The OnePlus 10 Pro already saw the light of day in January this year. Unfortunately, we in the Netherlands missed out and watched from the sidelines the fun that Chinese consumers had with it. Now it is our turn to enjoy.
In this article I will not only explain to you how good the new smartphone is, but also tell you a bit of the story behind it. That OnePlus has been anything but itself in recent years is certain, but is that necessarily a bad thing?
The rise of OnePlus
In 2014 we were first introduced to OnePlus. A good and interesting player that managed to provide relatively cheap smartphones with high-end specifications. Thus, the company was also regularly called the “Flagship-killer”. Companies such as Apple and Samsung could get their act together, because this company could shake up the market just like that.
OnePlus eventually became that which it swore to destroy and is bringing flagships to market itself anno 2022. Not for nothing that the company has exchanged the slogan “Never Settle” for “Fast & Smooth”. Because let’s face it: they are fairly settled. Anno 2022 the company still makes very good phones, but simply not for a very low price.
The 6T in action (Image: WANT)
The new OnePlus 10 Pro
The new OnePlus 10 Pro is available in Volcanic Black and Emerald Forest colors. For 8GB of working memory and 128GB of storage you pay €899 and for 12GB of working memory and 256GB you pay €999. You may not need 12GB of working memory, but think carefully about the storage capacity. This is not expandable with this new model by means of a microSD card.
What the OnePlus 10 Pro does feature is a modified design. This time, the back of the smartphone has a matte finish instead of a shiny one. This not only makes ’em less prone to fingerprints, but you also have a little more grip. Although I must honestly admit that the smartphone is still somewhat slippery.
That doesn’t bother, because the OnePlus 10 Pro is really a pleasure to hold. The matte finish makes you feel like you are wearing a case and the weight is nicely distributed. The smartphone weighs 200 grams, but despite the large camera system it is not top heavy. Something I have really enjoyed in the past week.
Nice display (Image: Mark Hofman / WANT)
A striking camera system
Looking at the back of the OnePlus 10 Pro, you probably notice that camera system right away. In terms of design, it may take some getting used to, but I have to honestly admit that it doesn’t bother me as much as I expected beforehand. This time it is folded around the edge, as it were, and the various components are neatly arranged in a square. It will not be everyone’s taste, but I personally think it looks quite nice.
The OnePlus 10 Pro features a 48-megapixel main camera, 50-megapixel ultra-wide camera and an 8-megapixel telephoto lens. That main camera shoots standard 12-megapixel photos and the telephoto lens delivers 3x optical zoom. Both deliver nice, clear photos that I personally don’t have a whole lot to say about.
Tight in the blue light (Image: Mark Hofman / WANT)
The 50-megapixel ultra-wide camera, however, is a different story. This is the biggest upgrade to the camera system, but has remained pretty much the same in terms of hardware. This time, however, it features three different modes: 112-degree ultra-wide, 150-degree ultra-wide and fisheye. The latter is a nifty addition, where with the first two you really do get a lot in the picture.
Pleasant, but it is a step down from last year. The camera system seems to perform a little less well, which is obviously a bit of a shame.
Second camera system from Hasselblad
The OnePlus 10 Pro also features the second generation Hasselblad camera. This one mainly does its job on the software side of things. You can see that in the OnePlus Billion Color Solutions for 10-bit photography, the new RAW+ feature with Hasselblad Natural Color Solutions and 12-bit photography, and the Master Styles that lets you use the settings of three Hasselblad photographers.
With the Long Exposure function you capture moving objects in a cool way. Think of cars, clouds or light.
Second generation Hasselblad (Image: Mark Hofman / WANT)
Overall, the camera system of the OnePlus 10 Pro performs satisfactorily. You get what you expect from the company, which is therefore less impressive than what you get from Apple or Samsung. The average consumer will undoubtedly get along with this camera system and even learn one or two new tricks.
OPPO’s influence on the OnePlus 10 Pro
Another thing that has changed at OnePlus in recent years is the collaboration with OPPO. The two Chinese companies fall under the same parent company and have been lending features to each other for some time. Now OnePlus, despite operating as an independent party, falls under OPPO.
In return, as a consumer, you get some nice things. Consider, for example, the SuperVOOC technology used to charge the 5000mAh battery. You charge the smartphone with a power of 80W, which simply means that you have a full smartphone within 32 minutes. Are you someone who prefers to charge their smartphone wirelessly? Then it’s good to know that the OnePlus 10 Pro features AirVOOC and charges at a power of 50W. Twice as fast as the iPhone charges wired, without the need for a special accessory. That was still the case with the OnePlus 9 Pro.
Goes well with the black Magic Keyboard! (Image: Mark Hofman / WANT)
In terms of software, by the way, the collaboration is also quite visible. OnePlus wanted to switch to OPPO’s ColorOS, but the community balked at that. This smartphone therefore runs on OxygenOS 12, but it does feature a number of recognizable elements. Think for example of icons, the way the menus are designed and a feature such as Shelf which gives you access to a number of useful widgets.
Personally, I think it’s a pleasant change. The software looks slick and works very quickly. Although I can well imagine that not everyone thinks so.
Display does an excellent job
What everyone will probably feel the same about is the quality of the display. The OnePlus 10 Pro carries with it a 6.7-inch QHD+ display that features LTPO technology. This simply means that the refresh rate of 120Hz does not put too much strain on the battery, where it lasts longer. One and a half days can easily be achieved on a full charge, which I personally like.
In the top left corner is another hole-punch notch with a camera system. That’s the 32-megapixel selfie camera that also got the Hasselblad treatment. You shoot photos with the right Skin Tone and have HB’s accurate color palette.
Enjoyment with the display (Image: Mark Hofman / WANT)
OnePlus 10 Pro: buy it or leave it?
OnePlus has done well to drop “Never Settle. The company has fairly settled down and is building on a successful formula. Yes, that does indeed mean that the smartphone now costs a minimum of €899. But when you look at what you get in return, it really is a good deal. The OnePlus 10 Pro has things well in hand. The smartphone has a lovely display, with a nice camera system and a fast processor. Three things that are just fine, but don’t do a whole lot of special things.
Are you a fan of what OnePlus has to offer and are you totally in love with that impressive battery? Then I can hardly help but recommend that you buy this smartphone. It is without a doubt the best in its price. Are you looking for a phone that offers the best of the best on all fronts? Then it’s time to save up a little more, pull out your wallet and look next door.