OnePlus Ace 2V review
OnePlus has recently released two affordable models that pack high performance and competitive prices. The first model is the OnePlus H2, which will be rebranded as the OnePlus 11R in international markets. The second model is the OnePlus Ace 2V (noted as OnePlus Note 3 in the text), a phone that boasts impressive specs at an affordable price. The OnePlus Ace 2V has a flat body design with sharp edges and a cool-looking gray variant, making it feel premium despite its budget-friendly price tag. The phone features a high-quality AMOLED screen with a 1.5K resolution, hyper response engine, and excellent bezel control. It also comes with a Dimensity 9000 platform, which offers impressive performance compared to other chipsets at this price point. In terms of gaming performance, the OnePlus Ace 2V can reach an average frame rate of 116 in popular mobile games, but it tends to throttle when running more demanding titles like "Against the Impact." The phone's camera system is also less impressive than the OnePlus 11R, with a smaller sensor and no OIS support. Despite some drawbacks, the OnePlus Ace 2V offers great value for its price. It has a large battery that supports up to 80W fast charging, although it may not last as long as expected due to the phone's high resolution screen. Overall, the OnePlus Ace 2V is a compelling option for those looking for a budget-friendly phone with impressive performance and features.
Build Quality and Design
The OnePlus Note 3 is a refreshingly flat-bodied phone that stands out in its design language. The grey variant I had the chance to try looks remarkably like a metal material, and the uniform color of the back cover is a nice touch. In comparison to the OnePlus 11R, the camera module on the Note 3 is no longer integrated with the back cover, giving it a more minimalist look. The phone's edges are sharp, and the frame size is flat, making it feel premium in the hand. Although the mute button's location might be a bit far from the thumb when holding the phone in one hand, the overall build quality of the Note 3 is commendable. The 8.1mm thickness and weight control make it easy to hold and use for extended periods. The inclusion of a sharp frame design adds to the phone's visual appeal, but what truly sets it apart is its attention to detail. The packaging, accessories, and even the warranty card all bear a familiar resemblance to OnePlus' signature style. It's clear that they're committed to maintaining their high standards, even in more affordable models. Overall, the OnePlus Note 3 has managed to bring back the price of Flagship Killers down to $300, while still delivering great design and build quality. Whether or not you can find a perfect phone for this price point is subjective, but one thing's for sure – the OnePlus Note 3 certainly makes a strong case for itself in this regard.
Battery Life
OnePlus' recent offerings have been quite impressive, with the Note 3 being no exception. However, when it comes to battery life, this phone falls short of expectations. The Note 3 boasts a 5000mAh battery, which is indeed substantial. However, its performance is marred by the phone's power-hungry display and processor. Despite supporting up to 80W fast charging, the battery doesn't last as long as I had hoped. A full day of moderate use leaves you with around 10-15% juice remaining. In comparison to the OnePlus 10T, which was released last year with a smaller 4700mAh battery, the Note 3's battery life is slightly worse. This might be attributed to the phone's higher-resolution display and more powerful processor. While an external cooler can help alleviate thermal issues during intense gaming sessions, it doesn't excuse the fact that the battery life could be better optimized for everyday use. If you're not a hardcore gamer, the Note 3's battery should still suffice, but for all-day gamers, this might be a concern. It's worth noting that OnePlus has done well in terms of pricing and performance, making the Note 3 an attractive option for those on a budget. However, if battery life is your top priority, you may want to look elsewhere.
Display
The OnePlus Ace 2V has taken the budget-friendly phone market by storm with its impressive specifications and features. One of its standout aspects is its display, which I'll be focusing on in this review. The Ace 2V boasts a stunning 6.7-inch AMOLED screen, making it one of the best displays in its class at this price point. The bezels are incredibly thin, rivaling those found on high-end devices like the Xiaomi 13 and iPhone 14. This level of bezel control and display quality is impressive, especially considering the phone's affordable price tag. The AMOLED screen also features a 1.5K resolution and supports high-frequency PWM dimming, making it perfect for gaming and everyday use. The hyper-response engine enhances the gaming experience, providing smooth and seamless performance. I was pleasantly surprised by the display's performance, which is on par with some of the best mid-range phones available. The screen's color accuracy and brightness are excellent, making it a joy to watch videos or browse through photos. The lack of curved edges on the Ace 2V's screen may not be ideal for everyone, but it does provide a more practical design that blocks fingers from interfering with the touch experience. Overall, I'm thoroughly impressed with the display on the OnePlus Ace 2V. It's a significant upgrade over its predecessors and sets a new standard for budget-friendly phones in terms of display quality. If you're in the market for a phone with an excellent screen, the Ace 2V is definitely worth considering.
Camera
In my latest hands-on experience with the OnePlus Note 3, I was eager to test its camera capabilities against other flagships in the same price segment. While it's no surprise that this budget-friendly device can't match the performance of more expensive models, I was still hoping for some pleasant surprises. Firstly, let's talk about the camera hardware. The Note 3 boasts a smaller sensor on its main camera compared to the OnePlus 11R, which means it lacks optical image stabilization (OIS). This is a significant drawback, especially when capturing fast-moving objects or in low-light conditions. Despite these limitations, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of images taken during the day. The Note 3's main camera can still deliver decent results for everyday recording and social sharing. However, as soon as you venture into nighttime photography, the details begin to suffer. This is not unexpected, given the absence of OIS. But what really gets my goat is the difficulty in capturing sharp images of moving subjects at night without a tripod. The Note 3's camera software simply can't handle this task well, resulting in blurry and unsharp photos. While I wouldn't say the OnePlus Note 3 has a terrible camera, it's definitely not the best in its class. If you're looking for a budget-friendly device with good camera capabilities, there are other options available that might better suit your needs. In conclusion, while the Note 3's camera is not a complete disaster, it's a mixed bag that fails to impress. For everyday recording and social sharing, it'll suffice, but if you're serious about photography, I'd recommend looking elsewhere.
Price and Value
The OnePlus Ace 2V is a remarkable device that defies expectations for its price point. At under $300, this phone delivers performance, design, and build quality that rivals flagship devices. The Ace 2V's competitive pricing strategy has set the bar high for other brands, forcing them to reevaluate their offerings. OnePlus' decision to release the Ace 2V at this price point is a testament to their commitment to delivering value to consumers. This phone is not just a stripped-down version of their flagship models; it's a carefully crafted device that meets the needs of users who want high performance without breaking the bank. The Ace 2V's pricing strategy also shows that OnePlus is willing to disrupt the market and challenge established players. By offering a high-end experience at an affordable price, they're making it difficult for competitors to compete on value. In terms of price and value, the OnePlus Ace 2V is an outstanding choice. It offers a great balance between performance and affordability, making it a compelling option for users who want a flagship-like experience without the hefty price tag. While it may not be perfect in every aspect, the Ace 2V's strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, making it a top pick for anyone looking for a high-value smartphone at an affordable price. Overall, the OnePlus Ace 2V is a significant achievement that sets a new standard for what can be expected from a mid-range device.
Performance
The latest offering from OnePlus, the Note 3, has been making waves in the tech world with its impressive specs and price tag under $300. As a performance enthusiast, I was excited to put this phone through its paces. Firstly, let me commend OnePlus on choosing the Dimensity 9000 platform for this device. This chip is known for its power and efficiency, and it shows in the Note 3's performance. The phone handled demanding tasks like gaming with ease, and even some of the most resource-intensive apps didn't break a sweat. In actual gaming, the Note 3 performed admirably, reaching an average frame rate of 116 in popular mobile games. However, when pushed to its limits, the phone started to throttle, which led to a decrease in performance and a higher temperature. One thing that stood out was the phone's ability to handle demanding tasks like gaming for short periods without overheating. The dimensity platform really holds its own here, keeping the phone's temperatures under control even when running intense games. While not perfect, the Note 3's performance is certainly on par with other devices in this price range. It's a testament to OnePlus' engineering prowess that they've managed to pack so much power into a device at such an affordable price. Overall, I'm impressed with the Note 3's performance, and it's definitely worth considering for anyone looking for a budget-friendly phone that can handle demanding tasks.