A non-metallic flagship, is it a flagship?
In a recent generation it was possible to launch a flagship in plastic and remain a benchmark. The blame lay with firms that opted for polycarbonate materials, which allowed companies like OnePlus to launch the plastic OnePlus One without any problems. However, the current trend rewards premium materialsWith the advent of metal frames and glass fronts, any smartphone that doesn't use quality materials is perceived as inferior. It's logical that the OnePlus 2, self-proclaimed "flagship killer," wants to be at the same level. build quality, but maintaining a lower price. If that means metal on the chassis, it will have to be made of metal.
More expensive?
This raises an obvious problem: the priceWhat truly defines the OnePlus, its level or its price? Probably a combination of both. We've already seen how some flagship models have scaled their price to the highest segment. Talking about figures around 600 euros isn't the same as talking about 300–399 euros. Manufacturing in metal may become more expensive the process, but OnePlus often compensates by slimming down margins and simplifying distribution.
The roadmap outlined in the community is clear: screen Full HD to balance costs, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 tight, 3/4 GB of RAM, a metal chassis, and a price tag of around €339–€399 depending on the version. Is that possible?Would you buy This smartphone? That's what the new OnePlus 2 should be. We'll see if they can really pull it off.
Source: PocketNow.
Design and materials: metal, housing and ergonomics
The OnePlus 2 aligns with the market trend and incorporates metal in its structure, with a magnesium and aluminum alloy chassis and stainless steel pushbutton panelThe front is glass, and the back maintains the philosophy of interchangeable housings (StyleSwap) with finishes such as sandstone, wood or Kevlar, which improve grip and allow customization without sacrificing the strength of the frame.
Despite the use of metal, OnePlus takes care of the ergonomics: a relatively narrow body, a slightly curved rear and a weight that is heavier than that of other plastic models, but compensates for it with a feeling of solidity. As a differentiating factor, the Alert Slider On the left side: a three-position switch to toggle between all notifications, only priority notifications, or none, without turning on the screen.
Screen and visual experience
OnePlus opts for a panel IPS (IPS NEO) de 5,5 inches with Full HD resolutionThe brand prefers to prioritize the balance between cost, performance, and range rather than going QHD out of habit. The result? Natural colors, good contrast for an LCD and fast touch response, protected with Gorilla GlassThe maximum brightness is correct and the front utilization exceeds 73%, which helps to contain dimensions.
For those who like on-screen buttons, OXYGEN allows you to move navigation to the panel and configure actions, while maintaining the front fingerprint sensor for unlocking. fast and almost instantaneous.
Performance, memory and connectivity
In the heart, the Snapdragon 810 (optimized review) offers plenty of power for everyday use and demanding games, with software-tuned thermal management. It is combined with 3 GB of RAM in the 16 GB version and 4 GB LPDDR4 in the 64GB one. There is no microSD, so the choice of capacity is relevant if you record on 4K or you take a lot of high-quality photos.
Connectivity is complete for Europe (LTE on key bands), dual SIM nano-SIM in Dual Standby mode, WiFi ac, Bluetooth 4.1 and USB Type-C reversible. The connector works over USB 2.0 and there is no fast charge owner, two resignations assumed to contain costs. One absence that generates debate is the NFC, dispensable for some, relevant for mobile payments for others.
Camera and video: 13 MP with OIS and laser
The photographic system relies on a sensor of 13 SM with 1,3 µm pixels, opening f / 2.0, optical stabilization y laser autofocusOn paper, a very capable combination in low light and moving scenes. The software adds modes like HDR, Beauty, Panorama, and a high-sharp capture that combines multiple shots. In video, it achieves UHD at 30 fps and slow motion at 120 fps in 720p.
The experience improves with updates OXYGEN, which fine-tune focus, noise management, and white balance consistency. When calibrated correctly, it offers great detail and pleasant blurring for its price segment.
Battery and autonomy
With 3.300 mAh, the autonomy is designed to complete the day with mixed use. The choice of Full HD It helps reduce consumption, and the system includes energy-saving modes. Although it doesn't include fast charging, charging times with the 2A adapter are approximately two and a half hours to reach 100%.
Software: OxygenOS and useful extras
OnePlus abandoned its collaboration with Cyanogen to focus on OXYGEN, a lightweight Android-based layer that maintains a look close to AOSP, without bloatware and with useful options: Dark Mode, button customization, screen-off gestures, Shelf with app/contact access, and granular permission control. fingerprint sensor supports up to five profiles and unlocks the device without activating the screen first.
Guidance data sheet
| Components | OnePlus 2 |
|---|---|
| Screen | 5,5″ IPS (IPS NEO) Full HD, Gorilla Glass |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 (optimized rev.) |
| Conference proceedings | 3GB/16GB or 4GB/64GB (without microSD) |
| Cameras | Rear 13 MP, f/2.0, OIS, laser; Front 5 MP |
| Battery | 3.300 mAh (USB Type-C, without fast charging) |
| Connectivity | Dual SIM, LTE EU, WiFi ac, BT 4.1, without NFC |
| Extras | Metal chassis, Alert Slider, fingerprint sensor |
The price positioning remains competitive: the 3/16 GB version aims at price content, while the 4/64 GB version slightly raises the cost while still being a very aggressive proposition compared to more expensive flagships.
As the ecosystem matures, the OnePlus 2 cements an attractive balance between premium materials, performance, clean software, and distinctive details (Alert Slider, Dual SIM). Whether or not the metal should be the star of the show is no longer a matter of debate when the overall price remains compact: the move makes sense and reinforces the "flagship killer" promise for those looking for a high-end model at a reasonable price.
