OnePlus has been a game changer ever since it came out with its first phone just a few years ago. It has been known as an industry upstart by offering incredible hardware at mid-range prices. Better yet, because OnePlus is laser focused on a single device, it can also update its devices on a regular basis too. Other manufacturers like LG and Samsung struggle to keep all of their phones on the latest Android version mainly because so much software development is needed for each device.
OnePlus’ latest smartphone is currently available to order on its website and prices start at $479 for the model with 6GB of memory and 64GB of onboard storage. You can spend $60 more and get 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage as well. All other specs between the devices are identical. Even though the price of the OnePlus flagship continues to slowly creep up, remember that OnePlus doesn’t compromise on delivering a device with top-notch specs.
- Processor – Snapdragon 835 (same processor that the Samsung Galaxy S8/S8+)
- Dimensions – 154.2 x 74.1 x 7.25 mm
- Weight – 153g
- Material – Anodized aluminum
- Color – Midnight Black/ Slate Gray
- Oxygen OS based on Android N
- GPU – Adreno 530
- 3.5mm Audio Jack
- Display – 5.5″ 1080p AMOLED (401ppi)
- Rear Dual Camera setup – Wide angle 16MP, Telephoto 20MP with dual LED flash
- Front 16MP camera
- 3300 mAh battery with Dash Charge
- Bluetooth 5.0 (supports aptX & aptX HD – audio drivers for high-resolution playback)
One can argue that OnePlus cut corners on the 1080p display by not going with a higher resolution 1440p looker. However to the naked eye, the 5.5″ display won’t show pixels and AMOLED is still the best technology available for display lighting. 1080p is also much easier on the processor and more importantly the battery. 1440p displays, like what’s found on the Samsung Galaxy S8 are great to have especially if you’re into VR, but otherwise it serves little purpose to everyday usage. Keep in mind, Samsung even dials the resolution back on its flagships out of the box as it improves battery life and overall performance. The OnePlus 5 is also $400 cheaper and is compatible with most major networks in the US.
You’ll also save money with a OnePlus 5 since you can’t buy it through a carrier where you have to pay activation fees. If you can’t pay for the OnePlus 5 all at once, you can choose to pay with a credit card or PayPal credit which offers interest free payments for six months. Lastly, the OnePlus 5 ships direct from China which means you don’t have to pay sales tax. That can save up to $50 depending on what locale you reside in.
There’s almost nothing to complain about with the OnePlus 5. It’s a great phone at a fantastic price and is available for order now at oneplus.net.
The only downside is that it is not Daydream ready.