With the OnePlus 3 fast approaching launch, we compare the OnePlus 2 and OnePlus X to see which is the best OnePlus phone for you. What’s the difference between these two Android mobiles and is the OnePlus 2 worth the extra money?
We should be seeing the OnePlus 3 any day now, but of course the OnePlus 3 launch will almost certainly mean that the existing OnePlus 2 and OnePlus X mobiles will be even cheaper. And with the OnePlus 2’s recent price drop to just £249, there’s not such a massive price gap between these phones anymore.
So, which OnePlus phone is best for you? Here’s our full OnePlus X vs OnePlus 2 comparison review to help you decide.
OnePlus 2 vs OnePlus X: At a glance
| Phone | OnePlus 2 | OnePlus X |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 175g | 138g |
| Screen size | 5.5-inches | 5-inches |
| Screen resolution | 1920×1080 | 1920×1080 |
| Fingerprint sensor? | Yes | No |
| Processor | Snapdragon 810 | Snapdragon 801 |
| Memory | 3/4GB | 3GB |
| Storage | 16/64GB | 16GB + micro SD |
| Cameras | 13MP + 5MP | 13MP + 8MP |
| UK Price | £249 | £199 |
OnePlus 2 vs OnePlus X: Design
First off, the OnePlus 2 is significantly bigger than the OnePlus X, with a 5.5-inch screen compared to a 5-incher. So while using the OnePlus 2 one-handed is a bit of a stretch (literally, to get your thumb up to the top end of the display), the OnePlus X is just about skinny enough for one-handed web browsing and app use.
At first glance, these two phones seem to sport a similar design despite that size difference. However, there are several key differences when you get in close. For one, the OnePlus 2 packs a fingerprint sensor beneath the screen, just like the new Motorola Moto G4 Plus and pretty much every flagship Android phone. However, there’s no scanner on the cheaper OnePlus X, so you’re stuck with the likes of PIN entry to protect your data.
The OnePlus 2 also uses the latest Type C USB for charging and data transfer, while the OnePlus X sticks with the old version, which is slower and not reversible.
Meanwhile the OnePlus 2 features a swappable back cover, which can be prised off and replaced with the likes of a bamboo or carbon fibre casing instead (although you still can’t take out the battery). In contrast, the OnePlus X can’t be opened up, so you’re stuck with the glossy black or white finish that you originally chose.
And in extra bad news, the OnePlus X Onyx and Champagne models sport a shiny surface that is very easily scratched, so you’ll really need to slip it into a case to protect it. Thankfully you do at least get a simple rubbery case bundled in the box.
Of course, the OnePlus X also comes in a special ‘ceramic’ finish, which is much tougher and resistant to scratches. That’s good news if you don’t want to enclose your phone in a case full-time. Unfortunately, this model costs even more than the OnePlus 2 – £269 at the time of writing – which is just barmy.
OnePlus 2 vs OnePlus X: Screen and media
There’s a clear difference between these phones when it comes to their displays too, and not just because the OnePlus 2 rocks a bigger screen. That IPS LCD display produces cleaner whites and more natural colours than the OnePlus X’s AMOLED panel, which will better suit anyone who prefers rich, vibrant hues. The OnePlus 2’s screen is also brighter and more comfortable to read in direct sunlight, although we haven’t had any troubles with squinting at the OnePlus X’s display.
Interested in the internal speakers? Well, both the OnePlus 2 and OnePlus X have rather subdued speakers that struggle to be heard in a noisy environment. The OnePlus 2 enjoys slightly better quality audio, but we’d definitely recommend earphones for either handset.
If you want to carry around a decent-sized media collection (perhaps you don’t have much data for streaming music or video, for instance), then bear in mind that the OnePlus 2 doesn’t support microSD memory cards. That means you’re stuck with the 16GB or 64GB of built-in storage for all of your apps and media. Thankfully the OnePlus X brought back microSD support, allowing for quick and cheap expansion.
OnePlus 2 vs OnePlus X: Features
As previously mentioned, the OnePlus 2 has a serious security advantage over the OnePlus X thanks to its fingerprint sensor. Not only does it give you faster access to your notifications compared with PINs and passwords, but it’s also more secure (especially when using your phone out in public) to help protect your data.
Besides that, there’s not much difference between the OnePlus 2 and OnePlus X in terms of features. Both phones run Android Lollipop with OnePlus’ virtual shelf addition, for fast access to your favoured apps and contacts, while neither phone supports NFC.
OnePlus 2 vs OnePlus X: Battery life
Thanks to its increased size, the OnePlus 2 of course packs a much bigger battery than its smaller sibling; 3300mAh versus the OnePlus X’s 2525mAh cell. The OnePlus 2 can therefore last close to two days with standard everyday use, while the OnePlus X only just reaches that second day.
Still, the OnePlus 2 and OnePlus X can both go the distance when it comes to non-stop video streaming, with around eight to nine hours of playback per charge. Impressive stuff indeed.
OnePlus 2 vs OnePlus X: Performance
There’s also a gap between these phones when it comes to performance. While the OnePlus 2 sports one of the latest Snapdragon 810 processors, the OnePlus X makes do with an older Snapdragon 801. Games will happily run on both handsets for now, but the OnePlus X will show its age before its bigger brother and we’ve already noticed a few little stutters during everyday use.
OnePlus 2 vs OnePlus X: Cameras
Considering the low cost of the OnePlus X, its 13-megapixel camera and 8-megapixel front-facing lens produce solid results. OnePlus’ camera app is simple and effective, while the super-fast auto-focus means your snaps take almost instantly – although there is a delay when using the HDR feature as the image is processed. You can shoot HD video, but there’s no 4K option or image stabilisation.
Check out our full OnePlus X camera review for a detailed analysis.
The OnePlus 2 also sports a 13-megapixel rear camera, although the front-facing lens has been bumped down to a 5-megapixel effort. Still, selfie shots come out just as strong and that rear camera is another winner, with strong performance in a wide range of conditions. And you actually get 4K video recording and image stabilisation too.
OnePlus 2 vs OnePlus X: UK price
At the time of writing, the OnePlus 2 is available to buy for £249 from the OnePlus UK website, while the OnePlus X costs £199. At these prices, we’d have to recommend the OnePlus 2 over its smaller cousin, unless you really don’t want to rock a 5.5-inch mobile.
Check out our full OnePlus 2 review and OnePlus X review for more in-depth discussion on both handsets, and here’s all you need to know about the OnePlus 3.
Leave a Reply