As expected, OnePlus has announced a range of new TVs and the 55U1 is particularly stunning and although it’s the television you probably want to buy but there’s bad news.
Sadly, the wait goes on for a OnePlus TV that’s available in the UK or US. The new 55U1, which follows on from the Q1 series, is launching in India.
OnePlus TV 55U1 price
It’s particularly interesting because the OnePlus 55U1 costs ₹49,999 in India which converts to around £535 or US$670 – so it would compete with the big names in the TV market such as Samsung, LG and Sony.
Furthermore, OnePlus announced two new Y-series models that are both smaller and cheaper for those with space and/or budget issues. The 43Y1 is ₹22,999 (£250 or US$310) and the even more compact 31Y1 is just ₹12,999 (£140 or US$175).
We’re sure OnePlus would get a lot of interest in the UK with these TVs so fingers crossed things change in the future, because here’s what you could get.
OnePlus Cinematic Display
We know OnePlus puts excellent displays on its smartphones and the 55U1 is no exception. A TV is mostly about the screen, after all.
It’s a 55in 4K panel with support for a range of HDR standards for starters – HDR10, HDR10+, HLG and Dolby Vision.
OnePlus then boasts that it can achieve 93% of the DCI-P3 colour gamut range which is used in cinema. For context, even the RU8000 and X850G can only manage 90.17% and 90.72% respectively.
The Gamma Engine then handles all sorts of things including dynamic contrast, noise reduction, anti-aliasing and colour space mapping. It has nine different picture modes including vivid, eye protection, film, sport and photo.
Burdenless Design
OnePlus has also brought design language from the flagship Q series including a 95% screen-to-body ratio, thin bezels and a frame that’s machined from a single piece of aluminium coming in at just 6.9mm thick.
At the back, the 55U1 sports an alloy complete with carbon fibre with no visible screws so it’s probably the nicest bit of tech design you’ll almost never see.
The ports are also hidden behind a cover and OnePlus has managed to fit in four speakers with Dolby Atmos support, too.
OnePlus Connect
Possibly even more interesting is the software on offer here as it’s not just standard Android TV. Like its phones, the firm adds extra value with its OnePlus Connect software.
This largely hinges around using your phone as a remote for the 55U1 including a sort of trackpad for navigation and keyboard for much faster text input.
You can also do handy things like screenshot what’s on the TV and the volume will automatically drop down if you receive a phone call.
You might think this is reserved for OnePlus phones like the 8 and 8 Pro , but the firm says you can do all this on an iPhone if you like. You can also connect up to five phones at the same time.
There’s also some useful features built into the TV such as a Kids Mode which lets you limit usage and a new Data Saver Plus which can set limits and send you alerts about usage.
Author: Chris Martin, Managing Editor, Tech Advisor
Tech Advisor Managing Editor Chris got his break as a reporter at infamous site The Inquirer and has been with us for more than 12 years. With a BA degree in Music Technology, audio is his specialism, but over the years he has reviewed all kinds of gadgets, from smartwatches to mesh Wi-Fi to coffee machines.
Recent stories by Chris Martin:
- What is Raylo? Phone and tech subscription explained
- The Pixel Tablet just got a new lease of life, but it could be bad news too
- Confirmed: BBC shows are coming to YouTube for free
