The OnePlus 10 Pro 5G: A Solid Upgrade with a Few Caveats
The launch of the OnePlus 10 Pro 5G was a bit different this year. It debuted in China at the beginning of 2022, with a global release following only recently. Unlike the OnePlus 9 series, which included three distinct models, the 10 series currently features only the flagship 10 Pro 5G. While OnePlus is expected to release a more affordable OnePlus 10 and 10R later in the year, for now, the OnePlus 10 Pro 5G stands as the sole representative of this generation. This phone builds upon the foundation laid by the OnePlus 9 Pro, incorporating substantial improvements in design, camera capabilities, and battery life. However, it’s essential to explore both the strengths and weaknesses of the OnePlus 10 Pro 5G to assess whether it truly lives up to its flagship aspirations.
OnePlus 10 Pro 5G Price in India
The OnePlus 10 Pro 5G is available in two configurations in India: 8GB of RAM paired with 128GB of storage, priced at Rs. 66,999, and a top-tier variant with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, costing Rs. 71,999. This represents a slight price increase of approximately Rs. 2,000 over the launch price of the OnePlus 9 Pro. The phone is available in two colors: Volcanic Black and Emerald Forest.
OnePlus 10 Pro 5G Design
The OnePlus 10 Pro 5G features a design that has sparked a fair amount of conversation. The camera module, with its rectangular shape and integrated side frame, evokes a sense of visual distinctiveness, though some have drawn comparisons to a kitchen hob. Personally, I find the design to be a marked improvement over the 9 Pro’s camera module. There’s a clear inspiration drawn from the design language seen in recent Samsung flagships. The Emerald Forest color option, coupled with the matte glass finish, brings to mind the elegance of the OnePlus 8 Pro, which remains a high point in OnePlus’ design history.
The aluminum frame echoes the green shade of the back, albeit with a glossy finish. The alert slider, though positioned slightly higher than in previous models, remains an integral part of the design. While OnePlus has opted for Corning Gorilla Glass 5 on the back and Gorilla Glass Victus for the display, the placement of a ceramic coating over the camera module suggests an effort to mitigate scratches.
The OnePlus 10 Pro 5G is noticeably slimmer than its predecessor (8.55mm), but it’s also heavier, weighing in at 201g. The phone lacks expandable storage and a headphone jack, but it does support two nano-SIM cards.
OnePlus 10 Pro 5G Display
The display on the OnePlus 10 Pro 5G mirror’s the dimensions of its predecessor, boasting the same QHD+ resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and 10-bit color depth. It’s equipped with the necessary certifications for HDR, color accuracy, and low blue light emissions. However, there are notable upgrades to the screen. The OnePlus 10 Pro 5G features a second-generation LTPO AMOLED panel, allowing the refresh rate to drop as low as 1Hz (compared to the 10Hz capability of the previous model). The placement of the in-display fingerprint sensor has also been optimized, leading to easier access and a more user-friendly experience. While the display retains its curved edges, which contribute to the phone’s striking aesthetic, it can hamper one-handed usability.
OnePlus 10 Pro 5G Specifications and Software
The OnePlus 10 Pro 5G utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, a processor that has become synonymous with Android flagships launched in 2022. This high-performance chip is supported by LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage. OnePlus boasts that the 10 Pro 5G’s cooling system is the most advanced to date and is capable of managing the chip’s temperature under heavy loads. A new SLA X-Axis linear haptic motor is touted for its improved responsiveness, enhanced strength, and quieter operation compared to the one found in the OnePlus 9. The 10 Pro 5G also incorporates a significantly expanded set of 5G bands in India – nine in total, in contrast to the mere two supported by the 9 Pro.
With a battery capacity increased to 5,000mAh, the OnePlus 10 Pro 5G now houses a dual-cell battery similar to the 9 series. However, it features 80W SuperVOOC wired charging, a significant leap from the charging speeds of its predecessor. Wireless charging remains consistent at the 50W AirVOOC standard, with reverse wireless charging also supported. The OnePlus 10 Pro 5G is equipped with stereo speakers featuring Dolby Atmos, NFC, Bluetooth 5.2, and Wi-Fi 6.
While the OnePlus 10 Pro 5G sold in the United States, specifically the Verizon version, carries an official IP68 rating, models sold in India and other regions lack this official certification. Nevertheless, these phones still incorporate the same seals and water ingress protections, but the absence of the IP rating remains a point of note.
The OnePlus 10 Pro 5G runs OxygenOS 12.1 based on Android 12. OnePlus continues its tradition of minimizing bloatware in its Android skin, with only essential Google apps and a minimal number of OnePlus apps pre-installed. Hints of Oppo’s ColorOS are present, manifesting in a few familiar features within the camera app and the incorporation of Oppo’s ORoaming feature, which is now found in a sub-menu within the Settings app.
OnePlus Shelf boasts a redesigned look with the latest OxygenOS update. It’s accessible with a swipe-down gesture from the upper right corner of the display, while the standard notification pull-down is conveniently located in the top left. The redesigned widgets within Shelf are aesthetically pleasing and offer customization options. The search box in Shelf now integrates OnePlus Scout, a feature akin to Apple’s Spotlight Search, allowing users to search for apps, phone settings, and web information through a single interface.
OxygenOS 12.1 offers a more granular dark mode menu, providing users with options for Gentle (dark gray), Medium (hazy black) and Enhanced (jet black) to suit their preferences. In addition to these features, the phone benefits from the full suite of Android 12 enhancements. OnePlus has committed to providing three years of Android OS updates and four years of security updates for the OnePlus 10 Pro 5G.
OnePlus 10 Pro 5G Performance and Battery Life
The OnePlus 10 Pro 5G’s size and weight may require some adjustment, especially for users accustomed to smaller devices. If you’re already a user of a large phone, transitioning to the 10 Pro 5G should be relatively seamless. The glossy finish can make the phone slippery, which is where the bundled case comes in handy, providing grip and protection without significantly detracting from the phone’s aesthetic. The in-display fingerprint sensor is notably responsive and reliable, consistently unlocking the phone. Face recognition works admirably in well-lit environments, but struggles in challenging lighting conditions.
The display of the OnePlus 10 Pro 5G delivers an exceptional viewing experience with vibrant colors and sharp clarity. I preferred leaving the resolution set to ‘Auto-select’, allowing the phone to seamlessly switch between full-HD+ and QHD+ based on the type of content displayed. HDR videos looked particularly impressive, and the stereo speakers complemented the viewing experience. While the speaker at the bottom offered a fuller sound compared to the earpiece, I found the stereo effect could have been more balanced.
Benchmark scores on the OnePlus 10 Pro 5G were as expected, exceeding expectations. It achieved a score of 8,31,613 points in AnTuTu and maxed out the 3DMark Slingshot test suites.
The OnePlus 10 Pro 5G handled everyday tasks and basic apps with effortless grace. Even running demanding applications, the phone remained relatively cool for the most part. However, gaming pushed the phone’s limits, particularly with high-end, multiplayer titles. Fortnite, for instance, performed smoothly at the ‘Epic’ graphics preset, but also resulted in significant heating. I noticed a considerable amount of heat on my fingers after brief gaming sessions, especially when the phone was held without a case. Despite the heat, in-game performance was consistent, and gameplay was not adversely affected. The phone’s ability to quickly cool down after switching to a less demanding app or game was appreciated. If you opt for a case, the heat generated will not be a noticeable issue.
The OnePlus 10 Pro 5G’s heating did negatively impact usability during video recording in warm to hot weather conditions. I encountered repeated overheating warnings when recording 4K video clips outdoors during the day. These issues were not present during indoor or nighttime recordings. If the phone overheated while recording, it would continue recording in a low-power state with reduced screen brightness. While photos could be captured during this overheated state, restarting video recording required waiting for the phone to cool down.
Battery life during the review period was consistently impressive. As mentioned previously, I mainly tested the phone with the display resolution set to Auto, leaving the refresh rate at the default 120Hz. With a blend of usage patterns, including significant video watching (approximately six hours of screen-on time), and an active SIM card, the OnePlus 10 Pro 5G’s battery level dropped to only 25 percent by the end of the day. While pushing the display to QHD+ and engaging in intensive gaming may lead to shorter runtime, the majority of users should be satisfied with the battery performance. The phone lasted for nearly 19 hours in our HD video loop test, indicating excellent battery endurance.
Charging the phone is incredibly quick. With the bundled charger, I could charge the OnePlus 10 Pro 5G to 96 percent in just half an hour. The phone also supports other fast charging standards below 80W, with charging speeds hitting 65W when connected to a OnePlus Warp Charge 65T charger and 33W when using a lower-spec Type-C cable with the 80W charger.
OnePlus 10 Pro 5G Cameras
OnePlus continues its partnership with Hasselblad, and all three rear cameras on the OnePlus 10 Pro 5G benefit from what OnePlus terms its second-generation ‘Hasselblad Camera for Mobile’ color science. Although the primary and telephoto camera sensors remain identical to those found in the 9 Pro, the ultra-wide and selfie camera sensors are new.
The ultra-wide camera maintains its 50-megapixel resolution but now relies on a Samsung ISOCELL JN1 sensor. This represents a downsizing compared to the exceptional Sony IMX766 sensor in the 9 Pro, featuring smaller pixels. This downgrade is evident in the specifications. The ultra-wide camera lacks autofocus, eliminating the macro mode present in the 10 Pro 5G. However, the camera boasts an impressive 150-degree field of view, which enables the capture of unique perspectives. OnePlus has finally upgraded the selfie camera on its flagship with a Sony IMX615 sensor. With a higher 32-megapixel resolution, it delivers enhanced detail, yet remains limited to 1080p video recording and a fixed focus with an f/2.4 aperture.
Leading the rear camera system is the main camera, equipped with a 48-megapixel Sony IMX789 sensor featuring an f/1.8 aperture, optical stabilisation (OIS), and the ability to record videos at up to 8K 24fps. The telephoto camera boasts an 8-megapixel resolution, an f/2.4 aperture, and OIS. It delivers 3.3X optical zoom and up to 30X digital zoom. The well-designed camera app makes finding the desired features a breeze.
Examining the Camera Performance
Let’s begin by examining the performance of the ultra-wide camera on the OnePlus 10 Pro 5G. Daytime shots showcase good detail and pleasing colors, with HDR consistently performing admirably. Photos tended to exhibit a cooler tone compared to those taken with the main camera, not always accurately reflecting the real-world scene. The default field of view is 110 degrees but can be switched to the 150-degree mode, incorporating a vast expanse of the scene into the frame. I enjoyed using this mode but found the fish-eye filter less appealing. The lack of macro capability in the 10 Pro 5G’s ultra-wide camera is a noticeable absence compared to the 9 Pro’s offering. Low-light performance was above average, with noise suppression effectively implemented and a respectable level of detail retained in the photos.
Compared to the OnePlus 9 Pro’s ultra-wide camera, the 10 Pro 5G’s equivalent camera captured poorer detail, a somewhat disappointing outcome. While this difference might not be readily apparent, I doubt many users will crop this type of photo, so it’s essential to examine close-ups to observe the disparity. As a technology, the 10 Pro 5G should maintain the quality bar set by its predecessor, if not surpass it, which is unfortunately not the case.
The telephoto camera on the OnePlus 10 Pro 5G steps in to compensate for the lack of a dedicated macro mode, producing sharp and highly detailed shots at its native 3.3X zoom level. Photos maintain good quality up to approximately 10X zoom, though details degrade quickly beyond this point. While still usable at higher zoom levels, smaller objects become challenging to identify clearly.
The selfie camera is a significant step up from the previous generation. Details are remarkably crisp, and colors appear natural. Portrait mode delivers excellent separation from the background. HDR excels at exposing my face against bright backgrounds. While I would have preferred pixel binning instead of saving at the full 32-megapixel resolution, it’s a minor point. Selfies captured in low light also impressed, with Night mode available as an option.
The main camera consistently captures exceptional detail and delivers the most accurate colors in daylight shots. HDR is remarkably effective, autofocus is snappy and responsive, and virtually every photo I captured during the review period looked superb. The color tone of the images faithfully reflected the real-world scene, contrasting with the ultra-wide camera’s tendency towards cooler tones. Low-light photos also feature excellent detail retention and accurate color representation. The camera app automatically activated a long exposure shot in less than ideal lighting conditions, a feature extended to the ultra-wide and telephoto cameras.
In terms of video recording, the OnePlus 10 Pro 5G delivers sharp, color-rich, and stabilized 8K footage. 8K videos captured in low light looked surprisingly good, though electronic stabilisation caused some mild jitter. 4K videos shot during the day were impressive, boasting excellent colors and exceptional stabilization. While switching to the ultra-wide camera during 30fps recording is possible, any magnification beyond 1X becomes digital. Utilizing the telephoto camera for video requires dropping to 1080p, with the maximum magnification for video, regardless of camera, capped at 10X. 4K videos captured in low light showcased a noticeable improvement over their 8K counterparts.
Verdict
The OnePlus 10 Pro 5G represents a significant upgrade over the OnePlus 9 Pro, and considering the modest price increase, it presents a compelling value proposition. Even the top-tier variant of the 10 Pro 5G is more affordable than the base models of the Samsung Galaxy S22 and iPhone 13, further enhancing its overall value. Compared to the OnePlus 9 Pro, the 10 Pro 5G delivers a larger battery with faster charging, a more energy-efficient AMOLED display, a more powerful SoC with an expanded set of 5G bands, a superior selfie camera, and a refined design.
The iQoo 9 Pro emerges as the OnePlus 10 Pro 5G’s primary competitor. This phone, with its comparable pricing and feature set nearly matching the 10 Pro 5G, poses a significant challenge. The Realme GT 2 Pro also looms on the horizon. Based on what we know so far, Realme’s aggressive pricing strategy could make this phone a true disruptor in the market.
Before making your final decision about purchasing the OnePlus 10 Pro 5G, it’s crucial to acknowledge two key considerations. Similar to the 9 Pro, this model is susceptible to overheating when using the camera app in warm conditions, at least with the initial firmware release. Another area of concern is the ultra-wide camera of the 10 Pro 5G. Its inability to capture macros and the less detailed images compared to those captured by the 9 Pro are disappointing aspects.
Aside from these minor drawbacks, the OnePlus 10 Pro 5G remains a solid flagship offering from OnePlus. It delivers exceptional performance and features at a competitive price point.
