OnePlus, known for its "flagship killer" concept since the launch of the OnePlus One in 2014, has announced the closure of its smartphone business in North America and Europe. This decision means that no new devices, including smartphones, earbuds, tablets, or smartwatches, will be released in those regions. However, existing OnePlus phones will continue to receive software and security updates, and the company will maintain operations in markets like China and India.
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As OnePlus steps back from these markets, it's an opportune time to look back at its influential smartphone lineup. The selected models that defined the brand over the years are the OnePlus One, OnePlus 3, OnePlus 7 Pro, OnePlus Open, and the latest OnePlus 13.
The OnePlus One, released in 2014, was significant for offering high-end specifications at a budget-friendly price, starting at $299 for the 16 GB model. It featured a 5.5-inch 1080p display, Snapdragon 801 processor, and a 13 MP rear camera, compellingly undercutting rivals like the Samsung Galaxy S5, which launched at approximately $600. Its innovative invite-only sales model fueled exclusivity, and it was powered by Cyanogen OS, known for its customizable features.
The OnePlus 3, launched in June 2016, marked a design shift to a metal unibody and boasted a Snapdragon 820 chipset, 6 GB of RAM, and a competitive price of $400. It introduced popular features like NFC and Dash Charge technology, which enabled rapid charging. This model also eliminated the invite system, making it accessible to a broader audience.
The OnePlus 7 Pro, released in 2019, introduced a 90 Hz display and a pop-up selfie camera for an all-screen design. It was one of the first phones to use UFS 3.0 storage technology, enhancing performance capabilities. Priced at $669, it maintained a competitive edge compared to flagship models from brands like Samsung.
The OnePlus Open, while essentially a variant of the Oppo Find N3, provided notable features in the foldable phone market, priced at $1,700 and offering superior storage and battery life compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 5. Its sleek design minimized the appearance of the display crease.
The OnePlus 13, launched in January 2025, was praised for its camera improvements and high-performance specs, including a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and dual IP68 and IP69 ratings. With a 6,000 mAh battery, it garnered acclaim for longevity and fast charging capabilities, and many suggested it offered better value than newer models.
This retrospective included evaluating how these phones fared against competitors at their time of release, factoring in pricing, performance, and the introduction of groundbreaking features that shaped the smartphone landscape.