Moto X Style vs OnePlus 2

OS and interface

There's good news on the operating system front as both handsets come with Android 5.1 Lollipop, meaning they're both up to date with Google's OS.

On screen however there are differences. Motorola has kept the stock Android interface on the Moto X Style, adding just a few of its own features in a subtle manner including lock screen smarts and a handful of applications.

OnePlus has gone further and created its own Android overlay - dubbed Oxygen UI - to coat the OnePlus 2 in. It still bears more than a passing resemblance to Lollipop, but OnePlus has added in extra features and settings which it believes enhances the user experience.

Camera

What's going on in the camera department then? Have corners been cut to help drive the price down? Not really.

The Moto X Style rocks up with an impressive 21MP rear snapper which Motorola is extremely proud of, dubbing it the best mobile snapper in its class - although it didn't go as far as to define what that "class" is.

Moto X Style

The 21MP camera on the Moto X Style

You should be able to take some cracking shots with it, and it's a welcome upgrade over the camera which adorned the 2014 Moto X. There's a treat for selfie fans too as the front facing 5MP camera comes with its own LED flash, allowing you to light you and your friends up like a Christmas tree every time you want to post a gloating photo on Twitter.

The OnePlus 2 is a little more conservative with its camera offering, sticking with a 13MP snapper on the rear and 5MP on the front.

OnePlus has added Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS) to the rear camera, which should reduce camera shake and improve image brightness, but it's not wholly different from its predecessor.

OnePlus 2

The OnePlus 2 sticks with a 13MP rear camera

Battery

The Moto X Style packs in a non-removable 3000mAh battery and Motorola has dubbed it the world's fastest charging smartphone thanks to TurboPower.

That's because it can give you 10 hours use from a 15 minute charge - perfect if you're about to dash out the door and are running low. We'll have to wait and see how the battery holds up day-to-day, but the fast charging feature may be required due to the larger, power-hungry display.

The OnePlus 2 manages to squeeze in an even bigger non-removable battery into a smaller form factor as it boasts a 3300mAh power pack. There's no fast charging option, but with a lower resolution display the hope is it will be kinder on battery.

OnePlus 2

No access to the battery in the OnePlus 2

Of course the heating issues surrounding the Snapdragon 810 processor may cause issues, but you'll have to wait for our full review to find out.

Price and availability

The price tags are the big talking points around these two handsets. The OnePlus 2 arrives in 16GB and 64GB variants priced at $329, £239 (around AU$450) and $389, £289 (around AU$452) respectively.

You'll be able to get your hands on the OnePlus 2 first as its release date is set for August - but you'll need an invite to actually buy one. You can get an invite from someone else who has purchased the handset, or by keeping an eye on the OnePlus social media accounts for invite giveaways.

It means that even though the Moto X Style (X Pure Edition in the US) isn't out until September you may actually find it easier to get hold of.

The SIM-free price tag is set at $399, £359 (around AU$540), making it a little more expensive thanthe OnePlus 2, but still comfortably less than the core flagship opposition.

Moto X Style

The Moto X Style is more expensive than the OnePlus 2

Quick verdict

If you're looking for a flagship smartphone at half the cost then the OnePlus 2 delivers with a cracking combination of features and price.

Its camera isn't as good as the Moto X Style, and Motorola's latest offering also benefits from a water repellent body. Then again the OnePlus 2 has a fingerprint scanner.

In short, both handsets are stuffed full of tech, which should see them easily rub shoulders with the big boys of the mobile market.

Samsung, Sony, HTC, LG and Apple you have been warned - the flagship killers are coming for you.

John McCann
Global Managing Editor

John joined TechRadar over a decade ago as Staff Writer for Phones, and over the years has built up a vast knowledge of the tech industry. He's interviewed CEOs from some of the world's biggest tech firms, visited their HQs and has appeared on live TV and radio, including Sky News, BBC News, BBC World News, Al Jazeera, LBC and BBC Radio 4. Originally specializing in phones, tablets and wearables, John is now TechRadar's resident automotive expert, reviewing the latest and greatest EVs and PHEVs on the market. John also looks after the day-to-day running of the site.