<div>It came out of nowhere, a powerful all-Android smartphone with the minimalistic name of OnePlus One – and it stayed. Lovers of technology were delighted that it would have a version of Android, CyanogenMod 11s, which would allow for more user-custmisation than regular Android phones and certainly more than some of the flagships that heavily “skin” their interfaces with stylization and tricks to differentiate from others. The OnePlus seemed like a secret project from a Chinese company, Oppo, less known for its own branded but very well-built and innovative phones.</div><div> </div><div>When it finally launched, after some delays that only fed the curiosity further, it was with a complex invite system so you definitely couldn’t just walk into a store and get it or buy it online straight. Frustrating as this was, it created a huge buzz and everyone wanted one – at least the young and tech savvy did. Many were disappointed at not being able to get their hands on one, but the company just didn’t have the means to fulfil the orders. OnePlus One is only one invite-less for Rs 21,998 for the 64GB version on Amazon.in and even less in a few other places.</div><div> </div><div>The lure of the OnePlus wasn’t just its software but the tough but slim and solid build. It looked crafted, tapering elegantly off to the sides. A large 5.5-inch beast, the OnePlus was choc full of high-end specifications. There was certainly a smattering of problems with the device here and there but nothing more than the usual and it maintained the anti-flagship cult following it was born with.</div><div> </div><div>And now, the OnePlus 2 is about to arrive. Everywhere, details have been leaking on what the successor to the phone that gave a lot for relatively little would hve this time. This time anyone can participate in the launch, using their app – a cool new way to do things. What’s more, if one were to acquire a Cardboard (also available online) they could watch the event in VR, scanning around the area for some promised surprises.</div><div> </div><div>This time, the much-awaited phone will be smaller but more premium, in metal. It may continue the design language of the OnePlus One, but may have a new home button to house a fast fingerprint scanner. People are betting the OnePlus 2 will have a Quad-HD and the rumour is that it will be water-resistant.</div><div> </div><div>For power, the OnePlus 2 will have the Snapdragon 810 processor, equivalent of the top flagships. Also Adrena 430 graphics processor with a whole 4GB of RAM. It will run on Oxygen OS on Android 5.0.2. The battery (non-removeable) will step up to 3,300mAh. The main camera will be 13MP and will have improved optics to almost match Samsung’s Galaxy S6 and the LG G4’s cameras. The front camera is 8MP and both will apparently shoot 4k video. The phone will also have the USB Type-C port which is easier to plug into.</div><div> </div><div>Nothing on the Indian price yet, but there’s not long to go to find out.</div><div> </div><div> </div>
BW Reporters
Mala Bhargava has been writing on technology well before the advent of internet in Indians and before CDs made their way into computers. Mala writes on technology, social media, startups and fitness. A trained psychologist, she claims that her understanding of psychology helps her understand the human side of technology.
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