OnePlus Ace 2 Pro review

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The OnePlus Ace 2 Pro is a device that feels very similar to its predecessors, with a design that doesn't stray far from the norm. The phone's build quality is great, and the addition of a silicone case and UV-activated stickers are nice touches. However, the lack of significant design changes means it may feel a bit stale. On the bright side, the daily experience has been improved with faster fingerprint recognition and a more responsive vibration motor. The screen on the Ace 2 Pro is a highlight, featuring a high-quality BOE Q9 Plus panel that offers excellent sharpness and supports high-frequency VW gaming. The device's performance is also noteworthy, thanks to its powerful Snapdragon Gen 2 processor. However, it does suffer from overheating during intense usage. Gaming experiences are smooth, with the phone capable of maintaining a frame rate at around 50 FPS in long sessions. The camera on the Ace 2 Pro performs well, with excellent dynamic range and natural colors. The 2x zoom feature also produces acceptable results. However, the ultra-wide camera is somewhat disappointing, lacking clarity. Battery life is good, with the phone lasting about a day on a single charge. Charging power has been upgraded to 150W, allowing for rapid top-ups. Overall, the OnePlus Ace 2 Pro offers solid performance and features at an affordable price. While it may not offer anything groundbreaking in terms of design or innovation, its capabilities make it a viable option for those looking for a reliable smartphone.

Build Quality and Design

The build quality of the OnePlus Ace 2 Pro is great, surpassing that of its predecessor, the K60 Ultra. The phone's design is familiar yet unremarkable, evoking a sense of déjà vu among those who have owned previous OnePlus models. It boasts a nearly identical aesthetic and feel to its predecessors, with a plastic bezel that doesn't contribute to making it lighter or thinner. Measuring approximately 9mm in thickness, the Ace 2 Pro's design is consistent with the brand's typical approach, prioritizing performance over form factor innovation. The volume buttons and alert slider have been swapped, which may take some getting used to for long-time OnePlus users accustomed to their usual placement. One aspect where the Ace 2 Pro does differ from its predecessor is in the materials and construction quality. The phone feels more premium than the K60 Ultra, with a more polished and refined finish that enhances the overall user experience. While there are no surprises in terms of design, this familiarity can be both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it's reassuring for fans to see a consistent visual identity across OnePlus models; on the other, it may not necessarily command attention or justify the price point when compared to other devices on the market. Ultimately, the Ace 2 Pro's build quality and design are solid if unremarkable aspects of the phone. They don't elevate it above its peers in terms of overall appeal but do help to make it a reliable choice for those seeking a high-performance device from a trusted brand.

Battery Life

The battery life of the OnePlus Ace 2 Pro is a significant aspect that deserves attention. With a capacity of 5000mAh, this phone promises to deliver extended usage without needing to recharge. In my experience, the battery life of the Ace 2 Pro is indeed impressive. I was able to use it for an entire day without needing to plug it in, even with moderate to heavy usage. The phone's power efficiency and optimized software ensure that the battery drains slowly, making it a great option for those who rely on their device throughout the day. The charging speed of the Ace 2 Pro is also noteworthy. With support for 150W fast charging, this phone can go from zero to full in under 20 minutes. This level of speed and convenience makes it an attractive feature for users who need to top up quickly. Overall, the battery life of the OnePlus Ace 2 Pro is a significant plus point that sets it apart from other devices in its class. The combination of a large capacity battery and fast charging capabilities make this phone a great option for those who value extended usage and convenience. In comparison to other phones on the market, the Ace 2 Pro's battery life is certainly competitive. While some devices may have slightly longer battery life, the overall experience with the Ace 2 Pro is satisfying and reliable.

Display

The display on the OnePlus Ace 2 Pro is one of its standout features. The screen is a 6.7-inch Boe-made Q9 Plus panel with a resolution of 1240p, which provides an impressive level of sharpness and clarity. It's a notable upgrade over the fhd+ screens found on some other devices in this price range. One feature that caught my attention was the screen's ability to remain operable even when exposed to water. This is not to be confused with IP68 water resistance, which OnePlus does not claim for the Ace 2 Pro. However, it's still a welcome addition for those who might accidentally drop their phone in water. The display also supports high-frequency PWM gaming, and I found it to be one of the better screens available on a smartphone at this price point. The colors are vivid, and the viewing angles are excellent. While not as good as some other flagships, it's still a solid display that won't disappoint users. In terms of performance, the Ace 2 Pro's display holds its own during gaming sessions. I was able to maintain frame rates at around 50 FPS without any major issues, and the phone's cooling system does a decent job of keeping temperatures in check. Overall, the display on the OnePlus Ace 2 Pro is a strong point for the device. While it may not be perfect, it provides an excellent viewing experience that rivals some other flagships. If you're in the market for a new smartphone with a good screen, I'd definitely recommend considering the Ace 2 Pro.

Camera

The OnePlus Ace 2 Pro is the latest addition to the company's mid-range lineup, and I've had the chance to put it through its paces. One of the key features that stood out to me was the camera performance. In terms of the main camera, the Ace 2 Pro performs admirably well. The dynamic range is excellent, and colors are natural without being overly bright. I was also pleased to see that the "Heavy Charming" effect problem seen on previous OnePlus models has been resolved, resulting in more nuanced photos. The level of detail captured by the main camera is impressive, with the ability to produce crisp images even at 2x zoom. When it comes to low-light photography, the Ace 2 Pro performs similarly to daytime shots, which is a notable achievement considering its price point. However, the ultra-wide-angle camera does fall short in terms of clarity. While not catastrophic, it's noticeable and might be a letdown for those who rely heavily on this feature. The camera algorithm on the Ace 2 Pro has been significantly improved compared to previous models, which means most of the time you'll get decent photos without needing to overthink your composition or settings. While there are some minor complaints with the camera setup, overall I'm pleased with the performance of the main camera. The ultra-wide-angle lens is the only area that falls short, but it's not a deal-breaker considering the price and overall experience offered by the OnePlus Ace 2 Pro. In comparison to other mid-range phones on the market, such as the Redmi K60 Ultra, the Ace 2 Pro holds its own. The camera performance is solid, and while there are some minor compromises, it's not a major issue considering the phone's overall value proposition. If you're in the market for a reliable mid-range phone with good camera capabilities, the OnePlus Ace 2 Pro is definitely worth considering.

Price and Value

The OnePlus Ace 2 Pro is priced at $360, which may seem steep for some users. However, when compared to the Redmi K60 Ultra's price, it becomes a more attractive option. The K60 Ultra was initially marketed as a cheaper alternative, but the prices have since converged. At $360, the Ace 2 Pro offers better value than the K60 Ultra in my opinion. While both phones share similarities, the Ace 2 Pro boasts improved performance and features that justify its price point. One notable advantage is the upgraded charging speed, which now reaches 150W, making it quicker to top up your battery. In terms of accessories, the Ace 2 Pro comes with a more comprehensive bundle, including a silicone case, UV-activated glue protection stickers, and a Type-C charger that supports 45W PD QC. These extras add value to an already impressive package. The Redmi K60 Ultra, on the other hand, has seen its prices fluctuate over time, making it harder to pinpoint a precise price point. However, considering both phones' specifications and performance, I believe the Ace 2 Pro offers better overall value. The key takeaway here is that the OnePlus Ace 2 Pro, despite being more expensive than the Redmi K60 Ultra, presents itself as a stronger contender in terms of value. Its faster charging speed, improved performance, and bundled accessories make it an attractive choice for those seeking a premium experience without breaking the bank.

Performance

The performance of the OnePlus Ace 2 Pro is where this phone truly shines. The device boasts the latest Snapdragon Agent 2 processor, which delivers exceptional speed and efficiency. In our tests, the phone demonstrated outstanding benchmark scores, with no signs of anomalies or overheating issues. During long gaming sessions, the Ace 2 Pro maintained a smooth frame rate of around 50 FPS, ensuring a seamless gaming experience. The inclusion of a frame booster feature allows users to boost game performance to up to 120 frames per second through free interpolation. However, this comes at the cost of increased latency and may not apply to all games. The phone's performance is also complemented by its robust charging capabilities, with an upgraded 150-watt charger that can charge the device from 0-100% in under 20 minutes. This speed, combined with a generous 5000mAh battery capacity, ensures that users can enjoy long hours of use without needing to recharge. Overall, the performance of the OnePlus Ace 2 Pro is its strongest selling point. The phone's ability to deliver exceptional speeds and efficiency, combined with its robust charging capabilities and impressive gaming experience, make it an attractive option for those seeking a high-performance device. While there may be minor drawbacks, such as the absence of a telephoto camera and some overheating issues, these do not detract from the overall performance of this phone. In comparison to other options in the market, the Ace 2 Pro holds its own against the likes of the Redmi K60 Ultra. While both devices have their strengths, the Ace 2 Pro's superior performance and charging capabilities make it a compelling choice for those seeking a high-end Android experience.

Pros

1. The phone comes with an impressive set of accessories in the box.

2. The camera performance is exceptional, with excellent dynamic range and natural colors.

3. The phone's charging power has been upgraded to 150W for fast charging.

4. The battery life is good, lasting throughout the day without the need for an additional charge.

Cons

1. The design of the OnePlus Ace 2 Pro is uninspired and unoriginal.

2. The phone's fingerprint recognition has been moved upwards, which may take some getting used to.

3. The phone's screen uses USB 2.0, which can be a pain for those who transfer large files regularly.

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