Tag: oneplus

The OnePlus 8 Pro, released in 2020, marked a significant step for OnePlus as it ventured into the true flagship territory, both in terms of features and pricing. Historically known for offering “flagship killer” devices, with the 8 Pro, OnePlus aimed to compete directly with top-tier smartphones from established brands. Here’s an in-depth review of the OnePlus 8 Pro:

Overview:

Introduced in April 2020, the OnePlus 8 Pro was designed to provide a premium smartphone experience, encompassing advanced display technology, top-tier performance, and a refined design, all while retaining the brand’s ethos of speed and smoothness.

Features:

1. Operating System: Shipped with OxygenOS based on Android 10, upgradable to later versions.
2. Display: 6.78-inch Fluid AMOLED with a resolution of 1440 x 3168 pixels, supporting 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+.
3. Processor: Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865.
4. Memory: Options of 8 GB or 12 GB RAM with 128 GB or 256 GB internal storage (UFS 3.0).
5. Camera: Quad-camera setup with a 48 MP primary sensor, 48 MP ultrawide sensor, 8 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 5 MP “color filter” camera. The front camera is a 16 MP shooter.
6. Battery: 4510 mAh non-removable battery with Warp Charge 30T fast charging and 30W wireless charging.
7. Other Features: In-display fingerprint scanner, IP68 dust/water resistance, 5G connectivity, stereo speakers, and Bluetooth 5.1.

Pros:

1. Display: The 120Hz QHD+ Fluid AMOLED display was among the best in 2020, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and smooth animations.
2. Performance: With the Snapdragon 865 and up to 12 GB RAM, the device delivered top-notch performance, handling everything from daily tasks to intensive gaming with ease.
3. Fast Charging: Both wired and wireless charging were impressively fast, ensuring minimal downtime for users.
4. OxygenOS: OnePlus’ custom skin, OxygenOS, was widely praised for its clean interface, smooth performance, and useful customization options.
5. Build and Design: The device featured a sleek and modern design with a glass back and aluminum frame, emphasizing its premium positioning.

Cons:

1. Price: The OnePlus 8 Pro was significantly more expensive than previous OnePlus devices, moving away from the “flagship killer” pricing strategy.
2. Color Filter Camera: The 5 MP “color filter” camera was seen by many as a gimmick and didn’t add significant value to the overall camera experience.
3. Weight: Due to its large battery and screen size, the device was on the heavier side, which might not be comfortable for all users.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its segment, the OnePlus 8 Pro faced competition from:

• Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra: Offering a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, Snapdragon 865 (or Exynos 990), and a versatile camera setup with 100x “Space Zoom”.
• iPhone 11 Pro Max: With its Super Retina XDR OLED display, Apple A13 Bionic chip, and a triple-camera system.
• Huawei P40 Pro: Featuring an OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, Kirin 990 5G, and a quad-camera setup co-engineered with Leica.

Launch Date:

The OnePlus 8 Pro was announced in April 2020 and became available shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

1. Display Issues: Some early adopters reported issues like green tint and black crush on the display, especially at low brightness. OnePlus addressed these concerns with software updates.
2. Camera Inconsistencies: While the camera was a significant improvement over previous models, it still lagged behind some competitors in terms of consistency and low-light performance.
3. Overheating: A few users reported overheating issues, especially when using the device intensively or during charging.

Conclusion:

The OnePlus 8 Pro was a significant leap for OnePlus, marking its entry into the true flagship segment. While it retained many of the brand’s core strengths, such as a focus on speed, a clean software experience, and fast charging, it also ventured into areas like wireless charging and IP-rated water resistance. For users who value a high-refresh-rate display, fast performance, and a clean Android experience in the premium segment, the OnePlus 8 Pro was a compelling choice. However, its higher price point meant it faced stiff competition from established flagship devices.

Overview:

Launched in 2020, the OnePlus 8 was introduced alongside its more feature-packed sibling, the OnePlus 8 Pro. While the Pro variant was aimed at those seeking the absolute best, the OnePlus 8 was designed for users who wanted a flagship experience without some of the bells and whistles (and the associated price tag).

Features:

1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 10, with OnePlus’s OxygenOS on top.
2. Display: 6.55-inch Fluid AMOLED with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels and a 90Hz refresh rate.
3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865.
4. Memory: Options of 8/12 GB RAM with 128/256 GB internal storage.
5. Camera: Triple rear camera setup – 48 MP primary sensor, 16 MP ultrawide lens, and 2 MP macro sensor. The front camera is a 16 MP shooter.
6. Battery: 4300 mAh non-removable battery with 30W Warp Charge fast charging.
7. Other Features: In-display fingerprint scanner, 5G connectivity, stereo speakers, and UFS 3.0 storage.

Pros:

1. Performance: With the Snapdragon 865 at its heart, the OnePlus 8 delivers smooth and responsive performance across tasks.
2. Display: The 90Hz Fluid AMOLED display offers a smooth scrolling experience, vibrant colors, and deep blacks.
3. Fast Charging: The 30W Warp Charge ensures a quick battery top-up, getting the phone from 0% to about 50% in just 22 minutes.
4. OxygenOS: Known for its clean and bloat-free experience, OxygenOS offers a near-stock Android feel with added customization options.
5. Design: The device boasts a sleek and premium design, with a slim profile and attractive color options.

Cons:

1. Camera Performance: While the camera setup is decent, it might not be on par with other flagship devices, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
2. Lack of Wireless Charging: Unlike the OnePlus 8 Pro, the standard OnePlus 8 does not support wireless charging.
3. No Official IP Rating: While the OnePlus 8 Pro received an official IP rating, the standard OnePlus 8 did not (though it’s built with some water resistance in mind).

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the OnePlus 8 faced competition from:

• Samsung Galaxy S20 FE: Offering a 120Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 865 (or Exynos 990 depending on the region), and a versatile camera setup.
• Xiaomi Mi 10: Featuring a 90Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 865, and a 108 MP primary camera.
• Realme X50 Pro: With its 90Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 865, and 65W fast charging.

Launch Date:

The OnePlus 8 was announced in April 2020.

Common Issues/Problems:

1. Camera Consistency: Some users and reviewers noted that while the camera could produce great shots, it sometimes lacked consistency, especially in low-light scenarios.
2. Lack of Telephoto Lens: Unlike the Pro variant, the OnePlus 8 missed out on a telephoto lens, limiting its zoom capabilities.
3. Battery Life: While the battery life was generally good, the 90Hz display could drain the battery faster under heavy usage.

Conclusion:

The OnePlus 8 is a solid offering in the flagship segment, especially for users who prioritize performance and a clean software experience. With its high-refresh-rate display, reliable performance, and fast charging, it provides a balanced smartphone experience for its price. While there are certain areas where compromises are evident, such as the camera performance and lack of wireless charging, the overall package is compelling for those seeking a balance between features, performance, and price. For users who want a flagship experience without breaking the bank, the OnePlus 8 remains a strong contender in the segment.

The OnePlus 7 was a continuation of OnePlus’s strategy to offer flagship-level specifications at a relatively more affordable price. Building on the foundation of the OnePlus 6T, the OnePlus 7 brought in several improvements. Here’s an in-depth review of the OnePlus 7:

Overview:

Introduced in late 2019, the OnePlus 7T built upon the foundation set by the OnePlus 7, offering several enhancements and features that were previously exclusive to the Pro variant. Positioned as a premium mid-range device, the 7T aimed to provide flagship-level performance and features at a competitive price point.

Features:

1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 10, overlaid with OnePlus’s OxygenOS 10.
2. Display: 6.55-inch Fluid AMOLED with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, supporting a 90Hz refresh rate.
3. Processor: Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855+.
4. Memory: 8 GB RAM with options of 128 GB or 256 GB internal storage (UFS 3.0).
5. Camera: Triple rear camera setup – 48 MP primary sensor, 12 MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom, and a 16 MP ultrawide sensor. A 16 MP front camera.
6. Battery: 3800 mAh non-removable battery with Warp Charge 30T fast charging.
7. Other Features: In-display fingerprint scanner, stereo speakers, and an aluminum frame.

Pros:

1. Performance: The Snapdragon 855+ chipset, combined with OxygenOS, ensured top-tier performance, suitable for everything from daily tasks to intensive gaming.
2. Display: The 90Hz Fluid AMOLED display provided a smooth and immersive experience, with vibrant colors and deep blacks.
3. Fast Charging: Warp Charge 30T offered rapid charging capabilities, allowing for a significant battery boost in a short amount of time.
4. Camera Capabilities: The versatile camera setup allowed for a range of photography options, from ultrawide shots to portrait mode.
5. OxygenOS: Known for its near-stock experience, speed, and customization features, OxygenOS was a highlight for many users.

Cons:

1. No Wireless Charging: Despite its premium positioning, the 7T lacked wireless charging capabilities.
2. No Official IP Rating: While OnePlus claimed the device had some water resistance, it lacked an official IP rating.
3. No Expandable Storage: The 7T did not feature a microSD card slot for storage expansion.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2019, the OnePlus 7T faced competition from various flagship and mid-range devices:

• Samsung Galaxy S10: Samsung’s early 2019 flagship with its Dynamic AMOLED display, versatile camera system, and One UI software.
• iPhone 11: Apple’s more affordable flagship offering with its A13 Bionic chip and iOS ecosystem.
• Asus ROG Phone II: A gaming-centric phone with a 120Hz display, Snapdragon 855+ chipset, and a massive battery.

Launch Date:

The OnePlus 7T was announced in September 2019 and released in October 2019.

Common Issues/Problems:

1. Camera Consistency: While the camera hardware was impressive, some users felt that the post-processing could be inconsistent, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
2. Battery Life: While the battery life was generally decent, the combination of the 90Hz display and powerful chipset could lead to faster drain under heavy use.
3. Brightness Levels: Some users reported that the auto-brightness setting was not always accurate, leading to a need for manual adjustments.

Conclusion:

The OnePlus 7T was a testament to OnePlus’s strategy of offering high-end specifications and features at a competitive price point. It successfully combined many of the features and qualities that users loved about OnePlus devices, such as the display and software experience, while making necessary improvements over its predecessor. The device was well-received and further solidified OnePlus’s reputation for delivering value-packed devices in the premium mid-range segment.

Overview:

Launched in mid-2019, the OnePlus 7 was introduced alongside its more feature-packed sibling, the OnePlus 7 Pro. While the Pro variant garnered more attention due to its unique features, the OnePlus 7 offered a balanced package for those who wanted a high-end experience without the highest price tag.

Features:

• Operating System: Shipped with Android 9.0 Pie with OnePlus’s OxygenOS skin, later upgradeable.
• Display: 6.41-inch Optic AMOLED capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, retaining the waterdrop notch.
• Processor: Qualcomm SDM855 Snapdragon 855 Octa-core.
• Memory: Options of 6/8 GB RAM with 128/256 GB internal storage (UFS 3.0).
• Camera: Dual rear camera setup – 48 MP primary sensor with OIS and a 5 MP depth sensor. A 16 MP front camera.
• Battery: 3700 mAh non-removable battery with OnePlus’s fast “Warp Charge” technology.
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, and GPS.
• Other Features: In-display fingerprint scanner, stereo speakers, USB Type-C, and Face Unlock.

Pros:

• Performance Boost: With the Snapdragon 855 chipset and UFS 3.0 storage, the OnePlus 7 offered a significant performance boost over its predecessor.
• Camera Improvements: The 48 MP primary sensor provided detailed shots, and the inclusion of OIS improved low-light photography and video stability.
• Stereo Speakers: The addition of stereo speakers enhanced the audio experience for media consumption.
• Value for Money: Despite the improvements, the OnePlus 7 was priced competitively, offering great value.

Cons:

• No 3.5mm Jack: Like the 6T, the OnePlus 7 continued to omit the headphone jack.
• No Wireless Charging: The device still lacked wireless charging, a feature present in many other flagships.
• No Official IP Rating: While there were claims of water resistance, the device did not have an official IP rating.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2019, the OnePlus 7 faced competition from various devices:

• Samsung Galaxy S10e: Samsung’s more compact and affordable variant of its flagship lineup, offering a dynamic AMOLED display and a wide-angle camera.
• Google Pixel 3a: Known for its camera capabilities and pure Android experience at a mid-range price.
• Asus Zenfone 6: With its unique flip camera mechanism and massive battery.

Launch Date:

The OnePlus 7 was announced in May 2019 and released in June 2019.

Common Issues/Problems:

• Camera Software: While the hardware was improved, some users felt the camera software needed refinements, especially in terms of color accuracy and HDR processing.
• Lack of Some “Pro” Features: Some users wished for features present in the OnePlus 7 Pro, like the 90Hz display, to be in the standard variant.
• Vibration Motor: While improved from previous models, the haptic feedback was still considered inferior to some competitors.

Conclusion:

The OnePlus 7 was a strategic offering from OnePlus, catering to users who wanted flagship performance without all the bells and whistles (and associated costs) of the Pro variant. With its enhanced performance, improved camera, and the beloved OxygenOS experience, it was a compelling choice in the premium segment. While it had areas of improvement, the OnePlus 7 continued the brand’s legacy of challenging flagship norms and offering value-packed devices.