OnePlus 1

The OnePlus One, also known as the “flagship killer,” was a groundbreaking smartphone that revolutionized the mobile industry when it was released in 2014. Although it’s no longer available for purchase in Qatar, you can buy it in second-hand, kit, or refurbished form for QAR 250-300.

OnePlus One Specifications

Feature	Specification
Display	5.5 inches, 1080 x 1920 pixels
Processor	Snapdragon 801
RAM	3GB
Storage	16GB/64GB (not expandable)
Main Camera	13MP
Front Camera	5MP
Battery	3100mAh
Operating System	Android 4.4.2, upgradable to 6.0.1
Release Date	June 2014
Dimensions	152.9 x 75.9 x 8.9 mm
Weight	162g

 

A Closer Look at the OnePlus One

The OnePlus One was released in June 2014, marking the debut of the OnePlus brand. It quickly gained popularity due to its impressive specifications and affordable price point. The device featured a large 5.5-inch Full HD display, which was considered quite large for its time. The screen offered vibrant colors and sharp details, making it ideal for multimedia consumption and gaming.

Under the hood, the OnePlus One was powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor, which was one of the top-performing chips of its era. Coupled with 3GB of RAM, the device delivered smooth performance for multitasking and running demanding applications. The phone came in two storage options: 16GB and 64GB, though it lacked expandable storage.

One of the standout features of the OnePlus One was its camera system. The 13-megapixel main camera produced high-quality photos, especially in well-lit conditions. The 5-megapixel front-facing camera was also impressive for its time, capable of capturing detailed selfies and facilitating clear video calls.

The OnePlus One shipped with CyanogenMod, a custom version of Android that offered extensive customization options and additional features not found in stock Android. This appealed to tech enthusiasts and those who wanted more control over their device’s software. Later, OnePlus developed its own OxygenOS, which became the standard operating system for future OnePlus devices.

Comparing the OnePlus One to Its Successors

When comparing the OnePlus One to its immediate successor, the OnePlus 2, we can see several improvements. The OnePlus 2 introduced a fingerprint sensor, a USB-C port (which was quite forward-thinking for 2015), and an upgraded processor. However, many users felt that the OnePlus 2 didn’t offer enough of an upgrade to justify its higher price point, especially considering the removal of NFC, which was present in the OnePlus One.

The OnePlus X, released in 2015, was a compact alternative to the OnePlus 2. It featured a smaller 5-inch display and a more premium build quality with a glass back. While it was praised for its design, it was considered a step back in terms of performance compared to the OnePlus One and 2.

The OnePlus 3, launched in 2016, marked a significant upgrade over the OnePlus One. It introduced a metal unibody design, a much faster processor, more RAM (6GB), and significantly improved cameras. The OnePlus 3 also brought back NFC and introduced Dash Charge (now known as Warp Charge), which allowed for extremely fast charging speeds.

OnePlus’s Current Position in the Qatar Smartphone Market

Today, OnePlus has established itself as a major player in the global smartphone market, including in Qatar. The brand’s latest flagship devices, such as the OnePlus 12 series, offer cutting-edge technology and compete directly with high-end offerings from Samsung, Apple, and other major manufacturers.

In Qatar, OnePlus smartphones are available through various retailers and online platforms, with prices ranging from around 1,500 QAR for mid-range models to over 3,000 QAR for top-of-the-line flagships.

OnePlus’s Approach to Software Updates

One area where OnePlus has traditionally excelled is in providing timely software updates. This commitment to keeping devices up-to-date with the latest features and security patches has been a key selling point for the brand. In Qatar, this focus on software support helps extend the lifespan of OnePlus devices, providing additional value to consumers.

OnePlus’s Collaboration with Hasselblad

A significant development in OnePlus’s recent history is its partnership with legendary camera manufacturer Hasselblad. This collaboration, which began with the OnePlus 9 series, aims to improve the camera performance of OnePlus smartphones.

In Qatar, where mobile photography is popular, this partnership has helped OnePlus devices compete more effectively with other flagship smartphones known for their camera capabilities.

The Role of OnePlus in the Broader BBK Electronics Ecosystem

OnePlus is part of BBK Electronics, a Chinese multinational corporation that also owns brands like Oppo, Vivo, and Realme. This connection allows OnePlus to leverage shared research and development resources, potentially leading to faster innovation and more competitive pricing. In Qatar, this relationship helps OnePlus compete effectively against other major smartphone brands.