Released in late 2017, the OnePlus 5T entered the smartphone market as an upgraded option to the OnePlus 5, targeting tech-savvy users looking for high-end features at a competitive price. Its design incorporated an 18:9 aspect ratio, which was innovative for its time, providing users with a more immersive viewing experience. The device aims to compete with more established flagship models such as the Samsung Galaxy S8 and Google Pixel 2.
This review synthesizes insights from multiple technology sites, benchmark tests, and user feedback to provide a balanced view of the OnePlus 5T's capabilities. Key information was garnered from UL Solutions and DeviceSpecifications, detailing the hardware performance and software experience. Additional context was provided by CNET and Wccftech for a holistic understanding of user interactions.
Overall, the OnePlus 5T remains a strong contender in the mid-range smartphone market, praised for its excellent performance and display quality. Users appreciate its ability to handle demanding apps and games seamlessly. However, it does present limitations, such as the lack of expandable storage and inconsistent low-light camera performance.
How well does the OnePlus 5T perform?
The OnePlus 5T is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chipset and comes with either 6GB or 8GB of RAM, offering a solid multitasking experience. In benchmark tests like Geekbench, the device achieved nearly 7,000 points in multi-core results, indicating strong performance metrics that rival more expensive counterparts. The Adreno 540 GPU also ensures adequate graphics handling for gaming and media.
Users have reported impressive stability scores of 84% in 3DMark Wild Life benchmarks, demonstrating reliable performance during intensive applications. However, the phone's face unlock feature does not support payment authorization, which may be a drawback for some users.
What display features does the OnePlus 5T offer?
The OnePlus 5T features a vibrant 6.01-inch Optic AMOLED display with a resolution of 2160 × 1080 pixels. This display boasts excellent contrast and brightness levels, making it suitable for various lighting conditions. Its color reproduction is strong, with full sRGB coverage.
While highly praised for media consumption, users may notice issues under direct sunlight due to its reflective nature. Additional display settings allow users to customize the color modes to their liking.
How does the camera perform in different conditions?
Equipped with a dual-camera setup, the OnePlus 5T includes a 16 MP main sensor and a 20 MP secondary sensor. This combination works well in good lighting but struggles slightly under low-light conditions, as critics noted a downturn in photo quality compared to competitors like the Google Pixel 2.
The absence of optical zoom in favor of digital capabilities also limits its versatility, which might deter photography enthusiasts. However, casual users will still find it adequate for everyday photography.
Is the battery life sufficient for daily use?
The OnePlus 5T houses a 3300 mAh battery, and in benchmark tests, it showcases a respectable performance that typically lasts a full day with moderate usage. The inclusion of the 5V/4A Dash charger allows for quick recharging times, minimizing downtime.
While battery life is generally solid, heavy users might find themselves reaching for the charger sooner than expected, especially when utilizing power-intensive applications.
What software experience does the OnePlus 5T provide?
The device runs on Oxygen OS 4.7.6 based on Android 7.1.1 Nougat, which provides a smooth and responsive user interface. Users have lauded the software for its customizability and clean aesthetics.
However, some users might prefer more recent software advantages found in newer models, as updates beyond Android 7.1 are limited, which may affect long-term usability.
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Powerful Snapdragon 835 processor ensures high performance in multitasking and gaming.
- ✅ 6.01-inch Optic AMOLED display offers vibrant colors and excellent viewing angles.
- ✅ Fast charging with the 5V/4A Dash charger significantly reduces downtime.
- ✅ Smooth and customizable Oxygen OS interface enhances user experience.
- ❌ Camera performance suffers in low-light conditions compared to competitors.
- ❌ No support for expandable storage limits user options for media.
- ❌ Face unlock feature cannot authorize payments, restricting its functionality.
- ❌ Device lacks official water resistance rating, raising durability concerns.
How It Compares to the Competition
- Google Pixel 2 — Offers superior camera performance, particularly in low-light conditions.
- Samsung Galaxy S8 — Features a more premium design and wireless charging capability.
- OnePlus 6 — Provides upgraded specifications and camera enhancements.
Who Should Buy This & Who Should Skip It
Buy it if: The OnePlus 5T is ideal for tech enthusiasts seeking a solid performance smartphone without breaking the bank. It's perfect for users who enjoy gaming, media consumption, and a smooth software experience without getting the latest flagship.
Skip it if: Individuals who prioritize camera quality, particularly in low-light environments, or those needing expandable storage may find the OnePlus 5T lacking. Additionally, users wanting the latest software updates might opt for more recent models.
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