OnePlus 2 review: too hot to handle (literally!)
A budget smartphone that is not down to the radical design or a single piece of technology. But are the high end specs worth ignoring the problems that come with it? Let’s find out!
The boldest smartphone manufacturer, OnePlus, is back with the sequel to its last year’s flagship model, OnePlus One, OnePlus 2. But we Indians are privy to the fact that more often than not the sequels are not up to the mark. Bollywood has brought us to an extent of thinking that it's only the first part worth watching and the second just runs on the franchise’s name. Is it the same with OnePlus 2? Surrounded by plenty of hype, OnePlus 2 gained popularity for all the right reasons after One did a splendid job last year. Getting a OnePlus 2, however, will prove to be a challenge. The phone isn't sold through carriers or retail stores - you'll need an invitation to snag one for yourself - much like its predecessor. And that perhaps is a big disappointment for the sequel as well.
Design and build
With similar line-up of features, such as 5.5 inch full HD display, Corning’s Goriila Glass 4 screen protection, instead of a plastic rim, the 2 comes with metal frame and five different rear covers. We had the Sandstone black at our disposal and the sandpaper feel was likeable. So, you don’t have to worry about it slipping from your hand. However, it's hard to hold it because of the big frame. Just below the display is a fingerprint sensor that you can use to wake the phone up. (Can you sense an iPhone copy here?) Interestingly, it isn't a button, but more of a shallow depression that you place your finger over. It will turn the phone on even if the screen is off. The SIM slots have also been smartly hidden behind the rear cover. The volume keys and the power button are on the right, making way for the alert slider on the left side of the phone.
On the rear panel, the 13 megapixel camera and flash have been shifted downwards, compared to its daddy, with a laser assist focus (More about the camera later). Although the back cover comes off, there is no SD card slot and the battery too can’t be removed.
Hardware
OnePlus touts the ‘2’ as a flagship killer and on paper, the phone has the chops to do it. It comes packing a 1.8GHz octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor, 4GB of RAM on the 64GB storage version and 3GB of RAM on the 16GB model. Both models pack an embedded, unremovable big 3,300mAh battery. But it’s when playing a game or charging, the phone heats up to a significant level and that is an alarming situation. so much so much that it seems untouchable for some time! It may be due to the metal frame that the heat feels a tad too uncomfortable. Technical lags and flash disappearing from the options in the camera are some of the few other problems with the phone. Features such as NFC, wireless charging and fast charging are also missing from the gadget. May be the cost cutting shows here.
Camera
As said earlier, here's more about the camera! OnePlus has made much ado about the quality of its camera, and this is one feature that doesn't disappoint. The 2 comes with built-in optical image stabilization, an f/2.0 aperture and laser-assist focus, the area below the lens. The 13-MP camera has HDR, Beauty and Clear Image modes. Video quality too is fine and you can take a 4K video with the rear camera. The slow-motion video capturing is an added mode that gives android users the feel of an iPhone.
Verdict
While OnePlus wants to make you believe that it’s a flagship killer, the 2 is just another high-powered phone that stands out due to its price tag. However, technical lags, heating up to an alarming level and other small update issues need a quick fix, if OnePlus wants a hit sequel!
Rating: 6/10
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