OnePlus has initially announced its flagship for 2022 only for the Chinese market. But that doesn’t mean that the OnePlus 10 Pro won’t still conquer the world. At least we were able to test the device at MWC 2022 while we wait for the global version. In this hands-on we give you our first impressions.
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Per
- Original design
- SuperVOOC 80W charging
- IP68 certification
cons
- Not yet available outside of China
- bendgate
OnePlus 10 Pro coming soon
OnePlus has always been very consistent with its high-end smartphones. It’s no different with the OnePlus 10 Pro. The device has an original design and fits well in the hand. Compared to the Google Pixel 6 Pro and the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max, this flagship is characterized by its compactness.
On paper, the OnePlus 10 Pro offers strong performance, and features such as fast charging with 80 watts and the IP68 certification are also convincing. We haven’t been able to test the triple cam yet. But since the cooperation with Hasselblad is continued and the IMX789 from Sony with 48 MP is again used as the main sensor, this gives hope for another strong camera. However, the ultra-wide-angle sensor is now a different one: OnePlus uses the Samsung JN1.
According to OnePlus, the device will appear in Europe soon. Until then, let’s take a look at the Chinese prices:
- 8/128 GB: ¥ 4699 (about 680 euros).
- 8/256 GB: ¥ 4,999 (approx. 723 euros).
- 12/256 GB: ¥ 5299 (about 766 euros).
Original design and curved display
The first thing that strikes you when you hold the OnePlus 10 Pro in your hands is the SandStone texture on the back. Gorilla Glass Victus protects the display on the front and glass from Corning is also used on the back. The low weight of the smartphone is also striking. And without exaggeration, I can say that the OnePlus 10 Pro is the handiest phone I’ve tested this year.
With the screen off, the camera module and Hasselblad signature stand out. However, the collaboration only affects the development of the camera software. In our hands-on, the variant in the color Emerald Forest was used. It’s also really nice, but the phone is also available in Volcanic Black.
The camera module of the OnePlus 10 Pro particularly stands out in the emerald green variant / © NextPit
In terms of design, OnePlus uses the camera module that blends into the edge, but that shouldn’t cause any compatibility issues with protective cases. The buttons are easy to reach, the “Alert Slider” click is crisp and offers three options: silent, vibrate and ring.
As for the device’s resilience, it’s nice that it’s IP68 rated, but the glory seven the Pro tends to flex. In other words, there is a Bendgate comeback with a OnePlus 10 Pro that is too easy to bend.
Finally, the OnePlus 10 Pro sports a 6.7-inch Fluid AMOLED display with a 120 Hertz refresh rate. The panel varies the refresh rate between 1 and 120 Hertz using LTPO 2.0 technology. According to OnePlus, this should help extend battery life. When hands-on, I was impressed by the vivid colors and the maximum brightness of 1300 nits.
The OnePlus 10 Pro’s display is very smooth and the colors are vibrant / © NextPit
Typical Snapdragon performance
The device is equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, which is supported by 8 or 12 gigabytes of RAM and 128 or 256 gigabytes of internal storage.
But what does the SoC upgrade mean for the series? According to the manufacturer, the new processor from Qualcomm takes over the processing tasks and promises 30% faster gaming performance, 400% faster AI processing and lower power consumption thanks to the new 4nm manufacturing process. Its 5G modem is capable of (theoretical) speeds of up to 10 Gbps.
OnePlus also announced a new cooling system to avoid the overheating issues that plagued many 2021 flagships.
The OnePlus 10 Pro is powerful on paper, but can it handle the temperature well? / © NextPit
The OnePlus 10 Pro runs Oppo’s ColorOS 12.1 in the Chinese market. However, the global versions of the phone will still be equipped with OxygenOS 12. Both systems are based on Android 12, which gives the interface a fresh look and new functions.
A camera that has yet to prove itself
OnePlus has opted for three different lenses for the camera module. The main camera is 48 MP, while the ultra-wide camera is 50 MP. There is also an 8 MP telephoto camera. Finally, the front camera has 32 MP.
Just like last year, OnePlus relies on the cooperation with Hasselblad. However, there are changes in the arrangement of the lenses and the sensors. While the OnePlus 10 Pro sports the same 48MP Sony IMX789 sensor as its predecessor, there’s a switch when it comes to the ultra wide angle. The Samsung JN1 with 50 MP, f/2.2 and a 150° FOV is used there.
The triple module looks promising, but we have yet to test it thoroughly / © NextPit
It should be said that all three cameras on the phone are capable of capturing 12-bit RAW images. There is also a new RAW+ mode that combines computational photography processing with RAW files.
It’s still too early to judge the quality of the camera. The set looks promising, but you will get the detailed assessment in the complete test report.
Quick charging – as fast as a lynx
Compared to its predecessor, the OnePlus 10 Pro offers a larger battery with the same dimensions. It also charges faster: OnePlus offers 5,000 milliamps and -80 W SuperVOOC fast charging.
There is also the optional AirVOOC adapter for wireless charging with up to 50 watts. According to the manufacturer, the battery can be fully charged with SuperVOOC in 32 minutes and wirelessly in 47 minutes. The OnePlus 10 Pro also offers the option of wireless charging for smartwatches and headphones that are compatible with the Qi standard.
The OnePlus 10 Pro is really compact for a 5,000 mAh smartphone / © NextPit
Of course, we can’t yet comment on the battery life here. But as with the camera, this is one of the exciting questions that we can answer in the full review.
OnePlus 10 Pro: Specifications
| OnePlus 2022 flagship | |
|---|---|
| product | |
| image |  |
| Colours | Volcanic Black and Emerald Forest |
| Dimensions & Weight | 163 x 73.9 x 8.6mm and 200.5g |
| screen | 6.7 inch Fluid AMOLED with LTPO 2.0, 3216 x 1440 pixels, 120 Hz |
| Storage | 128/256GB ROM and 8/12GB RAM |
| CPU & GPU | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 |
| OS | Android 12 with OxygenOS |
| camera module | – Wide angle main lens: 48 MP, f/1.8, 23 mm, 1/1.43″, 1.12 µm | multidirectional PDAF | Laser AF | OIS – Ultra wide angle lens: 50MP, f/2.2, 14mm, 150˚ FoV, 1/2.76″, 0.64µm | AF – telephoto lens: 8 MP, f/2.4, 77mm, 1.0µm | PDAF | OIS | 3.3x optical zoom – selfie: 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.74″, 0.8µm |
| Video: | – back: 8K at 30 fps | 4K at 30/60/120 fps | 1080p at 30/60/240fps | Auto HDR | gyro ICE – selfie: 1080p at 30 FPS | gyro ICE |
| battery pack | 5000mAh | Fast charging 80W | Fast wireless charging 50W | Reverse wireless charging | USB Power Delivery |
| Audio | Dual Stereo Speakers | No 3.5mm jack |
Preliminary verdict
If the first impression is confirmed, I can say that the OnePlus 10 Pro is worth every penny. With its original design and very competitive specs, the OnePlus flagship is stiff competition for smartphones like the Pixel 6 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro, and Samsung Galaxy S22+.
That doesn’t come as a surprise. However, the many reports about the phone being too easy to bend are a real blemish for a model as well designed as this one.
OnePlus should also reconsider the business decision not to offer the cell phone in the West in the future. The delay could make many people choose an alternative smartphone. But overall, my first impression of the OnePlus 10 Pro is positive. If you find the device exciting, I recommend that you wait for the official start of sales before you reach for another model.
What do you think of the OnePlus 10 Pro so far: is it worth the wait?
OnePlus 10 Pro
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