The OnePlus Ace 2 is a worthwhile device that doesn't quite live up to its flagship-killing potential. Priced at just $401 for the base model in China, it's an attractive option, but its performance and camera capabilities don't stand out as much as its predecessors. Design-wise, the Ace 2 has a similar aesthetic to the OnePlus 11, with the most notable change being the removal of the Hasselblad logo. The frame has also changed from metal to plastic, although this hasn't resulted in a significant weight reduction. The alert slider and IR blaster remain, but the new design is somewhat unimpressive. Performance-wise, the Ace 2 uses a strong Snapdragon A1+ Gen1 chip, which provides smooth performance in most cases. However, gaming performance suffers when high-performance mode is enabled, with temperatures soaring and frame rates dropping to as low as 30 FPS. When disabled, temperatures decrease, but frame rates remain average. The camera system is where the Ace 2 shines, with a similar IMX A90 sensor to the OnePlus 11 providing excellent results. However, the ultra-wide camera struggles with dynamic range and noise control. The display has improved over the OnePlus 11, offering higher touch sampling rates and faster PWM switching, although it still lags behind some competitors. Overall, the OnePlus Ace 2 is a solid device that's let down by its performance and gaming capabilities. While it may not be the flagship killer that its predecessors were, it's still an attractive option for those looking for a reliable and feature-packed phone at a budget-friendly price point.
The OnePlus Ace 2, previously known as the H2 in some markets, is a device that boasts a design reminiscent of its predecessor, the OnePlus 11. While the overall aesthetic is unremarkable, it still manages to impress with its build quality. The frame has been changed from metal to plastic, which, while contributing to the phone's lower price point, doesn't significantly alter its weight. One notable change is the absence of the Hasselblad logo on the lens module, which many might see as a plus. Without this branding, the camera setup looks cleaner and less cluttered. The fingerprint area has become more prominent, likely due to cost-cutting measures, but this hasn't detracted from the overall user experience. The use of plastic for the frame is noticeable, especially when compared to the metal design of the OnePlus 11. However, it's worth noting that the weight difference isn't significant, making the Ace 2 feel substantial in your hand. The Frosted back panel is less likely to collect fingerprints, which is a welcome addition. The overall impression of the Ace 2's design is that it's above average but nothing special. It lacks the wow factor that might make one look twice at this device. Still, for those who appreciate clean lines and a solid build, the OnePlus Ace 2 will likely satisfy their expectations. While not exceptional in terms of design, the Ace 2's focus on performance is another story. However, the review of its gaming capabilities is outside the scope of this text.
The OnePlus Ace 2's battery life is nearly identical to that of its predecessor, the OnePlus 11. While neither phone excels in this department, they both fall into the average category. The charging speed has taken a step back, with the Ace 2 taking around 25 minutes to fully charge at 100W. This is not particularly fast, but it's also not slow. Compared to other flagships on the market, the OnePlus Ace 2's battery life and charging speed are somewhat underwhelming. However, considering its lower price point, this may be a trade-off that some users are willing to make. In terms of actual usage, the battery life is decent but not impressive. It gets you through a day with moderate use, but you might need to top up before evening if you're a heavy user. The charging speed is also not particularly fast, so it takes a bit longer than expected to get back to full capacity. Overall, while the OnePlus Ace 2's battery life and charging speed are not its strongest points, they're not deal-breakers either. If you're in the market for a phone with great performance and an impressive camera system at a lower price point, the Ace 2 might be worth considering.
The display on the OnePlus Ace 2 is a notable upgrade over its predecessor, the OnePlus 11. The device boasts a 1240p screen from Tema, which offers better specifications than the OnePlus 11's display. Specifically, the new panel has a higher resolution and improved eye-friendly aspects. One of the standout features of the Ace 2's display is its ability to reach high refresh rates. By enabling the high frequency PWM switch in developer mode, users can enjoy a maximum refresh rate of 360Hz, dropping down to 1044Hz at lower brightness levels. This is significantly better than the OnePlus 11's display. In addition, the daily touch sampling rate on the Ace 2 reaches 125Hz and can go as high as 375Hz during gaming sessions. While this still falls short of some other flagships like the Redmi K60, it's a significant improvement over the OnePlus 11. Overall, I think the display on the OnePlus Ace 2 is a notable upgrade over its predecessor. It's a shame that it can't quite reach the same level as some other devices in terms of refresh rate and sampling rate. Nevertheless, if you're looking for a good screen at an affordable price point, the Ace 2 is definitely worth considering. In comparison to the Redmi K60, the Ace 2's display is still not on par, but it's a step in the right direction. If you value a good display and don't mind sacrificing some gaming performance, the OnePlus Ace 2 might be the perfect choice for you.
The OnePlus Ace 2 boasts an impressive camera setup, and in this review, we'll dive into the details of its performance. The main camera is equipped with the same IMX A90 sensor as the OnePlus 11, a significant upgrade over previous models. The results are outstanding, with photos that rival those taken by the Hasselblad-equipped OnePlus 11. Without the aid of the luxury brand's logo, it's difficult to distinguish between the two cameras' output. Even with the 2x crop feature, the Ace 2 manages to capture images that are nearly identical to the optical 2x lens of the OnePlus 11. However, there is a noticeable difference in performance when using the ultra-wide camera. While the OnePlus 11's ultra-wide lens performs admirably, the Ace 2 struggles with dynamic range and noise control. The resulting photos can appear less sharp and noisier, especially in low-light conditions. It's worth noting that the ultra-wide camera on the Ace 2 only supports 1080p at 30fps, whereas the main camera can shoot up to 4K at 60fps. In terms of video recording, the main camera is capable of capturing smooth footage, but the ultra-wide camera struggles with stabilization and image quality. The dynamic range in night scenes is quite good, but when there's insufficient light, noise becomes more prominent, and sharpness decreases. While the Ace 2's camera system has its strengths and weaknesses, it's clear that OnePlus has prioritized performance over innovation. The results are commendable, especially considering the phone's price point. However, for those seeking exceptional camera capabilities, other options like the Redmi K60 may be worth exploring. Ultimately, the OnePlus Ace 2's camera system is a significant improvement over previous models, but it still lags behind more established flagships in terms of overall quality and versatility. Despite this, it remains an excellent choice for those looking for a reliable and affordable smartphone with impressive camera capabilities.
The OnePlus Ace 2 is an intriguing device that has piqued my interest with its affordable price tag of just $401 for the base model, which is a significant departure from the usual high-end pricing we're accustomed to from OnePlus. This sub-flagship phone is indeed a worthwhile purchase, especially considering the specs it offers. The Ace 2's most notable feature is its price point, which is significantly lower than the OnePlus 11 and other flagship phones on the market. While not everyone can afford a sub-flagship device, the Ace 2 is an attractive option for those who want a high-quality phone without breaking the bank. In terms of value, I'd say the Ace 2 is a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their smartphone experience without overspending. The phone's performance, camera capabilities, and display are all impressive, especially considering its price tag. While it may not be as strong in terms of gaming performance or temperature control, the Ace 2 makes up for these shortcomings with its excellent battery life and charging speed. For fans of OnePlus who want to try out a new device without committing to an expensive flagship phone, the Ace 2 is definitely worth considering. And for those on a budget, this phone offers incredible value for money. Overall, I think the OnePlus Ace 2 is a great option for anyone looking for a high-quality smartphone at an affordable price.
The OnePlus Ace 2 is the latest addition to the brand's lineup, and as expected, it focuses heavily on performance. Powered by the enormous Snapdragon A+ Gen1 chip, which is slightly stronger than the downclocked A+ G1 version found in the Redmi K60, the Ace 2 delivers impressive scores that make gaming run smoothly. In high-performance mode, we noticed an average of 59 FPS while playing Genji, with temperatures reaching particularly high levels. However, switching to standard mode brings lower temperatures and higher frame rates compared to the Redmi K60. Unfortunately, even in this mode, the CPU throttling tester results show that the cooling system is not as effective as claimed. The gaming performance of the Ace 2 is average, similar to the Redmi K60's Gm1 variant. The phone has a "frame insertion" mode for games, but it comes with many limitations, and most supported titles are Chinese ones. Once temperatures become too high, this feature will not be turned on. The only redeeming feature that can genuinely improve your gaming experience is the "auto-steady frames" mode, which stabilizes frame rates significantly after activation. However, temperatures remain high, making it less than ideal for extended gaming sessions. Overall, while the OnePlus Ace 2's performance is solid, it falls short of expectations in terms of gaming prowess, especially considering its price point. If you're serious about gaming, other options like the Redmi K60 or dedicated gaming phones may be more suitable choices.
1. The OnePlus Ace 2 has a great design, with a Frosted back panel that is less likely to collect fingerprints.
2. The phone's performance is strong, thanks to its enormous Snapdragon A+ Gen1 processor.
3. The camera system is impressive, with the main camera using the good Amex A90 sensor and delivering excellent results.
4. The phone has a great display, with a 1240p screen from TEMA that offers better specifications than the OnePlus 11's Samsung E4 panel.
5. The device comes with a long-lasting battery life, which is almost identical to the OnePlus 11.
6. The phone supports auto-steady frames mode, which can really improve your gaming experience and stabilize the frame rate.
7. The camera system allows for up to 4K 60fps video recording, making it suitable for content creators.
8. At a price of just $401 in China for the 12+256 version, the OnePlus Ace 2 is an absolute steal.
1. The phone's gaming performance is not as good as some other flagships, with high temperatures and poor CPU throttling tester results.
2. The camera system lacks a bit of magic in terms of dynamic range, especially at night scenes with insufficient light.
3. The ultra-wide camera on the OnePlus Ace 2 performs less well than the main camera, with decreased sharpness and increased noise.
4. The phone's charging speed has taken a step back from its predecessor, taking 25 minutes for a full charge.
5. Some users might find the design of the OnePlus Ace 2 to be unimpressive compared to other flagships in this price range.