For the longest time, Android TVs have underdelivered when it comes to the software experience. The panels have become better, audio quality has improved significantly and connectivity options have transformed the TV landscape altogether. But naggingly, the software has continued to underwhelm. And this isn’t just true of the legacy brands that are now embracing smart TVs, it is also the case with brands that tout their software experience as a USP. Thankfully, the OnePlus Y1S Pro changes that. Sure, the headlines will all be about the 4K panel at an irresistible price point – a 43-inch, 4K TV at Rs.29,999. But that is not what makes the OnePlus Y1S Pro really good.
OnePlus has gone ahead and made a TV ‘fast and smooth’. Powered by a 4-core MediaTek A55 processor, 2GB RAM, and Android TV 10 software (OnePlus execs claimed in a media briefing that they were able to make the best use of the hardware with Android TV 10) the Y1S Pro seems very similar to a couple of competing products on paper. But switch it on, and the Y1S Pro delights with how snappy the UI feels. There is no lag or stutter as in a number of other TVs from competitors. Impressively, OnePlus seems to have made strides and I can safely say that this TV is a massive improvement over its predecessors.
There are two skins on offer, stock Android and OnePlus’ OxygenPlay 2.0. I can report that there were no serious performance concerns with either; OxygenPlay did have a few nifty additions though. The remote that you get is fairly standard and has dedicated buttons for Prime Video, Netflix and Disney+ Hotstar.
On the design front, the Y1S Pro is definitely stands out from the competition. Bezels are tiny throughout and the accompanying stands (plastic) also look the part. You get 3x HDMI 2.1 (1x eARC), 2xUSB 2.0 and ethernet ports in addition to dual band Wi-Fi with Bluetooth 5.0. There is support for Chromecast as well as Alexa.
The panel itself is well tuned with great colours and crisp details. It does get plenty bright, but it has to be noted that some competitors do offer panels that go further. That said, I wouldn’t be too worried as the picture quality you get with the Y1S Pro puts it miles ahead of any competition. There is support for HDR10+, HDR10 and HLG, but HDR output isn’t the best. However, at this price point, I wouldn’t hold that against it. The dual speaker setup with 24W and Dolby Audio complements the TV well.
The OnePlus Y1S ticks all the right boxes and then some for a budget Android TV in 2022. With good looks, great picture quality, an unobtrusive software experience and a compelling price point, it is hard to not recommend.
