OnePlus One Specs Pricing Features & Drawbacks Unveiled

Overview of the OnePlus One

The OnePlus One was launched as a flagship killer in 2014, challenging the norms with its high-end specs and a low price point. It was a significant milestone for the brand as it marked the beginning of OnePlus in the smartphone market.

Design and Build

With dimensions of 152.9 x 75.9 x 8.9 mm and a weight of 162 g, the OnePlus One was built to be sleek and durable. The glass front is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, while the back and frame are made from plastic. Despite its plastic construction, the phone feels premium thanks to its Sandstone Black and Silk White finishes, which attracted users for their unique texture.

Display

The phone features a 5.5-inch IPS LCD display, providing vivid colors and excellent viewing angles within its 1080 x 1920 pixel resolution. This results in a pixel density of approximately 401 ppi, offering sharp text and images that were highly competitive at its time of release. The screen is also protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, adding an extra layer of resilience against scratches and drops.

Performance

Under the hood, the OnePlus One is powered by the Qualcomm MSM8974AC Snapdragon 801 chipset, a quad-core processor running at 2.5 GHz Krait 400. This setup, combined with the Adreno 330 GPU and 3GB of RAM, ensures smooth multitasking and a fluid gaming experience. Its performance in benchmarks was impressive, delivering scores that matched and even surpassed many flagship models of that time.

Memory and Storage

The OnePlus One came with two internal storage options: 16GB and 64GB. The 64GB version was particularly appealing as it provided ample space for apps, media, and documents. However, the lack of a microSD card slot was a limitation for those users who preferred expandable storage solutions. Nevertheless, the internal storage options were suitable for most users' needs at the time.

Camera Capabilities

The OnePlus One features a 13 MP main camera with an f/2.0 aperture, autofocus, and additional features like dual-LED flash, panorama, and HDR. It can record videos in resolutions up to 4K, providing high-quality video capture with stereo sound. The 5 MP front camera, also with an f/2.0 aperture, supports 720p video recording, making it a decent choice for selfies and video calls.

Battery Life

With a non-removable 3100 mAh Li-Po battery, the OnePlus One offers respectable battery life. It has an endurance rating of 66 hours, which translates into a full day of use for most users. While it lacked fast charging capabilities, the phone's battery performance was competitive for its release period.

Operating System and User Interface

Originally shipping with Android 4.4.2 KitKat, the OnePlus One was upgradeable to Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow. This OS transition meant users could enjoy features from newer Android versions. The phone ran on CyanogenMod OS, which was customizable and provided a clean, near-stock Android experience with additional features tailored for power users.

Connectivity Options

The OnePlus One supports various connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.1, GPS with GLONASS, and NFC. It also includes a microUSB 2.0 port with OTG support, enabling users to connect USB devices. However, the lack of a radio was a gap for users who preferred to listen to FM radio on their phones.

Sound and Multimedia

The dual mono speakers on the OnePlus One deliver clear audio, though not as powerful as stereo setups found in later models. It includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of audio accessories. Audio quality through headphones is notable, with low noise and excellent crosstalk measurements.

Market Impact and Legacy

At its launch, the OnePlus One was priced around 250 EUR, offering flagship specifications at a budget price. This aggressive pricing strategy disrupted the market and set a precedent for the cost-versus-performance debate in smartphones. Despite its discontinuation, the OnePlus One is remembered for its role in pioneering the flagship killer concept, influencing future models in the OnePlus lineup and other brands.

Conclusion

The OnePlus One was a remarkable phone for its time, combining high-spec components, a well-designed interface, and a competitive price point. It remains a significant part of smartphone history as it challenged established brands and offered consumers a high-quality alternative without the flagship price tag.