Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.
OnePlus has managed to create its third very good smartphone on the trot. The OnePlus X does have some performance issues, and it's certainly not as impressive as the OnePlus 2, but I like it all the same.
I didn't think OnePlus could make a phone any cheaper than it has done with its flagship range, but it has – and you won't particularly miss the features that have been sacrificed in order to hit this price if you don't need the best setup on the market and price is a bigger factor.
The thing is, if you're reading this now there's some bad news - you can't actually buy the OnePlus X anymore. OnePlus has ceased production of the phone, and it was only ever available through the firm's website - so you won't find stock in any stores.
With no successor on the horizon it's a sad demise for a phone which offered a lot, for not very much.
We liked
The display on the OnePlus X is big and beautiful. If you're looking for a larger phone it may be worth going for the OnePlus 2, but for those who like smaller screens the 5-inch version will do very nicely, and it's great to look at.
The design of this phone is quite different to OnePlus's flagships, but I think it's a good move. Mirroring an older iPhone design is an interesting decision, but it seems to have paid off. It feels great in the hand, and definitely catches the eye of phone fans.
OxygenOS is another nice touch. We've seen it before, but it still surprises me how good it looks compared to other overlays from some of the larger manufacturers.
And of course the best part is the price. Picking up the OnePlus X for £199 / US$249 feels like a minor crime. Compare the spec list here to everything else in this price bracket and it's quite amazing what OnePlus has been able to achieve.
If you're looking for a high-end phone on a budget, the OnePlus X is one of the best choices out there.
We disliked
There are issues with the OnePlus X, and one of the them is the processor. That stuttering while playing high-intensity games, and even during video playback on occasion, is a real concern.
The lack of NFC means Android Pay won't be supported on the OnePlus X, and the lack of fast charging, wireless charging or microSD support are notable omissions across the OnePlus range.
These kinds of features aren't the be-all and end-all, but they're the sorts of things we'd like to see manufacturers embrace, as they really help to enhance the day to day user experience.
Plus, of course, getting hold of a OnePlus X is a pain. Occasional open sales aside, the process of obtaining and using an 'invite' is a faff that customers in the fast-moving phone market can do without, although with the OnePlus 2 now on open sale it's likely that the X will eventually follow suit.
Verdict
If you're already a fan of the OnePlus brand, you'll know how well the company has done in producing cheap handsets that boast high-end specs. Both flagship OnePlus products have impressed, and targeting users who are even more budget-conscious is a smart move.
It's a shame, though, that OnePlus opted for an older processor in the Snapdragon 801, as it does cause some problems. Other issues, such as the lack of NFC, are annoying, though hardly troubling – but it's hard to recommend the OnePlus X to those who want a phone capable of high-intensity tasks.
But the stand-out feature of the OnePlus X is that price point. Producing a phone of this quality, for this price, is quite an achievement by OnePlus.
The elephant in the room is getting your hands on one, and if you've managed to beg, steal or borrow an invite, or are quick off the mark for the Tuesday open sales, I'd recommend this phone.
First reviewed: November 2015
