OnePlus now manufactures monitors, and the 27-inch model appears to be passable.
- OnePlus launches its first monitors, the E24 and X27.
- The X27 is a higher-end model with a QHD display and 165Hz refresh rate.
- The E24 is a budget model with a Full HD resolution and 75Hz refresh rate.
- The Z27 will go on sale in India on December 15 for ₹27,999.
OnePlus used to introduce two phones a year with the finest possible hardware and software configuration. This strategy was laser-focused. All of that has passed, and the OnePlus of today is a whole different animal.
With the release of the Q1 Pro in 2019, OnePlus entered the TV market. At the time of its release, it was hailed as the first shot in a massive ecosystem play that would eventually give rise to a number of products. The OnePlus Band and the OnePlus Watch were ultimately released by OnePlus, but they were so poorly received that it really shouldn’t have been a concern. That approach failed in less than a year.
For what it’s worth, the OnePlus Q1 Pro was a decent TV for its day, and the combination of its distinctive design and QLED display meant it did a lot of things right. There were few buyers because it was only available in India and targeted at the high-end market, thus OnePlus switched to the cheap series with ripoff TV versions in the Y series, much as it does now with the Nord portfolio.
OnePlus has resumed its operations with its newest product category, monitors. The manufacturer’s monitors are only available in India, similar to its prior attempts, and it’s doubtful that they would reach other markets. There are two variants available right away: the E24, a 24-inch cheap model, and the X27, a 27-inch device targeted for gamers.
The OnePlus Monitor X27 offers a 27-inch IPS panel with a QHD (2560 x 1440) resolution and goes up to 165Hz refresh. You’ll also find VESA’s DisplayHDR 400 standard bandied about, but that doesn’t amount to much — almost all gaming monitors tout this label, and it doesn’t actually mean that you’ll get HDR here. Local dimming is what makes all the difference, but you don’t get that on the monitor.
Looking at the design, it’s evident that OnePlus went the white label route with the X27, because it is nearly identical to the Xiaomi Mi 2K 27 Gaming Monitor that I’ve used for the last 15 months. The stand has cable management and good tilt/swivel adjustment, and you can pivot the monitor and use it vertically.
At the back, you’ll find one HDMI 2.1 port, one DisplayPort 1.4, and a USB-C port, along with two USB 3.0 connectors and a 2.5mm jack. The USB-C port is interesting as it delivers 65W over the USB PD standard, so you can use it to charge the best OnePlus phones.
You’ll be able to get your hands on the OnePlus Monitor X27 starting December 15 for ₹27,999 ($340), and that’s in line with what other monitors cost in this category. For my money, I’d get the ASUS VG279QM or the VG27AQL1A instead.
There’s also a 24-inch monitor debuting today, and it is a budget-focused model. The E24 has an FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS panel with 75Hz refresh, one HDMI 1.4 port along with one USB-C port with 18W USB PD charging, and a stand that lets you tilt the monitor.
OnePlus itself seems to be embarrassed by this monitor, as it hasn’t shared what it will cost once it goes on sale — you’ll have to wait and find out. But as is the case with the X27, you’re better off going with a more established vendor.
Next up on OnePlus’s launch calendar is a mechanical keyboard (because why not), and I’ll be sharing details of that as soon as it is official.