Ever since the 5T launched in 2017, for me, OnePlus phones have always been the best Android phones.
A near-stock Android operating system, solid camera, and sleek designs at mid-range prices have helped build a loyal OnePlus fanbase.
But over the years, the price of each new version has increased little by little as OnePlus has moved from the flagship side to try to offer a more “premium“, and this is exemplified by the new OnePlus 10 Pro at 909 $.
Now that Samsung sells most Android flagships in the US, it’s a hard-to-break-in market that doesn’t benefit from one-size-fits-all pricing like in the mid-range.
So is the OnePlus 10 Pro competent? How does it compare to the Samsung Galaxy S22? Here are three reasons why you should consider the OnePlus 10 Pro as your next phone (and one really compelling reason why not).
Advantage 1: OxygenOS
While I can understand the appeal of Stock Android as presented by Google Pixel devices, it was never for me. I’ve always enjoyed seeing what other manufacturers are doing to personalize and differentiate themselves from others, sometimes successfully and sometimes not.
Traditionally, OnePlus’ custom OxygenOS, now at version 12, has always seemed like a beefed-up version of Stock Android, with thoughtful extras and simple design tweaks.
For people disappointed by the decisions Google has made regarding Pixel phones over the years, I’ve always singled out OnePlus as an obvious alternative.
On the other hand, Samsung has a history of failing operating systems. For anyone who’s already fed up, OnePlus phones are a breath of fresh air.
OxygenOS has almost always been my favorite Android variant and one of the main reasons I love using OnePlus phones.
With OxygenOS 12, OnePlus merged its codebase with ColorOS, from its parent company Oppo, and gave it an update.
It’s funny because while OxygenOS has generally been my favorite, ColorOS has been one of my least favorite versions of Android, so I was a bit surprised by the changes.
Luckily, the tweaks mostly focus on the design and not on deep changes to the features and characteristics of the operating system.
Sure, the launcher, app icons, and settings menu all have a new look, but things like customization options, navigation features, and notification shade usability are still there, so for most, I’m happy.
Although I think I’ve lost the deep love I had for OxygenOS, it’s still a fantastic version of Android.
Pro 2: camera system
In the beginning, it was always the camera systems that made OnePlus devices not considered flagships and also lagged behind other mid-range options.
Over time, OnePlus has attempted to address these shortcomings with a Equipment smart and important updates Software who helped bring it to the prices charged for mobiles.
The camera is no longer the biggest caveat when recommending a OnePlus phone. Recently, OnePlus partnered with professional camera maker Hasselblad (which made the first cameras used on the moon landing missions) to bring its unique expertise to Series 9 phones, and now Series phones. 10.
Last year’s camera didn’t show any substantial improvement despite its deals with Hasselblad, but it did at least signal OnePlus’ commitment to building a better camera system.
It also doesn’t feel like a big jump in performance over the OnePlus 10 Pro, but rather a continuation of the same improvements.
The biggest updates concern the monsters photography like me. The main one is the support for 10-bit color processing (only available in HEIF format) which greatly increases the amount of color reproduction.
Another improvement is the second generation Pro mode, which offers improved capabilities for RAW files and easier to use control options.
The final major feature for photography enthusiasts is the ability to switch to the full 150-degree field of view on the ultra-wide lens, which offers fun shooting options.
So while it’s not one of the best cameras you can get in a smartphoneI think the OnePlus 10 Pro’s system lives up to its entry price, and that’s a weak point in an otherwise excellent phone.
OnePlus has said its partnership with Hasselblad is a multi-year deal, so we expect it to make continued and even more substantial improvements.
Pro 3: Specifications
One of OnePlus’ claims was to be able to use the latest and greatest specs and processing in a mid-range device.
This trend continues with the 10 Pro, which boasts top specs like a second-gen LTPO display, Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, 5,000mAh battery capable of wired charging up to 65W, and more. Moreover.
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 January 1
- RAM: 8GB LPDDR5
- Storage: 128 GB UFS 3.1
- Battery: 5000mAh
- Screen: 6.7″ AMOLED (3216 × 1440, 120Hz)
- Main camera: 48 MP (f/1.8, Sony IMX780, OIS)
- Ultra wide angle: 50 MP (f/2.2, Samsung ISOCELL JN1)
- Telephoto: 8 MP (f/2.4, OIS)
Since last year’s OnePlus 9 Pro, we’ve really liked the new display and the 10 Pro only improves on that aspect, again making it one of the standout features.
OnePlus tells me that it has implemented a dual-color calibration technique to better maintain accurate color and contrast across the full range of brightness levels. This was a big issue on previous flagships because on some of the darker settings colors were resolved differently and blacks were squashed resulting in an awful experience.
This hasn’t been a big concern lately, but it’s good to know that companies continue to improve in this area. OnePlus also mentioned that this second-gen panel is capable of producing 50% more accurate colors than the previous screen, but I couldn’t tell much difference. He still looks fantastic to me.
Most of these specs are in line with other flagship phones in the market and I think the phone lacks nothing. It’s fast, the battery can last all day and recharge quickly, and the screen is a feast for the eyes.
Cons: The competition
So while I think the OnePlus 10 Pro is a great phone that’s definitely worth considering, it does have one downside: the competition.
Because OnePlus has decided to step up to the big leagues and try to compete as a flagship, the competition is fierce. Yes, while the OnePlus 10 Pro is a huge improvement over the 9 Pro and other OnePlus phones that came before it, it’s still one of many.
Samsung has made great strides in strengthening its operating system’s ties with OneUI and has always been at the forefront of design Equipment. Not to mention the fact that Samsung cameras are still among the best and offer some of the best options for photography and video enthusiasts.
And while I personally would never consider an iPhone, others have to make that decision, which isn’t easy at first. Aside from the operating system, there are legitimate reasons why someone might get sucked into the Apple ecosystem, and a OnePlus phone isn’t necessarily the device that will change your mind.
For now, OnePlus phones continue to work primarily for enthusiasts, those Android stalwarts who like to compare specs and operating system differences.
But for the occasional buyer of a smartphoneit’s more likely that it will take more movement from carriers or they can cut prices for it to really catch on and be competitive at the flagship level.
Although I enjoyed using the OnePlus 10 Pro and can easily recommend it to potential buyers, it might be hard to get a lot with such strong competition in the market.
Original article published on PCWorld.com.
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