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For other uses of "One plus one", see 1+1 (disambiguation).

OnePlus One
The front face view of the OnePlus One ("Sandstone Black", 64 GB) running Cyanogen OS 12
BrandOnePlus
ManufacturerOnePlus
TypePhablet
First released23 April 2014; 11 years ago (2014-04-23)
Availability by region25 April 2014 (Invite-only release)
6 June 2014 (Worldwide release)
2 December 2014 (India)[1]
Discontinued26 April 2016 (2016-04-26)
SuccessorOnePlus 2
Compatible networksGSM, WCDMA, LTE
Form factorSlate
Dimensions152.9 mm (6.02 in) H
75.9 mm (2.99 in) W
8.9 mm (0.35 in) D
Weight162 g (5.7 oz)
Operating systemOriginal: Android 4.4.2 "KitKat": CyanogenMod 11S (global version)
Android 4.3 "Jelly Bean": ColorOS (Chinese version)
Current: Android 5.1.1 "Lollipop": OxygenOS 2.1.4 (global version)
Android 6.0.1 "Marshmallow": HydrogenOS 2.0[2] (Chinese version)
Unofficial: Android 11: LineageOS 18.1[3][4]
System-on-chipQualcomm Snapdragon 801 MSM8974PRO-AC r2p1
CPU2.5 GHz (2457 MHz) quad-core Krait 400
GPUAdreno 330, 578 MHz
Memory3 GB 1866 MHz LPDDR3 RAM
Storage16 GB (Silk White), 64 GB (Sandstone Black)
Removable storageNone; Removable SIM card slot
BatteryNon-removable 3100 mAh Li-Po
Rear cameraSony Exmor RS IMX214 13 megapixels (4128×3096 px), autofocus, dual-LED flash, DCI 4K@24fps (native support, OpenCamera lets you do 30fps @ 100 Mbps) 2160p@30fps, 1080p@60fps, 720p@120fps, HDR[5]
Front camera5 megapixels, 1080p@30fps (extra-wide 80º viewing angle)
Display5.46 in (139 mm) 1920x1080 pixel resolution, 401 ppi pixel density, 800:1 contrast ratio (typical)
LED-backlit IPS capacitive touchscreen, 16:9 aspect ratio, 600 cd/m2 max brightness (typical), and oleophobic coating
SoundDual mono speakers, 3.5 mm stereo audio jack
ConnectivityGSM/GPRS/EDGE: 850, 900, 1800 and 1900 MHz; Bands: 1/2/4/5/8;
3G (HSDPA 42 Mbit/s, HSUPA 5.8 Mbit/s): 850, 900, 1700, 1900 and 2100 MHz;
LTE: 700, 1700, 1800, 2100, 2300 and 2600 MHz; Bands: 1/3/4/7/17/38/40
Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac) (2.4/5 GHz), Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi hotspot, DLNA, Bluetooth 4.0, A2DP, NFC, A-GPS & GLONASS, microUSB 2.0, USB OTG, USB Host, 3.5 mm headphone jack
Data inputsMulti-touch touchscreen display, triple microphone configuration, 3-axis gyroscope, 3-axis accelerometer, digital compass, proximity sensor, ambient light sensor
ModelA0001
CodenameBacon[6]
SARUS 0.62 W/kg (head) 0.75 W/kg (body)
Websiteoneplus.net/one
OnePlus phone models

telephone icon Telephones portal

The OnePlus One (colloquially abbreviated to OPO and also known as OnePlus 1) is an Android smartphone manufactured by OnePlus. Unveiled in April 2014, it is the first product by OnePlus. The OnePlus One was designed to compare favorably – in performance, quality, and price – to flagship devices by leading smartphone manufacturers. It was also intended to be developer friendly, and has since received a wide variety of ROMs and custom kernels from the community. The OnePlus One shipped to most markets with the Cyanogen OS operating system pre-installed, a commercial variant of CyanogenMod.

The phone was first made available for sale on 25 April 2014, exclusively from the OnePlus website, but initially required prospective customers to obtain an invitation before they could purchase it. These invitations were primarily distributed by the company through contests, some of which attracted attention for their unconventional or controversial nature. On 6 June 2014, the device was available for general sale.[7] As of 20 April 2015, the device no longer required an invite to purchase.[8]

Development

[edit]

The OnePlus company was founded on 16 December 2013 by former Oppo vice-president Pete Lau. The company's main goal was to design his "dream" smartphone; one that would balance the quality of high-end devices from its major competitors with a lower price than other phones in its class. He argued that, despite their lower cost, users would "never settle" for the lower-quality devices produced by other Chinese companies, and similar startups such as Blu and Yota.[9][10] Lau compared the ideals of OnePlus with those of the Japanese company Muji, with a focus on high quality products with simplistic designs.[9] The company's primary cost-cutting measure was a decision to exclusively sell the device online, rather than at retail or through wireless carriers, citing the success of a similar online sales model for Nexus devices.[10] Continuing Lau's association with the platform from the Oppo N1,[10] OnePlus entered into a non-exclusive licensing agreement with Cyanogen Inc. to base its product's Android software upon Cyanogen OS, a commercial variant of the popular custom ROM CyanogenMod, and use its trademarks outside China.[11][12]

The OnePlus One was officially unveiled on 23 April 2014 for a limited release on 25 April: described as a "flagship killer", its prices were set at US$299 and US$349 for the 16 GB and 64 GB models respectively—which one critic estimated was roughly half the price of the then recently unveiled Samsung Galaxy S5.[9][13]

Release and distribution

[edit]

The device was sold online exclusively through the OnePlus website. Stock of the device was previously limited through an invite system; the company had made the device available for purchase without an invitation during special promotions, however, such as on Black Friday, and in December 2014 for the holiday shopping season.[14] On 9 February 2015, OnePlus announced that it would begin to hold such open sales every Tuesday.[15] In an announcement on 20 April 2015 marking the one-year anniversary of its release, OnePlus announced that the One would be available without an invite "forever", but hinted that the requirement may return for its successor. Co-founder Carl Pei explained that "by rigorously testing and improving our logistical structure over the last one year, we are far more confident that our processes have matured enough for us to handle the increased production and after-sales support that comes along with opening up sales. It's what we've been working towards, and now we're ready."[8]

Invites were first given out through a promotion known as "Smash the Past", in which 100 users would be selected to win an opportunity to purchase a 16 GB OnePlus One for only $1, along with three invites they can give to friends, if they record a video of themselves breaking their previous phone. Some users misinterpreted the promotion, however, and prematurely posted videos on YouTube of them breaking their phones.[16][17] Users were later not required to destroy their phones, and could instead donate them to the charity Medic Mobile.[18]

OnePlus launched a second contest, "Ladies First", on 12 August 2014, inviting women to take photos of themselves holding the OnePlus logo or having drawn it on their bodies, with the winners decided by a vote receiving an invite to buy the One, and a OnePlus T-shirt. The promotion was met with controversy, as others felt that the contest promoted the objectification of women: some users posted entries that consisted of existing photos of women with OnePlus logos edited onto them, while another posted a picture of herself performing middle finger gestures, accompanied by a comment denouncing the contest as sexist.[19] In response to the criticism, the contest was pulled only hours after it was announced: the company stated that "we want to encourage even more women to get involved with and excited about the amazing things happening in tech right now. The 'Ladies First' contest was a very misguided effort by a few isolated employees to do just that, however there is no question the post not only failed to better include our female community but actually perpetuated a stereotype that OnePlus in no way supports or condones."[19] On 25 August 2014, OnePlus began a summer-themed photography coverage as a replacement, giving away 10,000 invites.[20]

In December 2014, the One was released in India exclusively through Amazon; invites were still necessary to purchase the device outside special promotions, which have been held occasionally since its launch.[21] OnePlus also announced plans to establish a presence in the country, with plans to open 25 official walk-in service centres across India.[22]

In August 2015, nearly 18 months after its release, the One was officially released in the United Arab Emirates exclusively through a local online retailer Souq.[23]

Micromax conflict

[edit]

Sales of the OnePlus One in India were temporarily halted following a temporary injunction granted to Micromax Mobile, alleging that the sale of the device in India violated its exclusive rights to distribute Cyanogen-branded products in South Asia—an agreement announced in November 2014 as part of a new joint venture, YU,[24] and that its agreement superseded the agreement Cyanogen Inc. had established with OnePlus. The company disputed the arguments, noting that its Cyanogen-based software was different from that of Micromax's, and argued that the exclusivity agreement only meant that Cyanogen could not partner with any other company based in India, and did not inhibit the ability for OnePlus to market its products in the country with its trademarks.[11][25]

In response to the partnership, OnePlus had already begun the development of a new, in-house Android distribution, known as "OxygenOS", which it planned to replace CyanogenMod with for the device that the company planned via software updates to models distributed in India, along with a version for Chinese models known as "H2OS".[22][26][27] On 25 December 2014, the court reversed the sales ban, noting that YU and OnePlus were within different market segments—low-end and high-end devices respectively.[28]

Specifications

[edit]

Hardware

[edit]

The device's internal hardware includes a quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 system-on-chip clocked at 2.5 GHz, 3 GB of RAM, and a 5.5-inch, JDI 1080p IPS LCD display. It includes either 16 or 64 GB of non-expandable storage.[9] Its rear-facing camera features a 13 megapixel, Sony-manufactured Exmor IMX214 sensor, alongside a 5-megapixel front-facing camera.[9] The OnePlus One supports LTE networks using bands 1, 3, 4, 7, 17, 38, and 40. Due to the company's startup stature, only one model of the device was released worldwide, without any additional regional SKUs like other smartphones.[29][30]

Exterior

[edit]

The chassis of the OnePlus One is constructed from magnesium, and is accompanied by a curved, textured rear cover in either black or white. Special denim, Kevlar, and bamboo wood covers were also unveiled as accessories, but the bamboo covers were temporarily cancelled due to quality issues.[9][31][32] The device features capacitive navigation keys, but they can be disabled in favor of customizable navigation keys rendered on-screen.[9][33] Anandtech characterized its design as being a "close cousin" to the Oppo Find 7A[34] , although with a non-user-replaceable battery.

Software

[edit]

Outside China, the OnePlus One shipped with CyanogenMod 11S, based on Android 4.4.4 "KitKat". The latest version of CyanogenMod 11S is 11.0-XNPH05Q. In China, OnePlus One ships with Oppo's ColorOS distribution, based on Android 4.3 "Jelly Bean".[9] Alongside additional features added to the Android platform through Cyanogen (including wider customization options, an audio equalizer, encrypted messaging, and application privacy controls), the 11S software adds persistent voice commands, and gestures that can be performed while the phone is in standby to perform various functions, such as double-tapping the screen to turn it on, drawing a circle to go to the camera, and drawing a "V" to activate flashlight mode.[9][33]

An upgrade to Cyanogen OS 12.0, based on Android 5.0.2 "Lollipop" was released for all OnePlus One devices outside China on 14 April 2015. The latest version of Cyanogen OS for this phone is 13.1.2-ZNH2KAS3P0-bacon based on Android Marshmallow 6.0.1(AOSP), released in August 2016. This brings latest September Security Patches for Android and improves the deep integration of "Cortana"-Microsoft's Digital Assistant into Cyanogen OS due to strategic partnership between Microsoft and Cyanogen; Microsoft also being an important investor in the company.[22][35][36][37][38] Two in-house Lollipop-based distributions, OxygenOS and HydrogenOS, were released earlier, on 4 April 2015, outside and inside China respectively.[39] On 9 April 2016, OnePlus One devices running Cyanogen OS started receiving Cyanogen OS 13.0.1 based on Android Marshmallow 6.0.1. Team Cyanogen started rolling out Cyanogen OS 13.1 on 10 June 2016.[40] CyanogenOS 13.1 for OnePlus One includes mods for Skype, OneNote, Microsoft Hyperlapse and an updated Cortana mod.[40]

Android 9.0 "Pie" is available for the device through the successor of CyanogenMod, LineageOS.[41] The same applied for Android 10[42] and Android 11. Third-party operating systems such as Ubuntu Touch can also be installed on the OnePlus One.[43]

Reception

[edit]

The OnePlus One has received a positive reception, notwithstanding occasional technical issues and lack of support. The design was unique compared to other smartphones, with the rear panel's "[white] crisp smooth plastic or the [black] sandpaper-like texture [that] feels good regardless of your preference", while "the front panel is also beautiful because of its minimalist style and lack of visible hardware buttons".[44] There was much praise for the One's hardware, shared with contemporary devices that often cost up to twice as much. Tests found that the One usually performed as well as or even better despite being half the price of its rivals, not only due to its specs but also attributed to its largely bloatware-free CyanogenMod OS.[45] In addition, its CyanogenMod operating system offers more customization options than stock Android albeit being less stable.[1] The OnePlus One was one of the fastest phones upon its release and its specifications have aged well after a couple of years.[46]

The OnePlus One was generally considered superior to its closest competition. The similarly-priced Nexus 5 was more widely available and had more guaranteed updates from Google, however it suffered from some design compromises including mediocre battery life and camera quality to keep the price low, plus its internal hardware was aging. In terms of specifications and size, the OnePlus One could be compared to the much pricier 5.5-inch LG G3 whose screen was higher resolution but inferior quality.[2]

Similar to the Google Nexus line of devices, the One has expanded the trend of high spec but mid-priced Android devices; by 2015 when the succeeding OnePlus 2 was released there was competition from numerous affordable flagships including the Moto X Pure and Asus ZenFone 2.[3][4][5]

The OnePlus One's original distribution via an invite-only order system made the device difficult to acquire, so some reviewers decided against recommending it.[6][7]

The OnePlus One, in retrospect, has been considered one of the best-supported community developer phones, with a wide variety of ROMs and custom kernels. The succeeding OnePlus 2 and subsequent OnePlus phones have not amassed such third-party support, furthermore their pricing has risen to mainstream.[46]

Sales

[edit]

As of the end of 2014, the OnePlus One has sold over one million units, despite only planning to sell up to 50,000 units.[46][47][48] The East Asian market accounted for 39% of the company's shipments in 2014, followed by Europe with 33%, 22% in North America, and 7% in India. In total, the device generated a total revenue of $300 million through December 2014.[49]

[edit]
OnePlus One (unboxed set)

See also

[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to OnePlus One.

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

OnePlus One

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The is an Android smartphone that served as the debut product of , a company established in 2013 by executives from . Announced on April 23, 2014, and initially released in limited quantities starting late that month, it featured a 5.5-inch JDI LCD display, 801 quad-core processor clocked at 2.5 GHz, 3 GB of LPDDR3 RAM, and storage variants of 16 GB or 64 GB without microSD expansion. Equipped with a 13 MP rear camera with dual-LED flash, 5 MP front camera, and 3100 mAh battery, the device ran Android 4.4 KitKat customized with (later transitioning to ), and was priced at $299 for the 16 GB model and $349 for the 64 GB version—far below comparable flagship competitors. This value proposition earned it the nickname "flagship killer," fostering rapid popularity through an invite-only sales system despite production delays and challenges.

Development and Origins

Company Founding and Initial Vision

OnePlus was founded on December 16, 2013, in , , , by and , both former executives at . had served as vice president at for over a decade, overseeing product development, while managed international markets; both resigned from in late 2013 to establish the company as a separate entity focused on smartphone innovation. The founders' initial vision emphasized producing premium smartphones with top-tier hardware specifications at significantly reduced prices compared to competitors, challenging the high margins of established brands. This approach, dubbed the "flagship killer" strategy, sought to eliminate bloat and inefficiencies in traditional supply chains by leveraging online sales and community-driven feedback for iterative improvements. Central to this ethos was the "Never Settle" mantra, which guided OnePlus to prioritize uncompromising performance, smooth software experiences, and user-centric design without settling for industry norms on pricing or features. The company aimed to build a global through transparency, efficiency, and with tech enthusiasts, positioning itself as an alternative to overpriced premium devices.

Product Conception and Specifications Planning

The conception of the OnePlus One originated in August 2013, when co-founder , then at , discussed frustrations with prevailing Android smartphones' compromises in and performance during informal meetings with colleagues and friends in . Motivated to build a device they would personally use, Lau prioritized uncompromised quality over initial cost considerations, emphasizing flagship-level capabilities without unnecessary features or bloat. OnePlus was formally established on December 16, 2013, by Lau and , with an explicit global orientation from inception, assembling an international team to target overseas markets amid intense domestic competition in . Specifications planning centered on delivering superior hardware at a disruptive of $299 for the 16 GB model and $349 for the 64 GB variant, achieved by designing the optimal product first and then determining its near-cost pricing. Key decisions included selecting the Snapdragon 801 quad-core processor at 2.5 GHz—upgraded from the initially considered Snapdragon 800 with direct support from —for its leading-edge efficiency and performance, paired with 3 GB of LPDDR3 RAM and an Adreno 330 GPU to ensure smooth multitasking and gaming. The display was specified as a 5.5-inch IPS LCD panel from Japan Display Inc. for vibrant visuals at 401 pixels per inch, while battery capacity was set at 3,100 mAh for extended runtime without increasing device thickness; the rear camera adopted a 13 MP Sony IMX214 sensor with f/2.0 aperture for competent imaging, and storage options omitted microSD expandability to streamline costs and design. Hardware rationale drew from Lau's experience, leveraging established supply chains like for assembly and opting for a body over premium metals to balance grip, weight (162 g), and affordability without sacrificing perceived quality. Software planning involved partnering with Cyanogen Inc. to preload a customized 11S based on Android 4.4 KitKat, selected as the first device built natively for this ROM to provide extensive customization, privacy enhancements like SMS encryption, and a cleaner experience than stock Android or manufacturer skins, while avoiding carrier modifications. This choice aligned with the "Never Settle" , fostering community-driven refinements via forums pre-launch to iterate on user feedback, though it introduced potential stability trade-offs compared to optimized OEM software. Overall, these decisions aimed to position the OnePlus One as a "flagship killer," matching or exceeding contemporaries like the or in core specs at half the price through sales and minimal overhead.

Launch and Distribution

Release Timeline and Invite System

The OnePlus One was announced on April 23, 2014, with full specifications and pricing revealed at that event. Limited pre-orders commenced on April 25, 2014, initially targeting the Chinese market where demand quickly outstripped supply. International shipping for global customers began in May 2014, restricted to an invite-only model via OnePlus's official website to prioritize fulfillment amid production constraints. The invite system required users to obtain a unique code to access purchases, distributed through initial allocations to early adopters, contests, forum engagements, and referrals from existing buyers. Each purchaser received a set number of shareable invites—typically starting with one or two, expanding as loyalty programs evolved—fostering a viral referral mechanism that limited and ensured orders shipped within days of placement. This strategy, justified by OnePlus as a means to maintain and avoid stockouts, created but accelerated , contributing to over one million units sold by December 2014. Critics noted the system's drawbacks, including extended wait times of weeks to months for non-referred users and perceptions of it as a gimmick to inflate exclusivity. The policy remained in effect for international sales through much of , with gradual expansions via additional invite waves; by late , select regions like transitioned to open sales through partners such as Amazon, launching on December 2 without mandatory invites. Full abandonment of invites for the OnePlus One occurred in subsequent months as supply stabilized, paving the way for unrestricted availability in remaining markets.

Partnership Agreements and Regional Rollouts

OnePlus secured a non-exclusive, two-year licensing agreement with Inc. in early 2014, enabling the OnePlus One to ship with Cyanogen OS, a commercial fork of the open-source customized Android distribution. This collaboration, formalized through a and documents dated February 2014, positioned Cyanogen OS as a key differentiator, offering enhanced customization and features over stock Android without Google apps preinstalled in certain variants. The agreement granted worldwide rights but later sparked conflicts when Cyanogen pursued an exclusive deal with India's , leading to temporary restrictions on OnePlus sales in and the partnership's eventual termination in April 2015. Distribution relied on an invite-only system through the website to control supply and generate buzz, limiting initial batches to manage component sourcing and assembly in . To expand access, OnePlus arranged limited-time sales without invites via Amazon in the starting October 2014, bypassing the system for select periods to boost volumes ahead of year-end targets. Regional availability began with a limited rollout in mid-May 2014 across 16 markets, including the , several European countries (such as the , , and ), and , priced at $299 for the 16 GB model and $349 for 64 GB. India saw delayed official entry on December 2, 2014, exclusively through Amazon.in, amid growing demand but interrupted by a injunction in late December following the Cyanogen-Micromax dispute, which halted imports and sales until resolution in early 2015. This phased approach prioritized direct online channels over traditional retail partnerships, reflecting OnePlus's strategy to maintain premium pricing control in emerging and mature markets.

Technical Features

Hardware Architecture

The OnePlus One employs the (MSM8974AC) system-on-chip, fabricated on a 28 nm process, featuring a quad-core Krait 400 CPU operating at up to 2.5 GHz and an GPU clocked at 578 MHz. This configuration provided flagship-level processing performance for its era, supporting multitasking and graphics-intensive applications efficiently. The SoC integrates a modem for 4G LTE Cat. 4 connectivity, achieving download speeds up to 150 Mbit/s. Complementing the SoC, the device includes 3 GB of LPDDR3 RAM running at 1866 MHz, enabling smooth operation of multiple applications simultaneously, and internal storage options of 16 GB or 64 GB using eMMC 5.0 flash memory, without expandable storage via microSD. Input is handled through a capacitive multi-touch display and physical buttons, including a volume rocker, power button on the right side, and a three-stage alert slider on the left for silent, vibrate, and ring modes. The 5.5-inch display utilizes Japan Display Inc. (JDI) LTPS IPS LCD technology with a resolution, delivering 401 pixels per inch density, and is protected by Corning 3 for scratch resistance. Imaging hardware consists of a rear-facing 13 MP Sony IMX214 sensor with f/2.0 aperture, optical image stabilization, and dual-LED flash, alongside a 5 MP front camera for selfies and video calls. Power is supplied by a non-removable 3100 mAh lithium-polymer battery, which supports extended usage through fast charging via 1.0, though the charger provided operates at standard rates. The chassis integrates a unibody for durability and lightness, measuring 150.9 × 75.9 × 8.9 mm and weighing 162 grams, with sensors including , , proximity, and ambient light for enhanced functionality.
ComponentSpecification
SoC (28 nm), Quad-core 2.5 GHz Krait 400, GPU
RAM3 GB LPDDR3
Storage16/64 GB eMMC 5.0
Display5.5" JDI LTPS IPS, 1920×1080, 401 ppi, Gorilla Glass 3
Battery3100 mAh Li-Po
Rear Camera13 MP, f/2.0, OIS
Front Camera5 MP

Design and Materials


The OnePlus One employs a unibody construction made from polycarbonate plastic for its back panel and frame, offering a balance of durability and reduced weight compared to metal alternatives. The device measures 152.9 x 75.9 x 8.9 mm in dimensions and weighs 162 grams, contributing to its ergonomic handling despite the large 5.5-inch display size. The front face features Corning 3 for scratch resistance, while the plastic rear provides a textured finish available in variants such as the standard black model with a soft-touch coating. This material choice prioritized cost-efficiency and heat dissipation over premium aesthetics, aligning with the device's positioning as a high-spec flagship. Reviews consistently praised the build for its solidity, with no reported creaks or flex under pressure, though it lacks the premium feel of or aluminum contemporaries. Physical buttons include a power key on the right side and volume rocker on the left, with a 3.5 mm headphone jack and microUSB port at the top and bottom, respectively, emphasizing practical layout over innovative form factors. The design's extended to minimal bezels around the display, enhancing the screen-to-body ratio for its era.

Software Ecosystem

The OnePlus One launched in April 2014 with , a customized distribution of based on Android 4.4 KitKat, featuring built-in root access, Privacy Guard for app permission management, customizable themes via Theme Engine, and gesture-based controls such as double-tap to wake. This operating system emphasized open-source customization and performance optimizations tailored for the device's Snapdragon 801 processor, including tweaks for smoother multitasking and battery efficiency compared to stock Android. Over-the-air (OTA) updates extended support to Cyanogen OS 12 in early 2015, upgrading to Android 5.1 with visuals, improved notifications, and the OK OnePlus voice command feature for device unlocking and basic queries. Further updates reached Cyanogen OS 13.1 in June 2016, based on Android 6.0.1 , introducing Doze power-saving mode, refined app permissions, and enhanced modding capabilities like easier rooting for custom recoveries. Official Cyanogen updates ceased after the company's closure in 2016, limiting factory ROMs to Android 6.0.1. In parallel, OnePlus released in 2015 as a stock Android alternative for the OnePlus One, starting with Android 5.1 and prioritizing a cleaner interface with minimal bloatware, shelf customization, and faster boot times over Cyanogen's heavier customization layer. received OTA patches up to Android 6.0 but saw diminished official support thereafter, reflecting OnePlus's shift toward in-house development for newer devices. The device's unlocked bootloader fostered a robust custom ROM ecosystem, with community developers on platforms like XDA Forums maintaining ports such as (successor to ), enabling upgrades to via LineageOS 17.1 released in 2020. Tools like TWRP recovery supported extensive modifications, including kernel tweaks for and Xposed Framework integration for advanced theming, sustaining the phone's viability years beyond official end-of-life despite hardware aging. This modding scene highlighted the OnePlus One's appeal to enthusiasts seeking extended functionality, though it required technical expertise and carried risks like voided warranties or bricking.

Market Reception

Sales Data and Commercial Performance

The OnePlus One garnered substantial sales volume relative to its constrained availability, primarily through an invite-only purchasing system that limited supply to foster demand. Launched on April 23, 2014, the device reached 500,000 units sold by November 2014, prompting co-founder to set a target of 1 million units for the full year. This milestone reflected strong consumer interest in its specifications-to-price ratio, though the company intentionally capped production to manage hype and avoid overstock. By the end of 2014, OnePlus reported sales approaching 1 million units, falling short of the goal primarily due to deliberate supply limitations rather than waning demand. The model's commercial success as a startup entrant was bolstered by word-of-mouth and online communities, enabling it to compete against established flagships despite absent carrier partnerships and regional restrictions in markets like the . OnePlus emphasized low per-unit margins—described by Pei as a "single-figure amount"—to sustain its aggressive pricing, prioritizing volume and brand establishment over immediate profitability. Lifetime sales figures remain undisclosed officially, but estimates from contemporaneous reports suggest totals exceeding 1 million units through 2015, with the device's discontinuation following the launch in July 2015. This performance underscored the efficacy of OnePlus's model in emerging markets like and , where it captured enthusiast segments without traditional retail overhead.

Critical Evaluations

The OnePlus One received widespread acclaim from technology reviewers for delivering flagship-level performance at a fraction of competitors' prices, with its Snapdragon 801 processor, 3 GB of RAM, and 5.5-inch IPS display enabling smooth multitasking and gaming that rivaled devices costing twice as much. Reviewers noted its 3100 mAh battery provided exceptional endurance, often lasting over a day with heavy use, outperforming many contemporaries due to efficient hardware-software integration. The device's unlocked nature and support for multiple LTE bands further enhanced its appeal for international users seeking flexibility without carrier bloatware. Hardware build quality was generally commended for solidity despite the rear panel, which some praised for its matte texture and replaceable design via baby powder treatment for customization, though critics highlighted the large form factor as unwieldy for one-handed use. The display earned praise for vibrant colors and high (401 ppi), making it suitable for , but the lack of expandable storage via microSD slot and non-removable battery drew consistent criticism for limiting longevity in data-heavy scenarios. Software evaluations were mixed: the initial 11S (based on Android 4.4 KitKat) offered extensive customization appealing to advanced users, with features like root access and theme support, but suffered from occasional bugs, inconsistent app compatibility, and a steeper unsuitable for novices. Later updates to improved stability and user-friendliness, yet early adopters reported issues like touch responsiveness glitches and delayed security patches compared to stock Android devices. The rear 13-megapixel camera with dual-LED flash was a frequent point of contention, producing sharp daylight shots but struggling with low-light noise, color accuracy, and slow , falling short of premium rivals like the despite hardware parity. Front-facing 5-megapixel imaging was deemed adequate for selfies but unremarkable. Overall, while the OnePlus One's value proposition redefined budget flagship expectations—earning scores like 4.5/5 from and WIRED's endorsement as a top Android handset—its compromises in camera performance and software polish prevented it from achieving universal perfection.

User Experiences and Reported Issues

Users frequently praised the OnePlus One for its responsive performance, attributing it to the 801 processor and 3 GB of RAM, which enabled smooth multitasking and gaming even years after its release. Battery life was another highlight, with many reporting all-day usage on a single charge under moderate conditions, thanks to the 3100 mAh capacity and optimized software. The near-stock Android experience, customizable via Cyanogen OS, appealed to enthusiasts seeking flexibility without bloatware, often described as a significant over carrier-locked alternatives. However, software instability plagued early users, with frequent reports of random reboots, application crashes, and inconsistent touch responsiveness, particularly in the initial 11 builds released in 2014. Camera performance drew criticism for poor low-light results and software processing flaws in daily scenarios, despite hardware capable of 13-megapixel shots. Hardware quirks included a weak vibration motor producing inadequate haptic feedback and occasional buzzing noises during . Battery degradation emerged as a long-term concern, with swelling reported after 1-2 years of use due to lithium-polymer cell expansion, posing risks and necessitating replacement; users advised monitoring for case separation as an early sign. Overheating during charging was another complaint, linked to the included charger and exacerbated by heavy usage or faulty cables. Some experienced a yellow tint on the display, potentially from aging LCD panels or calibration issues. Touchscreen problems could often be mitigated by unlocking the bootloader and flashing custom kernels via tools like TWRP, though this required technical knowledge. Customer support frustrations compounded hardware and software woes, with users citing slow responses and difficulties in claims, especially for invite-only purchases outside official channels. Despite these, many long-term owners valued the device's upgradability through ROMs, extending usability beyond official support ending around 2016.

Controversies

In late 2014, Limited, an smartphone manufacturer, initiated legal action against Shenzhen Technology Co. Ltd. over the distribution of the One smartphone in , which ran OS (based on 11S). claimed exclusive rights under an "ambient services and application distributions agreement" signed with Inc. in August 2014, granting it sole authority to pre-install and distribute software on devices sold in . had entered a non-exclusive with earlier that year for global distribution, but proceeded with the One launch in on December 2, 2014, which argued violated its territorial exclusivity. On December 16, 2014, the Delhi High Court issued a temporary injunction in favor of Micromax (CS(OS) No. 3761/2014), prohibiting OnePlus from importing, selling, or advertising the OnePlus One in India until further hearings, citing potential irreparable harm to Micromax's commercial interests. OnePlus responded by filing a countersuit (CS(OS) No. 3688/2014) against Micromax and Cyanogen, seeking to block Micromax's planned Cyanogen-branded devices and alleging sabotage of its market entry; however, the court prioritized Micromax's claim due to the prior exclusivity deal. The ruling effectively halted OnePlus's initial sales push in the Indian market, where it had aimed to leverage invite-only distribution amid high demand. The dispute stemmed from conflicting agreements between and its partners, with Cyanogen's decision to grant Micromax exclusivity despite OnePlus's existing collaboration highlighting contractual ambiguities in emerging software ecosystems. By May 8, 2015, all proceedings were resolved through mutual consent, with cases withdrawn; this settlement enabled continued over-the-air (OTA) software updates for existing OnePlus One users in from Cyanogen, though OnePlus shifted away from Cyanogen OS in subsequent models to avoid similar entanglements.

Marketing and Supply Tactics Scrutiny

OnePlus employed an invite-only sales model for the OnePlus One upon its April 2014 launch, restricting purchases to users who obtained digital invitations through referral systems, contests, or direct allocation from the company. This tactic was justified by co-founder as a means to manage overwhelming demand, prevent scalping, and ensure stock reached genuine enthusiasts rather than resellers, given the device's $299 starting price for flagship-level specifications. However, the system drew substantial criticism for artificially engineering , fostering frustration among potential buyers unable to secure invites despite high interest, and prioritizing over accessibility, which some analysts viewed as a deliberate ploy to amplify perceived exclusivity and word-of-mouth buzz rather than a purely logistical necessity. The "flagship killer" branding positioned the OnePlus One as a disruptor offering premium hardware—such as a Snapdragon 801 processor, 3 GB RAM, and 13 MP camera—at a fraction of competitors' prices, achieved through sales via the company's website, bypassing traditional retail markups and leveraging Oppo's for cost efficiencies. This succeeded in generating viral attention with minimal advertising expenditure, reportedly under $300,000 initially, by cultivating an image through engagement and influencer partnerships, which propelled organic promotion among tech enthusiasts. Scrutiny reveals potential long-term vulnerabilities: the low margins implied unsustainability without scale or subsidies—though OnePlus denied the latter—and reliance on unproven custom software like Cyanogen OS, which risked alienating users if quality faltered, as evidenced by later abandonment of the invite model by June 2016 when production capacity expanded but brand perception shifted from scarcity-driven allure to broader availability. Supply tactics intertwined with marketing, as initial shortages were attributed to component constraints and rapid demand spikes post-launch, with OnePlus claiming efforts to ramp production globally. Critics contended these limitations were exaggerated to sustain the invite system's narrative, noting parallels to manufactured scarcity in luxury goods to inflate desirability, particularly since the device shared manufacturing with Oppo's Find 7, which faced no comparable restrictions. Empirical evidence from sales data shows over 1.5 million units sold by mid-2015, yet persistent invite queues suggested tactical under-supply to control inventory costs and data collection on buyer behavior, a practice abandoned for subsequent models amid backlash that it hindered mainstream adoption despite the strategy's role in early buzz.

Enduring Impact

Industry Disruption and Competitor Responses

The OnePlus One disrupted the smartphone industry primarily through its aggressive pricing strategy, offering specifications rivaling 2014 flagships from established brands at roughly half the cost. Priced at $299 for the 64 GB model upon its April 23, 2014 launch, it included a Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor, 3 GB of LPDDR3 RAM, a 5.5-inch 1080p IPS display, and a 13-megapixel rear camera with optical image stabilization—features comparable to the Samsung Galaxy S5 ($649) and HTC One M8 ($649), which justified higher prices via carrier subsidies, extensive marketing, and proprietary ecosystems. This "flagship killer" model bypassed traditional retail channels and bloatware, relying instead on direct-to-consumer sales and an invite-only system to generate scarcity-driven demand while minimizing overhead. The device's commercial success amplified its disruptive effect, with over 1.3 million units sold in its debut year, capturing a niche among tech enthusiasts seeking premium hardware without premium markups. By prioritizing empirical hardware value over brand prestige or incremental software features, exposed inefficiencies in incumbents' cost structures, where margins often exceeded 50% on flagships funded by ecosystem lock-in. This approach not only eroded perceptions of necessary price premiums but also accelerated the mainstreaming of custom ROMs like (later forked for ), fostering a community-centric alternative to vendor-locked Android implementations. Competitor responses were indirect and varied, with limited evidence of immediate flagship price cuts from dominant players like and Apple, whose strategies emphasized and loyal user bases over raw hardware parity. expanded its Galaxy A series in late 2014 with metal builds and improved cameras to target value segments, while (under ) intensified its Moto G and X lines with stock Android and modular designs to compete on affordability. However, these moves reflected pre-existing trends amplified by rather than reactive concessions, as premium pricing held firm amid sustained demand for iOS and 's Knox ecosystem; the true pressure manifested in heightened from other Chinese entrants like and , diluting market share for Western OEMs in emerging regions. Over time, the model contributed to a broader industry shift toward tiered , where mid-tier devices increasingly adopted flagship-level components by 2015, though without eroding high-end profitability.

Long-term Software Support and Community Modifications

The OnePlus One launched with Cyanogen OS 11, based on Android 4.4 KitKat, and received subsequent official updates to Cyanogen OS 12, incorporating Android 5.0 by April 2015, followed by a patch to Android 5.1.1 as the final stable official release in 2016. Official support from and Cyanogen Inc. effectively ceased thereafter, with no further major Android version upgrades or extended security patches provided by the manufacturer, aligning with the device's age and the short support lifecycle typical of early flagship smartphones at the time. This limited official tenure prompted extensive community involvement, leveraging the device's unlocked and roots in the open-source project, which evolved into . Custom ROM developers on platforms like XDA Forums produced unofficial builds, enabling installations of later Android versions such as 18.1 () with optimizations persisting into June 2025 and 19.1 () reported as stable in 2023. Official maintenance for the OnePlus One (codename "") concluded prior to 2025, as noted on the project's , shifting reliance to unofficial maintainers who continue providing ROMs, kernels, and modules via tools like TWRP recovery for rooting and theming. These modifications have sustained usability for security-conscious users, though they require technical expertise and carry risks like voided warranties or instability, with community activity remaining active on developer forums into the mid-2020s. The ecosystem's longevity underscores the OnePlus One's appeal to enthusiasts, fostering a scene that outlasted official efforts by nearly a decade.

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