OnePlus has taken a bit of a different strategy with the release of their OnePlus 12, not launching particularly early in the year, and it seems the OnePlus Ace3 is joining the lineup with a slightly delayed but well-prepared entry. This could prove advantageous in the highly competitive market for smartphones boasting a strong price-to-performance ratio. A trend has been observed where devices that release earlier can occasionally be overshadowed by later launches, sometimes leading to less favorable outcomes.
The OnePlus Ace3 is poised to potentially deliver a “backstab” to its competitors, not only in terms of pricing strategy but also through aggressively spec’ed hardware.
Before its launch, let’s have a preview and discuss the potential surprises the OnePlus Ace3 might hold.
In terms of design, OnePlus has tended not to make radical changes, and the OnePlus Ace3 is no exception. It retains the classic OnePlus camera module design but incorporates elements inspired by Parisian studs for a bit more distinctiveness. Following the OnePlus 12, the camera module is the same color as the body, giving it a more seamless and appealing appearance.
The device comes in three colors: “Singing Sands Gold”, “Lunar Sea Blue”, and “Starry Black”, utilizing different glass-making techniques like fused-gold glass, tempered blue glass, and silk glass, respectively. Paired with a metal mid-frame, the device is expected to offer a tactile experience and a perceived quality that are both eagerly anticipated.
The display is of notable quality with a curved front screen, side bezels of 1.36mm, and a chin measuring 1.94mm, which suggests that the screen-to-body ratio should be impressive. The display is a 6.78-inch 1.5K panel from BOE with support for an 8T LTPO adaptive refresh rate, a peak manual brightness of 800 nits, and touch sensitivity that can handle rain.
Additionally, it peaks at 4500 nits of brightness and supports “Bright Eye” eye protection, a lifespan that is double the industry average, proprietary power-saving algorithms, and a proprietary image quality engine. Even if the resolution doesn’t reach 2K, the OnePlus Ace3 is expected to present a strong display offering, particularly in terms of eye protection.
Another highlight is its core configuration, which includes a proprietary micro-architecture supercomputing engine, delivering a 9.4% performance boost in the same platform and scenarios. It is equipped with Memory Genes Reorganization 2.0 technology, which greatly enhances the memory experience. The device also features rejuvenating storage technology that efficiently defragments memory in user-sensitive scenarios, ensuring smooth performance even after four years of use.
The chipset is the Snapdragon 8 Gen2, which supports a new independent graphics chip for 120 fps ultra-frame gaming and 1.5K super-resolution without the user having to choose between the two.
Notably, the OnePlus Ace3 includes an upgraded Tianti Cooling System Pro that boasts the largest cooling surface area in its class at 9140 square millimeters.
The camera specs are also quite competitive, with the OnePlus Ace3 equipped with a Sony 50-megapixel flagship main sensor, supporting OIS optical stabilization. Additionally, it fully employs the “Super Light and Shadow ProXDR” display found in flagships, promising top-tier imaging capabilities and inheriting the “Ultra-clear Image Quality Algorithm” and “Super Light and Shadow Image Algorithm” from the OnePlus 12.
However, there is a slight disappointment with two additional “filler” lenses of 8 million and 2 million pixels. Some might argue it would be better to omit the filler 2 million pixel camera and instead use those resources to strengthen the performance of the auxiliary camera.
The OnePlus Ace3 also touts a robust battery life, equipped with an exceptionally large 5500mAh battery that sets a high bar for endurance in its class. The new long-lasting battery promises four years of worry-free usage, featuring the SUPERVOOC S power management chip with the industry’s highest discharge efficiency at 99.5%, ensuring even more extended battery life.
Moreover, the phone supports 100W wired super flash charging and includes features such as ultra-thin screen fingerprint recognition, Wi-Fi 7, infrared remote control, and multifunctional NFC.
If the price point could be set around 2398 yuan, there’s a good chance it could shake up the current smartphone market, making it a highly anticipated device.
In closing, the OnePlus Ace3’s specifications are quite clear and appealing. For users looking to upgrade their device, the new model certainly poses an attractive option.
Now, the question is, what are your expectations for the OnePlus Ace3? Feel free to engage in the comments and discuss.