Click to Skip Ad
Closing in...

The OnePlus One is the only Android phone you should really care about right now

Published Apr 23rd, 2014 4:00AM EDT
OnePlus One Specs, Features, Release Date

If you buy through a BGR link, we may earn an affiliate commission, helping support our expert product labs.

OnePlus on Wednesday finally unveiled its first Android handset, the highly anticipated CyanogenMod-based OnePlus One. Considering the phone’s specs and affordable price, the One is the only Android phone you should really consider buying right now. The device will be even cheaper than customers expect, retailing for either $299/€269 (the 16GB version) or $349/€299 (the 64GB version), and should be available in the near future in 16 markets.

The phone “was designed to be beautiful, timeless and comfortable in the hand,” the company says. “Embracing this design language, the One features subtle curves, sleek lines and a slightly raised, jet-black display. Even the smallest details belong uniquely to OnePlus, from the custom cut and engineered PCB boards to the specially designed battery and dyed inner casing. Each component is meticulously aligned and adorned with a OnePlus logo for a gorgeous device inside and out. Measuring only 8.9mm thick, the OnePlus One is ergonomic and easy to grip, with a tapered edge of just 4.6mm.”

Just as previously revealed, the phone packs a 5.5-inch 1080p Full HD display with LTPS and TOL (Touch on Lens) technology protected by Corning’s Gorilla Glass 3, 2.5GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor, Adreno 330 GPU, 3GB of LP-DDR3 RAM, 4G LTE support for many bands, 16/64GB storage, no microSD support, 13-megapixel 6-lens Sony Exmor camera with f/2.0 aperture, dual LED flash and 4K video capture support, 5-megapixel front-facing camera with 80-degree capture angle, dual-band 802.11 b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi Bluetooth 4.1, NFC, GPS, GLONASS and embedded 3100mAh battery that should offer “more than a full day of use”. The phone measures 152.9 x 75.9 x 8.9mm and weights 162g.

The phone will offer some unique software features as well, including always-on voice commands and support for gestures shortcuts which will let users simply draw a pre-set gesture on the turned off screen to launch a certain app. As previously teased, the phone will let users choose between on-screen and capacitive navigation buttons.

The OnePlus One is running a special CyanogenMod 11S version, based on Android 4.4 KitKat, which will offer various new features including advanced Camera and Gallery apps, as well as features to better guard your privacy, including SMS encryption between CyanogenMod devices (or devices using TextSecure) and Privacy Guard, which lets users control how apps use their data.

The first 100 OnePlus Ones will be available starting April 25 through the company’s Smash promotion: users can apply to smash their existing phones in exchange for a One handset, which will cost just $1. Additionally, they’ll also receive OnePlus One purchase invitations for their friends. Interested buyers who will receive invites to buy the handset will be able to purchase it in mid to late May. Initially, the phone will come in two options, including Silk White and Sandstone Black, with additional StyleSwap covers to be launched later this year. Pricing details for the StyleSwap covers aren’t available at this time.

A OnePlus One video, image gallery, and the full press release follow below.

OnePlus Launches “2014 Flagship Killer”, the OnePlus One

OnePlus One Features Snapdragon 801 Processor, 5.5” 1080p Display, 3100mAh battery from $299

April 23, 2014 – Following months of anticipation, OnePlus today revealed their flagship device, the OnePlus One. Embodying the OnePlus motto of ‘Never Settle’, the OnePlus One boasts industry leading design, superior build quality and top of the line specs at a disruptive price point.

“By paying attention to the smallest details, taking a holistic approach to product design, and working with the best partners such as Cyanogen Inc. and Qualcomm Technologies, we have been able to create the greatest day to day user experience in a smartphone without compromise,” said Pete Lau, CEO of OnePlus.

Steve Kondik, CTO of Cyanogen Inc. echoed Lau’s sentiments. “I am incredibly proud of the effort our team has put in to the CyanogenMod build for the OnePlus One. We’ve brought out the full potential of the hardware and complemented it with innovative new features to give users a fresh new experience and the tools to tailor the One to their personal style,” said Kondik. “We will continue to expand this effort to provide a genuinely enjoyable and powerful operating system for the user.”

Attention to the Smallest Details
The OnePlus One was designed to be beautiful, timeless and comfortable in the hand. Embracing this design language, the One features subtle curves, sleek lines and a slightly raised, jet-black display. Even the smallest details belong uniquely to OnePlus, from the custom cut and engineered PCB boards to the specially designed battery and dyed inner casing. Each component is meticulously aligned and adorned with a OnePlus logo for a gorgeous device inside and out. Measuring only 8.9mm thick, the OnePlus One is ergonomic and easy to grip, with a tapered edge of just 4.6mm.

CyanogenMod
Debuting with the One is CyanogenMod 11S, a special release tuned to take advantage of everything the One has to offer. CyanogenMod 11S reveals the first phase of a unique visual experience blending the best of Android with the freedom CyanogenMod is known for. Unlike most OEM skins, there are no limits to customizing your One – mix and match thousands of themes or return to stock with the new theme engine and store.

Advanced Camera and Gallery apps make capturing and viewing memories even more fun. Record your world in perfect detail with 4K video. Then relive it from the cloud in Gallery, organized by your life.

Championing privacy has been a core part of CyanogenMod’s purpose. SMS encryption between your One and CyanogenMod or TextSecure-compatible device means chats stay between friends. Privacy Guard keeps nosey apps at bay by helping you control how they use your data.

Fast, Smooth, Powerful
The OnePlus One is powered by the Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 801 processor with quad-core CPUs at speeds of up to 2.5GHz per core, making it the world’s current fastest available processor in a smartphone. Custom Krait CPU architecture, integrated 4G LTE connectivity, Qualcomm® Adreno™ 330 GPU and 3GB of LP-DDR3 RAM combine to offer a fluid and lightning quick user experience.

“Today’s premium mobile devices are measured by their ability to deliver immersive experiences through high-speed LTE connectivity and advanced multimedia, all without compromising performance or battery life,” said Raj Talluri, senior vice president of Product Management, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. “We are proud to have our Snapdragon 801 processor powering the unique OnePlus One to deliver innovative new user experiences to consumers around the globe.”

A 3100 mAh battery and energy efficient display work together to power the OnePlus One for more than a full day of use.

Experience More, Capture More
The OnePlus One packs a 5.5” 1080p full HD JDI screen. LTPS and TOL (Touch On Lens) technology provide an incredibly sharp picture and make the gorgeous 178 degree vision display significantly more shatterproof.

A Sony Exmor IMX214 13 megapixel camera with f/2.0 aperture and dual LED flash delivers amazing shots day or night, made more precise and detailed by the 6 physical lenses. Even selfies are more beautiful with a 5 megapixel distortion free front-facing camera and extra wide 80 degree capture angle.

High Quality and Useful Features
The OnePlus One is more than just amazing hardware. Uniquely engineered software offers features that you really want and simplifies your user experience without adding extra, unnecessary bloat. Voice command lets you wake the device or you can launch your favorite apps by drawing pre-set gestures on the sleeping screen. Choose between on screen and capacitive navigation buttons to suit your preference.

Pricing and Availability
The OnePlus One will initially be available in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, United Kingdom, and the United States in 16GB Silk White for $299/€269 and in 64GB Sandstone Black for $349/€299.

The first 100 OnePlus Ones will be available through the OnePlus Phone Smash, starting April 25th. OnePlus fans can go to oneplus.net/smash to apply to smash their current phone in exchange for a OnePlus One. 100 lucky applicants will get the very first 100 OnePlus Ones for just $1 as well as the ability to invite their friends to buy the OnePlus One.

OnePlus One Specifications

Basic Parameters
Color Silk White/Sandstone Black
Dimensions 152.9 x 75.9 x 8.9 mm
Weight 5.71 ounces (162g)
Operating System CyanogenMod 11S based on Android 4.4
CPU Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 801 processor with 2.5GHz Quad-core CPUs
GPU Adreno 330, 578MHz
RAM 3 GB LP-DDR3 @1866MHz
Storage 16/64 GB eMMC 5.0, available capacity varies
Sensors Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity and Ambient Light
Battery Capacity Embedded rechargeable 3100 mAh LiPo battery

Display
Size 5.5 inch JDI
Resolution 1080p Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels), 401 PPI
Type LTPS IPS with TOL
Protection Corning® Gorilla® Glass 3

Cameras
Sensor 13 Megapixel – Sony Exmor IMX 214
Lenses 6 lenses to avoid distortion and color aberration
Flash Dual-LED
Aperture f/2.0
Front Camera 5 Megapixel – Distortion free
Video 4K resolution video with stereo recording
Slow Motion: 720p video at 120fps

Connectivity
Frequencies GSM: 850, 900, 1800, 1900MHz
WCDMA: Bands: 1/2/4/5/8
LTE: Bands: 1/3/4/7/17/38/40
Wi-Fi Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4G/5G) 802.11 b/g/n/ac
Bluetooth Bluetooth 4.1
NFC 65T (software card emulation, payment methods and multi-tag support)
Positioning Internal GPS antenna + GLONASS
Digital Compass

Audio
Speakers Built-in Stereo Speakers
Microphones Tri-microphone with noise cancellation

Ports, Slots, Buttons and Indicators
Ports Data & Charging: Micro USB 2.0
Audio: Jack 3.5mm
Buttons Power Button
Volume Rockers
Capacitive / On-screen buttons
SIM 1 slot – Micro SIM
Indicators 1 LED notification light (multicolored)

Multimedia
Audio supported formats: Playback: MP3, AAC, AMR, OGG, M4A, MID, WMA, FLAC, APE, AAC, WAV
Recording: AAC, M4A
Video supported formats: Playback: MP4, H.263, H.264, RMBB, FLV720P
Recording: MP4
Image supported formats: Playback: JPEG, PNG, GIF, BMP
Output: JPEG, RAW

In the Box
1x OnePlus One
1x Wall Charger
1x USB Cable

About OnePlus
OnePlus is a global technology startup committed to creating beautiful devices with the best possible hardware to ultimately create a better day-to-day experience for users. Developed around the mantra, ‘Never Settle’, OnePlus aims to disrupt the industry by providing top of the line technology to users around the world. For more information, please visit http://oneplus.net.

Chris Smith Senior Writer

Chris Smith has been covering consumer electronics ever since the iPhone revolutionized the industry in 2008. When he’s not writing about the most recent tech news for BGR, he brings his entertainment expertise to Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and other blockbuster franchises.

Outside of work, you’ll catch him streaming almost every new movie and TV show release as soon as it's available.