OnePlus 10T review
The latest addition to the OnePlus family, the 10T, has arrived with a mix of excitement and disappointment. On one hand, it boasts a high-end chip, plenty of RAM, and smooth performance. The battery life is also impressive, thanks to Oppo's SuperVOOC technology. However, this phone also feels like a departure from the brand's identity, lacking an alert slider and featuring generic cameras. As we dive into the review, let's explore whether the 10T's specs and features justify its price point of around $650.
Build Quality and Design
The OnePlus 10T's build quality and design are a mixed bag. On the one hand, the phone feels solid in the hand, with a premium glass sandwich construction that exudes a sense of luxury. The 6.7-inch AMOLED display is vibrant and responsive, making it a pleasure to use. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes apparent that the design has taken a step back from OnePlus' usual standards. Gone is the alert slider, a feature that was once a hallmark of the brand's attention to detail. Its absence leaves the phone feeling somewhat bland and forgettable. The camera module on the rear, while not unattractive, feels like a generic Sony IMX 766 sensor, rather than something truly unique or innovative. It's a similar story with the overall design, which is more akin to a mid-range device than a flagship. The phone's shape and size are undeniably oneplus-esque, but it lacks the je ne sais quoi that once made their devices so distinctive. Furthermore, the use of standard issue camera lenses (a 12-megapixel primary sensor, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide, and a 2-megapixel macro lens) suggests a more utilitarian approach to design. This is not necessarily bad in itself, but it's a far cry from the innovative spirit that once drove OnePlus' product design. Overall, while the OnePlus 10T's build quality is still top-notch, its design feels uninspired and generic. Oneplus fans may be disappointed by this lack of flair, as it suggests a phone that's more focused on being a solid mid-range device than a flagship worth bragging about.
Battery Life
OnePlus 10T's Battery Life Review: A Mixed Bag The OnePlus 10T boasts a 4,800 milliamp hour dual-cell battery, which is slightly smaller than the 5,000 milliamp hours found in its predecessor. However, it now charges with Oppo's SuperVooc technology at an impressive 125 watts. This results in incredibly fast charging speeds, with the phone reaching 100% capacity in just 20 minutes. In my testing, I witnessed firsthand how quickly the battery replenishes. After a mere 30 seconds of charging, the phone jumped from 0 to 22%, and after another three minutes, it reached 32%. This level of convenience is undoubtedly appealing, especially for those who need a quick power boost throughout the day. However, this impressive charging speed comes at the expense of wireless charging. The OnePlus 10T does not support this feature, which might be disappointing for some users who value the added convenience of wirelessly topping up their device. While the battery life itself is decent, the charging experience is truly noteworthy. If you're in the market for a phone with rapid charging capabilities, the OnePlus 10T delivers on that front. Nevertheless, it's essential to consider other aspects of the phone before making a purchase decision.
Display
The OnePlus 10T's display is a mixed bag. On the plus side, it features a high-resolution OLED panel with a decent screen-to-body ratio. The colors are vibrant and accurate, making it suitable for media consumption. However, I found the brightness to be somewhat lacking in direct sunlight. One notable aspect of the display is its 120Hz refresh rate, which provides a smooth and seamless experience when scrolling through content or playing games. Unfortunately, the display's peak brightness only reaches around 600 nits, which may not be enough for some users who prefer a more vibrant display in bright environments. The display also features a relatively small notch at the top, housing the selfie camera and various sensors. While it's not the most obtrusive design, I found it to be somewhat distracting when watching videos or gaming. In terms of display quality, the OnePlus 10T delivers decent results. The OLED panel provides good contrast ratios, and the color accuracy is on par with other flagship displays. However, it doesn't quite match the standards set by some of its competitors, such as the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra or the Google Pixel 7 Pro. Overall, the display on the OnePlus 10T is adequate for everyday use but may not be the best option for those who prioritize a high-brightness display in direct sunlight. While it's not a major drawback, it's something to consider when weighing up the pros and cons of this device.
Camera
The camera is an essential aspect of any smartphone, and in the case of the OnePlus 10T, it's a feature that fails to impress. The phone boasts a Sony IMX 766 sensor for the primary camera, which has been used in several other devices such as the Nothing Phone and Zenfone 9. While this may sound impressive at first, it's actually a step down from the camera systems found in previous OnePlus flagships. One of the most notable omissions is the telephoto lens, which was present in the OnePlus 10 Pro. This means that users will have to rely on digital zoom or the ultra-wide camera for more detailed shots, but these options are far from ideal. The macro camera has also been upgraded to a 2-megapixel sensor, but its quality is questionable at best. The primary camera itself takes decent photos, but it's nothing special. It struggles in low-light conditions, and the colors can sometimes appear unnatural or over-saturated. In bright lighting, the images are better, but they still lack the level of detail and nuance that one would expect from a high-end smartphone. OnePlus has also opted for a more generic approach with the camera software, which is now almost indistinguishable from other Android devices. Gone are the days of bespoke camera features like Nightscape or UltraShot; instead, users will have to rely on standard Android camera settings. Overall, the camera experience on the OnePlus 10T is underwhelming and disappointing. While it may be sufficient for casual use, serious photographers will find themselves wanting more from their smartphone's camera system. With so many great camera phones available at this price point, the OnePlus 10T struggles to stand out in a crowded market. In terms of camera specifications, here are some key points: * Primary camera: Sony IMX 766 sensor (12 megapixels) * Ultra-wide camera: 12 megapixels * Macro camera: 2 megapixels While these specs may look impressive on paper, the real-world performance is somewhat different. If you're a serious photographer or just want the best possible camera experience from your smartphone, there are better options available than the OnePlus 10T.
Price and Value
The OnePlus 10T has arrived with a price tag that's likely to spark debate among enthusiasts. Priced at $649, the phone finds itself in a crowded market where competitors offer similar features for less. In terms of value, the 10T feels like a product that's more about meeting expectations than exceeding them. With a starting price that edges into flagship territory, one might expect exceptional performance, camera capabilities, and innovative design. However, the 10T falls short in these areas, instead offering a solid but unremarkable package. The battery life is indeed a highlight, with fast charging abilities rivaling those of its peers. Still, it's worth noting that the device doesn't come equipped with wireless charging, a feature one might expect at this price point. OnePlus' decision to ditch the alert slider also stings, particularly for fans who've followed the brand's evolution and associated that design element with their identity. It's a move that feels like a retreat from the uniqueness that once set OnePlus apart. In a market where similar phones from Zenfone, Nothing, and others offer competitive features at lower price points, the 10T struggles to justify its premium status. For those seeking a reliable smartphone experience without breaking the bank, alternatives are plentiful. Ultimately, the value proposition of the OnePlus 10T hinges on one's perception of what defines a "good" phone. If you're willing to overlook its shortcomings and appreciate the phone for what it is – a solid device with decent performance – then the 10T might not be a bad choice. However, for those who've come to expect more from OnePlus, this iteration feels like a step backward in terms of value.
Performance
The OnePlus 10T's performance is its most compelling feature, but also its most generic point. The device boasts a high-end chip, plenty of RAM, and smooth performance, making it a perfectly fine phone for many users. However, this is not particularly surprising or exciting given the numerous options available in the market. Under the hood, the 10T runs on a familiar combination: a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, paired with up to 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage. This setup delivers fast performance and efficient multitasking, making it suitable for demanding tasks like gaming and content creation. The phone also handles everyday tasks with ease, providing a seamless user experience. OnePlus' OxygenOS has always been praised for its clean design and timely updates. However, in recent years, the OS has started to feel more like ColorOS than ever before. This shift towards a more generic interface is likely to please fans of vanilla Android but may disappoint those who have grown accustomed to OnePlus' distinct flavor. In terms of performance, the 10T checks all the right boxes. It offers excellent performance, efficient battery life, and fast charging capabilities. The phone's peak charging speed of 125W is particularly impressive, making it one of the fastest-charging phones on the market. However, this convenience comes at the cost of wireless charging, which some users may find disappointing. Overall, the OnePlus 10T's performance is its most redeeming feature, but it also feels like a safe bet rather than a bold statement from the company. Fans of OnePlus will likely appreciate the phone's smooth performance and efficient battery life, but those looking for something more innovative or exciting might want to consider other options in the market.
Pros
1. Decent screen high-end chip lots of ram pretty smooth performance
2. Decent cameras and an oxygen os that's more like color os than ever before
3. Gets four years of software updates
4. Crazy fast 125 watts charging with oppo's supervooc technology
5. Battery life is fine, despite being slightly smaller than the 10 Pro
Cons
1. No wireless charging available
2. Removed alert slider which is a departure from OnePlus' identity
3. Camera setup is more generic, using a Sony IMX 766 sensor
4. Smaller battery size compared to previous model (4,800mAh vs 5,000mAh)
5. More generic design and features overall