The OnePlus launch event, that we talked about earlier, finally happened and we got to see the much-awaited OnePlus 7T. However, that wasn’t the only thing OnePlus launched. As you may have guessed by the title, we’ll be talking about the OnePlus TV, something unique to come out of a smartphone brand.
For those of you who don’t know, the OnePlus TV isn’t exactly one device. In fact, it’s called the Q1 Series and the top of the line product is the OnePlus TV 55 Q1 Pro. I’ll admit it’s a long name but TVs aren’t exactly known for having simple names so I’ll let that pass. Today, we’ll talk all about the TV 55 Q1 Pro and see how it stacks up against rivals from traditional TV brands.
Design
Starting off with the design, most of you might be disappointed to know that the OnePlus TV Pro looks just like a conventional television. It’s totally natural to expect something unique especially after all the hype but it is what it is. The design is sleek and elegant though, I will admit that. Starting from the front, we have the 55″ display, which isn’t huge by TV standards but is adequate for any modern living room. The bezels are almost non-existent, which is something I appreciate.
Apart from that, there’s nothing else notable on the front. You just have a small OnePlus logo below the display, which makes for a subtle look. Move to the back and you’ll start to see some unique design traits. The back of the TV Pro has a carbon-fiber finish to it, something that’s common in supercars but unseen on consumer televisions. Nevertheless, it does look good and adds positively to the design aesthetics of the device.
Judging by all of this, the OnePlus TV Pro seems more or less like a traditional television. Well, that’s until you switch it on. For when it is in use, the TV Pro extends its soundbar that was previously hidden at the back. It extends lower before moving forwards so that you have front-firing speakers. This is easily my favorite design feature of the TV Pro and I’m glad OnePlus went forth and did that.
The TV Pro, like normal TVs, can either be mounted to a wall or placed on a stand, which the company calls the OnePlus Dock. I personally like the design of the Dock as it has a single pillar attached to the base at one side and the top of the TV on the other. Lastly, the remote. It is simplistic, making it different from regular TV remotes but looks awfully familiar to the remote of the Apple TV.
Specs & Features
Starting with the display of the OnePlus TV Pro, it is a 55″ 3840×2160 (4K) QLED panel. It’s sharp, it’s vibrant, it’s color accurate and is easily one of the best displays in its class. On top of that, it can support HDR10 and HDR1+ content just like its smartphone siblings. Other than that, OnePlus prides itself on it being powered by Gamma Color Magic picture processor and Dolby Vision HDR, which results in crispier visuals.
So the TV Pro has a great display. What about the sound? Well, OnePlus has got you covered over there as well for the top of the line model comes standard with an 8 speaker setup powered by Dolby Atmos. It consists of 4 full-range speakers, 2 tweeters and 2 10W subwoofers. Most of these reside in the sliding soundbar, that we talked about earlier and the total output is 50W.
In my opinion, OnePlus has really nailed the sound aspect as most TVs, even expensive ones, come standard with basic speakers that sound tinny at best. For people buying a completely new setup for their bedroom or small living room, this will render buying a separate home theatre system useless, which is something I admire.
Lastly, let’s talk about the software. As you may have guessed, this is a Smart TV, running on Android TV OS that’s based on Android 9 (Pie). This does result in a familiar user experience so there’s no learning curve to that. Pre-installed apps include OxygenPlay, Prime Video, YouTube, Google Play Movies and so on. Unfortunately, however, the Netflix app doesn’t come pre-installed and you can’t download it from the Play Store, which is a bummer. OnePlus does say that future software updates will fix this. This temporary disadvantage is redeemed by the fact that there’s Chromecast built-in for hassle-free mirroring.
Connectivity
As far as connectivity goes, you have 2.4 GHz/5 GHz 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 BLE right off the bat. Apart from that includes 1 Ethernet Port, 1 RF Connection input, 4 HDMI2 ports that support eARC, 1 AV input (3in1), 1 Digital Audio output, 1 USB2.0, 1 USB3.0, and 1 USB-C port. By the looks of it, OnePlus has got you covered in case you need to connect.
And it doesn’t end there as the TV Pro also comes with a OnePlus Connect feature that allows to wirelessly connect your smartphone to your TV. It allows for easier typing, gesture controls and even sharing of media. By far this is my favorite TV connectivity feature second to none.
Price & Verdict
Unfortunately, the OnePlus TV Pro, for now, is only launched in India. Its price in Indian Rupees is ₹99,900, which converts to around $1400 in the US. If you want to buy one, you’ll either have to wait or hope that someone will ship it to your country. That being said $1400 for a 55″ smart TV does seem a lot. However, this isn’t like any other smart TV. It’s made by a brand that’s known for not compromising on quality and it shows. Also, let’s not forget the 8 speaker setup that comes as standard. For me, that makes up for the cost.