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OnePlus X review

7.6/10 AVG.
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OnePlus X
OnePlus X
OnePlus X
OnePlus X
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7.6/10
Informr score
The OnePlus X currently has an Informr score of 7.6 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 31 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

What's good

  • Elegant design and premium build
  • Bright and vibrant display
  • Easy to use one-handed

What's bad

  • Slippery
  • Mediocre camera
  • Lacks important LTE bands for T-Mobile and AT&T
  • Processor slows with more demanding tasks

OnePlus has made waves with each successive release of their premium, mid-range handsets. Their third smartphone, the OnePlus X, continues the trend. It comes in two versions – Onyx and Ceramic. The ceramic is the heavier of the two coming in at 160grams and is also incredibly scratch resistant with an 8.50 rating on the Mohs scale. To put that in perspective, a diamond is rated a 10. The Onyx is, as the name suggests, all black and is made out of black glass with a metal bezel. Critics praise the design of both versions describing it as "damn good-looking." With that said, they add both attract fingerprints and tend to be on the slippery side. At 5.5 x 2.7 x 0.3 inches, it is also smaller than many other smartphones on the market. Many experts appreciated its diminutive size as it made it much easier for them to use one-handed and slip into their pockets.

A 5-inch, full HD AMOLED display graces the front of the OnePlus X and provides a pixel density of 441ppi. This is the first time OnePlus has utilized AMOLED technology, mainly to keep the phone thin. Still, experts preferred the AMOLED over LCD as it provided deeper blacks, better contrast and vibrant colors without suffering from oversaturation. They also note it was bright enough to read in most lighting situations. IB Times calls it "an excellent smartphone screen."

Performance was a mixed bag for many reviewers. The 2.3GHz quad-core processor is not on the bleeding edge of technology, but it is backed up by 3GB of RAM. Experts describe its performance as reliable though not blazing fast. They were able to multi-task and switch between apps with relatively little slow down. It wasn't until they fired up high-demand applications they noticed significant slow-downs having to eventually turn down quality in order to avoid frame rate issues. Battery life was also a bit of an issue. The small 2,525mAh battery only barely got them through an entire day of moderate use. They highly suggest power users bring the charger with them whenever possible. Besides this, it also lacks several notable features to keep the price tag low such as NFC, fingerprint scanner and some LTE bands for T-Mobile and AT&T. It also only comes with 16GB of internal storage though it does offer microSD expansion slot.

The 13MP rear camera failed to impress reviewers. They found the auto focus too slow and it often had issues in low light. While they were able to take decently detailed and color accurate pictures in most lighting situations, they would not describe the results as spectacular. In low light situations it performed well below other competitors. Critics noticed significant grain and noise on top of image blur due to the lack of optical image stabilization. In general, they add that this camera takes good enough pictures to share on social media but likely will not satisfy those looking for a more accurate snapper.

While there are some issues with the OnePlus X, reviewers found it to be a very solid offering at such a low price point. Android Pit states, " …if you don't expect any untold performance depth beneath the gorgeous exterior and price tag you won't be disappointed." Pocket Now adds, "…the OnePlus X wasn't built for those who notice or care about gigahertz or milliamps…It was built for those want a beautiful accessory…For those people, the OnePlus X is an excellent option."


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
2.3 GHz
Processor
Processor
2.3 GHz
5"
Screen Size
Screen Size
5"
13+ MP
Camera
Camera
13+ MP
2525 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


Gadgets 360
Gadgets 360

OnePlus has made serious waves in the smartphone industry since its rather dramatic arrival on the scene less than a year ago. It's offered products that have matched flagship specifications at prices that are much lower. Questions have been raised over the company's products from time to time, and...

- Ali Pardiwala, Gadgets 360
Talk Android
Talk Android

OnePlus came extremely close to creating the perfect phone with the OnePlus X, especially considering its exceptionally low price point of $249. That gets you solid performance with solid battery life, a fantastic screen, and a clean Android experience.

- Jared Peters, Talk Android
The Indian Express
The Indian Express

For those on a budget, this a good option as a phone that is more stylish and compact than its competitors and just works at the end of the day. I would still urge buyers to push their budget a bit and go for the older OnePlus for the better camera and 64GB storage. Even on the performance front, th...

- Nandagopal Rajan, The Indian Express
Tech Advisor
Tech Advisor

The white or Champagne OnePlus X is a gorgeous variant of the black or ceramic OnePlus X, and you can get one today without needing an invitation. A brilliant-value phone that's now officially available in the UK.

- Marie Brewis, Tech Advisor
The Verge
The Verge

The things that let the OnePlus X down are its ergonomics and camera. Neither is as refined as it should be, and stronger alternatives exist to preclude me recommending that you engage in the wild chase for an invite or an open sale event for this phone. The X is cute, of that there is no doubt, but...

- Vlad Savov, The Verge


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the OnePlus X user manual here.


OnePlus backs up the X with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your X has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact OnePlus support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find OnePlus's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.




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Screen Size
5"

The OnePlus X's screen size is 5 inches with 1920 x 1080 pixels resolution.

Processor
2.3 GHz

There is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 Quad core 2.3 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on the Android 5.1 Lollipop (Update Available: 6.0.1 Marshmallo) operating system (OS).

Camera
13+ MP

You can take photos with the phone's onboard 13+ MP camera.

There is also a secondary front facing camera with 8+ megapixels resolution.

Storage
16 GB

Internal memory is 16 GB. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC, microSDXC (up to 128 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
2525mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium Polymer (Li-Pol), 2525 mAh battery. OnePlus's performance ratings are 1991 minutes, 383 minutes Wi-Fi surfing.

OnePlus X Specs

Overview
Release Date November 5, 2015
Regions Available USA, Canada, United Kingdom
Operating System Android 5.1 Lollipop (Update Available: 6.0.1 Marshmallo)

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 Quad core 2.3 GHz
Internal Storage 16 GB
RAM 3 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible No
TTY/TDD No
Noise Cancellation Yes
SAR Head: 1.108 W/kg
Body: 1.11 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included USB Power Adapter, Manual, Data Cable
Cellular
Networks
GPRS, EDGE, HSUPA, HSPA+, LTE
Mobile / Cellular Data
4G/LTE
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling Yes
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) Yes
SIM card size
Yes
Dual SIM Yes
Connectivity
USB Micro-USB 2.0
USB OTG Support No
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth 4.0
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HFP, HSP
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Mobile Hotspot Yes
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD, MicroSDHC, microSDXC (up to 128 GB)
NFC No
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
13+ Megapixels
Zoom
Yes
Flash
Yes (LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Effects, Geotagging, Multi-shot, Panorama, Self-timer
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4, ASF, XviD, AVI
Video Recording Parameters
Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels)
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
8+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology AMOLED
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution 1920 x 1080 pixels
Pixel Density 441 pixels
Size 5 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Gyroscope
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capacitive touch screen
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium Polymer (Li-Pol)
Battery Capacity 2525 mAh
Removable Battery Yes
Wireless Charging No
Fast Charging No
Video Playback Time Up to 383 minutes
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Up to 383 minutes
Internet Use (Cellular) Up to 320 minutes
Talk Time Up to 1991 minutes
Standby Time Up to 10 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Material Aluminium
Colors Ceramic, Onyx
Dimensions [H x W x D] 14 x 6.9 x 0.7 cm (5.5 x 2.7 x 0.3 in)
Weight 138 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers Yes
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key Yes
Home Key No
Input / Keyboard Type Touchscreen
Navigation Type Touchscreen
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
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Additional Information Other Names (AKA):
Related Links Manual (PDF)
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