OnePlus Ace 3 Review: Redefining Value with Flagship-Caliber Performance

The OnePlus Ace 3 has emerged as a game-changer in the smartphone landscape, offering an unrivaled blend of flagship-level performance, cutting-edge features, and affordability. Having spent considerable time with this device, I’m genuinely impressed by how OnePlus has managed to pack so much into a phone that doesn’t break the bank.

Design & Build: A Harmonious Blend of Style and Substance

The Ace 3 exudes a sleek and modern design that’s both visually appealing and comfortable to hold. The glass back panel, coupled with the plastic frame, feels surprisingly premium in the hand. The phone is thin, lightweight, and well-balanced, making it a joy to use for extended periods.

Display: A 1.5K Visual Feast

The 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED display on the Ace 3 is a true showstopper. With a 120Hz refresh rate, visuals are incredibly smooth and fluid, whether you’re scrolling through social media or immersing yourself in action-packed games. The display’s colors are vibrant and punchy, and the high resolution ensures crisp text and sharp images. Outdoor visibility is also excellent, thanks to the impressive peak brightness.

Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Unleashed

Under the hood, the Ace 3 is powered by the mighty Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, a powerhouse known for its exceptional performance. Combined with up to 16GB of RAM, the Ace 3 effortlessly handles even the most demanding tasks, from multitasking to running graphics-intensive games. In my experience, the phone never felt sluggish or slow, even when pushed to its limits.

Camera: Versatile and Capable

The Ace 3’s triple rear camera system delivers impressive results in various lighting conditions. The 50MP main sensor captures detailed photos with good dynamic range, while the 8MP ultrawide lens expands your perspective for landscape shots. The 2MP macro lens is a fun addition, although its results might not always be perfect. The phone also excels in video recording, offering up to 4K resolution at 60fps.

Battery Life: Endurance That Lasts

The 5000mAh battery in the Ace 3 is a workhorse, easily lasting a full day on a single charge with moderate to heavy usage. With lighter use, you can comfortably stretch it to a day and a half. The 100W fast charging is incredibly fast, replenishing the battery to full capacity in just under 30 minutes.

Software & User Experience: OxygenOS Refined

The Ace 3 runs on OxygenOS 13.1, based on Android 13. The interface is clean, intuitive, and highly customizable, offering a near-stock Android experience with a few thoughtful additions. The software is well-optimized, and I encountered no bugs or performance issues during my time with the phone.

Connectivity & Additional Features: Future-Proofed

The Ace 3 comes with all the latest connectivity options you’d expect, including 5G, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.3. There’s also an in-display fingerprint sensor, which is fast and accurate.

Buying Recommendation

Who’s It For? The OnePlus Ace 3 is the perfect choice for anyone seeking flagship-level performance and features without the flagship price. It’s a versatile smartphone that caters to gamers, photographers, and anyone who demands the best from their device.

Pros:

• Flagship-grade performance with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
• Stunning 1.5K 120Hz AMOLED display
• Versatile and capable camera system
• Long-lasting battery with blazing-fast charging
• Clean and customizable OxygenOS

Cons:

• No wireless charging
• No official IP rating for water resistance

Overall: The OnePlus Ace 3 is a remarkable smartphone that offers exceptional value for its price. It delivers a premium experience in almost every aspect, making it a strong contender for the best mid-range smartphone of the year.