OnePlus X

Into Droid Hardware

The OnePlus X was a unique offering from OnePlus, released in 2015. Positioned as a more affordable alternative to the company’s flagship lineup, the OnePlus X combined a premium design with mid-range specifications. Here’s an in-depth review of the OnePlus X:

Overview:

The OnePlus X was OnePlus’s attempt to offer a stylish and compact smartphone at a more accessible price point. It was a departure from the company’s usual “flagship killer” approach, focusing more on design and user experience than raw power.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Initially shipped with Android 5.1.1 (Lollipop) with OnePlus’s OxygenOS skin, later upgradable.
  2. Display: 5.0-inch Full HD AMOLED with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 Quad-core.
  4. Memory: 3 GB RAM with 16 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD up to 256 GB.
  5. Camera: 13 MP rear sensor with an f/2.2 aperture and an 8 MP front camera with the same f/2.4 aperture.
  6. Battery: A 2525 mAh non-removable battery.
  7. Other Features: Alert Slider, FM Radio, and a glass or ceramic back (depending on the variant).

Pros:

  1. Design: The OnePlus X was praised for its premium design, featuring a metal frame and a choice of glass or ceramic for the back.
  2. Display: The Full HD AMOLED display was vibrant, offering deep blacks and excellent contrast.
  3. Compact Size: The 5-inch form factor was comfortable for one-handed use and was a refreshing change from the trend of larger phones.
  4. Price: The device was competitively priced, offering good value for its specifications.

Cons:

  1. Processor: While the Snapdragon 801 was a flagship chip in its time, by 2015 it was starting to show its age.
  2. No NFC: The lack of NFC was a notable omission, especially for those who used contactless payments or other NFC features.
  3. Battery Life: The 2525 mAh battery was on the smaller side, leading to average battery life.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its segment, the OnePlus X faced competition from:

  • Moto G (3rd Gen): Offering a 5-inch HD display, Snapdragon 410, and a water-resistant design.
  • Xiaomi Mi 4: With its 5-inch Full HD display, Snapdragon 801, and a premium metal design.
  • Huawei P8 Lite: Featuring a 5-inch HD display, Kirin 620, and a sleek design.

Launch Date:

The OnePlus X was announced in October 2015 and released in November 2015.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Updates: The OnePlus X did not receive as many software updates as some of OnePlus’s flagship devices.
  2. LTE Band Support: Some users in the US reported that the device did not support all LTE bands, leading to compatibility issues with certain carriers.
  3. Glass Back: While premium, the glass back was prone to fingerprints and potential breakage if dropped.

Conclusion:

The OnePlus X was an interesting experiment from OnePlus, offering a blend of style, compactness, and affordability. While it had its strengths, especially in terms of design and display, it also had its challenges, particularly in terms of performance and feature omissions. For users who prioritized design and compactness over raw power, the OnePlus X was a compelling choice in its price bracket. However, those looking for the best performance or a more future-proof device might have looked towards other options.

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