Into a smartphone marketplace dominated by Apple and Samsung, OnePlus launches the OnePlus 5 tomorrow hoping to create a dent in this duopoly. While many aspects of this handset will be important, the OnePlus 5 specs will likely make or break the device. So let’s take a look at what we can expect from this mobile release.
Design
The design of the OnePlus 5 could be considered somewhat derivative, with many observers suggesting that the smartphone will strongly resemble the iPhone 7 Plus from Apple. Of course, there is nothing wrong in principle with being influenced by the market leader, especially when Apple products are particularly associated with outstanding design and physical attractiveness. But the lack of an original design can nonetheless be considered a black mark against the OnePlus 5.
It’s also worth noting that OnePlus has opted against releasing a phone branded as the OnePlus 4 owing to the fact that the number four is an unlucky number in China. Considering that the Chinese domestic market will obviously be a key one for this Chinese developer, it make sense to skip the OnePlus 4 name.
OnePlus fans will also be pleased to know that the CEO of the company has already claimed that the OnePlus 5 will be one of the slimmest mobile phones ever released. Considering the 7.5mm of the OnePlus 3T, this implies a thickness of less than 7mm this time round.
Display
Always a key aspect of any smartphone, reports on the OnePlus 5 specs have indicated that the smartphone will feature a pleasing quad HD display. This would certainly put the device on par with most mobiles available on the market, including the forthcoming Google Pixel 2, although Samsung included a display in the Galaxy S8 that slightly exceeded quad HD specifications.
Meanwhile, another recent report indicated that the display of the OnePlus 5 will support DCI-P3 color space. This will ensure that image quality delivered by the smartphone will be particularly impressive. It is also believed that the panel will be Optic AMOLED as the company has previously indicated its support for this technology.
Processor and chipset
Among the most important of OnePlus 5 specs, it is noted that the smartphone will be driven by a Snapdragon 835 processor and chipset. This was recently utilized in the Galaxy S8 flagship from Samsung, and this will ensure that the performance of this Chinese smartphone is excellent.
Memory
Early reports on the OnePlus 5 specs indicated that the smartphone may feature as much as 8GB of RAM. This suggestion has died down somewhat since then, with the general consensus of opinion being that 6GB is more likely. Nonetheless, this would be more than the amount included in the recent Galaxy S8, and double the amount linked with the forthcoming Apple iPhone 8.
Storage
Although the official storage capacities have yet to be revealed by the Chinese manufacturer, it is believed that 64GB and 128GB versions will feature in the OnePlus 5 generation. It is also possible that there could even be a premium model of the smartphone featuring 256GB of storage, although this is certainly not confirmed.
There has also been no information regarding a micro SD slot in this smartphone, but as OnePlus is aiming more for the affordable end of the market the smart money would seem to be on this being excluded. Certainly this hasn’t been included in previous releases from OnePlus.
Battery
This is one area in which the OnePlus 5 specs can gain serious ground over its more illustrious competitors. In particular, Apple has been criticized for the rather paltry battery life of the iPhone in recent generations.
Thus, OnePlus is expected to arm this smartphone with a pretty sizeable 3,600 mAh battery. This would give the smartphone a significant edge over the Apple iPhone series, almost automatically providing a serious reason to purchase the phone. Other reports have instead suggested that a 3,300 mAh battery can be expected, which should still be a pretty sizeable cell. Most analysts believe, though, that the larger number is more likely.
Dash Charge will also be included in the OnePlus 5; hardly a surprise considering that it featured in the OnePlus 3T. OnePlus has been working hard on the OnePlus 5 specs in this region, meaning that Dash Charging should be 25 per cent faster than the previous generation. This will close the gap on other developers, as in testing the Dash Charging system has not performed quite as well as some competitors.
Camera
The photographic capabilities of smartphones is an absolutely central selling point in the contemporary marketplace. And this is one area of the OnePlus 5 specs in which the mobile must make a serious impression. It has been noted that previous snappers in the smartphone series have perhaps been less than ideal.
Thus, it is expected that OnePlus will signal its intention to join some of the biggest manufacturers on the market by delivering a dual-camera setup. This will enable the smartphone to deliver outstanding shooting in low-light conditions, and is almost becoming a must for the serious smartphone manufacturer.
It is believed that OnePlus will opt for a setup similar to the Huawei P10’s monochrome + RGB approach. And the specs included in this smartphone are seriously impressive, with a 23-megapixel and 16-megapixel dual-lens set up being included for the rear camera, and a 16-megapixel unit included to capture selfies.
Also, early reports from those who have been lucky enough to get their hands on the OnePlus 5 indicate that the smartphone delivers outstanding photographic quality, and could even be a Galaxy S8 beater in this department.
Price
The OnePlus 5 specs all add up to an impressive smartphone performer, yet the price of the device is possibly the most impressive aspect of the handset. OnePlus is expected to sell the OnePlus 5 at an extremely affordable price point of $499, meaning that this release could make a serious impact on the mobile marketplace.
