OnePlus was founded in 2013 by Pete Lau and Carl Pei following their departure from OPPO. Their objective was to produce smartphones that offered flagship-level performance without the associated premium pricing.

The company’s inaugural device, the OnePlus One, was released in 2014. It featured top-tier hardware at nearly half the cost of competing flagship models. Initially, sales were conducted exclusively through an invitation system, a strategy that generated substantial demand and fostered a dedicated community of enthusiasts.1

Over time, OnePlus has diversified its portfolio beyond smartphones to include:

• Tablets
• Smartwatches
• Wireless earbuds
• Mechanical keyboards
• Monitors
• Chargers and accessories
• Smart ecosystem devices

OnePlus operates according to several core values:1

• Never Settle: Prioritising continuous improvement over perfection.
• User Driven: Designing products based on direct community feedback.
• Open: Maintaining transparency with users and encouraging innovation.
• Benfen: A Chinese business philosophy emphasising responsibility, integrity, and doing what is right.

Smartphones

OnePlus is primarily recognised for its Android smartphones. Major product lines include:

• OnePlus Number Series (Flagships)
• OnePlus R Series
• OnePlus Nord Series
• OnePlus Nord CE Series
• OnePlus Open (Foldable)

Notable models across these series include the OnePlus One, OnePlus 3, OnePlus 5, OnePlus 6T, OnePlus 7 Pro, OnePlus 8 Series, OnePlus 9 Series, OnePlus 10 Series, OnePlus 11, OnePlus 12, and OnePlus 13.

Tablets

The company manufactures Android tablets, including:

• OnePlus Pad
• OnePlus Pad Go
• OnePlus Pad 2

Wearables

Wearable products comprise:

• OnePlus Watch
• OnePlus Watch 2
• OnePlus Watch 3
• OnePlus Band

Audio Products

Wireless audio offerings include:

• OnePlus Buds
• OnePlus Buds Pro
• OnePlus Buds Z
• OnePlus Bullets Wireless

Accessories

OnePlus also produces various accessories:

• SuperVOOC chargers
• USB-C cables
• Protective cases
• Power banks
• Screen protectors
• Keyboards
• Cooling accessories

Globally, OnePlus smartphones run on OxygenOS, an Android-based operating system distinguished by its clean interface, fast performance, minimal bloatware, extensive customisation options, and regular software updates.

In China, devices utilise ColorOS, developed by OPPO. Following the deeper integration of OnePlus and OPPO, both operating systems now share a common codebase while retaining distinct user experiences tailored to their respective markets.1

OnePlus products are characterised by:

• Premium materials
• Smooth user experience
• High refresh rate displays
• Fast charging technology
• Strong gaming performance
• Minimalist industrial design

The company has frequently pioneered display innovations, notably popularising 90 Hz and subsequently 120 Hz refresh rates on flagship smartphones.1

While early OnePlus devices prioritised performance over photography, camera quality became a significant focus in later generations. In 2021, OnePlus partnered with Hasselblad to co-develop smartphone camera systems, resulting in improved colour calibration and enhanced camera software.1

OnePlus has been a leader in smartphone charging technologies. Notable proprietary technologies include:

• Dash Charge
• Warp Charge
• SUPERVOOC Charging

Depending on the model and region, recent flagship devices can charge from near-empty to full capacity in well under an hour.1

OnePlus has cultivated one of the most active communities in the smartphone industry. According to the company, it has tens of millions of community members worldwide.1 Key initiatives include:

• OnePlus Community Forums
• Open Ears Forum
• Beta software programmes
• Pop-up launch events
• Red Cable Club membership

OnePlus has partnered with several brands and organisations to produce special-edition devices and enhance imaging capabilities. Partners include:

• McLaren
• Hasselblad
• PUBG MOBILE
• International Photography Awards (IPA)1

OnePlus products have received numerous international accolades, 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 rankings1

OnePlus originally achieved fame as a “Flagship Killer,” offering premium hardware at prices lower 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 such as the Nord series.1

• 2013: Company founded.
• 2014: Released the OnePlus One.
• 2017: Introduced the OnePlus 5.
• 2019: OnePlus 7 Pro helped popularise 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 ecosystem with newer flagship phones, tablets, and wearables.1

OnePlus positions itself around four central pillars:1

• Fast and smooth performance
• Premium design
• Community-driven development
• Continuous innovation under the “Never Settle” philosophy

1. About OnePlus (NEVER SETTLE)