With the launch of OnePlus 5, the big question for OnePlus 3T and OnePlus 3 users is that whether they should upgrade to the latest iteration or opt for something else. The high starting price of Rs 32,999 will definitely make even OnePlus admirers think twice before opting for the latest OnePlus 5. Also, the power packed OnePlus 3T was launched just seven months back, which makes the earlier OnePlus 3T variant a comparatively new phone, which is still selling for Rs 29,999.
While there is no denying the fact that the OnePlus 5 looks like a major upgrade on paper but does it really offer a differentiated experience? Let’s find out.
Design and display
While the OnePlus 3 and 3T looks exactly the same, the new OnePlus 5 offers some differentiation. Of course, the front of the OnePlus 5 looks similar to the OnePlus 3 or 3T, the rear panel boasting the dual-lens camera offers a refreshing change if you don’t mind the close resemblance the iPhone 7 Plus. Having said that the OnePlus 5 is thinner and lighter with a vivid curve to enhance grip.
WATCH VIDEO: OnePlus 5 review
The build quality continues to be superior. The OnePlus 3, 3T and 5 come with the same 5.5-inch 1080p display which is decent at best.
SoC upgrade
OnePlus has always ensured that it provides the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon SoC with each of its new smartphones. The only major difference between the OnePlus 3 and 3T was the SoC. While the OnePlus 3 offer Snapdragon 820, the 3T came with Snapdragon 821. Now, the OnePlus 5 is powered by the latest Snapdragon 835 SoC which offers significant boost in performance and capabilities. However, this prowess can be truly understood by users who feel they are running short of something in their OnePlus 3 or 3T.
6GB or 8GB?
If you are wondering what to do with 8GB of RAM on a smartphone then you are not alone. Even OnePlus will find it difficult to showcase real life difference in performance between the 6GB and 8GB RAM variants of OnePlus 5. Also, the high price of Rs 37,999 for the 8GB RAM variant will definitely lure users to opt for iPhone 7 by paying extra. If you are not convince with the RAM, then the only reason you would want to opt for the 8GB variant is to get 128GB of storage instead of 64GB storage with the 6GB RAM version. Note that there is no microSD card slot.
Camera: Dual-lens magic or gimmick?
One of the key USPs of the OnePlus 5 is the dual-lens configuration at the back. OnePlus 5 bundles a Sony IMX 298 sensor with a 16-megapixel f/1.7 camera with Electronic Image Stabalisation (EIS) and a Sony IMX 350 sensor with a 20-megapixel F/2.6 camera. No doubt that the main sensor does an excellent job and OnePlus 3 and 3T users will find it to be a massive upgrade. However, the telephoto lens might not deliver up to your expectations always, especially in bokeh shots.
Having said this, as already noted in our review, the image quality of the OnePlus 5 is far better than what you saw with the OnePlus 3T. Camera could be one of the reasons to upgrade but only if you are die-hard OnePlus fan.
Should you upgrade?
For OnePlus 3 users, the latest OnePlus 5 is definitely an upgrade. But with the expensive price tag of Rs 32,999 for the 64GB version, you can look beyond the OnePlus 5. On the other hand, OnePlus 3T users wouldn’t miss much if they skip the OnePlus 5 in terms of overall experience.
Comments
0 comment