Tech2Talk: Starting at Rs 16999, here's what we thought of the OnePlus X

Ever since the OnePlus 2 was launched earlier this year, we’ve been expecting ‘an additional OnePlus device’ since a couple of months. Initial leaks revealed a texture that looked similar to the typical Sandstone found on OnePlus devices. Now with the OnePlus X finally revealed, it came across as a refreshing change. With the specification and pricing details revealed, we got into a discussion. Here’s a summary of our discussion at Tech2. Nimish Sawant OnePlus has finally launched its much awaited ‘budget’ device in the form of the OnePlus X. The starting price of Rs 16,999 certainly doesn’t put it in the ‘budget’ category so to speak. It comes with a 5-inch AMOLED full HD display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 SoC with 3GB of RAM and a 2525mAh battery. On the camera front, you get a 13MP rear shooter and an 8MP front facing camera. As far as specs go, they’re impressive. Add in a metal framing, dual SIM support as well as mircoSD card support, the phone a no brainer right? Unfortunately things aren’t that simple. The phone is clearly competing with Xiaomi Mi 4 which offers a similar spec sheet at Rs 14,999, although with a 64GB storage option as opposed to 16GB storage on the OnePlus X and a higher capacity battery. The Ceramic cover variant priced at Rs 22,999 makes me wonder, why would anyone not spend Rs 2,000 more and get the OnePlus 2 instead? OnePlus claims that the 5-inch form factor has a lot of audience and I agree. But pricing the OnePlus X so close to the incumbents OnePlus One and OnePlus 2 really could put a lot of people in a dilemma.  For me, it all comes down to camera performance if I had to select between the X and the One – if the OnePlus X delivers good images, then it certainly has an edge over the OnePlus One. Finally, the love affair with the ‘Invite-only’ system, even though it’s there for just the first month, is something that would annoy lot of potential buyers. We all know how the OnePlus 2 invite system worked out. OnePlus says that after the first month, there will be weekly hourly open sales for those who do not want to wait for an invite. OnePlus could have easily started off with that considering the festive season is already upon us.  Karrishma Modhy OnePlus introduced a new smartphone, in two variants today, proving that the company will continue to offer high-end devices at a rather affordable price. But the trickling question here is, what really is the X factor in the new OnePlus X? If the new device is to be compared to the other two company devices, in a nutshell, this one would offer a smaller display, lower camera and similar hardware. And, is more expensive then the previous editions. If there was one factor which might be the star of the product would be its design. The company’s new phone looks great along with being the smallest, slightest and slimmest smartphone from the company. And that, might be the only reason, I like the device. But unfortunately for me, the OnePlus X is nothing more than a beautiful device in the palm. Nash David Sometimes it’s all about perception in the minds of the consumers. When I spoke to friends, the sentiment seemed to revolve around the invite system. Although OnePlus began on an upward note since it launched, the invite system is turning out to be its Achilles Heel. What made it popular, is now turning out to be the root cause of irritation among many. I’d have considered a OnePlus device, but for the invite system! Immediately after the launch, Carl Pei and Pete got on a Reddit AMA. What I found interesting was the instruction that read: Do not beg for invites or post referral links. That’s not how you ever want to express to users looking for your product. When you want to buy a smartphone, you most definitely want to buy it instantly – once you’ve convinced yourself of the price. Unlike a car or a house, you don’t deal with the decision making process for months. The exclusivity offering was pioneered by Google when it launched Gmail on April 01, 2004. Since then, Facebook and several other startups have tried to push their products as an exclusive privilege. It definitely worked with the OnePlus One, but now with the OnePlus 2 and the admission that customer expectations haven’t been fulfilled, the invite system just comes across an immediate hurdle. As far as the devices go, they’re priced at Rs 16,999 and Rs 23,999. At a fundamental level, a Ceramic body doesn’t seem to warrant such a significant bump in price. I’d rather prefer to spend that money on a powerful spec set. Again, after an invite, it’s a limited edition device! So much of effort for a ‘mid-range device’ seems like an overkill. You’d typically expect that in one of the mainstream flagship devices.