OnePlus—the brand that once prided itself on being the “flagship killer”—has come a long way. But the million-dollar question is: Are the best OnePlus phones still worth all the buzz? Once synonymous with cutting-edge tech at budget-friendly prices, the brand has started to drift dangerously close to the same territory as its so-called flagship rivals. With each new model release, we’re left wondering if OnePlus is evolving or just inflating prices for features we don’t need. Let’s break it down and see if the “best” OnePlus phones actually live up to the hype.
# 1. OnePlus 11: The Overhyped Flagship
Kicking things off with the OnePlus 11—the supposed “premium” option for anyone in the OnePlus ecosystem. Does it shine as bright as its price tag suggests? Spoiler alert: not quite. Sure, it packs a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and a fluid 120Hz AMOLED display, but let’s not kid ourselves, that’s just par for the course for any premium phone these days.
Pros:
- Sleek design (but haven’t we seen this before?)
- Great battery life (yet another standard)
- Fantastic display (because who doesn’t have a good screen in 2024?)
Cons:
- Camera performance is inconsistent (unless you enjoy blurry nighttime shots)
- It’s not as “cheap” as OnePlus used to be (RIP to the days of affordability)
- The software experience can be… well, let’s just say quirky at times
Honestly, for a phone priced at nearly the same level as the Samsung Galaxy S23 and iPhone 15, you’d expect more than just being “good enough.” Yet, here we are, pretending it’s some unbeatable powerhouse.
# 2. OnePlus Nord 3: The Budget Savior?
When you’re looking for the “best OnePlus phones,” you might think the Nord 3 fits the bill if you’re on a budget. It’s supposed to be OnePlus’ middle ground—budget-friendly but without sacrificing too much. So, what’s the verdict? Well, it’s a mixed bag.
Pros:
- Affordable (compared to the 11, but not a steal by any means)
- A 120Hz display (because why not throw in the same feature across all models)
- Decent camera performance (in daylight, of course)
Cons:
- Mediocre performance in low-light conditions (again, why are we still surprised?)
- Subpar chipset compared to its peers (you get what you pay for, right?)
- Plastic frame (it feels cheap, even if it isn’t priced like it)
Is it the best OnePlus phone if you’re strapped for cash? Perhaps. But calling it “good” only feels appropriate if you’re willing to ignore its glaring limitations. Even in the budget world, there are better options that don’t scream, “I settled.”
# 3. OnePlus 10T: The Powerhouse That Forgot the Basics
Now, if you’re looking for raw power, the OnePlus 10T is where the brand tries to flex its muscles. Equipped with the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, this phone screams performance—at least, on paper. But let’s pump the brakes for a second. Power means nothing without a well-rounded package.
Pros:
- Super-fast charging (because we all live in fear of low battery)
- Performance that’s built for multitasking (but how much power do we really need for social media scrolling?)
- A 6.7-inch AMOLED display (another big screen for all your content consumption needs)
Cons:
- No wireless charging (in 2024? Really?)
- The camera system is a letdown (sensing a pattern here?)
- Design lacks that “premium” feel (it’s a bit… dull, if we’re being honest)
The OnePlus 10T positions itself as a flagship killer, but the truth is, it’s more like a Frankenstein’s monster of features. You get power, but the lack of finesse in other areas makes it feel like an incomplete experience. Sure, it’s fast—but at what cost?
# 4. OnePlus 9 Pro: An Aging Competitor Hanging On By a Thread
When discussing the best OnePlus phones, it’s hard to ignore the OnePlus 9 Pro. Released in 2021, it was hailed as a game-changer at the time. Now? It’s trying desperately to stay relevant. And while it still packs a punch, it’s starting to feel like that aging athlete who refuses to retire.
Pros:
- Still offers good performance (for a two-year-old phone)
- Excellent display quality (though, nothing groundbreaking by today’s standards)
- Wireless charging (finally, something to cheer about)
Cons:
- Battery life isn’t as great as it once was (time is cruel, isn’t it?)
- Software updates are starting to taper off (don’t expect long-term love)
- Newer models outshine it (and make it feel like yesterday’s news)
Is the OnePlus 9 Pro still one of the best OnePlus phones? Maybe, if you’re not into keeping up with the times. But there are better options now that make this old-timer look like it’s past its prime.
So, What’s the Real Deal with OnePlus?
At the end of the day, OnePlus started as a brand built on the idea of delivering flagship performance without the flagship price. But these days, the line between OnePlus and the brands it sought to “kill” is blurrier than ever. The best OnePlus phones are… fine. And that’s the problem. They’ve stopped being the disruptors and become just another player in the crowded smartphone market.
FAQs
Q: Are OnePlus phones still worth buying in 2024?
A: It depends on your priorities. If you want something that isn’t as pricey as Apple or Samsung but still holds its own, maybe. But there are definitely alternatives that are worth considering.
Q: Which OnePlus phone has the best camera?
A: Cameras have never been OnePlus’ strong suit. The OnePlus 11 probably offers the best overall camera experience, but that’s not saying much.
Q: Do OnePlus phones get regular software updates?
A: They do, but it’s hit-or-miss. The newer models will likely get better support, while older ones may start to be left in the dust.
Conclusion
The best OnePlus phones today are a far cry from what the brand used to represent. While they still offer solid specs and decent performance, they’re no longer the revolutionary products they once were. The brand has succumbed to the very industry trends it used to fight against. In the end, it’s hard to say whether OnePlus phones are really worth the hype anymore. If you’re a die-hard fan, you’ll likely stick with the brand no matter what. But if you’re just looking for the best bang for your buck? Maybe it’s time to look elsewhere.