Big smartphone launch events are no longer as fun as they used to be. It’s not because they’re all virtual now but because a combination of leaks and sneak peeks has knocked out the surprise element. It’s why when OnePlus unveiled three smartphones and a smartwatch as part of its first big launch event of 2021, it was more confirmation of all the stuff we had already gleaned over the last few weeks. It still doesn’t take the much deserved sheen off these new launches, especially OnePlus’ new partnership with Swedish brand Hasselblad that is all set to boost the OnePlus camera experience.
Top of the tree: the OnePlus 9 Pro is the priciest device (Rs 69,999 for the top-end 12GB/256 GB option) from its stable ever. OnePlus has been touting its partnership with Hasselblad even before the launch. Hasselblad is an iconic brand in the world of professional photography and was used to capture man’s first steps on the moon as part of the Apollo 11 mission. OnePlus has worked closely with the Swedish brand to improve the colour science of the 9 Pro and the OnePlus 9. The rear cam integrates a 48MP Sony IMX789 primary sensor (with OIS and EIS support) that features an f/1.8 lens, a 50MP Sony IMX766 lens with an ultra-wide angle lens, a 2MP monochrome sensor and an 8MP telephoto lens. The other differentiator is the 6.7-inch QHD+ (1440 x 3216 pixels) Fluid 2.0 AMOLED display. This display also features a smart 120Hz feature thanks to LTPO technology. It optimises power consumption by up to 50% by tweaking the refresh rate based on your usage scenarios. (Rs 64,999 onwards)
The popular choice?: the OnePlus 9 might well be the perfect option for most users. Along with the OnePlus 9 Pro, it becomes one of the first smartphones in India to be powered by the best of breed Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor with a choice of 8GB/128GB and 12GB/256GB hardware variants. This device also gets a boost with Hasselblad optics in a triple rear cam set-up that misses out on the telephoto lens that offers zoom photography on the 9 Pro. OnePlus has kitted it with a 6.55-inch full HD+ (1080 x 2400 pixels) Fluid AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The 4500 mAh battery comes with Warp charging – the 65W charger in the box can power the device from 0 to 100% in 29 minutes flat. (Rs 49,999 onwards)
The flagship killer: the OnePlus 9R is a throwback to the OnePlus of the past, devices that were proud to wear the ‘flagship killer’ tag. The 6.5-inch display is similar to the OnePlus 9 and the device features the same 4500 mAh battery as its pricier siblings. While the storage options are similar to the 9 and 9 Pro, this one’s propelled by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 processor. The 9R shares the same selfie (16MP) cam as the other two devices but the quad rear cam does not come with Hasselblad optics. OnePlus has also differentiated all three devices with a varied colour palette. The 9R comes in Carbon Black and Lake Blue, but we’re particularly excited about the Stellar black option on the 9 Pro that features a classic sandstone look that OnePlus fans will remember from the OnePlus One. (Rs 39,999 onwards)
A first for OnePlus: the OnePlus Watch is the brand’s first ever smartwatch and opts for a circular (1.39-inch HD / 454 x 454 pixels) AMOLED display with 2.5D curved glass protection. It boasts of SpO2 monitoring, 110 workout modes, IP68 certification (with 5ATM water resistance) and standalone GPS support. OnePlus die-hards will be keen to check out the watch’s deep integration with the OnePlus gadget ecosystem. It allows you to adjust your OnePlus phone settings from your wrist and can morph into a remote if you own a OnePlus However our favourite feature is the 405 mAh battery with Warp Charge that delivers day-long battery life with a 5-minute charge. (Rs 14,999 onwards)
Visit the OnePlus India website for more details and to pre-order.
