OnePlus 7 Pro

The OnePlus 7 Pro marked a significant step for OnePlus, as the company ventured more decisively into the premium smartphone segment. Here’s an in-depth review of the OnePlus 7 Pro:

Overview:

Introduced in mid-2019, the OnePlus 7 Pro was OnePlus’s attempt to offer a no-compromise flagship experience, blending top-tier specifications with a refined design. It was a departure from the brand’s “flagship killer” moniker, moving towards a genuine flagship territory.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 9.0 (Pie) with OxygenOS 9 on top, upgradable to later Android versions.
  2. Display: 6.67-inch Fluid AMOLED with a resolution of 1440 x 3120 pixels, boasting a 90Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support. Notably, it had a bezel-less design with a pop-up selfie camera.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855.
  4. Memory: Options of 6/8/12 GB RAM with 128/256 GB UFS 3.0 internal storage.
  5. Camera: Triple rear camera setup – 48 MP primary sensor, 8 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 16 MP ultrawide lens. The pop-up front camera was a 16 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 4000 mAh non-removable battery with Warp Charge 30W fast charging.
  7. Other Features: In-display fingerprint scanner, stereo speakers, and a range of customization and software features via OxygenOS.

Pros:

  1. Display: The 90Hz Fluid AMOLED display was one of the device’s standout features, offering a smooth and immersive viewing experience.
  2. Performance: With the Snapdragon 855 and up to 12 GB RAM, the device offered blazing-fast performance.
  3. Design: The bezel-less design with a pop-up camera gave it a futuristic and premium feel.
  4. OxygenOS: Widely praised for its speed, customization options, and near-stock experience.
  5. Fast Charging: Warp Charge 30W ensured a rapid charging experience, juicing up the phone significantly in a short time.

Cons:

  1. No Wireless Charging: Despite its premium positioning, the device lacked wireless charging.
  2. No Official IP Rating: While OnePlus claimed the phone had some water resistance, it didn’t come with an official IP rating.
  3. Camera Performance: While versatile, the camera setup was sometimes criticized for inconsistent performance compared to other flagships.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2019, the OnePlus 7 Pro faced competition from various flagship devices:

  • Samsung Galaxy S10: With its Dynamic AMOLED display, wireless charging, and versatile camera setup.
  • Huawei P30 Pro: Known for its impressive camera capabilities, especially in zoom and low light.
  • Asus Zenfone 6: With its unique flip camera mechanism and competitive pricing.

Launch Date:

The OnePlus 7 Pro was announced in May 2019.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Pop-up Camera Durability: While OnePlus claimed the pop-up mechanism was durable, some users were concerned about its longevity and potential for damage.
  2. Weight and Size: The device, with its large display and battery, was on the heavier and larger side, which might not be comfortable for everyone.
  3. Initial Software Bugs: Some users reported software glitches and camera inconsistencies in the early days, though many were addressed in subsequent updates.

Conclusion:

The OnePlus 7 Pro was a statement from OnePlus, showcasing its ability to produce a top-tier flagship that could compete with the best in the industry. While it had areas that could be improved, especially in the camera department, the overall package was compelling for those seeking a high-end experience without the traditionally high-end price tag. The device was well-received and solidified OnePlus’s position in the premium smartphone market.

OnePlus 6T

The OnePlus 6T was a notable release from OnePlus, a brand known for offering flagship-level specifications at a more affordable price point. The 6T built upon the foundation of the OnePlus 6 with some key changes. Here’s an in-depth review of the OnePlus 6T:

Overview:

Introduced in late 2018, the OnePlus 6T aimed to refine the experience of the OnePlus 6, bringing in a new display design, an in-display fingerprint scanner, and more. It continued OnePlus’s “flagship killer” ethos by offering high-end specs at a competitive price.

Features:

  • Operating System: Shipped with Android 9.0 Pie with OnePlus’s OxygenOS skin.
  • Display: 6.41-inch Optic AMOLED capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, featuring a waterdrop notch.
  • Processor: Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 Octa-core.
  • Memory: Options of 6/8 GB RAM with 128/256 GB internal storage.
  • Camera: Dual rear camera setup – 16 MP primary sensor and 20 MP secondary sensor. A 16 MP front camera.
  • Battery: 3700 mAh non-removable battery with OnePlus’s fast “Dash Charge” technology.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, and GPS.
  • Other Features: In-display fingerprint scanner, USB Type-C, and Face Unlock.

Pros:

  • In-display Fingerprint Scanner: One of the early adopters of this technology, the 6T’s in-display scanner was a highlight, offering a futuristic unlocking method.
  • Performance: The Snapdragon 845 chipset, combined with ample RAM, ensured top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and more.
  • OxygenOS: OnePlus’s custom skin was praised for its near-stock experience, speed, and additional customization features.
  • Battery Life: The 3700 mAh battery, combined with software optimizations, ensured a full day of usage for most users.

Cons:

  • No 3.5mm Jack: The OnePlus 6T removed the headphone jack, a move that was controversial among fans and users.
  • No Wireless Charging: Despite having a glass back, the device did not support wireless charging.
  • No Official IP Rating: While OnePlus claimed the device had some water resistance, it lacked an official IP rating.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2018, the OnePlus 6T faced competition from various flagship devices:

  • Samsung Galaxy S9: Samsung’s flagship with a focus on camera capabilities, display quality, and a comprehensive feature set.
  • Google Pixel 3: Known for its pure Android experience, outstanding camera capabilities, and Google’s software optimizations.
  • Apple iPhone XR: Apple’s more affordable variant of its flagship lineup, offering the A12 Bionic chip and a range of color options.

Launch Date:

The OnePlus 6T was announced in October 2018 and released in November 2018.

Common Issues/Problems:

  • In-display Scanner Reliability: While futuristic, the in-display fingerprint scanner was sometimes less consistent and slower than traditional scanners.
  • Camera Night Mode: While the 6T introduced a night mode for photography, it wasn’t as refined as some competitors’ solutions upon launch.
  • Removal of Headphone Jack: Many users were disappointed by the removal of the 3.5mm jack, especially since OnePlus had retained it in the OnePlus 6 earlier that year.

Conclusion:

The OnePlus 6T was a testament to OnePlus’s strategy of iterative improvements, offering a refined experience over its predecessor. With its in-display fingerprint scanner, improved battery life, and the ever-popular OxygenOS, it was a compelling option for those seeking flagship performance without the flagship price. While it had its compromises, the overall package presented by the OnePlus 6T solidified its position as a favorite among tech enthusiasts and general users alike.

OnePlus 6

The OnePlus 6 was a pivotal release for OnePlus, continuing its tradition of offering flagship-level specifications at a more affordable price point. Here’s an in-depth review of the OnePlus 6:

Overview:

Launched in mid-2018, the OnePlus 6 followed the OnePlus 5T and showcased the company’s commitment to refining design and performance. It was a representation of OnePlus’s “Never Settle” philosophy, aiming to provide a premium smartphone experience without the premium price tag.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 8.1 Oreo, overlaid with OnePlus’s OxygenOS.
  2. Display: 6.28-inch Optic AMOLED with a resolution of 1080 x 2280 pixels, featuring a notch design.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 Octa-core.
  4. Memory: Options of 6/8 GB RAM with 64/128/256 GB internal storage.
  5. Camera: Dual rear camera setup – 16 MP primary sensor with OIS and a 20 MP secondary sensor. A 16 MP front camera.
  6. Battery: 3300 mAh non-removable battery with Dash Charge fast charging technology.
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, face unlock, USB Type-C, and an all-glass design.

Pros:

  1. Performance: The Snapdragon 845 chipset, combined with the optimized OxygenOS, ensured top-tier performance and smooth multitasking.
  2. Display Quality: The Optic AMOLED display was vibrant and offered deep blacks and good sunlight visibility.
  3. Fast Charging: Dash Charge remained one of the fastest charging technologies, providing a day’s power in half an hour.
  4. OxygenOS: Known for its near-stock experience, speed, and customization features, OxygenOS was a highlight for many users.
  5. Value for Money: The OnePlus 6 provided flagship specifications at a price significantly lower than many of its competitors.

Cons:

  1. No Wireless Charging: Despite having a glass back, the OnePlus 6 did not support wireless charging.
  2. No Official IP Rating: While OnePlus mentioned the device had some form of water resistance, it lacked an official IP rating for water and dust resistance.
  3. Camera Performance: While the camera was good, it wasn’t always on par with other flagship devices, especially in challenging lighting conditions.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2018, the OnePlus 6 faced competition from various flagship devices:

  • Samsung Galaxy S9: Samsung’s flagship with its Dynamic AMOLED display, variable aperture camera, and feature-rich software.
  • iPhone X: Apple’s flagship with its OLED display, Face ID, and the iOS ecosystem.
  • LG G7 ThinQ: Known for its bright display, wide-angle camera, and Quad DAC for audio.

Launch Date:

The OnePlus 6 was announced in May 2018 and released shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Oil Painting Effect: Some users reported an “oil painting effect” in photos, where images appeared smudged or lacked detail. This was particularly noticeable in HDR mode.
  2. Battery Optimization: Some users felt the battery drained faster than expected, especially after certain software updates.
  3. Speaker Quality: The single bottom-firing speaker was not the loudest and lacked depth for some users.

Conclusion:

The OnePlus 6 was a testament to OnePlus’s strategy of offering a high-end smartphone experience at a more accessible price point. With its modern design, powerful internals, and user-friendly software, it was a favorite among tech enthusiasts and regular users alike. While it had areas for improvement, especially in terms of camera software optimization, the overall value proposition of the OnePlus 6 made it a significant success for OnePlus in the competitive smartphone market.

OnePlus 2 / Two

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.