OnePlus is a Chinese consumer electronics brand best known for designing and manufacturing smartphones, along with tablets, smartwatches, wireless earbuds, monitors, and other smart devices. Founded in December 2013, the company quickly gained international recognition by offering premium smartphone features at significantly lower prices than traditional flagship devices, earning the nickname “Flagship Killer.” Its global slogan, “Never Settle,” reflects its focus on performance, innovation, and user-centered design. [1]

OnePlus was established in 2013 by Pete Lau and Carl Pei after both left OPPO. Their goal was to create smartphones that delivered flagship performance without the premium price tag. [1]

The company’s first device, the OnePlus One, launched in 2014, featuring top-tier hardware at nearly half the price of competing flagship smartphones. Initially, customers could only purchase it through an invitation system, generating strong demand and a dedicated fan community. [1]

Over time, OnePlus expanded into numerous product categories beyond smartphones, including:

• Tablets

• Smartwatches

• Wireless earbuds

• Mechanical keyboards

• Monitors

• Chargers and accessories

• Smart ecosystem devices

OnePlus is guided by several core values:

• Never Settle – Continuous improvement instead of perfection.

• User Driven – Products are designed based on community feedback.

• Open – Encourages openness toward users and innovation.

• Benfen – A Chinese business philosophy emphasizing responsibility, integrity, and doing the right thing. [1]

Smartphones

OnePlus is primarily known for Android smartphones.

Major series include:

• OnePlus Number Series (Flagships)

• OnePlus R Series

• OnePlus Nord Series

• OnePlus Nord CE Series

• OnePlus Open (Foldable)

Popular models include:

• OnePlus One

• OnePlus 3

• OnePlus 5

• OnePlus 6T

• OnePlus 7 Pro

• OnePlus 8 Series

• OnePlus 9 Series

• OnePlus 10 Series

• OnePlus 11

• OnePlus 12

• OnePlus 13

Tablets

The company also manufactures Android tablets:

• OnePlus Pad

• OnePlus Pad Go

• OnePlus Pad 2

Wearables

Products include:

• OnePlus Watch

• OnePlus Watch 2

• OnePlus Watch 3

• OnePlus Band

Audio Products

OnePlus offers several wireless audio products:

• OnePlus Buds

• OnePlus Buds Pro

• OnePlus Buds Z

• OnePlus Bullets Wireless

Accessories

The company also produces:

• SuperVOOC chargers

• USB-C cables

• Protective cases

• Power banks

• Screen protectors

• Keyboards

• Cooling accessories

Global OnePlus smartphones use OxygenOS, an Android-based operating system known for:

• Clean interface

• Fast performance

• Minimal pre-installed applications

• Extensive customization

• Frequent software updates

In China, devices use ColorOS, developed by OPPO. Since the closer integration of OnePlus and OPPO, the two operating systems share a common codebase while maintaining different user experiences for different markets. [1]

OnePlus products emphasize:

• Premium materials

• Smooth user experience

• High refresh rate displays

• Fast charging technology

• Strong gaming performance

• Minimalistic industrial design

The company has frequently introduced display innovations, such as popularizing 90 Hz and later 120 Hz refresh rates on flagship smartphones. [1]

OnePlus initially focused more on performance than photography, but camera quality became a major investment in later generations.

In 2021, OnePlus partnered with Hasselblad to co-develop smartphone camera systems, introducing improved color calibration and camera software. [1]

OnePlus has been a leader in smartphone charging technologies.

Notable technologies include:

• Dash Charge

• Warp Charge

• SUPERVOOC Charging

Recent flagship devices can charge from nearly empty to full in well under an hour, depending on the model and region. [1]

OnePlus has built one of the most active smartphone communities in the industry.

Community initiatives include:

• OnePlus Community Forums

• Open Ears Forum

• Beta software programs

• Pop-up launch events

• Red Cable Club membership

According to OnePlus, the company has tens of millions of community members worldwide. [1]

OnePlus has collaborated with several brands and organizations, including:

• McLaren

• Hasselblad

• PUBG MOBILE

• International Photography Awards (IPA)

These collaborations have resulted in special-edition devices and enhanced imaging experiences. [1]

OnePlus products have received numerous international recognitions, including:

• Red Dot Design Awards

• iF Design Awards

• Good Design Award

• Best Android Phone awards from multiple technology publications

• BrandZ Top 50 Chinese Global Brand Builders rankings [1]

OnePlus originally became famous as a “Flagship Killer”, offering premium hardware at lower prices than established competitors. As the company matured, it expanded into a broader ecosystem of connected devices and introduced premium flagship models alongside more affordable offerings like the Nord series. [1]

• 2013 – Company founded.

• 2014 – Released the OnePlus One.

• 2017 – Introduced the OnePlus 5.

• 2019 – OnePlus 7 Pro helped popularize 90 Hz smartphone displays.

• 2020 – Launched the Nord series.

• 2021 – Announced partnership with Hasselblad.

• 2023 – Released the first foldable phone, OnePlus Open.

• 2024–2025 – Expanded its ecosystem with newer flagship phones, tablets, and wearables. [1]

OnePlus positions itself around four central ideas:

• Fast and smooth performance

• Premium design

• Community-driven development

• Continuous innovation under the “Never Settle” philosophy. [1]

1. About OnePlus (NEVER SETTLE)