OnePlus Ace 2V review
The latest addition to the OnePlus lineup is making waves in the market with its aggressive pricing and impressive specs. The OnePlus Note 3, previously known as the OnePlus H2v, boasts a high-performance Dimensity 9000 platform, a 6.7-inch AMOLED screen, and a 5000mAh battery. With prices starting at just under $300, this phone is set to shake up the budget segment, threatening established players like Redmi and IQoo. Can it deliver on its promise of exceptional performance without compromising on design? Let's take a closer look.
Build Quality and Design
The OnePlus Ace 2V's build quality and design are noteworthy, particularly considering its price point. The flat body and sharp edges give the phone a refreshing look that may appeal to those who prefer a minimalist aesthetic. I'm particularly fond of the gray variant, which features a uniform color scheme that resembles metal. In contrast to the OnePlus 11R, the Ace 2V's back cover is simpler, with a separate camera module and flashes. While it may have borrowed some design cues from the Oppo Reno 9 series, OnePlus has made some adjustments to make it their own. However, I do wish the mute button was more accessible when holding the phone in one hand. The Ace 2V's thickness is only 8.1mm, and it weighs under 200g, making it a pleasure to hold. Despite its thin profile, the phone packs a 5000mAh battery, which is no doubt a result of careful weight management. While some compromises may have been made in terms of thermal design, this doesn't detract from the overall build quality. The attention to detail is evident even in the packaging, which retains OnePlus's signature style and feel. The accessories provided, including a warranty card, manual, quick guide, and black case, add to the premium experience. Overall, the OnePlus Ace 2V's build quality and design make it an attractive option for those seeking a high-performance phone without breaking the bank.
Battery Life
OnePlus has made a bold statement in the affordable flagship market with their latest offering, the OnePlus Note 3. While this phone excels in many areas, its battery life falls short of expectations. With a 5000mAh power cell and support for up to 80W fast charging, one would expect long-lasting performance from the OnePlus Note 3. However, in my tests, the battery simply didn't last as long as I had hoped. A day's use, including gaming and social media browsing, resulted in a respectable but not outstanding battery life. The issue here is not with the charger, which can replenish the battery to 50% in just 15 minutes. The problem lies with the phone's power management, where it seems to prioritize performance over efficiency. While this approach may be suitable for gaming enthusiasts, it falls short of expectations for those who require a phone that can last throughout the day. If you're not an all-day gamer, the OnePlus Note 3's battery life will still suffice, but it won't impress. In contrast, phones with similar specifications from other manufacturers have managed to squeeze out longer battery life without sacrificing performance. In conclusion, while the OnePlus Note 3 is a strong contender in the affordable flagship market, its battery life could be improved. If you're looking for a phone that can last all day, this might not be the best choice, even with fast charging capabilities.
Display
The display on the OnePlus Note 3 is a true highlight of this device. The phone boasts an impressive 6.7-inch AMOLED screen with a resolution of 1.5K, which is a rare sight in phones at this price point. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the screen, as it features narrow bezels and excellent color accuracy. OnePlus has done an excellent job in using high-quality display technology on their budget-friendly device. The AMOLED panel not only looks great but also provides an immersive viewing experience. The addition of Hyper Response Engine further enhances gaming performance, making it a joy to play games on this phone. The bezels are as narrow as those found on the Xiaomi 13 and iPhone 14, which is quite impressive considering the price tag of the OnePlus Note 3. I was also pleased to see that the display supports high-frequency PWM dimming, ensuring comfortable viewing in various lighting conditions. In terms of brightness, the screen performs admirably, making it easy to use in well-lit environments. The only minor quibble is that the phone's flat body can make it difficult to block fingerprints from smudging the screen, but this is a minor gripe considering the overall display quality. Overall, I'm impressed by the display on the OnePlus Note 3. It's a testament to the manufacturer's focus on delivering value for money and is likely to please users looking for a budget-friendly device with a high-quality display.
Camera
In my latest hands-on experience with the OnePlus Note 3, I was eager to put its camera capabilities to the test. As a follow-up to the OnePlus H2, this device promises to deliver impressive performance at an affordable price point. Let's dive into how well the camera performs in various scenarios. The first thing that struck me about the OnePlus Note 3's camera system is its compact design. Gone are the days of integrated camera modules and separate flashes, which was a trend we saw in some high-end devices recently. In contrast, the Note 3's camera setup is sleek and understated, much like the OnePlus H2. But how does it perform? I put the device through its paces by taking photos in various lighting conditions. Daytime shots yielded impressive results, with good color accuracy and minimal noise. The smaller sensor didn't seem to affect image quality significantly, which was a pleasant surprise. However, things took a turn for the worse when I tried taking photos at night. While the details were still acceptable, the absence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) made it challenging to capture fast-moving objects or complete long exposure shots without a tripod. This was a major disappointment, as many users rely on their smartphones for everyday recording and social sharing. In terms of camera specs, the OnePlus Note 3 has a smaller sensor compared to its predecessor, but the results were still passable. I wouldn't say it's a game-changer in the world of smartphone photography, but it gets the job done for casual users. Overall, while the OnePlus Note 3's camera performance is not exceptional, it's decent enough for everyday use. However, if you're looking to capture high-quality images or are an enthusiast photographer, you might want to look elsewhere. For the average user, this device should suffice, but with some caveats regarding low-light photography. In conclusion, the OnePlus Note 3's camera is a middle-of-the-road affair that won't blow anyone away. However, it's still a solid offering in its price segment, and I'd say it's worth considering for those who prioritize performance over photography.
Price and Value
The OnePlus Note 3 is a remarkable device that brings the price of flagship killers back up to $300, while still offering great design and build quality. At this price point, it's hard to imagine getting a better phone. The device's flat body and sharp frame make it feel premium in hand, and the AMOLED screen with 1.5K resolution is a major highlight. OnePlus has managed to pack impressive specs into the Note 3, including a Dimensity 9000 platform that provides substantial lead in performance compared to other chipsets at its price level. The device also comes with up to 256GB of storage and various memory options, putting pressure on competitors to keep up. While the camera system is not as impressive as the OnePlus 11R, it still meets many people's needs for everyday recording and social sharing. However, the absence of OIS (optical image stabilization) means that capturing fast and moving objects at night can be challenging. The battery life is a bit worse than expected, but the 80W SuperVOOC charging can get the phone to 50% in just 15 minutes. This makes up for some of the battery's shortcomings. Overall, the OnePlus Note 3 offers incredible value at its price point. It provides high performance, great design, and decent camera capabilities, all while being relatively affordable. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise on features, the Note 3 is definitely worth considering.
Performance
The OnePlus Note 3 is a formidable device that packs a punch in terms of performance. Powered by the Dimensity 9000 platform, this phone delivers impressive results in benchmark tests, leaving its competitors like the Dimensity 8100 in its dust. The sheer processing power and efficiency of the Dimensity 9000 platform make it an excellent choice for gaming enthusiasts. In actual gameplay, the OnePlus Note 3 performs admirably, reaching average frame rates of 116 in popular mobile games. However, the device's thermal design seems to be a weak point, causing it to throttle and struggle with maintaining high frame rates when running demanding apps like "Genshin Impact". This results in a disappointing 40 frames per second after just 20 minutes of gaming. While this performance is still acceptable for most gamers, enthusiasts will find themselves disappointed by the phone's inability to maintain high frame rates. It's clear that the OnePlus Note 3 prioritizes performance over battery life, resulting in subpar endurance compared to its predecessors. Despite these caveats, the OnePlus Note 3 remains a powerful device that punches above its weight class. Its impressive display, sleek design, and feature-rich specs make it an attractive option for those seeking a high-performance smartphone at an affordable price point. If you're willing to compromise on battery life, the OnePlus Note 3 is definitely worth considering – just be sure to keep an eye out for overheating issues during intense gaming sessions.