OnePlus has recently introduced the 10R 5G smartphone in India, positioning it as a successor to the earlier OnePlus 9R. Priced at Rs 43,999, it occupies a unique space in the market, being more affordable than the OnePlus 9RT launched earlier this year. Although the design appears distinct from past OnePlus devices, it may leave some long-time fans feeling underwhelmed. This article delves into whether the new design and hardware of the OnePlus 10R 5G, particularly the 150W Endurance Edition, justify its asking price.

OnePlus 10R 5G Pricing in India

The OnePlus 10R 5G is available in two charging variants: 80W and 150W. Below is a pricing breakdown:

Model RAM/Storage Price (INR) Battery Capacity
80W 8GB RAM / 128GB Storage 38,999 5000mAh
80W 12GB RAM / 256GB Storage 42,999 5000mAh
150W Endurance Edition 12GB RAM / 256GB Storage 43,999 4500mAh

Considering the benefits offered by the Endurance Edition, it may be a wiser investment over the regular 12GB model, although it is limited to a Seira Black finish, lacking the Forest Green option present in the standard model.

Design of OnePlus 10R 5G (150W)

The design of the OnePlus 10R 5G (150W) closely resembles its 80W counterpart. Weighing in at just 186 grams, it is indeed a lightweight option within the mid-premium segment. Featuring a polycarbonate frame and back panel, this phone sacrifices some premium feel and wireless charging capability—common among other devices in its price range—contributing to its slim 8.2mm profile. Notably, it also lacks an official IP rating, which sets it apart from contemporaries like the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G and iPhone 12 Pro.

Visually, the phone showcases modern design elements, characterized by flat sides and sharp edges. This distinct look departs dramatically from the brand’s previous offerings, making it appealing to newcomers. However, die-hard OnePlus fans may struggle to embrace these changes, particularly the absence of the iconic alert slider, traditionally present in premium models.

The rear of the phone features a matte finish and a unique pinstripe pattern that distinguishes it from earlier models. Unfortunately, while the back panel and frame resist fingerprints, the camera module tends to collect dust and smudges quickly, requiring frequent cleaning.

Materials and Finish

The polycarbonate materials, while lightweight, detract from the overall premium ambiance offered by metal frames and glass backs that were typical in past models like the OnePlus 9R and 9RT. Moreover, the Corning Gorilla Glass 5 display is prone to fingerprints, while the overall design might not sit comfortably for long periods of use.

Specifications and Software

Powering the OnePlus 10R 5G (150W) is the MediaTek Dimensity 8100-Max chipset, delivering solid performance for day-to-day operations and gaming. The software runs on OxygenOS 12.1 based on Android 12, incorporating several unique features yet bearing similarities to RealmeUI due to a recent merger in OnePlus’s management structure.

The OxygenOS experience remains clean, with minimal bloatware—only includes useful applications like Netflix and Spotify. A myriad of OnePlus branded apps like Clone Phone and Zen Mode are included but cannot be removed.

User Experience

User experience is smooth with impeccable multitasking, aided by the 6.7-inch Fluid AMOLED panel boasting a 120Hz refresh rate—ensuring vibrant colors that shine in both daylight and low-light conditions. Despite this, issues were observed during Netflix HDR streaming. AnTuTu benchmarks yielded impressive scores, positioning the device competitively against rivals.

Performance and Battery Life

The performance of the OnePlus 10R 5G (150W) is notably smooth, presenting no lag during app operations or multitasking. The gaming experience is satisfactory, with titles like Call of Duty: Mobile playable at high graphics settings. However, the performance is still comparable to devices using the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888, available at similar price points.

Charging features prominently in this model, with the included 160W charger fully charging the device in approximately 19 minutes. Additionally, the innovative Battery Health Engine specifically designed for the 150W model aims to prolong battery lifecycle. With heavy usage, the phone manages to sustain around a day and a half on a single charge.

Camera Capabilities

The OnePlus 10R 5G (150W) features a Sony 50-megapixel IMX766 primary camera, supported by an 8-megapixel ultra-wide and a 2-megapixel macro camera. The 16-megapixel front camera functions as a reliable option for selfies.

Daylight photography produces crisp images, though some degree of overexposure can occur during bright settings. Low-light performance is capable, utilizing Nightscape mode to create well-lit images, though expectations should be tempered regarding noise levels in selfies.

Video Performance

When capturing video at 1080p, results reveal a good dynamic range; however, stabilization lacks in some instances. The AI Highlight feature boosts night performance at the compromise of increased noise. Overall, the video quality is commendable for daylight use but displays room for improvement at night.

Final Thoughts

The OnePlus 10R 5G (150W Endurance Edition) is ideal for newcomers to the OnePlus ecosystem, offering an engaging display, robust processing capabilities, and fast charging. However, long-time OnePlus enthusiasts may lament the absence of the alert slider and the shift in design ethos, which may feel devoid of the premium touch they have come to expect.

With significant competitors in the market such as the Xiaomi 11T Pro and Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G, prospective buyers will need to weigh their options carefully. Nonetheless, the OnePlus 10R 5G (150W) presents a compelling choice within its price bracket.