OnePlus Ace 3 review
In a bid to keep up with the competition, OnePlus has launched its latest mid-range offering, the Ace 3, powered by the Snapdragon Agent 2 processor. The phone's design may look familiar, but it boasts some notable upgrades over its predecessor. With a focus on delivering a smoother gaming experience and improved display quality, the Ace 3 seems to have taken inspiration from other brands in the same price range. But does it finally deliver what we've been expecting? Let's dive in and find out.
Build Quality and Design
The OnePlus Ace 3 boasts an impressive build quality that rivals its price point. The phone's design is clean and minimalist, with a subtle curvature to the rear panel. While it may not be the most visually stunning device on the market, it exudes a sense of premium-ness that's hard to ignore. One aspect where the Ace 3 falls short is its camera design. The circular module at the back looks like a repeat of previous OnePlus designs, and it's starting to feel like a tired trope. I understand that innovation isn't always feasible in this price range, but a refreshed look would have been welcome. It's worth noting that even some flagship devices from other brands, including the iPhone, have adopted similar camera module designs. In terms of build quality, the Ace 3 is solid and sturdy. The frame is not made of metal, which might be a cost-cutting measure to keep prices in check. However, it doesn't detract significantly from the overall experience. The phone's weight and dimensions are similar to its predecessors, making it feel comfortable to hold. OnePlus has also dropped some features that were present on previous models, such as wireless charging, IP68 water resistance, and a USB-C 3.0 port. These omissions might be seen as compromises for the price point, but they're not deal-breakers. Overall, the Ace 3's build quality and design are satisfactory, if not particularly exciting.
Battery Life
In an era where battery life often takes a backseat in mid-range devices, the OnePlus Ace 3 surprisingly stands out with its impressive power credentials. The phone boasts a massive 5,500mAh battery, which is rare to find in this price segment. This large capacity allows for extended use without needing to be plugged in. OnePlus has managed to strike a perfect balance between high charging power and battery capacity. With a 100W fast charger included, the phone can be quickly topped up, minimizing downtime. The Ace 3's battery life is truly exceptional, making it the king of battery life in its price range. Compared to other devices like the Redmi K70, IO Neo 9, and OnePlus' own Ace 2 Pro, the Ace 3 offers significantly longer battery life. This is a testament to OnePlus' dedication to delivering top-notch power performance even in their mid-range offerings. While the phone's design and camera capabilities are notable, its outstanding battery life is a major selling point for those who value uninterrupted usage. The Ace 3 is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a reliable device with a long-lasting battery.
Display
The OnePlus Ace 3 boasts an impressive display that is sure to catch the eye. The screen panel is identical to the one found in the Realme GT5 Pro, with a claimed peak brightness of 4,500 nits. While it may not have the highest refresh rate compared to its competitor, it still delivers impressive results. In bright light conditions, the full-screen brightness reaches an astonishing 1,600 nits, while the manual maximum brightness can reach 800 nits. The display also features LTPo (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide) technology, Gorilla Victus 2 glass, and various eye-protecting features. These technologies work in tandem to provide a superior viewing experience that is unmatched by other phones in its price range. One notable mention is the deeming strategy, which is also employed on the OnePlus Ace 3. This feature helps reduce power consumption while maintaining an optimal display performance. Compared to the Redmi K70 and Vivo Neo 9, the OnePlus Ace 3's display is a significant improvement, offering sharper and smoother visuals that are a testament to its exceptional quality. In terms of gaming performance, the OnePlus Ace 3 delivers impressive results, thanks in part to its support for Super Resolution and Frame Interpolation. This means that all games can be played at 1200p and 120Hz, providing an unparalleled level of smoothness and clarity. While there may be some slight lag and increased latency, it is a minor trade-off for the exceptional gaming experience on offer. Overall, the display on the OnePlus Ace 3 is a standout feature that sets it apart from its competitors. With its impressive peak brightness, LTPo technology, and various eye-protecting features, this phone's screen is sure to delight even the most discerning user.
Camera
The camera on the OnePlus Ace 3 is a letdown, given the overall quality of this mid-range phone. While it's not terrible, it falls short of expectations in several areas. The main camera uses the IMX 685 sensor, which has been featured in other OnePlus phones like the Reno Neo 9 and Redmi K70. The results are decent, with good exposure and color accuracy. However, there are some limitations to be aware of. For instance, excessive HDR can make highlight areas look unnatural. Additionally, manual adjustment of exposure or compensation may be necessary to achieve the desired effect. One notable issue is the performance of the macro camera. It's poor in terms of image quality and plagued by bugs. In one test shot, the left side of the photo was greenish, while the right side was reddish - an unusual and undesirable result. This camera's ineptitude makes it nearly unusable. The ultra-wide-angle camera is also subpar, with inadequate clarity even in well-lit conditions. It's essentially unworkable in dark environments. Surprisingly, OnePlus has given up on this camera, rendering it useless in Pro mode. Given the emphasis on taking high-quality photos, it's disappointing that these two cameras haven't received more attention and improvement. While the main camera performs adequately, its limitations are too great to ignore. The macro and ultra-wide-angle cameras are sorely lacking, making them difficult to use. If you're looking for a phone with exceptional camera capabilities, the OnePlus Ace 3 might not be the best choice. Despite some positive aspects of this camera system, these issues prevent it from being truly excellent. The camera on the OnePlus Ace 3 is average at best. While there are some redeeming qualities to the main camera, the macro and ultra-wide-angle cameras fall far short of expectations. To reach its full potential, this phone needs significant improvement in these areas. As it stands, the camera system is a letdown in an otherwise capable phone.
Price and Value
The OnePlus Ace 3 is a mid-range smartphone that has caught my attention with its impressive specs and features. While it may not be the most expensive device in its category, it offers exceptional value for money. Priced around [insert price], the Ace 3 is a great option for those looking for a powerful phone without breaking the bank. Compared to other devices in the same range, such as the Redmi K70 and Realme GT5 Pro, the Ace 3 seems to be at an advantage. One of the standout features of the Ace 3 is its display. The 6.7-inch screen offers excellent brightness, with a manual maximum brightness of up to 800 nits. Additionally, it features LTPo, Corning Gorilla Victus 2, and eye protection features, making it a great option for users who want a good viewing experience. The camera performance is also impressive, especially the main camera, which uses an IMX A90 sensor. It delivers good photos with high saturation and exposure, although there may be some issues with HDR in certain lighting conditions. However, the ultra-wide and macro cameras are not as strong, with the former being less clear even in good light, and the latter being seriously buggy. Despite this, the main camera is more than capable of taking decent photos. In terms of battery life, the Ace 3 has a large 5,500mAh battery that supports high charging power without sacrificing capacity. This makes it an excellent option for users who want a phone with good battery life. Overall, I believe that the OnePlus Ace 3 offers great value for its price. While it may not be perfect, its impressive specs and features make it a solid choice for anyone looking for a mid-range smartphone.
Performance
The OnePlus Ace 3 is the latest addition to the company's mid-range lineup, and it's equipped with the popular Snapdragon Agent 2 processor. Last year's flexibip processors are now being used in mid-range phones, making everyone happy with their performance at an affordable price. In terms of performance, the OnePlus Ace 3 delivers a seamless experience. The smartphone can handle demanding tasks like gaming without breaking a sweat. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the phone didn't exhibit any lag or throttling issues, even during intense gaming sessions. One of the biggest surprises for me was the gaming section, where the phone outperformed its competitors in its price range. With support for super resolution and frame interpolation, all games can be played at 1200p and 120Hz, delivering a sharper and smoother gaming experience. Although this feature increases power consumption slightly, it's an acceptable trade-off. Benchmark tests reveal that the OnePlus Ace 3 holds its own against other phones in its price range. The processor is efficient, and the phone's cooling system does a good job of managing temperatures, even during prolonged use. Overall, I'm impressed with the performance of the OnePlus Ace 3. It's a well-rounded device that can handle both everyday tasks and demanding applications like gaming. While there are some areas where it falls short (like its camera capabilities), its performance is certainly one of its strengths. If you're in the market for a mid-range smartphone, the OnePlus Ace 3 should definitely be on your list.
Pros
1. The A3's display panel is the same as a Realme GT5 Pro, with a window Peak brightness of 4,500 nit and a full screen brightness that can reach 1,600 nits.
2. The phone has a long-lasting battery life, making it the king of bettery life in its price range, thanks to its 5,500mAh battery and high charging power of 100W.
3. The A3's main camera uses the IMX586 sensor and performs well, with good photos taken at both 23mm and 56mm focal lengths.
4. The phone supports super resolution and frame interpolation in all games, allowing for sharper and smoother gaming experiences.
Cons
1. The macro camera is poor in image quality and has serious bugs, such as greenish or reddish tint on one side of the photo.
2. The ultra-wide camera is not good, lacking clarity even in bright light conditions and getting worse in low-light situations.
3. The phone's design is similar to other models, including the use of a flash-like ambient light sensor on the front panel.
4. Some features, such as wireless charging and IP68 rating, are missing from the A3.