Smartphone newcomer OnePlus has a new phone in the works, which is being referred to as the OnePlus Two. First discussed in an Ask Me Anything (AMA) Reddit session, the OnePlus Two is set to debut next year between April and September, assuming everything goes according to plan. The company has also hinted at the possibility of a wearable device, but did not mention any specifics.
Since then, more news of the OnePlus Two smartphone has leaked on the Internet, so we’ve put together everything we know so far about the phone into this handy roundup post.
Updated on 12-03-2014 by Malarie Gokey: Added news from Carl Pei, Director of OnePlus Global, confirming the launch date of the Two.
A few months ago when OnePlus first confirmed the existence of the OnePlus Two, the company stated that the Two will launch between April and September of 2015. Since then, OnePlus’ Carl Pei has continued to place the release date in that large timeframe, without specifying an exact date. In early December, Pei told BGR India the handset will launch in either the second quarter or the third quarter of 2015, reiterating the vague window mentioned before.
OnePlus’ first smartphone wowed tech fans with its unique design and original style. It seems that OnePlus is continuing on that path with the Two, as a report from Business Insider states the company’s next handset will be even more customizable. The first time around, OnePlus offered limited numbers of special StyleSwap backs for the One, including the very popular and extremely elusive bamboo back. Those who manage to get their hands on a OnePlus Two will have even more color and material options.
The main attraction of the OnePlus One was its incredibly low price paired with high-end hardware. The Chinese company priced its phone so low that it barely makes a profit off of the sales. Luckily, a source told Business Insider that OnePlus will sell the Two for much less than the standard $500-and-up price tag of your average high-end smartphone. No specific number was mentioned.
Related: Read our OnePlus One Review
Although the specifications have yet to be announced or leaked to the public, those familiar with OnePlus’ plans say the hardware on the Two will be high-end and powerful. Additionally, the startup reportedly has a few surprises in store for us when it comes to hardware.
The first OnePlus smartphone runs CyanogenMod’s own custom ROM built upon Android and many expected that it would appear on the OnePlus Two as well. However, CEO Peter Lau recently told a Chinese publication that he has a team working on a home-grown custom ROM for the next phone. OnePlus later clarified those reports in a statement to Android Authority. The startup smartphone maker says the in-house ROM will only ship on units that are bound for China. Other versions of the OnePlus Two will operate on a different system, though the team did not confirm whether that ROM will be from CyanogenMod or not.
The AMA was hosted by OnePlus’ Carl Pei and David S. on Reddit. The two answered questions on several topics, including preorders, the limited supply of OnePlus One smartphones, and future products. The company agreed that it underestimated demand for its first smartphone, but added that it remains committed to its motto of “Never Settle.” Initially, preorders for the OnePlus will only be open for a limited amount of time, due to production limitations.
“Things definitely haven’t gone as planned,” Pei said. “Looking back, we probably misjudged demand by 30x, and are scrambling to catch up. Our team wasn’t built to handle this growth. We’re hiring like crazy, and things should be under control in a few months.”
In the meantime, OnePlus said it’s focused on creating the OnePlus Two, so that sufficient numbers of the device will be available ahead of the projected 2015 launch. The company didn’t reveal much about the device’s specs or price, but it did hint that the OnePlus Two may be smaller than the original.
“We’ve seen a lot of people asking for a smaller device, and want to let everyone know that we hear you,” OnePlus said. “We’re thinking about it.”
Related: OnePlus axes the invite system, promises to add preorders
Unfortunately, OnePlus said that it will probably use the invite system for its next smartphone too, before moving on to limited preorders again. “It will probably be invite-only for a short period of time, after which pre-orders are rolled out,” OnePlus wrote, much to the chagrin of every fan who’s been slighted by the highly selective system.
The company also addressed rumors that it’s working on a wearable device. “Re: wearables,” OnePlus wrote in response to a fan’s question about the new category. “Yes. Unsure if/when/how we’ll release it though.”
Images of the OneWatch leaked earlier this summer, so it’s entirely possible that OnePlus was just being coy. Either that, or the pictures aren’t real.
Updated on 11-24-2014 by Malarie Gokey: Added new report detailing design, price, and other surprises.
Updated on 10-29-2014 by Malarie Gokey: Added confirmed report that OnePlus will build its own custom Android ROM for the company’s next handset.
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