Overview:
The OnePlus 2, unveiled in 2015, was the successor to the highly acclaimed OnePlus One, which had been dubbed the “flagship killer”. With the OnePlus 2, the company aimed to continue its momentum by offering high-end specifications at a competitive price point, while addressing some of the criticisms of its predecessor.
Features:
- Operating System: OxygenOS based on Android 5.1 Lollipop, upgradable to Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow.
- Display: 5.5-inch LTPS IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels.
- Processor: Qualcomm MSM8994 Snapdragon 810 Octa-core.
- Memory: Options of 3 GB RAM with 16 GB internal storage or 4 GB RAM with 64 GB storage.
- Camera: 13 MP rear camera with optical image stabilization, laser autofocus, and dual-LED flash, and a 5 MP front camera.
- Battery: 3300 mAh non-removable battery.
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.1, and GPS.
- Other Features: USB Type-C port, fingerprint sensor, Dual SIM support, and Alert Slider (a physical switch to toggle notifications).
Pros:
- Build Quality: The OnePlus 2 boasted a premium metal frame and a sandstone back, giving it a distinctive and solid feel.
- Performance: Powered by the Snapdragon 810, the device was capable of handling demanding tasks and applications.
- Fingerprint Sensor: The inclusion of a fingerprint sensor added an extra layer of security and convenience.
- Price Point: Despite its high-end specs, the OnePlus 2 was priced significantly lower than other flagship devices.
- Customizable OxygenOS: OnePlus’s custom skin was close to stock Android but offered additional customization options.
Cons:
- No NFC: The omission of NFC was a controversial decision, especially given the growing popularity of mobile payments.
- Overheating Issues: The Snapdragon 810 chipset was infamous for its heating issues, and while OnePlus tried to mitigate this, some users still reported occasional overheating.
- No Quick Charging: Despite having a USB Type-C port, the device did not support quick charging.
- Invite System: Initially, to purchase the OnePlus 2, one needed an invite, which many users found frustrating.
Comparisons to Other Technologies:
In 2015, the smartphone market was highly competitive. The OnePlus 2 faced competition from:
- Samsung Galaxy S6: Samsung’s flagship with a premium glass and metal design, QHD display, and Exynos 7420 chipset.
- LG G4: Known for its leather back, QHD display, and excellent camera capabilities.
- iPhone 6s: Apple’s offering with its A9 chipset, 3D Touch, and iOS ecosystem.
Launch Date:
The OnePlus 2 was announced in July 2015 and released in August 2015.
Common Issues/Problems:
- Software Bugs: Early versions of OxygenOS on the OnePlus 2 had some bugs and stability issues.
- Battery Life: Some users reported inconsistent battery life, with some days being better than others.
- Heating: As mentioned, the Snapdragon 810’s heating issues were a concern for some users.
Conclusion:
The OnePlus 2 had big shoes to fill, following the success of the OnePlus One. While it offered a lot for its price and was generally well-received, it wasn’t without its controversies and shortcomings. Nevertheless, it reinforced OnePlus’s position as a brand that challenged the status quo in the smartphone industry, offering flagship experiences at a fraction of the cost.
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