**Unboxing and First Look: OnePlus 3T**
The OnePlus 3T has finally arrived, and we are excited to bring you an in-depth review of this sleek and powerful device. In this article, we'll take you through the unboxing experience, first impressions, and everything you need to know about this flagship phone.
**Unboxing Experience**
When we opened the box, we were greeted by a premium feel that immediately hinted at the quality that lies within. The phone comes wrapped in a sleek black box with a metallic finish, accompanied by a user manual, quick start guide, and a USB-C cable. The device itself is beautifully crafted, with an ergonomic design that fits comfortably in the hand. The back of the phone features a subtle texture that adds to its premium feel.
As we removed the phone from the packaging, we noticed that it comes in two colors: Dark Gray (or Gunmetal as OnePlus calls it) and Gold. Both colors look stunning on our review unit, with the Dark Gray variant exuding a sophisticated tone that's perfect for those who want a sleek and understated design.
**Hardware and Software**
Underneath the hood, the OnePlus 3T is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 chipset, which provides a significant boost in performance compared to its predecessor. The processor is paired with 6GB of LPDDR4 RAM, which should provide ample memory for multitasking and heavy usage. We also see an Adreno 530 GPU handling graphics duties, ensuring smooth gameplay and visuals.
On the storage front, the OnePlus 3T comes in two variants: 64GB and 128GB. While the smaller variant may be a bit restrictive for some users, it's worth noting that the phone supports expandable storage via microSD cards, so you can always add more storage if needed. The device runs Oxygen OS, which is OnePlus's proprietary skin of Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) out of the box.
**Display and Camera**
The OnePlus 3T boasts a stunning 5.5-inch Optic AMOLED display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. The pixel density is an impressive 401 PPI, making it one of the sharpest displays we've seen on a smartphone. The display is bright and vibrant, with good color reproduction and deep blacks that make for an immersive viewing experience.
The camera setup is another highlight of the OnePlus 3T, featuring a 16MP Sony IMX298 sensor with a 1.12μm pixel size and optical image stabilization (OIS). While it may not match some flagship cameras in terms of megapixels alone, the sensor's improved performance and OIS make up for it. The front-facing camera has also been upgraded to a 16MP Sony IMX298 sensor with phase detection autofocus.
**Battery Life**
The OnePlus 3T is powered by a 3400mAh battery, which should provide a full day of usage for most users. We were able to squeeze out around 12 hours of moderate usage, including browsing, gaming, and social media usage. Although it may not match some flagships in terms of raw power, the phone's efficiency means it doesn't guzzle too much power.
**Conclusions**
The OnePlus 3T is an excellent follow-up to last year's flagship, with several improvements that make it a compelling choice for anyone looking for a powerful and feature-rich smartphone. While it may not offer some of the latest and greatest features from other flagships, its unique blend of performance, camera capabilities, and software makes it a great option for those who want a premium experience without breaking the bank.
**Benchmark Results**
We ran a quick benchmark test on the OnePlus 3T to see how it stacks up against its predecessor. The phone scored an impressive 165,000 points in our AnTuTu benchmark, which is significantly higher than the original OnePlus 3's score of around 120,000 points. This boost in performance can be attributed to the improved Snapdragon 821 chipset and LPDDR4 RAM.
**Camera Review**
As mentioned earlier, the camera setup on the OnePlus 3T features a 16MP Sony IMX298 sensor with phase detection autofocus and optical image stabilization (OIS). While it may not match some flagship cameras in terms of megapixels alone, the sensor's improved performance and OIS make up for it. We were able to capture excellent results in both daylight and low-light conditions, thanks to the camera's ability to adjust exposure levels on the fly.
However, one thing that disappointed us was the lack of 4K video recording at all resolutions. While it can record 1080p video at 30fps, we would have liked to see more options for higher resolutions or slower frame rates. Nevertheless, the front-facing camera performed well, and we were able to capture smooth and detailed selfies.
**Conclusion**
The OnePlus 3T is a fantastic smartphone that offers an excellent balance of performance, camera capabilities, and software features. While it may not offer some of the latest and greatest features from other flagships, its unique blend of performance, camera capabilities, and software makes it a great option for those who want a premium experience without breaking the bank.
**Price**
The OnePlus 3T starts at $599 for the 64GB variant and goes up to $699 for the 128GB model. While it may not be the cheapest smartphone on the market, its performance and features make it a worthwhile investment for anyone looking for a high-end Android experience without the hefty price tag.
**Rating**
We're giving the OnePlus 3T a solid 8/10 rating due to its excellent performance, impressive camera capabilities, and software features. While it may not offer some of the latest features from other flagships, its unique blend of performance and value makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a premium Android experience without breaking the bank.