OnePlus 10 Pro 5G Review: Does It Live Up to the Hype?

This year’s introduction of the OnePlus 10 Pro 5G was somewhat unique for several reasons. The launch first occurred in China at the beginning of 2022, and it has only now started to roll out to additional markets, including India. Furthermore, unlike the previous 9 series which featured three models, we currently only have a single variant in the new 10 series. I’m confident that a more affordable OnePlus 10 and OnePlus 10R are on the horizon for later this year; however, our current focus is solely on the flagship variant.

The OnePlus 10 Pro 5G builds upon the foundation laid by the OnePlus 9 Pro (Review), introducing a variety of improvements that ideally enhance its performance as a flagship device. The standout features, in my view, include a fresh design, an upgraded selfie camera, and a larger battery with faster charging capabilities. The OnePlus 10 Pro 5G goes head-to-head with the Samsung Galaxy S22 (Review) and iQoo 9 Pro (Review) released this year, alongside competing against last year’s iPhone 13 (Review) and Vivo X70 Pro+ (Review). Let’s see if the OnePlus 10 Pro 5G lives up to its appealing specifications.

Pricing of the OnePlus 10 Pro 5G in India

Let’s discuss the pricing specifics. The OnePlus 10 Pro 5G starts with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, priced at Rs. 66,999. There is also a premium variant featuring 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage priced at Rs. 71,999. The 10 Pro 5G’s launch price is approximately Rs. 2,000 more than that of the OnePlus 9 Pro at its debut. It will be offered in India in two shades: Volcanic Black and Emerald Forest.

The OnePlus 10 Pro 5G maintains a front design reminiscent of the 9 Pro

 

Design of the OnePlus 10 Pro 5G

The design of the OnePlus 10 Pro 5G faced some criticism initially due to the camera module’s shape resembling a kitchen hob, but I find it unique and an improvement over the camera setup of the 9 Pro. The layout seems to draw some influence from Samsung’s modern flagship models, as the camera module blends into the side frame. I particularly like the green color choice from OnePlus, and the matte glass finish on both color variants is an attractive design feature. This green hue and texture remind me of the OnePlus 8 Pro (Review), which I believe remains one of the best-designed OnePlus smartphones.

The aluminum frame has a similar green tone to the back, albeit with a glossy finish. The alert slider has been repositioned slightly higher, which may pose a challenge for users with smaller hands. OnePlus has included Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for the back, Gorilla Glass Victus for the display, and a ceramic coating over the camera module, which should help in preventing scratches if you opt not to use a case.

The rear view of the OnePlus 10 Pro 5G (left) is visually superior to the OnePlus 9 Pro (right), in my opinion

 

The OnePlus 10 Pro 5G is thinner than its predecessor, measuring 8.55mm, but it’s heavier at 201g. There’s no option for expandable storage or a headphone jack, yet the device accommodates two nano-SIM cards. The display retains the same dimensions as that of the 9 Pro and supports QHD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, 10-bit color depth, and meets the certifications for HDR, color accuracy, and low blue-light emissions.

Noteworthy upgrades to the display comprise the implementation of a second-gen LTPO AMOLED panel that can reduce its refresh rate down to 1Hz (previously 10Hz) and an optimally placed in-display fingerprint sensor that is simpler to access and operate. The display maintains its curved edges, giving it an impressive appearance, though this design may not be the most practical for one-handed operation.

I’m pleased that OnePlus has steered clear of the trend of minimalistic smartphone packaging. The 10 Pro 5G arrives with all essentials, including a color-coordinated case, an 80W fast charger, a USB Type-C cable, and miscellaneous items such as a SIM eject tool and stickers.

The OnePlus 10 Pro 5G’s retail package includes a charger and a case, a rarity among flagship devices nowadays

 

Specifications and Software of the OnePlus 10 Pro 5G

It’s no surprise that the SoC powering the OnePlus 10 Pro 5G is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, which is standard for most Android flagships of 2022. This is paired with LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage. OnePlus asserts that the cooling system in the 10 Pro 5G is their most sophisticated yet, promising to keep the chip cool under demanding conditions. A new ‘SLA X-axis’ linear haptic motor is said to offer improved responsiveness, power, and quieter operation compared to that found in the OnePlus 9 (Review) and 9 Pro. The 10 Pro 5G additionally supports more 5G bands in India—nine in total, as opposed to just two in the 9 Pro.

The battery capacity boasts an increase to 5,000mAh. This maintains the dual-cell system like the 9 series, but now supports 80W SuperVOOC wired charging. Wireless charging remains at the same 50W AirVOOC standard as the 9 Pro, along with reverse wireless charging compatibility. The 10 Pro 5G is equipped with stereo speakers featuring Dolby Atmos, NFC, Bluetooth 5.2, and Wi-Fi 6.

Regarding weather resistance, we’re informed that only the Verizon-specific OnePlus 10 Pro 5G model available in the US will carry an official IP68 rating; however, units sold in India and other regions are constructed with similar seals and safeguards against water ingress. iQoo has adopted a similar approach with their 9 Pro, asserting a technical qualification for an IP52 rating while lacking official certification.

OxygenOS 12.1 features an overhauled OnePlus Shelf menu (left) and detailed dark mode settings (right)

 

The OnePlus 10 Pro 5G operates on OxygenOS 12.1 based on Android 12. This latest iteration of OnePlus’ renowned Android interface remains largely free of bloat, featuring only essential Google apps and a few preinstalled apps from OnePlus. Users will find elements from Oppo’s ColorOS, including some familiar features within the camera app and Oppo’s ORoaming feature, which has been moved to a sub-menu in the Settings app. OnePlus has preserved the overall design and feel of its OS, which fans have come to recognize and appreciate.

In the latest version of OxygenOS, the OnePlus Shelf has a refreshed appearance, now accessible via a swipe-down gesture from the upper right corner of the display, while the traditional notifications menu can still be accessed from the left. The redesigned widgets in Shelf have a pleasing aesthetic and can be personalized. The search box within the Shelf incorporates a feature called OnePlus Scout, comparable to Apple’s Spotlight Search, enabling users to locate apps, phone settings, and web info—all from one interface.

OxygenOS 12.1 also introduces a more detailed dark mode menu, allowing users to select between Gentle (dark grey), Medium (hazy black), and Enhanced (jet black), based on personal preference. Additionally, it includes all the advantages and features of Android 12. OnePlus commits to providing three years of Android OS updates and four years of security updates for the OnePlus 10 Pro 5G.

Performance and Battery Life of the OnePlus 10 Pro 5G

The OnePlus 10 Pro 5G is a sizable and somewhat heavy device that may require some adjustment. If you already own a large phone, transitioning to the 10 Pro 5G should be relatively seamless. The body’s finish can be somewhat slippery, which is where the included case proves beneficial. It doesn’t detract from the aesthetics significantly, while providing excellent grip and protection. The in-display fingerprint sensor is responsive and consistently unlocked the device when required. Facial recognition performed well under adequate ambient lighting, but had some challenges in dim conditions.

The display of the OnePlus 10 Pro 5G showcased vibrant colors and clarity when consuming content. I set the resolution to ‘Auto-select’, allowing it to toggle between full-HD+ and QHD+ based on the material. HDR videos rendered beautifully, and the stereo speakers enhanced the overall viewing experience. The bottom speaker produced a richer sound compared to the earpiece, leading me to wish for a more balanced stereo effect. The OnePlus 10 Pro 5G scored impressively in benchmarks, achieving 8,31,613 points in AnTuTu and acing the 3DMark Slingshot test suites.

Performance remained smooth with routine tasks and basic applications running without interruption. The phone generally stayed cool under use. However, gaming tended to push it, especially with demanding multiplayer titles. For example, Fortnite performed well at the highest graphics settings, but it also caused the 10 Pro 5G to heat up noticeably. I felt the warmth on my fingers after a short while of gaming, particularly when holding the device without a case. Nevertheless, in-game performance was stable, and gameplay remained unaffected. I appreciated how quickly the phone cooled down after returning to a less demanding app or game. With a case attached, heat may not be as noticeable.

Capturing high-resolution video in hot weather can be challenging for the OnePlus 10 Pro 5G

 

However, the heat produced by the device affected usability when recording video in warm conditions. I encountered several overheating alerts while filming 4K clips outdoors during the day, but I experienced no such issues while shooting indoors or at night. If video recording was ongoing and the OnePlus 10 Pro 5G overheated, it would continue but in a low-power mode with decreased screen brightness. Photos could still be captured in the overheated state, but I needed to wait for the phone to cool down before initiating a new recording.

The battery life was excellent during my testing period. As previously noted, I primarily tested the phone with the display resolution on Auto and the refresh rate set to 120Hz. With mixed-use that included about six hours of screen-on time largely devoted to video watching, the 10 Pro 5G’s battery level only dipped to 25 percent by day’s end. Should you enforce the QHD+ resolution and engage in heavy gaming, you may experience reduced runtimes, but most users will likely be satisfied with this battery performance. The phone ran for close to 19 hours in our HD video loop test, which is commendable.

Charging the device is a quick process. Using the supplied charger, I was able to charge the OnePlus 10 Pro 5G to 96 percent in merely half an hour, which is remarkably fast. The device also supports other rapid charging standards under 80W. For example, it charged at 65W when connected to a OnePlus Warp Charge 65T charger and at 33W with a lower-spec Type-C cable linked to the 80W charger.

Camera Capabilities of the OnePlus 10 Pro 5G

OnePlus’ collaboration with Hasselblad continues, and all three rear cameras on the OnePlus 10 Pro 5G utilize what OnePlus refers to as its second-generation ‘Hasselblad Camera for Mobile’ color science. While the primary and telephoto camera sensors remain the same as those in the 9 Pro, the ultra-wide and selfie camera sensors have been upgraded.

The OnePlus 10 Pro 5G is equipped with a new ultra-wide camera that boasts a 150-degree field of view

 

The ultra-wide camera still holds a 50-megapixel count but is based on a Samsung ISOCELL JN1 sensor, which is notably smaller than the impressive Sony IMX766 sensor used in the 9 Pro, leading to smaller pixels which may seem like a downgrade on paper. It also lacks autofocus, meaning no macro functionality is available for the 10 Pro 5G. The bright side is its 150-degree field of view, allowing for some intriguing shots. OnePlus has finally raised the bar on the selfie camera of its flagship with a Sony IMX615 sensor. This now offers a higher resolution of 32 megapixels, which is beneficial, but it still has fixed focus and f/2.4 aperture, limiting it to 1080p video recording.

The main rear camera in the OnePlus 10 Pro 5G features a 48-megapixel Sony IMX789 sensor with an f/1.8 aperture, optical image stabilization (OIS), and the capability of recording videos at up to 8K 24fps. The telephoto lens is rated at 8 megapixels, with an f/2.4 aperture and OIS, providing 3.3X optical zoom and up to 30X digital zoom. The camera app is user-friendly, making it easy to navigate through available options.

Sample shot from the ultra-wide camera of the OnePlus 10 Pro 5G captured in 150-degree mode (tap to see full size)

 

Compared to the OnePlus 9 Pro running the latest OxygenOS, the 10 Pro 5G introduces new shooting modes such as Film, which provides manual controls for video recording along with the ability to shoot in LOG for a flat color profile. The 150-degree mode allows the ultra-wide camera to leverage its full potential, in addition to a fish-eye filter. Finally, the Long Exposure mode pre-sets the camera based on the chosen option, catering to moving vehicles, water, clouds, or light painting.

Ultra-wide samples from the OnePlus 10 Pro 5G (tap to see larger)

 

Let’s examine the ultra-wide camera’s capabilities on the OnePlus 10 Pro 5G. Daytime images displayed good detail with pleasing colors, and HDR was optimally handled. Generally, photos had a cooler tone in comparison to those taken with the main camera and sometimes lacked accuracy regarding the actual scene. The default field of view is set to 110 degrees, but switching to the 150-degree mode captures much more of the landscape. I found this mode enjoyable to use, though the fish-eye filter was less appealing. The ultra-wide camera on the 10 Pro 5G lacks macro capabilities unlike the 9 Pro. In low-light conditions, performance was above par, with minimal noise and decent detail retention.

The quality disparity between the ultra-wide cameras of the OnePlus 10 Pro 5G and the 9 Pro is evident upon close inspection

 

When compared to the ultra-wide camera of the OnePlus 9 Pro, the 10 Pro 5G displays a decline in detail capture, which is a slight disappointment. While this may not be apparent at first glance, careful examination of photos revealed differences between the devices. The 10 Pro 5G should have at least upheld the quality benchmark set by its forerunner, rather than declining.

The OnePlus 10 Pro 5G’s telephoto camera makes up for the absence of a Macro shooting mode

Selfie camera samples from the OnePlus 10 Pro 5G (tap to see full size)

 

The selfie camera marks a notable enhancement over its predecessor. It captures great detail and offers natural color representation. Portrait mode functioned effectively, providing solid separation from the background. The HDR capabilities performed impressively when balancing my face against brighter backgrounds. I would have preferred if the photos were pixel-binned instead of being saved at full 32-megapixel resolution, as it led to larger file sizes. Selfies captured in low-light settings were also impressive, with a Night mode feature available as well.

Primary camera samples from the OnePlus 10 Pro 5G (tap to see full size)

 

The main camera delivered exceptional detail and true-to-life colors in daylight images. HDR capabilities were impressive, and autofocus was rapid and precise, ensuring most photos taken during my review period were of excellent quality. The color tone of images remained faithful to the scene compared to the ultra-wide camera output. When shooting in low light, the camera captured great detail and preserved color accuracy. The app also automatically engaged long exposure when conditions warranted it, which applied to the ultra-wide and telephoto lenses as well.

Regarding the telephoto camera, the OnePlus 10 Pro 5G produced sharp and detailed images at the native 3.3X zoom level. Photos looked commendable even up to 10X zoom, but detail began to decline significantly beyond that point. Although images remained usable, smaller subjects were difficult to discern clearly.

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Telephoto camera samples from the OnePlus 10 Pro 5G (tap to see full size)

 

Videos shot in 8K with the OnePlus 10 Pro 5G exhibited sharpness, rich colors, and effective stabilization. 8K videos captured in low light held up well, though some mild jitter occurred due to electronic stabilization. Daytime 4K videos showcased impressive colors and stabilization. If recording at 30fps, you can switch to the ultra-wide camera during filming, but any zoom greater than 1X will be digital. For video recording with the telephoto camera, you must drop to 1080p, with the maximum zoom level for video being 10X in either case.

Conclusion

The OnePlus 10 Pro 5G comes with several important enhancements over the 9 Pro, and the slight increase in price makes it an attractive option. Even the highest-end variant of the 10 Pro 5G is priced lower than the introductory models of the Samsung Galaxy S22 and iPhone 13, adding to its value proposition. In comparison to the OnePlus 9 Pro, the 10 Pro 5G offers an upgraded battery with faster charging, a slightly more efficient AMOLED panel, a robust SoC with a wider range of 5G support, a superior selfie camera, and a refreshed design.

The most significant rival for the OnePlus 10 Pro 5G appears to be the iQoo 9 Pro. Its pricing is comparable, and it nearly matches the feature set of the 10 Pro 5G. The upcoming Realme GT 2 Pro is also on the horizon, and judging by available information, it could present a serious challenge if Realme adopts a competitive pricing strategy.

There are a couple of considerations to keep in mind before making a call on the OnePlus 10 Pro 5G. Like the 9 Pro, this model can overheat while using the camera app in warm weather, at least with the initial firmware. I’m also somewhat disappointed in the 10 Pro 5G’s ultra-wide camera due to its limited macro capability and lower detail retention compared to the 9 Pro.

Despite these minor shortcomings, the 10 Pro 5G stands as another impressive flagship from OnePlus, providing excellent performance and features commensurate with its price.