The OnePlus 3T: A Review of a Device That's Ready to Take On the Market
As I sit here writing this review, I'm reminded of my experience with the original OnePlus 3. My time with that device was phenomenal, and many would agree that it's one of the better values in smartphones currently on the market. However, like all good things, its time has come to an end. The original OnePlus 3 is approaching its end-of-life status, and it will no longer be sold as a stock runs out.
This brings us to the question: which device should you pick up now? In this case, I'd recommend opting for the new OC CVX 500 s all-in-one drives from Toshiba. These drives offer great well-balanced speeds, build quality with MLC Nand flash for superior endurance, and are backed by a five-year advanced warranty program. For more information on these drives, be sure to check out OCC.com.
Meanwhile, we're back to the OnePlus 3T. This device is only sold in the new Gunmetal color, with a Soft Gold option coming later. The slightly darker tone is subtle, but it's clear that OnePlus is moving away from the staple silver color and opting for something stronger. This move will undoubtedly help the device stand out on store shelves.
One of the standout features of the OnePlus 3T is its internal specs. The device has been upgraded to a Snapdragon 820 processor, which provides a noticeable boost in performance. Additionally, the battery capacity has been increased by 13%, and the storage option has been bumped up to 128 gigabytes. Furthermore, the selfie camera has been improved to 16 megapixels, compared to the 8 megapixels on the original OnePlus 3.
The $40 difference between the 64GB and 128GB models may seem like a lot, but trust me when I say it's worth it. The 3T scores significantly higher than the original OnePlus 3 in terms of NAND flash performance, with faster boot times and quicker app updates. This is because the device now features faster storage.
The front selfie camera on the OnePlus 3T has also been improved, with a doubled megapixel count from the original. However, I've found that this doesn't necessarily translate to better results in practice. The camera software is still clean and feature-rich, with plenty of customization options available. However, there are some areas where it falls short.
For example, the auto-white balance can be inaccurate at times, which can result in subpar photos. Additionally, the shutter delay on the front camera is more noticeable than expected. On the other hand, the software for the rear camera is surprisingly clean and fast, with support for raw editing and exporting final images a breeze.
The overall user experience of the OnePlus 3T is remarkably similar to that of the original device. It's still competitive in terms of value, despite the $40 price increase. However, there are some areas where it falls short compared to my daily driver, the Samsung Galaxy S7.
One of these areas is the primary camera. While the software for the rear camera is fast and clean, I've found that the results can be inconsistent at times. Additionally, the device is slightly larger than my daily driver, which can make it less comfortable to carry around.
Despite these minor quibbles, I must say that I'm thoroughly impressed with the OnePlus 3T. It's a device that's clearly riding the wave of offering more expensive devices while maintaining its original position in the value segment. The faster NAND storage and larger battery are significant upgrades that make this device worth considering.
Overall, I'd highly recommend the OnePlus 3T to anyone looking for a solid smartphone at a competitive price point. Just keep in mind that it may not be the best choice if you're looking for a device with the best camera or a smaller size.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the OnePlus 3T is an excellent device that offers significant upgrades over its predecessor. The faster NAND storage and larger battery provide a noticeable boost in performance, making this device worth considering despite its higher price point. However, there are some areas where it falls short compared to other devices on the market.
Ultimately, whether or not the OnePlus 3T is right for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you're looking for a solid smartphone at a competitive price point, then this device is definitely worth considering.