Didn't see a thread on this yet, thought I would give it a start.
A new smartphone is entering the premium sphere to compete with the likes of the new HTC One M8, Samsung Galaxy S5, Sony Xperia Z2, etc... The start-up company is OnePlus, founded by a former OPPO executive (known for high quality, innovative Chines designed and made smartphones).
Not only has this phone met current industry standards from a design and hardware perspective, but some claim that with the integration of Cyanogen Mod as its standard OS, it bests some of the others in the category.
Apparently the hardware and design is setting standards as well...
The interesting bit? It sells for 299 USD, unlocked for the 16GB version. add an extra 50$ for the 64 GB version.
The following video is a bit cheesy, but it gets the idea across:
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Never Settle’ is the tag line and the LTE-enabled OnePlus One specs are impressive with a 5.5-inch 1080p display (Gorilla Glass 3), 2.5GHz Snapdragon 801 processor, 3GB of RAM, 13MP Sony Exmor sensor (f/2.0, flash, and 4K video), 5MP front-facing camera, JBL-designed stereo speakers and 3100mAh non-removable battery. Overall dimensions are 152.9 x 75.9 x 8.9 mm with a weight of 162 grams.
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As for the price point, the 16GB Silk White version is priced at $299 (USD) and skips right past a 32GB model and opts for a 64GB in Sandstone Black that will be $349.
It appears to be an awesome phone especially at that price. I really love the HTC One and One M8 though. I like the feel of metal over plastic on the rear and the dual speakers on the HTC is awesome for watching videos and listening to music.
I liked what I was reading, but then I saw the battery.
Non-removable battery kills it for me, I think. I am murderous on my phone batteries, so much so that I carry a second charged battery with me at all times.
I guess I could switch to an external battery pack, but would like the ability to replace it when it gets worn down.
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I liked what I was reading, but then I saw the battery.
Non-removable battery kills it for me, I think. I am murderous on my phone batteries, so much so that I carry a second charged battery with me at all times.
I guess I could switch to an external battery pack, but would like the ability to replace it when it gets worn down.
What phone do you use?
I have the ZeroLemon battery for my s4 and wow. It literally has about 8 hours of constance use if not more. It makes the phone a boy fatter, and naturally a fair bit heavier as well. If you're not bothered by that, it's a game changer.
Roughly $330CDN for 16GB and $386CDN for a 64GB. Great stuff if only it wasn't based on an invite only system for the launch sales.
Has this been confirmed? If so... Might be a deal breaker for me. I'll have to wait it out and see when I can replace my phone. I would go for the HTC hands down if it wasn't for the camera. I don't doubt the thing takes decent pictures, but I am not a fan of the 4 mp size of the photos... Can't do much other than post them to Facebook.
Typically phones like this are made by small manufacturers out of Shenzhen China that don't tend to provide the best after release support, if any. These companies start up and evaporate almost overnight.
Bigger companies out of the same area like Xiaomi and Oppo (creator of the OnePlus) have a record of excellent aftermarket support and exceptional build quality on top of that. Problem was until this generation and marketing through the internet, there were no distribution channels into Canada and we couldn't get any of these devices.
What kind of LTE does it have? No sense in buying a LTE capable phone that can't do LTE on the 2100mhz frequency everyone currently uses, and won't be able to also do LTE on the 700mhz bands once it launches all over Canada. My S3 can do both.
Some people have already begun smashing their phones to get an invite to purchase the Oneplus One. Too bad you need to be invited before you smash the phone...