FEATURED  Smartphones  November 18, 2023  Reading time: 3 Minute(s)

Max (RS editor)

Who is behind the success of the visionary company and what is its story? While waiting for the release of the OnePlus 12, let's delve deeper into the topic in this article.

Founded on December 16, 2013, by the dynamic duo of Pete Lau and Carl Pei, OnePlus emerged with a mission to revolutionize the smartphone industry. Their inaugural creation, the OnePlus One, marked the inception of a journey to blend high-end quality with affordability.

The Visionary Leaders: Lau and Pei

Pete Lau, the mastermind behind OnePlus, envisioned a smartphone that balanced premium quality without breaking the bank. Rejecting the status quo, he aimed to deliver an unparalleled user experience. As Lau put it:

"We will never be different just for the sake of being different. Everything done has to improve the actual user experience in day-to-day use."

Strategic Moves and Mid-Range Marvels

The focus and on mid-range devices characterized the whole story of OnePlus. But the turning point has been with a strategic move in 2020. OnePlus disrupted the market with the OnePlus Nord, a mid-range marvel reminiscent of the OnePlus X from 2015. This shift marked the departure of Carl Pei, who ventured to establish the consumer electronics powerhouse, Nothing.

Teaming up with T-Mobile, OnePlus extended its reach and legitimacy, ensuring its devices reach a wider audience. Despite rumors of OnePlus being a subsidiary of Oppo, Pete Lau clarified the company's independence while acknowledging shared resources and manufacturing lines.

The OnePlus Journey Unveiled

Venturing beyond smartphones, OnePlus expanded into wearables with the OnePlus Bullets Wireless, OnePlus Buds, OnePlus Band, and the OnePlus Watch. The foray into smart TVs, exclusively available in India, showcased OnePlus' commitment to diversification.

Product Lineup: Flagship and Nord

OnePlus differentiated itself with two smartphone lines: the flagship "OnePlus" series and the budget-friendly "Nord" series. Boasting OxygenOS or ColorOS, the Android-based operating systems, these phones offered top-notch specs.

Innovations and Alliances: Hasselblad and More

OnePlus' collaboration with Hasselblad in 2021, a $150 million venture, promised advanced camera technology. However, the journey wasn't without controversies, such as the ill-fated "Ladies First" contest that faced backlash for objectification. Other than this with this move OnePlus cemented its strategy of striking commercial agreements with big names, a move that has always proven successful. Given the strategic and commercial importance of phones cameras, having a colossus like Hasselblad as a partner (these are the guys who had their brand and product landing on the moon back in 1969, in case you don't know) is a totally win move. 

2023 and Beyond: A Tech Maverick's Legacy

As of 2023, OnePlus stands tall, offering a diverse lineup of smartphones, wearables, and smart TVs. With Pete Lau's commitment to enhancing user experiences, OnePlus continues to be a force to be reckoned with in the ever-evolving tech landscape.

From the groundbreaking OnePlus One to the diversified product portfolio of 2023, OnePlus has cemented its legacy as a tech maverick. With a focus on innovation, affordability, and user satisfaction, the journey of OnePlus reflects the relentless pursuit of excellence in the competitive world of technology.

(Images by OnePlus)