Rumors that Chinese manufacturer OnePlus expands its handset portfolio with an additional model were true, as the OnePlus X is now official.
With the official unveiling of the OnePlus X, OnePlus now introduces a smartphone that packs a good array of specs and a decent price of $249, give or take.
The OnePlus One launched as a "flagship killer," as did its OnePlus 2 successor, but the OnePlus X is a midrange offering.
To help you choose the suitable affordable smartphone, whether you aim for the midrange or high-end, here is an extended comparison of the three devices: OnePlus One, OnePlus 2 and OnePlus X.
Size, Weight and Finishing:
The latest OnePlus phone is the thinnest and tiniest of the line, with 5.51 x 2.72 x 0.27in. Measurements of the other two models read 6.02 x 2.99 x 0.35in for the OnePlus One and 5.98 x 2.95 x 0.39in mm for the flagship OnePlus 2.
While OnePlus 2 came in Sandstone Black only, two color options were available for OnePlus One: Sandstone Black and Silk White. The latest model, OnePlus X, brings a more stylish approach, with Ceramic and Onyx colored cases. Buyers who choose the Onyx variant will get a rounded metal bezel and black glass for extra elegance. The Ceramic model has beveled edges and is a limited edition smartphone, with only 10,000 models produced.
In terms of weight, OnePlus 2 is the bulkiest of the family at 0.38 pounds. The 2014 OnePlus One follows with 0.35 pounds, while the OnePlus X Ceramic is lighter than the older models at 0.34 lbs, but slightly heavier than the Onyx variant. OnePlus X Onyx is the lightest of them all, pulling only 0.30 pounds.
Display
Comparing the three devices, The OnePlus X scores the highest resolution, 441ppi. Its 5-inch Full HD display is the smallest of the bunch, explaining why the pixel density is higher. The screens on OnePlus One and OnePlus 2 are of 5.5-inch, 1920 x 1080p. It must be noted that the dimension of the screens makes the difference of 40ppi unnoticeable to the naked eye.
Camera quality
The rear camera on the OnePlus X is a 13-megapixel sensor with an f/2.2 aperture and 0.2-second autofocus (AF). Notable capacities such as HDR and Clear Image are present as well, and you will also be able to take Internet-worthy selfies thanks to the Beauty Mode embedded in the 8-megapixel front camera.
OnePlus X and OnePlus 2 are comparable in terms of photographic capabilities, as the OnePlus 2 also sports a 13-MP rear camera and a 0.2-second AF. The slightly larger f/2.0 aperture on the OnePlus 2 might make a small difference. The OnePlus One also came with a 13-megapixel Sony Exmor IMX214 rear sensor with f/2.0 aperture.
When looking at the selfie camera, OnePlus X leads the platoon with an extra 3 MP on its front-facing snapper, as it both the OnePlus One and the OnePlus 2 have 5-megapixel front cameras.
Hardware specs
The OnePlus 2 clearly has the best equipment under its hood, which is no great surprise considering that it's the company's flagship. Its specs show a Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor, an Adreno 430 GPU and 3 GB/4 GB of RAM.
The other two models both pack a Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor with Adreno 330 GPU and are limited at 3 GB of RAM.
The latest release from the Chinese device maker has the smallest power source of its family, a 2,525 mAh battery unit. It is likely that due to the smaller screen, the battery life will be comparable with that of OnePlus One or OnePlus 2, which sport a 3,100 mAh and a 3,300 mAh, respectively.
Standard storage space on OnePlus X is 16 GB, but it's expandable up to an extra 128 GB via microSD. The OnePlus 2 has two configurations with either 32 GB or 64 GB of built-in storage, nonexpandable. OnePlus One also has two options, 16 GB and a 64 GB, but the smaller one is out of stock.
Of the three, only the OnePlus X accepts microSD memory cards. On the other hand, only OnePlus 2 provides the user with a fingerprint scanner and USB Type-C.
Software
OnePlus X operates under the proprietary OxygenOS 2, an operation system built on Android 5.1.1. Users who own an OnePlus 2 will be familiar with the OS, as the user experience is identical. For the OnePlus One, the default OS is CyanogenMod, another operating system that has Android at its core. If you see fit, you have the option to install Oxygen on it.
Price
The OnePlus X manages to be both the most affordable and one of the most costly of the three smartphones. It all depends on the color scheme you choose. The OnePlus X Oynx will set you back $250, whereas the Ceramic version will leave your bank account $370 lighter.
Keep in mind that you need an invite for ordering a OnePlus X, at least for the first month it's on the market.
The price tag for the 64 GB OnePlus 2 is $389, while the older OnePlus One costs $299 for the 64 GB variant. The lower-capacity versions of the OnePlus One and OnePlus 2 are no longer in stock.
Verdict: OnePlus X vs OnePlus One vs OnePlus 2
Overall, the OnePlus 2 is better fitted with top-notch specs, sporting the quickest processor and largest battery capacity of the line. However, for some customers the expandable storage of the OnePlus X will be decisive, as microSD support has been a hotly requested feature among OnePlus fans.
Overall, the OnePlus X strikes a good balance between hardware, software and pricing, and some may prefer a smaller device because it's easier to handle.
