OnePlus 2 first impressions: not a flagship killer

Riding on the success of OnePlus One, their debut smartphone, the company has launched its successor, OnePlus 2, to take the industry by storm. The OnePlus 2 smartphone had launched a few days ago via first-of-its-kind VR launch worldwide. In India, it will be available exclusively on Amazon, August 11 onwards. Like the One, you'll need an invite to be able to purchase this device (click here to reserve your invite). It is termed as the 2016 flagship killer by the OEM; we'll have to wait to see whether it lives up to the expectations. Regarding specifications, this smartphone features a full HD IPS display, powered by 1.8 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon octa-core processor. It comes with a 5.5-inch screen. It comes in two variants - 16 GB storage with 3 GB RAM, and 64 GB storage with 4 GB RAM. The 3 GB variant is expected to release sometime later in the year. It runs on OxygenOS (based on Android 5.1) and packs 3,300 mAh battery.

The smartphone features an IPS display with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. It has two capacitive buttons for Back and Recent on either side of the fingerprint-cum-home button, which is itself located below the display. Additionally, there is a 5 MP front facing camera lens located above the display, to the right of the earpiece, just opposite to the side where the buttons are located. There is a notification LED in between the camera and the earpiece.

The smartphone has high-end hardware that includes 1.8 GHz Qualcomm octa-core processor, 3/4 GB RAM, 16/64 GB internal memory, a 13 MP rear camera with dual LED flash located just above the camera lens. Just below the camera lens is the laser focus, Below the laser focus is the OnePlus branding.

The right side of the device features the volume rocker key (located on the top) and the power key (located below it). The smartphone supports dual nano SIM, which can be inserted by removing the back cover. In addition to the signature Sandstone Black, the smartphone will be available in a varied range of covers, including Bamboo, Black Apricot, Rosewood, and Kevlar.

The 3.5 mm headset jack is at the top left while the secondary microphone is located just beside it, to the right.

The USB C port is at the bottom center. The speaker grilles are located on either side of the USB port.

The left side of the device features a unique tri-state slider, called the alert slider. It can change the device settings from "no notifications" (mute) to "priority notifications" to "all notifications".

Coming in at 9.85 mm depth, the phone feels outstanding in the hand with its curved edges. The device is a tad heavier when compared to its predecessor.

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OnePlus 2 specifications

Operating System: OxygenOS based on Android 5.1

Processor: 1.8 GHz octa-core
Memory: 3/4 GB RAM
Storage: 16/64 GB
Display: 5.5 inch IPS LCD
Resolution (pixels): 1920x1080
Primary camera: 13 megapixel
Secondary camera: 5 megapixel
Battery: 3,300 mAh
Dimensions (WidthxHeightxDepth): 74.9x151.8x9.85 mm
Weight: 175 g
Price: ₹22,999 ($329) for the 3 GB/16 GB variant; ₹24,999 ($389) for the 4 GB/64 GB model