Get a OnePlus One Without an Invite - PC Magazine
The OnePlus One is going invite-free ahead of the upcoming OnePlus 2 launch.
About a year after unveiling its One smartphone, OnePlus is making the handset available without an invitation.
A $299 phone with the features and design of a $650 flagship, the OnePlus One has achieved cult-like status, thanks in part to how difficult it is to buy.
But after a year of limited invitations, the occasional flash pre-sale, and Tuesday-only online sales, the 16GB Silk White ($299) and 64GB Sandstone Black ($349) handset is on sale now to everyone.
"In our first big celebration of the One's successful year, we are opening up sales globally for everyone, every day of the week," OnePlus's Bradon Harwood wrote in a blog post.
"We have always wanted to put great products in the hands of more people," he continued. "And, we now feel confident that we have matured enough to handle the increased complexity that comes along with opening sales completely."
Customers who place an order in the first 24 hours will receive a 75 percent discount on OnePlus flip covers and screen protectors; Bamboo StyleSwap covers are also available, while supplies last.
Keep in mind, however, that promotions run only in the U.S., Canada, the European Union, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.
The OnePlus One boasts specs similar to Samsung's Galaxy S5—5.5-inch screen, 2.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor, 3GB RAM, 16/64GB storage, 3,100mAh battery. But the $300 phone comes unlocked for a lot less than the carrier-free S5.
The company likely wants to clear out any stock of the One before the OnePlus 2 arrives later this year. Like its predecessor, the next-gen smartphone will be available by invite-only at first to help OnePlus manage "the challenges that come along with a brand new product."
"We're committed to maintaining razor-thin margins in order to give as much value as possible back to our users," Harwood said. "And this drastically increases our risk."
Last year, OnePlus told PCMag that the OnePlus 2 will be made from higher-quality materials and cost a little more than its $299 predecessor. A launch date has not been announced.
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