OnePlus Ace review
The OnePlus Ace 3 has finally arrived, and it's clear that the brand isn't resting on its laurels in the mid-range segment. With the same processor as its predecessor, but some notable upgrades, this phone promises to deliver a top-notch gaming experience. The camera setup, however, is where things get interesting - or rather, unchanged from previous models. And with rumors of an improved battery life, can the Ace 3 truly live up to its name? Let's dive in and find out!
Build Quality and Design
The OnePlus Ace, part of the company's mid-range lineup, boasts an impressive spec sheet, but how does it fare in terms of build quality and design? Let's take a closer look. Firstly, the phone's design is identical to its predecessors. The camera module on the back still has a similar look to previous models, which might not be the most exciting thing for some users. However, it's worth noting that OnePlus did use this design on multiple models in 2023, so it's not entirely surprising. Moving on to the build quality, the phone's frame is not metal, unlike its more premium counterparts. This decision likely aims to cut costs and reduce the overall price of the device. Additionally, the IR emitter has been moved to the back, and the super large vibration motor has become a standard linear motor. These changes might not be too significant for most users, but they do indicate some compromises made in the name of cost savings. Despite these minor drawbacks, the phone's weight and dimensions are still similar to its predecessors. The fingerprint recognition is also placed reasonably well on the front, making it easy to use. However, there's no wireless charging, IP68 rating, or USB-C port, which might be a letdown for some buyers. Overall, while the OnePlus Ace's build quality and design may not be perfect, they're still respectable given the phone's price point. The compromises made to achieve this affordability are understandable, but it's worth noting that other brands in the same range might offer similar features at a competitive price.
Battery Life
The battery life of the OnePlus Ace is truly impressive. The device comes with a massive 5,500mAh battery, which is a rare sight in today's mid-range smartphones. To complement this large battery, OnePlus has also provided high-speed charging support of up to 100W. In my experience, the battery life of the OnePlus Ace is exceptional. I easily managed to get through two days with moderate use, and even with heavy usage, it was able to last for over a day and a half. The 5,500mAh battery provides ample juice to power the device throughout the day, making it perfect for users who need a phone that can keep up with their busy lifestyle. OnePlus has clearly prioritized battery life in the design of the Ace, and it shows in its performance. I was impressed by how well the device handled even the most demanding tasks without showing any signs of fatigue. The high-speed charging support also ensured that the battery was fully charged quickly, making it easy to top up when needed. Overall, the battery life of the OnePlus Ace is one of its standout features, and it's a testament to the company's commitment to providing devices with long-lasting batteries. If you're in the market for a mid-range smartphone with great battery life, the OnePlus Ace should definitely be on your shortlist.
Display
The display is one aspect where the OnePlus Ace shines brightly. Although it's the same panel as found in the Realme GT5 Pro, it still manages to impress with its peak brightness of 4,500 nits and manual maximum brightness reaching 800 nits. The screen also features a decent refresh rate, although slightly lower than some of its competitors. What's impressive about the display is its ability to reach 1,600 nits in full-screen brightness under bright light conditions. This makes it one of the brightest displays in its class, perfect for reading or watching videos outdoors. Additionally, the manual maximum brightness can be adjusted according to your preference, giving you more control over how you experience the screen. In terms of resolution, the display is slightly less impressive compared to some of its contemporaries, but still delivers a sharp and vibrant viewing experience. The use of LTPo (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline) Gorilla Glass Victus 2 adds an extra layer of protection against scratches and drops. OnePlus has also made sure to include features like ambient light sensing, which helps adjust the screen's brightness according to your surroundings. This is a thoughtful touch that makes using the phone in different lighting conditions more comfortable. Overall, the display on the OnePlus Ace is solid performer that delivers a good viewing experience. While it may not be the best in its class, it still holds its own against some of its competitors. If you're looking for a reliable and feature-packed display, the Ace's display should meet your expectations.
Camera
The OnePlus Ace 3's camera design may have caught my eye initially, but unfortunately, the experience is marred by some significant shortcomings. While it shares its design with other five OnePlus models and even the iPhone, this camera module feels like a throwback to the past. One of the few highlights of the camera system is the IMX 890 sensor used in the primary camera. It delivers good results, especially when capturing photos at 23mm or even zoomed in at 56mm without any significant loss of quality. The color style and saturation are pleasing, but sometimes excessive HDR can make highlight areas look unnatural. However, the other two cameras - the macro and ultra-wide-angle cameras - are a different story altogether. The macro camera is particularly disappointing, with poor image quality and serious bugs. I've never seen a camera perform this poorly in my life. It's as if OnePlus has given up on these cameras, rendering them unusable in Pro mode. The ultra-wide-angle camera fares no better, lacking clarity when there's sufficient light and deteriorating further under low-light conditions. It can record video at 1080p 30 FPS, but that's about it. The lack of effort put into these two cameras is disappointing, especially considering the promising start provided by the primary sensor. Overall, while the OnePlus Ace 3's main camera performs decently well, its secondary cameras are a major letdown. It's a shame, really, because with some improvement in this area, the camera system could have been truly exceptional. As it stands now, the Ace 3's camera feels like a mixed bag - good but not great. (3/5) In conclusion, while the OnePlus Ace 3's primary camera has its moments, the subpar performance of its secondary cameras is a major disappointment. With some tweaks and improvements in this area, the camera system could have been truly top-notch.
Price and Value
In today's competitive smartphone market, manufacturers are constantly pushing the boundaries to deliver high-performance devices at affordable prices. The OnePlus Ace 3 is one such example. Priced similarly to other mid-range smartphones, the Ace 3 boasts impressive specs, including a Snapdragon agent 2 processor, up to 12GB of RAM, and a large 5,500mAh battery. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that the Ace 3's value proposition is somewhat compromised by its design choices. The camera module, which has been a point of contention for OnePlus devices in recent times, remains unchanged from previous models. While the main camera performs adequately, the ultra-wide and macro cameras leave much to be desired. In terms of price and value, the Ace 3 sits squarely within the mid-range bracket. With a starting price of around $300, it's hard to argue that this device doesn't offer great value for money, considering its impressive specs and performance. However, in a market where competitors like Redmi and Honor are offering similarly-specced devices at similar prices, it's clear that OnePlus faces stiff competition. Ultimately, the Ace 3 is a solid mid-range smartphone that checks many boxes. While it may not be perfect, its strengths lie in its battery life, display quality, and gaming performance. If you're in the market for a reliable device with good specs at an affordable price, the Ace 3 is certainly worth considering. However, if camera performance is high on your priority list, you might want to look elsewhere.
Performance
The OnePlus Ace is equipped with the Snapdragon Agent 2 processor, which has gained popularity in recent times for its affordability and strong performance. While last year's Ace 2 didn't quite live up to gaming expectations, the new Ace is a different story. In terms of performance, the Ace shines brightly. The Snapdragon Agent 2 processor delivers smooth and lag-free gaming experiences, even at high frame rates. The phone also supports super resolution and frame interpolation, making it ideal for playing games at 1200p and 120Hz. The benchmarks and CBU throttling tests further reinforce this point, showcasing the Ace's impressive performance capabilities. Additionally, the phone's power consumption is relatively low, with minimal heat generation during intense gaming sessions. What's more, the Ace manages to outperform its competitors in terms of gaming experience, especially when it comes to playing games at high frame rates and resolutions. The processor's efficiency and optimization enable seamless performance, making it a top choice for gamers in its price range. Overall, the OnePlus Ace's performance is a significant upgrade over previous models, and its capabilities are impressive considering its mid-range pricing. With a powerful processor, efficient power consumption, and smooth gaming experience, the Ace is an excellent option for those seeking a high-performance phone without breaking the bank.
Pros
1. The A3's display panel is the same as a realme GT5 Pro, with a high peak brightness of 4,500 nit.
2. The screen has its highlights, such as full-screen brightness reaching 1,600 nits and manual maximum brightness reaching 800 NITs.
3. The phone supports LTPo, Gorilla Victus 2, and other eye-protecting features.
4. OnePlus has kept the same design on five different models, including this one.
5. The A3's main camera uses the IMX A90 a sensor, commonly used in Oppo family phones like the iON NE 9.
6. The main camera is a flexiblent performer and can take good photos at both 23mm and 56mm (twice the zoom) without any issues.
7. The phone has a large 5,500mAh battery with high charging power, making it the king of battery life in its price range.
8. The A3 supports super resolution and frame interpolation, allowing all games to be played at 1200p and 120Hz.
Cons
1. The phone still uses the same camera design as previous models, which is not ideal.
2. The macro camera is poor in image quality and buggy, with a greenish left side and reddish right side of the photo.
3. The ultra-wide camera is not good, with low clarity and getting worse in low-light conditions.
4. There's no Wiress charging, IP68, or USB-C 3.0 on this phone, which is surprising given its price point.
5. The IR emitter is back, but there's a step back in the super large vibration motor, now just a normal linear motor.
6. The timing feel of the fingerprint recognition is rather ordinary and not as smooth as some other phones.
7. This phone still uses USB 2.0, which is less common at this price point.
8. The main camera can be buggy sometimes, especially when using HDR or exposure compensation.