The OnePlus 10 Pro: A Flagship with Significant Shortcomings
The OnePlus 10 Pro is a flagship device that has been touted as an affordable alternative to other high-end smartphones on the market. However, despite its competitive price point of $899, the phone falls short in several key areas. For one, it uses less durable Gorilla Glass 5 for the back, whereas similarly priced devices like the Google Pixel 6 Pro feature more advanced glass materials such as Gorilla Glass Victus Plus.
One area where the OnePlus 10 Pro excels is in its design and display. The phone's front and rear panels are protected by Gorilla Glass 5, which provides adequate protection against scratches and drops. However, it's worth noting that this material is less durable than some of the advanced glass materials used in other flagship devices. Additionally, both the OnePlus 10 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S22 feature IP68 ratings for added durability, which is a feature that the phone lacks.
When it comes to connectivity, the OnePlus 10 Pro also falls short. The device does not support Wi-Fi 6E, Ultra Wideband, or millimeter wave 5G in the US, making it less future-proof than some of its competitors. This is particularly concerning for those who plan on using their phone for extended periods of time or for demanding tasks such as gaming.
The software experience on the OnePlus 10 Pro is also hit-or-miss. The device ships with Android 12-based Oxygen OS 12.1, which uses a similar underlying code to Oppo's ColorOS. While there is no bloatware installed, long-standing bugs and design choices can still be frustrating. For example, missing notifications are still a problem, and font size discrepancies between the gallery app and the rest of the interface are annoying.
One area where the OnePlus 10 Pro shines is in its camera performance. The device features a quad-camera setup with a higher resolution sensor than some of its competitors, including the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus. However, poor low-light performance and a lack of 80W fast charging for North American customers are notable drawbacks.
Another significant issue with the OnePlus 10 Pro is its limited software support. Unlike some of its competitors, which offer regular updates for three years or more, the OnePlus 10 Pro will only receive updates for two years. This can be concerning for users who want to stay up-to-date with the latest security patches and features.
The OnePlus 10 Pro is not the only flagship device available in the market at this price point. The Google Pixel 6 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus are notable alternatives that offer several advantages over the OnePlus 10 Pro. For example, the Pixel 6 Pro features a beautiful design, excellent camera system, and long-term update pledge, making it a great value for $899. If budget is an issue, the vanilla Pixel 6 is available for $300 less and offers many of the same features as the Pro variant.
The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus also offers several advantages over the OnePlus 10 Pro, including a more robust camera setup, IP68 rating, Ultra Wideband, and millimeter wave 5G support. While it may cost an extra $100, it's worth considering for those who want a device that checks all the boxes.
For those who are die-hard OnePlus fans in need of an upgrade, saving their cash and going with the OnePlus 9 Pro might be a better option. Although it has a smaller battery and last-gen processor, it still holds up well in 2022 and features a similar camera system to this year's flagship. The ultra-wide camera on the 9 Pro even outperforms that of the 10 Pro.
In recent years, smartphones have become increasingly advanced and feature-packed, making it difficult for consumers to notice every new device that comes out. However, when a company cuts corners with what they claim is their latest and greatest flagship, it begins to fall behind the pack. The OnePlus 10 Pro's lack of attention to detail has led to a decline in the company's reputation and sales.
As I've said before, the OnePlus 10 Pro isn't bad, but its compromises drive the price down significantly. When compared to offerings from Google and Samsung, it becomes difficult to recommend this phone. If you're looking for an affordable flagship device, there are several alternatives available that offer better value for money.
Ultimately, whether or not you love or hate the OnePlus 10 Pro depends on your individual needs and preferences. However, if you want a reliable and feature-packed smartphone with good performance, camera quality, and timely software updates, it's worth considering other options in this price range.
Do you have any thoughts on the OnePlus 10 Pro? Let us know in the comments below, and don't forget to subscribe to our channel and hit that notification bell to stay up-to-date with our latest content. If you want to read more about smartphone news and reviews, visit our website at Android Authority.com. I'm Harley Morin, and I'll see you in the next video.