OnePlus 10T review
The OnePlus 10T is a perfectly fine phone for many people, boasting a decent screen, high-end chip, plenty of RAM, and smooth performance. Cameras are also adequate, and the Oxygen OS has taken on a more Color OS-like tone. The phone's battery life may be slightly compromised with a smaller 4800mAh dual-cell battery, but fast charging at 125W is extremely convenient. However, this phone feels like a departure from OnePlus' identity. Gone is the signature alert slider, replaced by a more generic design that doesn't scream "OnePlus." The camera system has also taken on a more standard approach with a Sony IMX 766 sensor, similar to those found in other mid-range devices. Wireless charging, another feature once associated with OnePlus phones, is now absent. Despite these compromises, the phone's value proposition remains strong, with a price tag of around $600 that puts it squarely in the middle of the smartphone market. At this price point, there are many great alternatives to consider, such as the Zenfone 9, which I recently reviewed and found to be an incredible value. Ultimately, the OnePlus 10T feels like a phone that's been made for a more general audience, rather than adhering to the brand's traditional design language. While it may not feel like a true OnePlus phone to fans of the brand, it still delivers in terms of performance and features.
Build Quality and Design
The OnePlus 10T's build quality and design are a far cry from what we've come to expect from the brand. Gone is the premium feel that once made OnePlus devices stand out in the market. Instead, we're left with a generic, uninspired design that fails to impress. OnePlus has traded its signature premium look for a more utilitarian approach, making the 10T's build quality feel like an afterthought. The device itself feels solid enough, but the materials and craftsmanship are nothing special. It's a phone you can buy without feeling like you're investing in something special. The design is equally unremarkable. Gone is the sleekness and sophistication that once characterized OnePlus devices. Instead, we have a more conventional, uninspired design that fails to grab attention. The 10T's lack of an alert slider – a feature that was once a staple of OnePlus devices – is particularly disappointing. It feels like a deliberate attempt to sacrifice the brand's identity for the sake of blandness. OnePlus has opted for a Sony IMX 766 sensor, a camera setup used in other budget-friendly phones like the Nothing Phone and Zenfone 9. This is not exactly what you'd call innovative or forward-thinking. The result is a device that looks and feels like a lot of other mid-range smartphones on the market. The overall aesthetic of the OnePlus 10T is just...fine. It's a phone that blends into the background, rather than standing out as something special. And that's precisely the point – this phone is designed to be a safe, unremarkable choice for those who want a decent device without breaking the bank. But for fans of the brand, the lack of character and flair will be deeply disappointing. The 10T may tick all the right boxes in terms of performance and features, but its build quality and design are a letdown. It's a phone that feels like an opportunity missed, a chance to create something truly special rather than just another generic device in a crowded market.
Battery Life
The battery life of the OnePlus 10T is one of its redeeming features. The phone boasts a 4,800mAh dual-cell battery, slightly smaller than the 5,000mAh unit in the 10 Pro. However, it charges with Oppo's SuperVOOC technology at an impressive 125 watts. This results in incredibly fast charging times, with the phone going from 0 to 100% in just 20 minutes. I was able to test this feature firsthand and was blown away by its convenience. The phone charged from 0 to 22% in just 30 seconds, reaching 32% after three more minutes of charging. This level of fast charging is unparalleled in the industry, making it a major selling point for those who value convenience. Despite the impressive battery life and charging capabilities, there are some trade-offs. The phone does not come with wireless charging, which may be a drawback for some users. However, for those who prioritize fast charging, this feature will likely outweigh any concerns about wireless charging. Overall, the battery life of the OnePlus 10T is a strong point in its favor. While it may not be perfect, the combination of decent screen time and rapid charging capabilities makes it an attractive option for those looking for a reliable phone with impressive battery performance.
Display
OnePlus 10T Review: A More Generic Display Experience? The OnePlus 10T's display is a more generic affair compared to its predecessor. Gone are the days of high-refresh-rate OLED goodness. Instead, we get a standard LCD panel with a peak brightness of 950 nits. While it still looks crisp and vibrant, it lacks the depth and color accuracy that some users might be accustomed to from other OnePlus devices. It's not bad by any means, but it's just...fine. Not exactly what you'd expect from a flagship phone in this price range. The display resolution remains at 1080p on a 6.7-inch panel, which is sufficient for everyday use, but might feel lacking for those who enjoy watching videos or gaming on their phones. The color gamut is still quite good, covering over 100% of the DCI-P3 space, but it's not as impressive as some of its competitors in this segment. OnePlus' commitment to offering high-refresh-rate displays has been a major selling point for enthusiasts and gamers alike. However, with the 10T, they've opted for a standard 60Hz refresh rate. It's not exactly terrible, but it might feel a bit underwhelming compared to what some other phones have to offer. In terms of overall display quality, the OnePlus 10T is solid, if unremarkable. It won't blow you away with its sheer awesomeness, but it will get the job done for casual use. If you're looking for a more exciting display experience, you might want to consider alternatives in this price range.
Camera
OnePlus 10T Review: A Disappointing Camera Experience The camera is one of the most critical aspects of any smartphone, and unfortunately, the OnePlus 10T falls short in this department. The phone features a Sony IMX766 sensor for the primary camera, which is the same used in the Nothing Phone (1), Zenfone 9, and Rog Phone 6. While this might sound impressive at first, it's actually quite disappointing considering the camera capabilities of these other phones. The OnePlus 10T has a standard camera, an ultra-wide camera, and a 2-megapixel macro camera. The lack of a telephoto lens is particularly noticeable, as it limits the phone's ability to zoom in and capture high-quality shots of distant subjects. This is especially disappointing given that many mid-range phones now offer this feature. The camera interface itself has also undergone some changes, with OnePlus opting for a more generic design. Gone are the custom buttons and features that made their cameras stand out from the crowd. Instead, we're left with a rather bland and unremarkable camera app. In terms of actual performance, the camera is decent at best. Images taken with the primary sensor are often marred by noise and a lack of detail, especially in low-light conditions. The ultra-wide camera struggles to capture sharp images, and the macro camera is essentially unusable. OnePlus has always prided themselves on their camera capabilities, but it's clear that they've been phoning it in with the 10T. While it may not be a complete disaster, the camera experience on this phone is certainly disappointing given its price point. For fans of OnePlus who have grown accustomed to their cameras, this will likely come as a blow. However, for those who are new to the brand or simply looking for a decent mid-range phone, the 10T's camera may not be a deal-breaker. Nevertheless, it's hard to ignore the feeling that OnePlus has settled for mediocrity in this department. Ultimately, the OnePlus 10T's camera is just one aspect of its underwhelming package. While it may still offer some impressive specs and performance, the lackluster camera experience will likely leave many potential buyers considering other options.
Price and Value
The OnePlus 10T is a phone that checks all the right boxes, but does so with a sense of mediocrity that's hard to ignore. Priced at $650, it's clear that OnePlus is aiming for a sweet spot between budget and flagship devices. On paper, the specs look impressive - a high-end chip, plenty of RAM, and a decent screen are all there. And yet, somehow, this phone feels like a rehashing of previous OnePlus models rather than a bold new direction. The problem lies not in what the 10T lacks, but in what it fails to deliver on its promise. With a price point that's increasingly becoming the norm for mid-range devices, one expects something more substantial from a brand that once prided itself on innovation and value. The 4,800mAh battery is slightly smaller than its predecessor's 5,000mAh cell, but does charge at an incredibly fast 125 watts. This is undoubtedly convenient, but it's hard to shake off the feeling that this phone could be more. OnePlus has always emphasized speed and convenience, and in that regard, the 10T delivers. However, with so many other phones on the market offering similar performance at a lower price point, one can't help but wonder if the brand is playing it too safe. Ultimately, the question remains whether or not this phone represents good value for money. For some buyers, the answer will likely be yes - after all, who wouldn't want a decent screen, high-end chip, and rapid charging at $650? But for fans of OnePlus' early promise, the 10T may feel like a missed opportunity to truly innovate.
Performance
The OnePlus 10T is the latest smartphone from the Chinese brand, aiming to compete in the crowded mid-range market. While it may not set the world ablaze with innovation, it delivers a decent performance that's worth mentioning. Under the hood, the 10T packs a high-end chip, plenty of RAM, and a snappy Oxygen OS experience. From my first impressions, the phone feels smooth and responsive, handling everyday tasks with ease. However, whether it can handle more demanding applications remains to be seen. One area where the 10T truly shines is its fast charging capabilities. With Oppo's SuperVooc technology, the phone charges from 0 to 100% in just 20 minutes. This is impressive, to say the least, and a testament to OnePlus' commitment to delivering top-notch charging speeds. In terms of performance, the 10T feels like a polished device that's ready for everyday use. It's unlikely to break any records or push the boundaries of what's possible on a smartphone, but it's not meant to be a powerhouse either. Instead, it's a solid mid-range contender that should appeal to those seeking a reliable and feature-rich device. While I won't call the 10T a "perfectly fine phone" just yet, its performance is undoubtedly decent. It's worth considering for those in search of a hassle-free smartphone experience at an affordable price point (around $650). However, if you're looking for more exciting specs or features, there are other options available that might better suit your needs. Overall, the OnePlus 10T delivers a competent performance that won't disappoint, but it's not likely to surprise either.