OnePlus 10 Pro: 3 reasons to get it (and 1 reason why most people won’t)

Ever since across the release of the 5T all the best way again in 2017, OnePlus telephones have been my go-to decide for ‘best bang for your buck’ Android cellphone. A near-stock OS, strong digital camera, and modern designs at mid-range costs helped construct a loyal fanbase of OnePlus followers. But over time the fee for every new launch has slowly crept up as OnePlus shifted to the flagship house to attempt to supply a extra ‘premium’ expertise, and that’s exemplified by the newly introduced $899 OnePlus 10 Pro.

With Samsung locking down the vast majority of flagship Android gadgets being offered within the U.S. it’s a troublesome market to get into, and one which doesn’t profit from distinctive pricing like within the mid-range. So does the OnePlus 10 Pro compete? How does it examine to the Samsung’s Galaxy S22 offerings? Here are three the reason why I believe you may wish to take a look at the OnePlus 10 Pro as your subsequent cellphone—and one actually massive purpose why you don’t.

Pro 1: OxygenOS

While I can perceive the enchantment of inventory Android, like what’s featured on Google’s Pixel gadgets, it’s by no means been for me. I’ve at all times loved seeing what different producers do to customise and differentiate themselves from the remaining — typically efficiently, and typically unsuccessfully. Traditionally OnePlus’s customized OxygenOS, now on model 12, has at all times felt like a beefed-up model of inventory Android, with considerate extras and easy design tweaks. I’ve at all times pointed individuals who grew frustrated with Google’s decisions for Pixel phones over time to OnePlus telephones as an apparent improve. On the flip facet, Samsung has had a historical past of bloated working programs. For individuals who grew bored with that, OnePlus telephones are a breath of recent air. OxygenOS has nearly at all times been my favourite variant of Android and one of many main the reason why I take pleasure in utilizing OnePlus telephones.

Adam Patrick Murray/IDG

With OxygenOS 12, OnePlus has merged its code base with ColorOS from it’s guardian firm Oppo and given it an overhaul. It’s humorous as a result of whereas OxygenOS has usually been my favourite, ColorOS has been considered one of my least favourite variations of Android, so I used to be a bit stunned by the modifications current. Luckily, the tweaks principally revolve round design reasonably than deep modifications to performance and OS options. Sure, the launcher, app icons, and settings menu have a brand new look to them, however facets like personalization choices, navigation options, and notification shade usability are nonetheless current so for probably the most half I’m pleased.

While I do suppose I’ve fallen out of the deep love I’ve had with OxygenOS up to now, it’s nonetheless a incredible model of Android.

Pro 2: Camera system

In the early days of OnePlus it was the digital camera programs that at all times lagged significantly behind flagship and different mid-range choices. Over time OnePlus has regarded to rectify these shortcomings with sensible {hardware} and vital software program updates that helped carry it as much as par with the costs they have been charging. No longer was the subpar digital camera the largest caveat for me recommending a OnePlus cellphone. More not too long ago OnePlus has partnered with boutique skilled digital camera maker Hasselblad (who constructed the primary cameras used on the moon touchdown missions) to carry their distinctive experience to the 9- and now 10-series telephones.

Adam Patrick Murray/IDG

Last years digital camera didn’t current a considerable enchancment from its Hasselblad dealings, however did at the least elevate consciousness to OnePlus’s commitments to constructing a greater digital camera system. I’m not seeing an enormous leap in efficiency with the OnePlus 10 Pro both, however reasonably a continuation of the identical enhancements. The largest upgrades are for picture nerds like myself, with the principle one being help for 10-bit shade processing (solely obtainable in HEIF format) which significantly will increase the quantity of shade replica. Another enchancment is a ‘2nd-gen’ Pro Mode that gives enhanced RAW file capabilities and simpler to make use of management choices. The final main picture nerd function is the power to modify to the total 150-degree subject of view on the ultra-wide angle lens, which offers for some enjoyable capturing choices.

Adam Patrick Murray/IDG

So whereas it’s not among the best cameras you will get in a smartphone, I consider the OnePlus 10 Pro’s system matches its entry-level value, and it’s a weak spot in an in any other case nice cellphone. OnePlus has mentioned its partnership with Hasselblad is a multi-year deal, so right here’s to hoping for continued and much more substantial enhancements.

Pro 3: Specs

One of OnePlus’s claims to fame was having the ability to use the newest and best specs and processing in a mid-range gadget. This pattern continues with the 10 Pro, which options high specs like a second-gen LTPO show, Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, a 5000mAh battery able to as much as 65w charging over a wired connection, and far more.

• SoC: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
• RAM: 8GB LPDDR5
• Storage: 128GB UFS 3.1
• Battery: 5,000 mAh
• Display: 6.7″ 3216×1440 120Hz AMOLED
• Main digital camera: 48MP f/1.8 Sony IMX780 w/ OIS
• Ultra-wide digital camera: 50MP f/2.2 Samsung ISOCELL JN1
• Telephoto digital camera: 8MP f/2.4 w/ OIS

In my overview of the OnePlus 9 Pro final yr I famous how a lot I cherished that new display and the 10 Pro solely improves right here, making it but once more one of many standout options. OnePlus tells me that it applied a twin shade calibration method with the intention to higher preserve correct colours and distinction throughout the total vary of brightness ranges. I’ve encountered this enormous drawback in previous flagships the place at a few of the darkest settings colours would resolve in a different way and blacks can be crushed, leading to a horrible expertise. This hasn’t been an enormous concern currently but it surely’s good to know firms are persevering with to enhance on this space. OnePlus additionally talked about this second-gen panel having the ability to current 50 % extra correct colours than the earlier display, however I couldn’t understand an enormous distinction. It nonetheless seems to be incredible to me.

Adam Patrick Murray/IDG

Most of those specs are proper in step with different flagship telephones available on the market and I can’t discover a spot the place I really feel just like the cellphone is missing. It’s quick, it’s capable of final all day and cost shortly, and the display is a deal with for the eyes.

Con: Competition

So whereas I consider the OnePlus 10 Pro is nice cellphone that’s positively value contemplating, it does have one draw back: the competitors. Because OnePlus has determined to maneuver as much as the massive leagues and attempt to compete on the flagship degree it has stiff competitors. Yes, whereas the OnePlus 10 Pro is a pleasant enchancment over the 9 Pro and the opposite OnePlus telephones earlier than it, it’s nonetheless can’t be seen in a vacuum, particularly within the US the place there’s the 800-pound gorilla within the Android room. Samsung has made nice strides to tighten up its OS with OneUI and it’s at all times been on the pinnacle of {hardware} design. Not to say the truth that Samsung cameras constantly go toe-to-toe with the very best there’s and supply a few of the greatest choices for picture and video taking normies. And whereas I personally would by no means contemplate an iPhone, others are having to make that call, which isn’t a simple one to start with. Operating system apart, there are legit the reason why somebody may very well be swayed to the Apple ecosystem and a OnePlus cellphone isn’t the essentially the gadget that may make you cease in your tracks.

Adam Patrick Murray/IDG

For now OnePlus telephones proceed to primarily function contained in the fanatic bubble, the place Android diehards like to match specs and OS variations. But for the informal smartphone purchaser it’s most probably going to take extra service strikes just like the T-Mobile partnership or bringing again the power to undercut the highest canine with a less expensive value to actually get away and compete at a flagship degree. Even although I loved my time utilizing the OnePlus 10 Pro and might simply advocate it to potential patrons, it could be laborious getting too many individuals to chunk with such robust competitors on the market.