OnePlus, the Chinese Android startup that’s challenging more traditional smartphone makers with its “Never Settle” motto – though, truth be said, it settles all the time – just unveiled a brand-new smartphone. As expected, the rumored OnePlus X is an affordable piece of technology that’s supposed to offer impressive performance for its price. However, this isn’t a flagship handset from OnePlus, the kind of device that will “kill” 2016 flagships, which is how the company advertises the OnePlus 2.
Interestingly, the OnePlus X does fix one of the problems of the OnePlus 2, the alleged “no-compromise” phone that launched earlier this year and received plenty of criticism for lacking NFC and microSD support.
DON’T MISS: MIT scientists can see through walls and identify people with new wireless device
Priced at $249 and launching on November 5th in Europe and November 19th in the U.S. via the company’s annoying invite system, the OnePlus X does feature more than decent specs that put it on par, and even ahead of, certain mid-range Android devices.
But this isn’t a future-proof device. Don’t expect a USB Type-C port, or NFC support that would let you use Android Pay and other NFC-related features.
On the other hand, the OnePlus X features a glass and metal design similar to what Apple has done on the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4s or to Samsung’s Galaxy S6 series. However, the OnePlus X is a lot thinner than the old iPhone 4 models, looking more like one of Apple’s new iPhones.
A version with a Ceramic back will also be available in limited numbers (just 10,000 units), priced at around $369 but launching only in Europe and India on November 24th.
When it comes to hardware, here’s what you can expect from the OnePlus X:
- Size: 140 x 69 x 6.9 mm
- Weight: 138 g (Onyx) or 160 g (Ceramic)
- 5-inch Full HD AMOLED display (1920 x 1080) with Corning Gorilla Glass 3
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor
- 3GB of LPDDR3 RAM
- 16GB of storage
- microSD support up to 128GB
- 13-megapixel ISOCELL sensor with f/2.2 aperture, Full HD video recording, slow motion video (HD at 120fps)
- 8-megapixel selfie camera with f/2.4 aperture
- 802.11a/b/g/n
- Bluetooth 4.0
- GPS
- GLONASS
- FM Radio
- 2,525 mAh battery
- OxygenOS (Android 5.1.1 Lollipop)
The full press release follows below.
Powerfully Beautiful: Presenting the OnePlus X
New Smartphone Line Fuses Sleek Design with Flagship-level Performance
LONDON – October 29, 2015 – OnePlus today announced their brand new smartphone line with the launch of the OnePlus X. Featuring a compact 5″ display and a new range of premium build materials, the OnePlus X, available in Onyx black glass and a limited Ceramic edition, showcases an elevated level of craftsmanship and power for OnePlus.
“Today’s smartphone user strives to find the perfect balance of style and performance. The OnePlus X is a designcentric device chic and powerful enough to fit any lifestyle,” said OnePlus CEO Pete Lau.
Precision Artwork in Your Hand
The OnePlus X is a work of art. OnePlus has created two separate editions inspired by the exquisite handiwork behind two timeless fields of art glassware and ceramic.
The OnePlus X Onyx is fashioned from black glass on a metal bezel, giving the phone a premium feel in your hand. Every glass backplate is cut to size and polished repeatedly until it achieves a smooth, glossy, mirrorlike finish. Slightly rounded edges give the phone a fluid and seamless feel, and at just 4.86 oz, it is the lightest and slimmest OnePlus device to date.
The Ceramic version is crafted in a process totaling 25 days. Starting with a zirconia mold just 0.5 mm thick, the ceramic is firebaked up to 2,700oF for more than 28 hours before cooling for two full days. Each individual OnePlus X backplate undergoes three meticulous methods of polishing before it is flawless enough for use. Scratchresistant with a hardness of 8.5H on the Mohs scale and weighing 5.64 oz, the ceramic build is a feat of engineering and design.
A brushed anodized metal frame etched with 17 elegant microcuts surrounds the OnePlus X. A convenient Alert Slider for easy notification adjustments adorns the left side of the device, with the power button and volume rocker located on the right. Intuitively placed buttons combined with subtle curves and ergonomic lines make the OnePlus X easy and natural to use with one
Capture Your World Faster than Ever
The OnePlus X has a 13MP rear camera combined with f/2.2 aperture, perfect for documenting your unique everyday experiences. Optimized white balance and saturation maintain the integrity of the colors of your photos, and a lightningfast 0.2second autofocus with phase detection autofocus (PDAF) our fastest camera yet means you won’t miss a moment. Shoot in Auto, HDR or Clear Image to perfect your image, or switch to the 8MP frontfacing camera with supported Beauty Mode to capture a flawless selfie.
Beauty That’s More than Skindeep
Combining the Snapdragon 801 processor with Adreno 330 GPU and 3GB of RAM, the OnePlus X is as powerful as it is stylish. The 5″ 1080p Active Matrix OLED screen is responsive and incredibly bright in direct sunlight, and the 441 PPI resolution keeps the screen sharp without draining your battery.
Notably, the OnePlus X supports two nano SIMs for more network choices and added convenience for people on the go. Even better, one card slot provides optional expandable storage with your own microSD card, allowing a maximum capacity up to 128GB.
Personalize Your Experience
OxygenOS, a custom operating system developed by OnePlus, brings a range of unique features and elements to the OnePlus X.
The AMOLED screen, never before seen in a OnePlus device, allows for an ambient display that will wake in duochrome mode to alert you to new notifications. A proximity sensor, enabled by each individual user, also wakes the screen whenever the OnePlus X is brought out of a pocket or bag.
Along with OxygenOS features such as onscreen gestures, an enhanced file manager and custom quick settings, the OnePlus X also brings FM radio to your smartphone. Broadcast your favorite local stations directly from your phone without having to connect to WiFi or consume data with the new OnePlus Radio.
Pricing and Availability
The OnePlus X Onyx will be available on oneplus.net with an invite in Europe starting November 5 at EUR269.00, with a U.S. version to follow on November 19 for USD249.00. The Ceramic edition will be available with a Ceramicspecific invite in Europe and India starting November 24 for EUR369.00. Only 10,000 OnePlus X Ceramic devices will be available.
About OnePlus
OnePlus is a global startup challenging conventional concepts of technology. Created around the “Never Settle” mantra, OnePlus creates exquisitely designed devices with premium build quality and high performance hardware. OnePlus thrives on cultivating strong bonds and growing together with its community of users and fans. For more information, please visit oneplus.net.
