gold version of the OnePlus X to western markets from next week. Anyone with an invite can purchase the champagne gold edition direct from the company’s online store from December 22nd. Up until now, this option has only been available in China.

Specification-wise, the phone is exactly the same as the Onyx (black) model. Like the black model, it will also come with the option to have a glass back, or the more limited (and more expensive) ceramic back. You won’t need a special invite to get this new color, and if you have an existing, valid invite when the gold models become available, you can use it for either black/grey or white/gold versions of the company’s budget smartphone.

The OnePlus X is one of this year’s most brilliant budget smartphones. It received virtually unanimous praise from reviewers, and made its way on to our list of 2015’s best affordable Android phones. If you’re looking for a great handset with premium build, brilliant display and responsive performance, you can do a lot worse than spend $250 on the OnePlus X (now in a more classy white and gold). Personally, I’d love for it to be bigger, but it’s undoubtedly one of the best small smartphones out there.

Invites gone forever: Anyone can buy a OnePlus 2 from December 5th

Cam Bunton Dec 3 2015 - 7:58 am PT

OnePlus has just announced what many hopeful owners have been wanting to hear for a long time: From December 5th (and forever), anyone will be able to buy the OnePlus 2 without an invite. The company’s co-founder, Carl Pei announced the news on the company’s official forums today. Customers looking to buy will only have to hit OnePlus’ store page and select to buy, and won’t be required to enter a code.

From the beginning, OnePlus has maintained that its invite system was necessary when the company started out to help it manage inventory, and ensure it didn’t have tons of unsold stock lying around eating its margins. While the OnePlus 2’s invite system was comfortably better than the OPO’s, it still left customers frustrated. But, as we’ve seen in the past, the company has been open about its own shortcomings, and is always aiming to improve all aspects of its operations.

The invite system has been crucial to letting us scale our operations and has given our fans a unique way to share OnePlus with the people in their lives. But we are always trying to enhance the OnePlus experience for you and taking risks to push ourselves and show real improvements. That’s why we’re making the OnePlus 2 invite-free … forever!

As well as making the OP2 invite-free forever, OnePlus has a few discounts and offers going live on the same day. Between December 5-7, the OnePlus X is also going to be invite-free too, while a bunch of accessories will be discounted. OnePlus 2 StyleSwap covers (like the ones we featured in a video) are 50% off, some OnePlus One accessories are 90% off while all other accessories will be subject to 10% discount.

OnePlus’ latest product is an iPhone case – Unboxing and Hands-on [Gallery]

Cam Bunton Dec 1 2015 - 3:59 am PT

Android smartphone maker OnePlus is no stranger to unusual marketing tactics. Whether it’s because it’ll only sell phones to those with an invitation, asks customers to trade in their iPhone or Samsung phones for one of its devices, or by leaving out features many Android fans love, it seems to promote discussion with whatever it does. Its latest move is equally interesting, to say the least…

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Hands-On + Unboxing: OnePlus Icons earphones are now available [Gallery]

Cam Bunton Nov 27 2015 - 8:35 am PT

Back when OnePlus announced its third smartphone, the OnePlus X, you may remember it also teased a pair of earphones. These earphones, it claimed, would bring quality craftsmanship and great audio for a price way below what you’d expect. The OnePlus Icons are now available to buy for $44.99 (reg. $49.99), and I’ve got my hands on a pair…

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You can now purchase the OnePlus 2 and OnePlus X without an invite, plus discounts on accessories

Cam Bunton Nov 27 2015 - 2:12 am PT

Today is officially Black Friday, which means several companies will be selling various products at better-than-full prices. OnePlus’ version of a Black Friday weekend sale has begun and — instead of getting discounted smartphones — the company has made its phones available for open sale from today through until the 30th. That’s four full days of invite-free purchasing.

Both of the latest phones — the OnePlus X and OnePlus 2 — are available to buy all weekend and you won’t need an invite to purchase.

While the phones haven’t been discounted, the company has taken a percentage off the retail price of most of its accessories. Multiple OnePlus One accessories are available for 90% off, while accessories for the newer devices are 10% off. If you’ve been desperate to get your hands on the company’s new smartphones, now is the best opportunity to do so. To take advantage, head on over to OnePlus.net.

As for devices with actual discounts, we compiled a list of phones that we’d personally recommend buying, all of which have seen healthy price-cuts this week. What’s more, we’ve also rounded up some of the best gift ideas for you to consider, while our friends at 9to5Toys have an extensive list of all notable Black Friday deals running.

Feature Request: Make a bigger OnePlus X, ditch the OnePlus 2 if you have to

Cam Bunton Nov 26 2015 - 5:59 am PT

Feature Request is a new regular 9to5Google series where authors offer their opinion on how to improve popular hardware or software products.

It’s almost impossible not to have an opinion on OnePlus. They make fantastic hardware at competitive prices, and none of us can decide whether the marketing choices they make help or hinder them. A prime example being the invite-only system which either creates so much desire that customers have to take the plunge and buy as soon as they get an invite, or it leaves people so frustrated they never want to talk about OnePlus again. Whichever one it is is beside the point, the OnePlus X is quite possibly the best small, affordable phone on the market this year. But its size is precisely what keeps it from being in my pocket everyday…

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OnePlus 2 available invite-free from Amazon India

Cam Bunton Nov 25 2015 - 4:39 am PT

Without an invite, buying a OnePlus 2 has been pretty much impossible up until now. Today, however, the company has made its ‘2016 flagship killer’ available invite-free on Amazon India to local customers.

The open sale is only live until Friday, when the company will launch its global Black Friday/Cyber Monday weekend holiday deals. Those planning to order are limited to just one device each, costing 24,999 Indian Rupees (roughly $377 USD).

OnePlus has been both praised and criticized for its use of an invite-only system for purchasing its smartphones. Whichever side of the fence you sit on, when you actually want to buy one for yourself, having to wait for an invite can be a frustrating experience. Despite that, the experience has arguably been better with the OnePlus 2. It’s already held a couple of open sale days, has sent more invites out, even extending their expiration and introduced a new extended warranty to make it a more pleasant buying experience.

Review: Wileyfox Storm is Britain’s well-specced invite-free answer to OnePlus [Video]

Cam Bunton Nov 17 2015 - 1:45 pm PT

Grab a OnePlus One, slap on a fox logo and some pretty, shiny orange trim and you essentially have the Wileyfox Storm. It’s an attractive, affordable handset which currently stands as one of the few official Cyanogen partner phones with flagship specs. It’s made by a British company, and my experience with it has generally been pleasing…

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Google engineer warning: Don’t use OnePlus’ Type-C connectors with your Nexus 5X/6P

Cam Bunton Nov 16 2015 - 3:33 am PT

Recently we brought you news that a Google engineer named Benson Leung was testing a bunch of USB Type-C cables and reviewing them on Amazon, so that you didn’t have to and risk ruining your brand new Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P or Chromebook Pixel. Just yesterday, Leung specifically called out OnePlus on his public G+ profile to shame the company on its use of outdated tech which isn’t just old, but could end up damaging people’s devices. In short: If you have a Nexus 6P, 5X or Chromebook Pixel, you couldn’t buy any of OnePlus’ Type C connectors to charge or connect them…

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Review: The OnePlus X is the best budget phone available, if you can live without a few things [Video]

Dom Esposito Nov 12 2015 - 8:58 am PT

This is the OnePlus X and in some ways, it’s the best budget smartphone you can buy, but allow me to elaborate. This is basically a OnePlus One packed inside of a smaller and more premium body, for less money. With that, you’re getting mostly the same specifications and performance, which makes it a big win in my book. But before we get into everything you need to know, let’s get the truly negative things I have to say out of the way…

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OnePlus introduces new ‘On-Guard’ extended warranty program

Cam Bunton Nov 2 2015 - 3:50 am PT

In a blog post this morning, OnePlus announced what many concerned customers have been waiting to hear for some time: The company is making a renewed effort to provide better customer service and offering a new extended warranty. Customers will be able to purchase the new On-Guard extended warranty when they buy a OnePlus 2 and gain added coverage against accidental damage or liquid damage.

Initially, the On-Guard cover will be available in Europe and India only, but the company is working with a partner in the US and Canada and will announce a similar extended warranty program in North America soon. In Europe, customers can buy either 12 months or 24 months cover for €39.99 ($44 USD approx) or €64.99 ($72 USD approx) respectively.

We are proud to introduce a new warranty program in collaboration with multiple insurance leaders worldwide for the OnePlus 2: On-Guard by simplesurance for Europe and B2X OnePlus Service2 and Protect2 for India. We believe these ventures will help to create a more positive user experience for our fans. We’re not offering this to make money – in fact, it’s quite the opposite. This is an investment we are making to focus on improving our customer support until it is closer to perfect. These services will be available on November 2 , 2015, in the European Union and in other markets in the near future. Read on for more information.

On-Guard covers breakage, accidental damage, damage due to dropping, liquid damage and vandalism among other causes of damage. To buy, customers can either select it at checkout when buying a OnePlus smartphone or contact SimpleSurance (the cover provider) within 15 days of purchasing the phone. Sadly, if you already have a OnePlus One or OnePlus 2, you can’t buy it. Only new customers from today will be able to take advantage of OnePlus’ new extended warranty.

OnePlus releases ‘Reflexion’ photography app for Android and iOS

Stephen Hall Oct 30 2015 - 11:23 am PT

OnePlus doesn’t exactly have the best reputation in the Android community anymore, but that’s apparently not doing anything to slow the company down. Just yesterday the company made the OnePlus X official, and now they’re releasing a completely unrelated app (or maybe somewhat related, considering the photos form an “X” after they’re taken?). Reflexion is a neat take on an app that captures one image that shows both yourself and a glimpse of the world around you…
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OnePlus X is official: 5-inch 1080p display, Snapdragon 801, 13MP camera and premium glass back for $249

Cam Bunton Oct 29 2015 - 2:35 am PT

At an event in London this morning, OnePlus finally took the wraps off its latest smartphone. It’s not a the company’s flagship device, but at its price-range it certainly seems competitive. Even before the event this morning, the company lauded the phone as a precision work of art, and it’s easy to see why. It has a metal frame with diamond-cut chamfered edges, sandwiched between glass on the front and back. It has slightly rounded edges to make it feel great in the hand, and it weighs just 4.86oz, making it the slimmest and lightest OnePlus smartphone released so far…

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OnePlus X unboxing and first impressions [Video]

Dom Esposito Oct 29 2015 - 2:00 am PT

Meet the OnePlus X. This may not be called a “flagship killer,” but it’ll easy kill the competition in its price range…

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OnePlus X pricing seemingly leaks as OnePlus 2 invite expiration is extended

Cam Bunton Oct 26 2015 - 2:54 am PT

OnePlus’ next handset has been the subject of many a post in recent days and weeks. Dubbed the OnePlus X, one of the only things we’ve been unclear on is the price. We’ve known all along that it won’t be a OnePlus 2 replacement, but rather, a more budget-friendly phone. A poster leaked by MyDrivers suggests the price will be 1699 Chinese Yuan, roughly $267 USD at time of writing…

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OnePlus X photo leak shows white model for the first time

Cam Bunton Oct 19 2015 - 2:55 am PT

We’ve seen plenty of rumors and leaks for the upcoming OnePlus X. The controversial Chinese Android OEM is expected to announce the new phone at an event in London next week. It seems this phone will be a direct replacement for the OnePlus One, offering some of the same specs as the original ‘flagship killer’, but in an updated form factor. A new photo leaked over on Chinese social media site, Weibo (found by GizmoChina), shows both black and white versions of the device side-by-side.

Up until now, only the black version of the phone had been shown in any leaks. With a white one likely to be on the way, it heavily supports the theory that this will, indeed, replace the OnePlus One at the bottom of the company’s product line. The image also suggests the back of the device will be all-glass, similar to the iPhone 4/4S, with a metal frame all around the device, with antenna bands.

Other specs we’re expecting include a Snapdragon 801 processor, 3GB RAM and 16GB storage, as leaked previously by Chinese retailer, Oppomart. The OnePlus X will purportedly also feature a 5-inch 1080p display, measure 6.9mm thick and cost just $249 when it launches at the end of this month. Like many new non-Nexus phones, it’s likely the phone will be released with Android Lollipop (with the OxygenOS on top), rather than a Marsmallow-based operating system.

OnePlus X listed at Chinese retailer with $249 price-tag, 5-inch FHD display, 3GB RAM, more

Cam Bunton Oct 16 2015 - 3:49 am PT

Just days after OnePlus invited the world it its London event on October 29 to release its upcoming smartphone, its next device has shown up on Oppomart. The retailer specializes in shipping Chinese-made smartphones to markets where they’re not currently available, with devices from the likes of Xiaomi, Meizu, Oppo and ZTE all available. The OnePlus X is listed at just $249, making it far more affordable than the OnePlus 2 and — if the listed specs are accurate — far better value for money.

Although you can’t order it yet, the OnePlus X placeholder page does reveal some of the expected specifications. They include the following:

5-inch full HD screen (1920 x 1080)
2.5GHz Snapdragon 801 processor
13MP Sony camera
8MP front camera
3GB RAM
16GB/64GB Storage
2450mAh battery
Global LTE support

The OnePlus X, by the sound of things, is shaping up to be a follow-on from the OnePlus One. It looks like it’ll have similar specs, a similar price, but a different design.

OnePlus 2 reservation list will close on October 22

Cam Bunton Oct 16 2015 - 3:14 am PT

Last year, when it launched its first phone, OnePlus frustrated many buyers by having an invite-only system. Part of the frustration was waiting, the other part was having no idea when you would actually get an invite. A friend who had managed to buy one, or a forum member would have to send an invite in order for you to be able to give the company your money for a phone.

This year, OnePlus kept the invite system for the OnePlus 2 but also introduced a reservation list. Although you’d still have to wait for an invite, at least you’d know you were on a list to receive one eventually. That reservation list will soon close…

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OnePlus ‘X’ to be unveiled on October 29, in London

Cam Bunton Oct 14 2015 - 2:17 am PT

Early this morning, OnePlus virtually confirmed through its Twitter account that we’re going to see a new phone announced on October 29 at an event in London. With a picture of a big lit-up ‘X’ and the words “See you October 29, London”, the company doesn’t leave much room for doubt…

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Alleged photos of the upcoming OnePlus Mini emerge

Chance Miller Oct 12 2015 - 8:45 pm PT

Earlier today went hands on with the variety of back StyleSwap covers for the OnePlus 2 and now images have emerged of the company’s rumored next smartphone. Images have been shared to the Chinese social networking site Weibo that purportedly show the OnePlus Mini in all its glory, or perhaps lack thereof (via G for Games).

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OnePlus partners with Foxconn to manufacture phones in India

Cam Bunton Oct 12 2015 - 5:47 am PT

At an event in India this morning, OnePlus announced that it has partnered with Foxconn to start making phones at the Foxconn Rising Stars factory in the Sri City Integrated Business City in Andhra Pradesh. OnePlus expects they will begin to assemble phones there by the end of this year. Pete Lau, OnePlus’ co-founder was at an event in Bengaluru this morning and stated:

“Producing smartphones in India is one of the most important decisions that we have made so far at OnePlus, and we are thankful to the Government of Andhra Pradesh and Foxconn for helping us make this happen. India being one of our biggest markets worldwide, we are committed to a long term sustainable growth path. This move will strengthen our presence and help us step up momentum in India.”

OnePlus isn’t the first phone maker to take part in the ‘Make in India’ initiative. Just a few weeks ago, one of China’s biggest manufacturers, Xiaomi, announced a brand new phone which was made in India, for the Indian market. Like OnePlus, Xiaomi is making its phones in the Foxconn Rising Stars factory.

Once up and running, OnePlus will be able to use its 30,000 square foot facility to manufacture up to 500,000 smartphones every month, employing 1,000 new full-time workers. The first ‘batch’ of phones, likely to be the unreleased and unannounced ‘OnePlus X’ will be made available in India before 2016 swings in.

OnePlus’ rumored ‘X’ budget handset leaks again, this time pictured by the FCC

Stephen Hall Oct 9 2015 - 11:30 am PT

The OnePlus One

OnePlus has a budget handset on the way, and just this morning, Pete Lau, the company’s co-founder, came out on Weibo to tease the device. We don’t know much about the phone yet, but we do know that OnePlus has an announcement to make in India on October 12th. We’ll probably see the company’s third phone announced at this event, and if these FCC images are to be believed as credible, we might now have our first look at the device in the flesh…
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