OnePlus – a brand which was initially known to some people is now considered as competition to premium Apple and Samsung. OnePlus started as a brand whose main focus was to bring top-end specification at an affordable price hence a flagship killer. But today, I think they have dropped their “killing hefty price tag” theory.
Rise of OnePlus
The Chinese company did so many great things in the past to make the brand stand out from the crowd. OnePlus One was instant hit when released. Tech lovers gone crazy with Sandstone finish, Cyanogen mod, red-attractive presentation (which still exists), of course high end specification; all at an attractive price (a true flagship killer).
OnePlus Two was a hit or miss. It was criticised for its laggy fingerprint scanner, average camera. OnePlus also tried to enter budget market with OnePlus X but it turned out to be a disaster.
The brand made a comeback with OnePlus 3 with metal unibody, new Dash charging, and amazing Oxygen OS on top. It was an another flagship killer and hit in the market. This was the time where OnePlus made their first mistake : the “T” version.
Earlier they were launching one smartphone a year. Suddenly new improved T version of six months old device was strange. When OnePlus 5, they started shifting their strategy focusing on profit. 5T version had radical change in appearance than preceder OP5, having new 18:9 ratio.
They continued their legacy with OnePlus 6 and OP 6T introducing in-display fingerprint scanner, Wrap charging and also famous “notch” from iPhone.
These things helped them to build an impressive brand image. Today in India, OnePlus is well known household brand just like Samsung and Apple.
But this does not mean that all the things they have done is so far so good. Let’s check out their some big cons.
Problems with OnePlus
Average Camera
The brand did so many good things with their software, Oxygen OS but camera optimisation is yet to hit that mark. Every year, lots of reviewer points out average camera quality of the smartphone. I don’t mean it is bad camera or whatsoever. It is descent one like good student with average academics. The brand OnePlus tried to improve it lately, but haven’t got the superior results. They also tried to lure the audience with amazing high DXO Mark (at the end everyone knows it does not matter). They say, “future is bright”. I am hoping that they will improve it further in the upcoming generations.
New variant in each month
Recently the Chinese brand started releasing new variants of smartphones already in the market in a very short time period. Maybe this is thing helps brand a lot in marketing and growth in sales. Every time new variant is launched, they get lot of coverage in form of videos, articles etc. which improve their sales. But this model has some serious consequences, it hurt the end consumer. Like you bought regular OP 6T and the very next month company released more appealing 6T Mclaren edition that you can’t buy!
A new baby joins the family 👶 The #OnePlus7MirrorBlue drops on the 15th of July on @AmazonIN
Get notified here 👉https://t.co/wUCvyaBS7c pic.twitter.com/Naw5RHUHKH
— OnePlus India (@OnePlus_IN) July 8, 2019
Like now they are releasing new blue colour variant of OnePlus 7 on the Amazon Prime Day 15th July. I hope they understand and act like a mature brand and release all variants at a time.
More issues
3.5mm headphone jack removal
OnePlus says that they listen to their costumers and take the feedback seriously to improve their smartphone lineup. Despite of costumers wanting 3.5mm headphone jack, they removed it following the giant Apple. I think they have no intentions on bringing this back because recently they also removed USB Type C to 3.5mm jack converter from their package. Maybe if miracle happens, they bring it back!
Do you like headphone jacks? 🤔 (2018 edition)
— Carl Pei (@getpeid) March 14, 2018
Price drop
Earlier the Chinese brand was known as trusted smartphone company which do not drop price of their smartphone after its release. Like we have seen with Samsung Galaxy series as their price is slashed after some initial months in the market. But recently they dropped price of OnePlus 6T after its launch. It is now currently selling on Amazon.in for Rs. 26,999 after a cut of Rs. 11000. I think a bit harsh on their loyal costumers.
Stereo speakers
In the recent lineup of their smartphone, they introduced stereo speaker sound system. But it is not great as Samsung’s Galaxy S10 or Apple iPhone XS. There is still room for improvement in this department.
IP Rating
With the launch of OnePlus 7 Pro, the brand said the their phone is waterproof but it is not officially certified. The reason they stated for not having official certificate is that it increases the price of the smartphone. But in my opinion having an IP certificate increases the trust level of the smartphone user.
Waterproof ratings for phones cost you money. We just bought a bucket. #OnePlus7Series https://t.co/Q0eAKsfMEw pic.twitter.com/4f0RmNpI2t
— OnePlus (@oneplus) May 3, 2019
That’s it for this topic. We all hope smartphone industry will continue to flourish and bring us exciting piece of tech in upcoming future. Follow us : Facebook, Twitter.
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