However, looks and affordability aren’t everything. The forthcoming device also sports a Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor and 5-inch AMOLED, along with 13-megapixel rear camera and 16GB of internal memory suited for all your storage needs (photos, music, etc.).
There are some notable differences between the OnePlus X and the like-minded OnePlus 2, though. Below, you’ll find a detailed outline of the specifications powering both devices, as well as detailed analysis of how the two compare when it comes to design, power, camera quality, pricing, and availability. Frankly, it’s a toss up.
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OnePlus X  |
OnePlus 2  |
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| Size | 140 x 69 x 6.9 mm (5.51 x 2.72 x 0.27 in) | 151.8 x 74.9 x 9.9 mm (5.98 x 2.95 x 0.39 in) |
| Weight | 138 g / 160 g (4.87 oz) | 175 g (6.17 oz) |
| Screen | 5 inches | 5.5 inches |
| Resolution | 1080 x 1920 Pixels, 401 ppi | 1080 x 1920 Pixels, 401 ppi |
| OS | Custom Android 5.1.1-based OxygenOS | Custom Android 5.1.1-based OxygenOS |
| Storage | 16GB | 16GB, 64GB |
| SD Card Slot | Yes, expandable up to 128 GB | No |
| System Architecture/Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 with a Quad-core 2.3 GHz CPU, and Adreno 330 GPU | Qualcomm MSM8994 Snapdragon 810 with Quad-core 1.56 GHz Cortex-A53 & Quad-core 1.82 GHz Cortex-A57 CPUs, Adreno 430 GPU |
| RAM | 3GB | 3GB, 4GB |
| Connectivity | GSM/HSPA/LTE | GSM/HSPA/LTE |
| Camera | Rear 13 MP, Front 8MP | Rear 13 MP, front 5 MP |
| Bluetooth | Version 4.0 | Version 4.1 |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, GPS | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, fingerprint sensor, GPS |
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 4 |
| Battery | Non-removable Li-Po 2525 mAh battery | Non-removable Li-Po 3300 mAh battery |
| Charger | microUSB v2.0 | USB 2.0, Reversible Type-C 1.0 |
| Marketplace | Google Play | Google Play |
| Price | $250 | $390 |
| Availability | Invites begin Nov. 24 | Invites open now |
| DT Review | Hands-on | 3.5 out of 5 |
Design
The OnePlus X and OnePlus 2 are two attractive smartphones. They both feature sleek black designs that lack any sort of logos or branding on the front, along with button lights that fade and provide a subtle look when the phone is off. Both devices feature aluminum casing and utilize Gorilla Glass, though, the OnePlus X uses Gorilla Glass 3 whereas the OnePlus 2 opts for Gorilla Glass 4. The two phones both support an intuitive “notification slider ” — which allows you to control the amount and type of notifications you receive without having to silence the phone or fiddle with menus — and a 1080p display.
The aforementioned similarities aside, there are a few differences that play into the form factor and look of each phone. The OnePlus X’s front glass screen is beveled and the back is made of either onyx glass or baked ziroconia ceramic — the latter of which will only be available in Europe and India for now. It also opts for a 5-inch display opposed to the 5.5-inch screen adorning the OnePlus 2.
The backing material on the OnePlus 2 can be customized to suit your preferred look and feel, though, whether you prefer a matte black, black marble, or wood-grain finish. Moreover, if commitment makes you nervous, you’ll be happy to know that you can swap the backing on the fly. The OnePlus 2 is also a larger phone than the OnePlus X, but only slightly.
Overall, the OnePlus X is smaller and lacks customization options. It also comes outfitted with an older version of Gorilla Glass despite being the newer phone. Such being the case, the OnePlus 2 beats out the OnePlus X ever so slightly when it comes to numbers, even if they are essentially equal in terms of aesthetic appeal. If design is your main concern, either option would be a good choice, and the two designs will appeal to different types of people.
Winner: Tie
Power
The OnePlus X might be the newer phone, but its hardware is a step behind that of its sibling. The OnePlus X runs a Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 chipset, which houses a quad-core 2.3GHz processor and an Adreno 330 GPU. The Snapdragon 810 chipset and the Quad-core 1.82 GHz Cortex-A57 processors on the OnePlus 2 outshine the hardware on the OnePlus X, especially when combined with the Adreno 430 GPU.
What’s this mean? To put it simply, the OnePlus 2 should showcase better processing speed all around, as well as better capacity for graphically intensive apps and mobile games. Regardless, the OnePlus X’s 801 is nothing to sniff at — it’s still a decent processor.
However, the two phones are bit more comparable in regards to their internal storage and RAM capacities. The OnePlus X offers a solid 3GB RAM — slightly higher than average when compared to other smartphones — though it only comes with 16GB of internal storage. It’s possible to bump this up to 128GB with a MicroSD card, but it comes at the price of one of the devices dual-SIM slots. Meanwhile, the OnePlus 2 offers either 3 or 4GB of RAM, and either 16 or 64GB storage, depending on the model.
At the base model, the OnePlus 2 is about the same as the OnePlus X, but the higher capacity OnePlus 2 model overtakes the X. This also proves to be the case when comparing their batteries — the 3,300mAh battery in the OnePlus 2 will last you longer than the 2,525mAh battery in the OnePlus X.
The OnePlus X isn’t trying to be the fastest or most powerful phone out there, but rather one of the more affordable options on the market. In that regard, the OnePlus X’s hardware should please consumers working with a lower budget. However, in this particular case, the advantage goes to the OnePlus 2.
Winner: OnePlus 2
Camera
Camera functionality and quality is a different story. The primary cameras for both phones rock an appreciable 13 megapixel camera, which is not the highest megapixel rating on the market, but certainly a worthy number. However, they differ somewhat when it comes to video. The OnePlus X can capture your scenes at either 1080p and 30fps, or 720p and 120fps. The OnePlus 2 will record at either 2160p and 30 fps, or 720p and 120fps. They’re similar, but the OnePlus 2 will be sharper.
Now on to the secondary camera. Here, the numbers favor the OnePlus X, whose secondary camera rates higher at 8 megapixels, versus the OnePlus 2’s 5 megapixels. It’s worth noting that megapixels aren’t the sole factor affecting image quality, but it helps, and your selfies are likely to look better on the OnePlus X.
So which is better? At the end of the day, they’re very, very close, but a quick math session points to the OnePlus 2 being better based on the numbers.
Winner: OnePlus 2
Availability and Price
If you’re looking for a phone to pick up at this very moment, you’re likely better off with the OnePlus 2. The OnePlus 2 was announced back in July, and hit stores in August. The OnePlus X was only recently announced and won’t be available in North America until November 24. If you don’t mind waiting — or less capable hardware — opting for the OnePlus X will leave a smaller dent to the bank account. Well, assuming you can get one.
In order to get your hands on either version of the $250 OnePlus X Onyx , you’ll need to get an invite. The first wave of invitations will go out on November 24, with followup invitations continuing from there. There will also be open sales that will be held for longer and longer durations as supplies of the OnePlux X increase. A $410 model called the OnePlus Ceramic will be available in Europe and India as well, but sadly, not in the United States. The OnePlus 2, on the other hand, is currently available through the OnePlus website for $390 on a similar invite basis.
Both phones are notably cheaper than most of their competitors, though, and while the invitation system poses a bit of a delay between the time you purchase the device and actually receive it, it’s a small hurdle at best. Between the two, we’re going to give the OnePlus X this round. It might not be available for a few more weeks, but its cheaper price tag and increased availability make it a winner.
Winner: OnePlus X
Conclusion
In most regards, the OnePlus X and OnePlus 2 are quite similar or downright equal, especially in regards to the design and camera quality. Their specs are also respectable, though, they won’t be winning any awards. Where the two differ the most is hardware, which is probably the most important aspect of any piece of tech. If you’re deciding between these two devices, the OnePlus 2 would likely perform better considering its chipset outpaces that of the OnePlus X. However, if that’s a non-issue for you, and you’re willing to wait a little longer, the OnePlus X is a fine choice as well.
