OnePlus Ace 2 review
The OnePlus Ace 2 presents itself as a worthy successor to the OnePlus 11, with an impressive sub-flagship price tag of just $401 in China. This device is essentially the global version of the H2, boasting identical specs except for different RAM and ROM capacities. With its new design and upgraded performance, the Ace 2 appears poised to reclaim its status as a flagship killer. But does it live up to expectations?
Build Quality and Design
The OnePlus Ace 2 boasts a design that's unmistakably related to the OnePlus 11. If you're fond of the latter's design, you'll likely appreciate the former's as well. Notable changes include the removal of the Hasselblad logo, which some may view as an improvement in terms of aesthetics. The lens module is also said to look better without the branding. One significant change from metal to plastic frames has occurred, although the weight remains relatively unchanged. This alteration is partly responsible for the device's lower price point. A more notable redesign aspect is the fingerprint area being positioned further down on the phone. A redeeming feature of the Ace 2 design is that it retains the alert slider and IR blaster, which some users may find appealing. The color options are also varied, with the blue version being a personal preference over the green OnePlus 11 model. The frosted back panel has been observed to be less prone to fingerprint smudges. Overall, while the design of the Ace 2 might not be particularly impressive compared to other flagships, it still manages to meet expectations and is certainly above average. The phone's focus on performance is well-documented, with a powerful Snapdragon Plus Gen1 processor that provides seamless gaming experiences, at least when playing games in high-performance mode.
Battery Life
In my previous review of the OnePlus 11, I gave it a good rating for being a worthwhile device, but noted that its price might be out of reach for many users. However, with the release of the OnePlus Ace 2 (also known as the OnePlus H2), things have changed. Priced at just $401 in China, this device offers impressive specs and features at an affordable price. One aspect where the OnePlus Ace 2 impresses is its battery life. While not outstanding, it's almost identical to that of the OnePlus 11, which is a good thing considering the lower price point. Both devices offer average battery life, with the OnePlus Ace 2 taking around 25 minutes to fully charge via 100W fast charging. While this might not be the most impressive feature, it's reassuring to know that the battery life hasn't been compromised in favor of cost-cutting measures. The similarity in battery performance between the two devices suggests that OnePlus has managed to balance affordability with functionality. Overall, the OnePlus Ace 2's battery life is decent, but not exceptional. However, when combined with its other features and competitive pricing, it makes for a compelling package. If you're looking for an affordable device with respectable specs, the OnePlus Ace 2 is worth considering.
Display
The display on the OnePlus Ace 2 is a notable improvement over its predecessor, the OnePlus 11. The phone boasts a 1240p screen from Tema, which comes with improved specifications compared to the 11's Samsung E4 panel. One of the standout features of the new display is its ability to operate at high frequencies. When enabled in developer mode, it can run at up to 360Hz, and even reach 1044hz at lower brightness levels. Additionally, the daily touch sampling rate has been increased to 125hz, with a maximum gaming speed of 375Hertz. While these numbers may not seem impressive compared to some other flagship devices, such as the Redmi K60, they are still a significant upgrade from the OnePlus 11. Furthermore, the display's performance is more consistent and reliable than its predecessor, making it a welcome change for users who value a smooth viewing experience. In terms of actual use, the display on the Ace 2 performs well in everyday tasks such as browsing and watching videos. However, when pushed to its limits with demanding games or high-intensity video content, it can struggle to maintain a consistent frame rate. Overall, while not perfect, the display on the OnePlus Ace 2 is an improvement over the OnePlus 11 and offers a good viewing experience for most users.
Camera
The camera system of the OnePlus Ace 2 is one of its standout features. It boasts the same IMX A90 sensor as the OnePlus 11, which is a good sensor even without the help of Hasselblad's watermark. The results are impressive, with photos taken by both phones showing minimal difference. One notable aspect of the main camera on the Ace 2 is its ability to take high-quality photos even when using the 2x crop feature. This is comparable to the optical 2x lens found on the OnePlus 11. However, the ultra-wide camera is a different story. While it performs well in bright lighting conditions, it struggles with noise and decreased sharpness in low-light scenarios. The Ace 2's ultra-wide camera also lacks support for 4K video recording, whereas the main camera can shoot up to 4K at 60fps. This makes it less desirable compared to other cameras on the market. Additionally, the dynamic range of the ultra-wide camera is not as impressive as that of the OnePlus 11. The overall performance of the Ace 2's camera system is good but not outstanding. While it may be comparable to some mid-range devices, it lags behind flagships in terms of image quality and features. However, for those who are looking for a budget-friendly option without sacrificing too much in camera performance, the OnePlus Ace 2's camera may still hold appeal. The lack of support for AK video on the ultra-wide camera is also worth noting. This omission may be seen as a compromise to keep costs low, but it does take away from the overall package. Nevertheless, the main camera remains one of the strengths of the OnePlus Ace 2, making it a decent choice for those who value photography capabilities in their smartphone.
Price and Value
The OnePlus Ace 2 is an intriguing device that has garnered attention for its affordable price tag. At just $401 in China for the base model with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage, it's hard to ignore the value proposition this phone presents. OnePlus' recent shift back to Oppo's color OS hasn't dampened our enthusiasm for the brand, and the Ace 2 is a testament to that. While it may not be a powerhouse in terms of performance, its gaming capabilities are adequate, making it suitable for casual gamers. The camera system, on the other hand, impresses with its ability to take excellent photos using the same IMX A90 sensor as the OnePlus 11. The design, while not particularly impressive, is still above par, and the Frosted back panel's fingerprint resistance is a welcome feature. However, it's essential to note that the phone's performance doesn't quite live up to its potential, with high temperatures and average gaming performance being notable drawbacks. In terms of value, the Ace 2 is an excellent option for those on a budget. While it may not be as powerful as some other flagships in the market, its price point makes it a compelling choice for those who want a capable device without breaking the bank. Additionally, with a more affordable price tag comes the ability to experiment with different color options and design choices. For those willing to look beyond the brand's previous reputation, the OnePlus Ace 2 is an excellent option for those seeking a reliable phone that won't burn a hole in their pocket. While it may not be perfect, its value proposition makes it hard to ignore, especially considering the price difference compared to other flagships in the market.
Performance
The OnePlus Ace 2 is a performance-centric device that boasts impressive specs, but how well does it execute? In this review, we'll delve into the performance aspects of this phone. Firstly, the Ace 2 is powered by the enormous Snapdragon A+ Gen1 processor, which is slightly stronger than the downclocked A+ G1 version used in the Redmi K60. This results in smoother execution and better overall performance. However, the phone's cooling system seems to be a letdown, with temperatures spiking when running demanding games or applications. In our tests, we observed average or even poorer performance when playing games in high-performance mode. The CPU throttling tester results also indicated that the cooling system is not as effective as claimed by OnePlus. While gaming performance is decent, it's only at an average level of 8+ GM1 form. One notable feature of the Ace 2 is its frame insertion mode for games, although this comes with many limitations. Most of the games that can be enabled in frame insertion mode are Chinese titles, and once temperatures become too high, this mode is disabled altogether. The auto-steady frames mode is a redeeming feature that does improve gaming experience by stabilizing the frame rate, but temperature remains a concern. It's worth noting that since OnePlus merged with Oppo, performance has not been as strong as it was previously. If you're looking for a phone with exceptional gaming capabilities, we suggest considering other options like the Agent 2 or gaming-specific phones. In summary, while the Ace 2 excels in specs, its performance is merely average. It's worth mentioning that the device's price has dropped significantly, making it more competitive in the market. However, if you prioritize gaming and smooth execution, there are better alternatives available.
Pros
1. The design of the phone is nice and similar to the OnePlus 11, with a blue color option that looks good.
2. The camera system is impressive, especially the main camera which takes great photos even with a 2x crop.
3. The display is better than the OnePlus 11's, with higher refresh rates and faster touch sampling rates.
4. The phone has a nice performance, using a strong Snapdragon A+ Gen1 processor that handles games smoothly.
5. The battery life is average but not bad, similar to the OnePlus 11.
6. The price of the phone is very cheap, especially considering the features it offers.
7. The camera can record video up to 4K at 60fps, which is a nice feature.
Cons
1. The gaming performance is only average and can get locked at 30 FPS for a while when playing games for more than 20 minutes.
2. The cooling system is not as good as expected, leading to high temperatures during intense gaming sessions.
3. The phone's charging speed has taken a step back compared to the OnePlus 11, with a full charge taking around 25 minutes.
4. The ultra-wide camera has lower clarity and noise control compared to the main camera.
5. The phone does not support AK video recording like some other phones in its class.
6. The display is not as friendly to the eyes as some other phones, especially at lower brightness levels.
7. The phone's design is not particularly impressive or innovative.