Taking a swing another step down the unlocked phone market with a new $249 offering.
OnePlus has just officially unveiled its third phone ever, and the second of 2015 — the OnePlus X. Given the timing it’s no surprise that this isn’t a direct successor to the OnePlus One and OnePlus 2, but instead is aiming for a different segment altogether at a $249 unlocked price point. The OnePlus X focuses its value on a handful of features, and leaves behind some ancillary specs to hit that price.
For your money you’re getting a rather compact (by today’s standards) phone with a 5-inch 1080p display and sub-7mm thickness, built entirely out of a metal frame and glass on both sides. On the inside you get a decidedly last-gen Snapdragon 801 processor, paired up with 3GB of RAM and 16GB of base storage, plus an SD card slot — more than you usually get at this price. On the camera front there’s a plain ‘ol 13MP sensor with phase detection auto focus.
So what do you give up? Basically, you lose a bunch of “extras” — there’s no NFC here, nor wireless charging, or quick charge, or a USB-C connector, or OIS on the camera, or a front-facing camera worth noting. You also can’t option in additional storage, and there’s just one color choice, Onyx (black). But you’ll be able to load it up with optional cases that match the StyleSwap Covers — in various woods and plastics — from the OnePlus 2. You can also protect it with a slate of colorful silicone cases.
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You also get a very simple software experience by way of OxygenOS, which is based on Android 5.1.1 and offers a near-stock setup plus a handful of customization options and a few neat features. It matches the features currently on offer with the OnePlus 2, and if you trust its ambitions the software will continue to improve over time.
Throwing another interesting wrinkle into this launch is the optional limited edition Ceramic version, which replaces the back glass with specially-crafted ceramic that takes 25 days to produce and adds a brilliant sheen, heft and durability to this little phone. OnePlus is only making 10,000 Ceramic models, and they’ll command a premium price of 369€. Yup priced euros, because it’s only planned to be available to eager buyers in Europe.
So let’s get down to it — the pricing and availability. You’ll spend just $249 for a OnePlus X in the U.S., available starting November 19, or 269€ in Europe, starting two weeks earlier on November 5. Being that this is OnePlus we’re dealing with, of course that means there’s an invite system. The OnePlus X will fall into the same invite-only purchasing system used (and bemoaned) with the OnePlus One and 2, but with one caveat — after a month of invites, OnePlus will open the store up to anyone who wants to buy.
Press release:
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.