OnePlus Second Mover Strategy & Pricing

• OnePlus capitalizes on second mover advantage - waits for features to be released, refined, accepted before implementation
  • Saves huge R&D costs
  • Ensures features are pre-approved by market
  • Double-edged strategy - cost savings but not pushing boundaries
• UK pricing: £469 base model, £519 mid-tier, £569 top spec (256GB storage)
• Price comparison: £569 vs £799 P20 Pro, £869 S9 Plus, £999 iPhone X
• Top spec model slightly less value than base model
• Price increase from 5T justified by better hardware, latest chip, better camera optics

Performance & Speed

• Fastest Android experience available
• Snapdragon 845 chip from Qualcomm
• Face unlocking speed exceptional
• Upload speeds impressive
• New gesture-based control system
  • Not quite as slick as iPhone animations
  • Responsive and usable
• Play Store apps don't push the device limits
• Benchmarks and games reinforce speed claims

Camera System Analysis

• Dual camera setup with impressive dynamic range
• Keeps detail in all challenging scene areas
• Portrait mode works well for DSLR-like depth of field (not top-tier)
• 4K video at 60fps capability
• Super slow-motion: 480fps at 720p for full minute
• Good selfie camera balancing detail and appearance
• Missing 2x optical zoom (available on competitors)
• Shutter time not as fast as rivals
• Focus retention on small/moving objects weaker
• Low-light performance inferior to variable aperture competitors (Samsung S9)
• Huawei P20 Pro offers 3x zoom, night mode, 14MP photos
• Solid reliable competitor in non-challenging situations
• Photos look as good as twice-the-price rivals

Display Specifications

• 1080p resolution - less sharp than similarly priced phones
• Decision justified for cost savings, performance improvement, battery life
• Very bright display (not quite Samsung S9 Plus level)
• Achieves vibrant colors and deep blacks like $800 phones
• 84% screen-to-body ratio - highest on smartphones currently
• Notch implementation controversial but allows screen extension
  • Can be disabled if disliked
  • Crams sensors, earpiece, front camera into cutout

Software & Features

• Oxygen OS: clean stock Android with additional options
• Useful features: alert slider popup, gaming mode (blocks notifications, boosts games)
• First in line for Android P beta
• Likely quick Android P final version after Google Pixel phones

Build Quality & Design

• Water-resistant but no IP certification (expensive to obtain)
• Pleasant to hold with gentle curve, palm-flattering
• Glass finish feels firm without stickiness
• Fingerprint marks remain issue
• Fragility concerns with glass back without wireless charging benefit
• Permanent scratches after 3 weeks careful usage from keys/zips
• Thinner than most 6-inch display phones
• Weighty enough for premium feel without discomfort
• Headphone jack retained (second mover advantage over Apple)
• Camera bump causes wobble when lying flat
• Fingerprint scanner: fast but too flush with body, not naturally guided
• Oval shape chosen over circular to avoid "exclamation mark" look

Audio & Storage Limitations

• Speaker quality slightly better than 2017 Galaxy S8
• Doesn't hold up well against 2018 flagships
• Dual SIM card tray with no microSD slot
• Marketing trick to encourage storage upgrades (Apple strategy)
• SD card limitation becoming less problematic with cloud storage shift

Wireless Charging Absence

• No wireless charging despite glass back
• OnePlus claims dash charging superior to current wireless charging
• Deal breaker for wireless charging users
• Not an issue for wired charging preference users

Battery Performance

• Same capacity as 5T and OnePlus 5
• Improved efficiency with larger screen size
• Doesn't reach OnePlus 5 battery heights
• Trading blows with 5T battery performance
• Solid A grade performance (not A+)

Final Verdict

• Smallest sacrifice ever made for such significant price savings
• Leading pack in performance aspects
• Not suitable for notch-averse users or wireless charging requirements
• Fantastic value for money for most users
• Always contains caveats compared to expensive competitors
• Biggest price saving with minimal compromise in OnePlus history