OnePlus 7 Review: Flagship Performance, Uncompromised Value

The OnePlus 7, launched in 2019, remains a compelling option for smartphone enthusiasts seeking top-tier performance and a smooth user experience without breaking the bank. In this review, we dive into the OnePlus 7’s strengths and weaknesses to help you decide if it’s still the right fit for you in 2024.

Design & Build: Elegant Yet Familiar

The OnePlus 7 retains the familiar design language of its predecessors, with a sleek glass back and aluminum frame. It feels comfortable in the hand, but the glass back is prone to fingerprints and smudges. The phone is available in Mirror Gray and Red color options, each with its own distinct charm. The build quality is excellent, exuding a premium feel.

Display: A Vibrant AMOLED Delight

The 6.41-inch Optic AMOLED display is a highlight of the OnePlus 7. Its vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast make it a joy to use for watching videos, browsing photos, or simply scrolling through social media. The 1080p resolution is crisp and clear, and the display is bright enough for outdoor use. While it lacks a high refresh rate, the overall viewing experience is still impressive.

Performance: Snapdragon 855 Packs a Punch

Under the hood, the OnePlus 7 is powered by the Snapdragon 855 processor, a powerhouse even by today’s standards. Coupled with up to 8GB of RAM, it delivers a blazing-fast and smooth experience. Whether you’re multitasking, playing graphics-intensive games, or editing videos, the OnePlus 7 handles it all with ease. The phone remains snappy and responsive even after extended use.

Camera: A Reliable Shooter

The dual rear camera setup consists of a 48MP primary sensor and a 5MP depth sensor. It captures detailed and vibrant photos in good lighting, with accurate colors and good dynamic range. The portrait mode produces pleasing bokeh effects, and the low-light performance is decent, thanks to the Nightscape mode. The 16MP pop-up selfie camera captures sharp and detailed selfies. While the camera system isn’t the best on the market, it is still very capable and produces impressive results.

Battery Life: All-Day Endurance

The 3700mAh battery comfortably lasts a full day with moderate use. If you’re a heavy user, you might need to top it up by the evening. The Warp Charge 30 fast charging technology is incredibly fast, juicing up the battery from 0 to 50% in just 20 minutes. However, wireless charging is not supported.

Software & User Experience: OxygenOS, A Smooth Operator

The OnePlus 7 runs OxygenOS based on Android 9 Pie out of the box and is upgradable to Android 10. OxygenOS is known for its clean and intuitive interface, smooth performance, and useful features like Reading Mode, Night Mode, and Zen Mode. The software experience is highly customizable, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences.

Connectivity & Additional Features: Essentials Covered

The OnePlus 7 offers essential connectivity options like dual SIM support, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, and NFC. It also features stereo speakers for an immersive audio experience. However, it lacks expandable storage, water resistance, and a headphone jack.

Buying Recommendation

Who’s it for?

The OnePlus 7 is an excellent choice for users who prioritize performance, a beautiful display, and a good camera experience. It’s perfect for those seeking a flagship-level phone without the hefty price tag.

Pros:

• Powerful Snapdragon 855 processor
• Vibrant AMOLED display
• Smooth and intuitive OxygenOS experience
• Fast Warp Charge 30
• Stereo speakers

Cons:

• No wireless charging
• No water resistance
• No expandable storage
• No headphone jack

Overall:

Even though it’s not the latest model, the OnePlus 7 remains a fantastic smartphone with a lot to offer. Its combination of performance, display quality, and software experience make it a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers who don’t want to compromise on quality.