There are many things to like about the OnePlus Two, the Chinese manufacturer’s 2016 flagship killer device. The OnePlus Two is based around the Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 System-on-Chip (SoC), a 5.5-inch 1080p display and in the initial launch version, 4 GB of RAM (together with 64 GB of internal storage). OnePlus have improved the camera and removed NFC from the specification sheet. Whilst the 64 GB version will be available this time next week, a 16 GB version (with 3 GB of RAM rather than the full 4 GB) will be available later in the year. Whilst there is no MicroSD card for memory expansion, there is at least dual NanoSIM slots so the OnePlus Two is ideal for those customers wishing to have two numbers on the device. The OnePlus Two will run the Oxygen operating system, based on Android 5.1 – and perhaps just as important as a thorough specification list is how OnePlus have kept a very competitive price tag.
Perhaps one of the more noticeable flaws in the OnePlus Two – assuming one does not require NFC – is that the device will only be available on an invite basis. This means customers will need to acquire the right to spend their money with OnePlus, rather than simply handing over some money. There has been much discussion about OnePlus’ invite system: it was not very well organised for 2014’s OnePlus One although it did keep the device in the headlines and ultimately, this marketing effort has helped boost pre-order numbers for the OnePlus Two to over a million in a short space of time. OnePlus are keeping an invite system for the Two but have streamlined and smoothened the process. Part of this may well be to allow carriers to sell the device. Malaysian operator, Maxis, has been teasing information about the OnePlus Two via their Facebook page for a few days now and more information has become available. The story is that the OnePlus Two will be available for customers via a similar invite system to that of OnePlus’ grand worldwide scheme. The rumor is that in due course, the handset could be sold along with regular devices without requiring the invite. Maxis will manage the invite system; let’s hope that they follow OnePlus’ new invite system rather than, shall we say, generate more publicity for the device as 2015 draws on.
It is going to be interesting to see how this story develops. OnePlus carefully managed supply and demand for the original OnePlus One handset and are hoping to do the same with the OnePlus Two. Perhaps they are planning to release the device to customers through more channels in the coming weeks and months, with similar satellite invite systems being launched over the world? Perhaps Maxis are a prototype carrier launch for the OnePlus? As soon as we hear more news, we will let you know.