OnePlus 2 64GB launched at Rs 24,999, available on 11 August; how do the specs add up?

Finally, after a string of rumours and speculations, the OnePlus 2 is now official via the world’s first VR launch. the company calls it a ‘2016 Flagship Killer’ and something other companies will take note next year. OnePlus ensured a unique and dramatic launch event. OnePlus has also made it quite clear that India is an important market and users here won’t have to wait too long as the device is all set to hit stores on August 11. Yes, you will need an invite and here’s how to get one .  The 16GB model is priced at Rs 22,999 and the 64GB model comes at Rs 24,999. The 64GB OnePlus 2 will be available for purchase with an invite in India starting August 11, exclusively on Amazon. The 16GB model will be made available later this year. Let’s take a closer look at the specs if it was worth the hype.

Design

At a glance, the OnePlus 2 looks plush and elegant in a metallic frame. OnePlus 2’s outer frame is crafted from a resilient alloy of aluminum and magnesium. It comes with the company’s classic Sandstone Black back cover. It will also offer four StyleSwap covers namely, Bamboo, Black Apricot, Rosewood and Kevlar, initially. The company says switching covers is just a matter of seconds. The company has also taken out the logo from the front.

Display

The OnePlus 2 follows its predecessor with a 5.5-inch 1080p display. It says adding pixels beyond this doesn’t bring anything new to user experience. With a pixel density that goes all the way up to 401ppi, one shouldn’t be complaining. The display comes with a contrast ratio of 1500:1, which means blacker blacks and brighter, bolder colours.

OS

The device runs OxygenOS, which isn’t pure Android. In fact, the company claims that the UI comes with subtle changes and features that only add value to user experience. There’s colour mode on OxygenOS that lets you select custom accent colours, or use the dark mode. The company also talks about custom icon packs and the ability to fine-tune the LED indicator, icon grid size, and more. It comes with a dedicated hardware switch called Alert Slider that allows easy switching between notification settings. App Permissions lets users control what apps can access, such as your location, identity, or contacts.

Processor

It is really nice to see a sub-Rs 25,000 smartphone come powered by a 64-bit Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 octa-core processor clocked at 1.8GHz, coupled with up to 4GB of RAM. The 16GB model will feature 3GB LPPDR4 RAM.  It is a massive jump from the Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 and 3GB RAM found in its predecessor. The new powerful combination will ensure faster loading times, and a smoother gameplay.

Camera

The device packs in a 13MP rear snapper and a 5MP front-facing camera. The 13MP rear camera comes with sensor pixel size of 1.3 microns, 35% larger than standard smartphone cameras. It has a dual LED flash. The camera promises better low-light performance, faster focussing, and OIS. The all-new laser focus will ensure it takes less than 0.3 seconds for a precise and clear shot.

With the OxygenOS, the company has also introduced a camera app that is simple to use, but with powerful features. The new super-resolution mode allows taking 13MP photos in stunning clarity, claims the company. There’s the slow-motion video mode and also the time lapse mode.

Fingerprint scanner

OnePlus has been talking about the new fingerprint scanner for quite some time now. The company had earlier said and repeated at the event that its fingerprint scanner is faster than the iPhone. It is capable of storing up to five unique fingerprints.

Connectivity

As promised, the OnePlus 2 supports USB Type-C charging and the company’s patented plug can be inserted both ways. Its a dual SIM device with 4G support for both slots. One can also expect the usual connectivity options like 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS and GLONASS.

Battery

A 3300mAh battery is slight improvement from the 3100mAh found in the OnePlus One. It promises about 10 percent increase in the battery life. However, we can confirm how the battery fares only once the device reaches our labs and we’ve conducted the loop test.

Pricing and availability The OnePlus 2 will be available in 16GB and 64GB variants priced at Rs 22,999 and Rs 24,999 respectively. Sales will start in the US, Canada, India, EU, and China on August 11. The company will also be rolling out the device in the Southeast Asia in Q4 of 2015. The company has also planned pop-ups in 9 cities around the world including Bangalore.

The bottom line

A world-first VR launch, excellent specs, putting India on its priority list and a jaw-dropping price, the OnePlus 2 launch event has struck every chord right. It had all those elements needed to make a grand flagship launch. The OnePlus 2 seems like a perfect blend of elegance and solid specs.