OnePlus has established itself as a personality-driven brand in the smartphone market, known for its motto “Never Settle,” which resonates well with Android enthusiasts. With the advent of the OnePlus 10T 5G, the company is trying to navigate the challenges posed by rising smartphone prices while maintaining a unique appeal. However, the brand is on the verge of significant changes, merging operations with its sister company, Oppo, which raises questions about its future identity.

Introducing the OnePlus 10T 5G

The OnePlus 10T 5G is a noteworthy addition to the company’s “T” series, which is typically reserved for mid-year launches. Priced starting at Rs 49,999 for the base variant offering 8GB RAM and 128GB storage, the phone aims to provide a balance between cost and performance. There are further options available with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage priced at Rs 54,999, and a high-end variant boasting 16GB RAM and 256GB storage for Rs 55,999.

What’s in the Box?

The OnePlus 10T 5G comes in a standard packaging, deviating from the traditional elaborate box design. Inside, you’ll find:

  • A protective case
  • A Red Cable Club membership card
  • Stickers and a welcome note from OnePlus
  • A powerful 160W charger
  • A red USB Type-C cable

This thoughtful packaging aims to enhance user experience right from the unboxing.

Design and Build Quality

When it comes to design, the OnePlus 10T 5G mirrors some features seen in the OnePlus 10 Pro with a distinct camera arrangement. However, it lacks the premium feel, being somewhat thick at 8.75mm and weighing 203.5 grams. The device is available in two finishes: the textured Moonstone Black and the glossy Jade Green, with our review unit showcasing the latter.

Interestingly, OnePlus has chosen to remove the beloved alert slider, a signature element that differentiated it from other Android devices. This decision was made to allocate more space for battery capacity, improved cooling, and enhanced antenna functionality.

Charging and Battery Features

The OnePlus 10T 5G supports 150W charging, allowing users to charge not only their phones but other devices such as laptops via USB-PD support (up to 45W). Safety measures have been detailed to assure users of the charger’s safety during use.

Performance and Software

At the heart of the OnePlus 10T 5G lies the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC, coupled with up to 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage options. This hardware promises impressive multitasking capabilities, with the ability to run up to 30 applications simultaneously without lag. The device operates on OxygenOS 12.1 based on Android 12 and comes pre-loaded with apps that enhance user engagement.

Display Quality

This smartphone features a 6.7-inch Fluid AMOLED panel, boasting a full-HD+ resolution and a peak refresh rate of 120Hz. The display is secured by Gorilla Glass 5 and supports HDR 10+, promising an immersive viewing experience.

Camera Capabilities

OnePlus has equipped the 10T 5G with a triple-camera setup featuring a 50-megapixel primary sensor with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), an 8-megapixel ultra-wide sensor, and a 2-megapixel macro camera. The front camera is a 16-megapixel shooter, designed to deliver decent quality graphics. Despite the absence of Hasselblad branding, OnePlus assures users of impressive results due to advanced processing algorithms that support 10-bit color capture.

Specifications Summary

Specifications Details
Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
RAM/Storage 8GB/128GB | 12GB/256GB | 16GB/256GB
Display 6.7-inch Fluid AMOLED, Full-HD+, 120Hz
Main Camera 50MP (OIS) + 8MP (Ultra-wide) + 2MP (Macro)
Front Camera 16MP
Battery 4800mAh with 150W charging
OS Android 12 with OxygenOS 12.1

Conclusion: Balancing Act

The OnePlus 10T 5G raises important questions about its positioning within the OnePlus lineup. While it eschews some features like wireless charging and an official IP rating, it prioritizes performance, battery life, and quick charging. This device seems to cater more towards gaming and fast charging enthusiasts, while those looking for advanced camera features might still prefer the OnePlus 10 Pro 5G. The ongoing transition for OnePlus through its merger with Oppo management might alter its appeal, but the company continues to stand firm in its commitment to provide distinctive offerings.

As we dive deeper into testing the OnePlus 10T 5G, we will analyze how well it manages to balance its powerful processor capabilities with camera quality, battery efficiency, and overall user experience. Stay tuned for our detailed review coming up soon.