OnePlus One smartphone
OnePlus

OnePlus One

June 2014 8/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The OnePlus One, launched in 2014, was the inaugural smartphone from OnePlus, famously dubbed a "flagship killer" for offering high-end specifications at an aggressively low price. It ran on Cyanogen OS and aimed to provide a premium Android experience without the premium cost, quickly gaining a cult following among tech enthusiasts.
Display5.5-inch Full HD LTPS IPS LCD with 401 ppi.
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 801, a powerful processor for its time.
Main Camera13 MP Sony Exmor IMX214 sensor with 4K video recording.
BatteryNon-removable 3100 mAh Li-Po battery.
Starting from $79

💰 OnePlus One Price

The OnePlus One lowest price is $79, based on current retailer listings.

📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeLTPS IPS LCD
Size5.5 inches
Resolution1080 x 1920 pixels
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 3
Features401 ppi density

Platform

OSAndroid 4.4.2 (KitKat), upgradable to 6.0.1 (Marshmallow) (Cyanogen OS 13.1)
ChipsetQualcomm MSM8974AC Snapdragon 801 (28 nm)
CPUQuad-core 2.5 GHz Krait 400
GPUAdreno 330

Memory

Internal16GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM
Card slotNo

Main Camera

Modules13 MP, f/2.0, 1/3.06", AF (Sony Exmor IMX214 sensor)
FeaturesDual-LED flash, panorama, HDR
Video2160p@24fps, 2160p@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, 720p@120fps

Selfie Camera

Modules5 MP, f/2.0
Video1080p@30fps

Battery

TypeLi-Po 3100 mAh, non-removable

Body

Dimensions152.9 x 75.9 x 8.9 mm (6.02 x 2.99 x 0.35 in)
Weight162 g (5.71 oz)
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame
SIMMicro-SIM

Comms

WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot
Bluetooth4.1, A2DP
PositioningGPS, GLONASS
NFCYes
RadioNo
USBmicroUSB 2.0, OTG

Launch

Announced2014, April 23
StatusReleased 2014, June

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Exceptional price-to-performance ratio.
  • Premium build quality and attractive design.
  • Vibrant 1080p IPS LCD display.
  • Powerful Snapdragon 801 processor and 3GB RAM.
  • Unlocked and 4G LTE compatible.
  • Developer-friendly with Cyanogen OS.

Cons

  • Initial availability issues due to invite system.
  • Some software bugs reported at launch.
  • Disappointing call quality for some users.
  • Limited after-sale support, primarily online.
  • 4G LTE compatibility varied by region/carrier.
  • Non-removable battery.
★ Our Verdict

The OnePlus One earned its "flagship killer" reputation by delivering top-tier performance and features at an unprecedented price point, despite some initial software quirks and availability challenges.

The OnePlus One is a historical device, no longer a practical daily driver for most users due to its age and outdated software support. It's best suited for collectors, Android enthusiasts, or developers interested in custom ROMs like LineageOS, which can extend its software life. If you're considering it, understand that modern apps may struggle, security updates are non-existent on stock ROMs, and battery life will likely be degraded. Look for units in good cosmetic condition, ideally with original packaging, if you're buying for collection. For actual use, be prepared to flash custom firmware and manage expectations regarding performance and camera quality compared to contemporary devices.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • OnePlus One Handset
  • USB Cable
  • Wall Charger
  • SIM Ejector Tool
  • Quick Start Guide
  • Safety Information

Typically, new smartphones come with a standard one-year manufacturer's warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship.

❓ Questions & Answers

What made the OnePlus One so popular?

The OnePlus One gained immense popularity for its "flagship killer" strategy, offering high-end specifications comparable to much more expensive smartphones at a significantly lower price point, starting at just $299.

What operating system did the OnePlus One run?

The OnePlus One shipped with Cyanogen OS 11S, a commercial variant of the popular custom ROM CyanogenMod, based on Android 4.4.2 KitKat. It was later upgradable to Cyanogen OS 13.1 (Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow), and unofficial LineageOS builds support up to Android 11.

What were the key specifications of the OnePlus One?

Key specifications included a 5.5-inch Full HD display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor, 3GB of RAM, 16GB or 64GB of non-expandable storage, a 13MP main camera, and a 3100 mAh battery.

Was it easy to buy the OnePlus One when it was released?

No, initially, the OnePlus One was notoriously difficult to purchase due to an invite-only system, which limited its availability and created significant demand and hype.

Is the OnePlus One still a viable smartphone today?

While it was a powerful device for its time, the OnePlus One is largely outdated for modern daily use. Its hardware and official software support are old, making it more suitable for collectors, developers interested in custom ROMs, or as a secondary device.

What was the original price of the OnePlus One?

The OnePlus One was launched with an aggressive price tag of $299 for the 16GB model and $349 for the 64GB model, making it significantly cheaper than competing flagship phones of its era.