Like its predecessor, the OnePlus 2 offers compelling specs and features at a very reasonable price point ... that is, if you can get your hands on one. Read on as Gizmag compares these two wallet-friendly devices.
Size
The OnePlus 2 is a hair shorter and narrower than the OnePlus 2, but it's also 8 percent thicker than the newer handset.
Weight
The OnePlus 2 is 8 percent heavier than the older smartphone.
Build (frame)
The new model switches from a faux metal (plastic) frame to an aluminum/magnesium alloy.
Build (back)
The OnePlus 2 ships again with a sandstone back (likely a thin layer of sandstone on top of plastic) by default, but users can pick up natural wood or kevlar replacement backs from the company's store for US$27 a piece, then swap them out at home.
It's a similar story with the OnePlus One, but if you're looking to go beyond sandstone, your only option is bamboo.
Display size
OnePlus stuck with a 5.5-inch screen size for the new model.
Display resolution
While plenty of Android phone manufacturers have moved their flagships into the land of Quad HD, OnePlus stuck with 1080p for its 2015 smartphone.
The company has reportedly upped the contrast ratio on the newer handset, which now rests at 1,500:1, besting the iPhone 6's 1,400:1 panel (at least on paper).
Display type
Both devices have IPS display panels.
Navigation buttons
Both handsets give you the choice between using onscreen or below screen (capacitive) navigation keys.
Fingerprint sensor
One of the big additions to the company's 2015 handset, the OnePlus 2 follows in the footsteps of Samsung's and Apple's recent handsets, offering a fingerprint sensor on its front center key.
Storage
OnePlus sells both its flagships in 16 and 64 GB of internal storage tiers.
MicroSD
It might be wise to opt for the more spacious internal storage option, though, as there's no microSD card slot on either handset.
Processor
The OnePlus One carries one of 2014's most competent chips, but the newer phone's 64-bit, octa core offering is easily the stronger of the two.
RAM
The 16 GB version of the OnePlus 2 offers 3 GB RAM, while the 64 GB variant jumps up to 4 GB.
Battery
The OnePlus 2 has a slightly bigger battery than we saw in the older model.
Removable battery
Neither device allows you to swap out its battery.
Camera megapixels
The megapixel count is identical on both models.
Camera aperture
It's the same story here, with both rear shooters having ƒ/2.0 aperture.
Wireless charging
Neither handset has wireless charging tech.
NFC
While most high-end smartphones include NFC, OnePlus left it out of its 2015 flagship.
Charging/data cable
You'll find a standard micro USB connector on the OnePlus One, while the OnePlus 2 makes use of the newer USB Type C standard. It's reversible, so you won't have to fumble around, figuring out which way is up.
Notifications toggle
A unique addition to the newer handset is a physical toggle for switching among Android's different notification profiles ("All," "Priority" and "None"). On other Lollipop-running phones (including the OnePlus One), you'll need to wake up your phone to make that change.
Software
While the OnePlus One originally shipped with the highly customizable Cyanogenmod flavor of Android, the company has since created its own custom version of Android, known as OxygenOS. That's what you'll now find running on both devices.
Based on the latest Lollipop flavor of the OS, the skin is pretty close to stock Android, with just a few changes – including those swappable navigation keys, a dark mode, gesture launch shortcuts and pre-installed Swiftkey keyboard.
Release
The OnePlus 2 will start shipping to some customers starting on August 11. That asterisk next to the OnePlus 2, though, leads us into the next category ...
Buy without invite
Though the OnePlus One is now available for anyone to order, the company resurrected its invite-only system for the OnePlus 2: you'll need to sign up and wait for an invite before you can buy the handset. By the time you get your hands on one, you may also have the option of buying new 2015 flagships from Apple, Samsung (Galaxy Note 5) and Motorola.
Starting price (full retail)
Both OnePlus' smartphones offer outstanding specs-to-price ratios. Setting aside the annoying invite system for a moment, the OnePlus 2 may sit alongside the Moto X Style (Pure Edition) as the two best bang-for-your-buck Android flagships of the year.
For more, you can read Gizmag's review of the original OnePlus One.
