OnePlus X: Powerful specs, high-end design, low-end price

OnePlus X is even prettier than its bigger brother. Photo: OnePlus

OnePlus X is even prettier than its bigger brother. Photo: OnePlus

The even more affordable smartphone we’ve been waiting for from OnePlus has arrived. It’s called OnePlus X, and despite it’s $249 price tag, the device combines powerful specifications with a high-end design that’s even prettier than that of the OnePlus 2.

In the pursuit of affordability, OnePlus has packed older internals into the OnePlus X — but don’t let that put you off. They’re still very capable internals, and you’ll be surprised at what you get for just $249 off-contract.

OnePlus X is powered by a Snapdragon 801 processor coupled with 3GB of RAM, and 16GB of storage as standard. Unlike the larger OnePlus 2, it also offers a microSD card slot, so you can add more for apps, games, music, and movies should you need to.

OnePlus X runs OxygenOS based on Android 5.1.1 Lollipop. Photo: OnePlus

OnePlus X runs OxygenOS based on Android 5.1.1 Lollipop. Photo: OnePlus

There’s a 13-megapixel camera on the back of the OnePlus X with phase detection auto-focus and an f/2.2 aperture. OnePlus says this is its “fastest camera yet,” with the ability to focus in just 0.2 seconds. There’s also an 8-megapixel camera on the front of the device for super sharp selfies.

OnePlus X also delivers a 5-inch AMOLED display with 1080p resolution, two nano SIM card slots, a built-in FM radio, and OnePlus’ own OxygenOS software based on pure Android 5.1.1 Lollipop.

Even more impressive than the specifications is the OnePlus X’s design. Unlike rival smartphones at this price, it’s made entirely out of metal and glass. “Every glass backplate is cut to size and polished repeatedly until it achieves a smooth, glossy, mirror-like finish,” OnePlus says.

The OnePlus X with a ceramic back. Photo: OnePlus

OnePlus X with a ceramic back. Photo: OnePlus

There’s also a limited edition OnePlus X that swaps the glass panels for ceramic ones, which take 25 days to make.

The big downside? Just like OnePlus 2, OnePlus X will require an invite. It will make its debut in Europe on November 5, with prices starting at €269/£199. The ceramic model, which requires a special invite, is priced at €369/£269, and only 10,000 units will be available.

OnePlus X will also be available in the U.S. on November 19.