Forums, mails, chat conversations seemed to be abuzz about a new phone that had finally arrived for geeks everywhere. This was the first time I saw a phone get as much attention what could only be explained as the moment they open the doors on Black Friday in the world of fashion. The OnePlus One is dubbed as the phone to make your dreams come true. It has everything a luxury phone can offer at an unbelievably low price and wait for it, OnePlus claims to have the best battery of all phones out there.
Firstly, how does one score an invite? This is not a joke but begging is likely going to help you win your phone. Here are a few ways that fans all over (fans who haven’t even used the phone) do to be the lucky one.
- Participating in promotional contests/events hosted on the OnePlus and partner forums.
- Beg beg beg someone who already has the phone
- Beg in social forums where random strangers will give you the invite if they find you charming enough
- Finally, wait until the Oneplus is open for all
Secondly, what do you get with the OnePlus One? This phone runs cyanogenmod for those of you who are itching to do wonders with your phone. It has the Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor, an impressive 5.5” 1080p display, a 13 megapixel camera, unique screen gestures for easy control and the 3100 mAh battery that has everyone’s ears perked up.
The phone looks like a million bucks. It comes in two variants – one in a silky white with a smooth back and one in sandstone black with a rough almost pumice stone like texture on the back. I personally feel the sandstone black gives enough grip with the rough back that negates the use of a protective cover. However, those with butter hands should consider the protective cover to be on the safe side.
Thirdly, is the phone worth the hype? Before I answer the question, I would like to say there is no phone in the market that looks as luxurious as the OnePlus and still cost only $299 for the 16GB and $349 for the 64GB. Obviously, a low price has its setbacks. Are those setbacks greater than the reasons that make the product great?
Battery – Hands down, this is the best battery you will ever find anywhere in the world. I can guarantee that the battery’s unfathomable power will completely change your life. I haven’t closed apps (Maps included) in the last month that I have used this phone. I charge for a total of 10 mins everyday at the end of the day. My battery level after a day full of internet, whatsapp, calls, maps (about twice a day) and a bit of youtube leaves me with 68% battery life. Charging it for a further 10 mins takes me to 85% and that is all I need to get through the day. Even if your usage is on the heavy side, your battery will not drain completely before the end of the day. If battery is a deal breaker in your purchase decision, get ready to do some serious begging because this is THE phone you want..
Music/Camera/Display – The display is on par with most models you get today. It’s as crisp as your Note 3 or the iPhone. The camera kind of gets to me. For someone who clicks selfies and food pics by the minute, the camera can be a little disappointing. You need to have a steady hold to be able to get a clear picture. However, the camera will pass provided I’m not solely dependent on just my phone to get wall hang worthy pictures. The sound quality is good but not great. After having used a HTC One with front facing speakers and beats, I have realized there are not many phones that are as good as my One. With the OnePlus, I have downloaded a equalizer app to get me the best sound possible.
These downsides to the OnePlus however, are not greater than the fact that it is a highly affordable high-end phone with just about the same features if not more than the Nexus 5.
The screen is huge which is a plus considering people want what’s bigger and better. The battery will knock your socks off. For someone who was so used to carrying a charger around, I was stunned to see what a huge difference having a solid battery makes. Overall, this phone deserves a 4.5 on 5.
