OnePlus 2 Review!

Marques Brownlee, in his OnePlus 2 review, cuts through the hype to assess the device on its own merits. He highlights the strong industrial design, noting the premium metal rails and the swappable sandstone backs that give the phone a distinctive, durable feel. The form factor is described as comfortable in the hand, with a 5.5 inch 1080p display and manageable bezels that keep the footprint reasonable. He also praises the left side alert slider for quick profile switching, and the overall build quality, while acknowledging some quirks like the nonremovable battery and the removable back not granting access to internals. The assessment is balanced, as he weighs design and hardware positives against tradeoffs such as the camera speed and the lack of NFC, concluding that software and hardware together create a compelling package for the price. Overall, the OnePlus 2 is presented as a strong performer with a thoughtful hardware strategy, albeit with certain concessions that may deter some users. He finishes by noting the inviting potential of ongoing software updates to further refine the camera and overall experience. In the software and performance portion, the reviewer spotlights Oxygen OS as a near stock Android experience that is both quick and highly configurable. He demonstrates how to customize quick settings, map hardware buttons, and enable a system-wide dark mode, all of which contribute to a personalized user experience. The shelf feature on the left side is introduced as a new organizational tool for recent apps and widgets, with customization options for headers and widget sizing. Performance is attributed to the Snapdragon 810, 4 GB of RAM, and the 1080p display, which together deliver smooth multitasking and solid gaming without overheating. The camera section acknowledges solid photo and video quality with laser autofocus and optical image stabilization, while noting room for software improvements to speed up shooting and to grant more manual controls in future updates. The overall software narrative emphasizes fast updates and a UI that remains approachable for users who want both simplicity and depth. In the final synthesis, the reviewer weighs value against the inevitable hurdles, particularly the difficulty in actually buying the OnePlus 2. He frames the phone as a high-value option given its hardware, software flexibility, and price point, arguing that the overall package justifies the investment for many buyers willing to navigate the invite system. Battery life is described as solid, with roughly four hours of screen-on time and day-long usage possible with moderate use, while charging remains not as fast as some competitors due to the absence of fast charging. He reiterates that NFC is missing and frames it as a potential deal-breaker for some users, while suggesting that for others it will be a non-issue. The camera is deemed capable but imperfect, with updates expected to enhance performance, speed, and controls over time. The closing stance is cautiously optimistic: the OnePlus 2 is a competitive flagship killer in 2015 terms, especially considering its price, but prospective buyers should be prepared to work a little to secure one and to appreciate ongoing software evolution.

Topics · hardware · software · performance · battery · design · camera