• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

What's the deal with OnePlus' self-destructive behavior?

theeedude

theeedude

Lifer
Seems to me like they are designing nice devices and then sabotaging them with missing important specs:

- Launch OnePlus 2 without NFC
- Launch OnePlus X without commonly used US LTE bands (12 and 17)
???
- Profit?

What is behind this madness? Why do they even bother?
 
This is something I believe has been a serious misconception within the Android and OnePlus communities in the developed world from the start and has really grated me.

OnePlus was never about the US/EU based Android communities and power users. Their launch strategy was to entice those users into buying the OPO so that they could rapidly scale production, distribution, and technical support with a community of people who support themselves and will excitedly put up with stuff like an invite system. The invite system serves as a barrier to entry to make sure mostly technology savvy (early adopter) US/EU users purchase the phones because they will fix it themselves, root it, rom it, whatever.

The real goal was to build that infrastructure and a brand that could then be sold back to their home market and India, where they have an opportunity to enter the market as a realistically priced high-end alternative to iPhones (built for western markets) and the other major Android players. They used Western "power users" to test the device, build some street cred, and then pivot back to the developing countries where it can be priced as a high-end device for the Chinese/Indian middle class that can't afford a Galaxy or iOS device. That's why the OPT doesn't make any sense for US/EU users, we were just a testing platform while the OPT is a coming out party in their home territory.

If you really think about it and break down their moves - the blowup with Cyanogen over India, HydrogenOS, OxygenOS, dual sim and no NFC, etc. their strategy starts to really make sense and we shouldn't expect anymore phones targeted at the early adopter community in western countries from OnePlus.

OnePlus "didn't settle" for the Western markets, they want to go after the next billion users in China and India.
 
Last edited:
Is there a better 5" phone at 250$? The only other decent phone that I can think of in that price range and size is the Xiaomi Mi4C.
 
EightySix Four said:
This is something I believe has been a serious misconception within the Android and OnePlus communities in the developed world from the start and has really grated me.

OnePlus was never about the US/EU based Android communities and nerds. Their launch strategy was to entice those users into buying the OPO so that they could rapidly scale production, distribution, and technical support with a community of people who support themselves and will excitedly put up with shit like an invite system. The invite system serves as a barrier to entry to make sure mostly technology savvy (early adopter type) US/EU users purchase the phones because they will fix it themselves, root it, rom it, whatever.

The real goal was to build that infrastructure and a brand that could then be sold back to their home market and India, where they have an opportunity to enter the market as a realistically priced high-end alternative to iPhones (built for western markets) and the other major Android players. They used Western nerds to beta test the device, build some street cred, and then pivot back to the developing countries where it can be priced as a high-end device for the Chinese/Indian middle class that can't afford a Galaxy or iOS device. That's why the OPT doesn't make any sense for US/EU users, we were just a testing platform while the OPT is a coming out party in their home territory.

If you really think about it and break down their moves - the shitstorm with Cyanogen over India, HydrogenOS, OxygenOS, dual sim and no NFC, etc. their strategy starts to really make sense and we shouldn't expect anymore phones targeted at the early adopter community in western countries from OnePlus.

OnePlus "didn't settle" for the Western markets, they want to go after the next billion users in China and India.
Click to expand...

But nerds are the first ones to look at the LTE bands and specs like NFC, and not having those is actually destroying OnePlus's street cred, not building it. To me, it creates an impression of a clueless company, not some strategic genius.
 
senseamp said:
But nerds are the first ones to look at the LTE bands and specs like NFC, and not having those is actually destroying OnePlus's street cred, not building it. To me, it creates an impression of a clueless company, not some strategic genius.
Click to expand...

You missed my point. The One targeted the nerds/power users so they could ramp up as a company. They will not do that again because they are going to increase their focus on China and India. NFC payments essentially don't exist in China or India, dual sims are prevalent, and most people can't afford an iPhone.

OnePlus is designing "premium" phones for their local market at the top end of the local price scale, not cheap phones for the US. With the One there was overlap, now there isn't.
 
Last edited:
gorcorps said:
Stupidest thing I've heard of in a while. If there's one material you never want to use in something that gets dropped, it's a ceramic. I don't understand it
Click to expand...

some ceramics are extreamly durable. however they prod didn't use those

the IP4 or 5 used ceramics on the back side as well
 
EightySix Four said:
You missed my point. The One targeted the nerds/power users so they could ramp up as a company. They will not do that again because they are going to increase their focus on China and India. NFC payments essentially don't exist in China or India, dual sims are prevalent, and most people can't afford an iPhone.

OnePlus is designing "premium" phones for their local market at the top end of the local price scale, not cheap phones for the US. With the One there was overlap, now there isn't.
Click to expand...

OK, I see what you are saying. That they are One and done as far as the US is concerned. Maybe. I think it's a loser strategy, because US reviews are what creates the global product and brand image, and with lacking specs, they are getting bad PR.
 
senseamp said:
OK, I see what you are saying. That they are One and done as far as the US is concerned. Maybe. I think it's a loser strategy, because US reviews are what creates the global product and brand image, and with lacking specs, they are getting bad PR.
Click to expand...

In the US. Friends in India tell me that the OPO and OP2 are pretty common now. It's pretty easy to cut through the bad US based PR when you're in a country with a larger population that has its own gadget community.
 
Manufacturers treat them like a stepchild, they have a hard time getting basic parts because their price is/was disruptive.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top