First OnePlus One 2 rumors point to more customization options, affordable price, and hardware surprises

A "source familiar with the situation" told BusinessInsider that OnePlus is looking to produce more variations of its StyleSwap back covers to make the smartphone further customizable. So far, the only one that was officially available was the Bamboo one, but it was discontinued, with the last remaining stock given away in a contest. Maybe the company will deliver those wood, denim, and Kevlar covers it spoke of.

Price-wise, the anonymous source said OnePlus is aming for a sub-$500 tag, which is still cheaper than what the competition has to offer - outside of China, that is. The company wants to keep its profit margins thin, regardless of the hardware and software features. Speaking of which, the leakster promised "surprises in store when it comes to hardware", but did not spill any details.

By the shape of things, the OnePlus 2 will be another excellent smartphone. Given the company's ambition to sell the latest and greatest hardware in a very design-conscious package at cost, it's safe to say the OnePlus 2 will offer a lot for the money. However, the fallout from its predecessor's ill-conceived marketing schemes, manufacturing and customer support issues, looms over it. Hopefully, OnePlus has learned from its mistakes and amassed enough capital to have the promotion, supply, and quality factors sorted out.

While we're waiting for further produce from the rumor mill, check out these nice concept renderings of the OnePlus 2 by Nikolar Prettner (1) and Jermaine Smit (2, 3, 4, 5, 6). They aren't particularly out there, but might end up close to the real thing.