Price and specifications of OnePlus 3 advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Network Capabilities

The OnePlus 3, released in June 2016, offered a wide array of network capabilities. It supported various technologies including GSM, HSPA, and LTE, ensuring seamless connectivity across different regions. The device was equipped to handle multiple 2G bands (GSM 850/900/1800/1900 for both SIM slots), 3G bands (HSDPA 850/900/2100), and multiple 4G LTE bands (1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40), providing a robust network accessibility. The speed performance reached up to HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps and LTE Cat6 300/50 Mbps, which were quite competitive at the time.

Design and Build

The OnePlus 3 was designed with a strong emphasis on aesthetics and build quality. It featured dimensions of 152.7 x 74.7 x 7.4 mm and weighed 158 g, making it comfortable to hold and use. The phone's build included a front made of Gorilla Glass 4 for durability, while the back and frame were constructed from aluminum, adding a premium feel. It also featured dual SIM slots, allowing users the flexibility to use two different carrier plans or separate personal and work numbers.

Display Features

OnePlus 3 sported a 5.5-inch Optic AMOLED display, which was appreciated for its vibrant colors and deep contrasts. The screen provided a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels, offering a pixel density of approximately 401 ppi, which ensured sharp and clear visuals. The display covered roughly 73.1% of the phone's front side, which was a good screen-to-body ratio for its time. The inclusion of Corning Gorilla Glass 4 provided additional protection against scratches and accidental drops.

Performance

Under the hood, the OnePlus 3 was powered by the Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820 chipset, built on a 14 nm process. The CPU was a quad-core setup (2x2.15 GHz Kryo & 2x1.6 GHz Kryo) that balanced power and efficiency. For graphics, it was equipped with the Adreno 530 GPU, making it capable of handling most games and graphical applications with ease. This chipset and graphics combination ensured that the device performed smoothly and efficiently in day-to-day tasks and demanding applications.

Memory and Storage

The OnePlus 3 came with 6GB of RAM, which was more than sufficient for multitasking and running multiple applications concurrently without noticeable slowdowns. It was available with a standard storage option of 64GB internal storage; however, it notably lacked a card slot for expandable memory, which could be seen as a limitation for users who required additional space for media and apps.

Camera Capabilities

The device featured a 16 MP main camera with an f/2.0 aperture, a 1/2.8" sensor size, and 1.12µm pixel size. The camera incorporated Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF) and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), enhancing the quality of images captured in various lighting conditions. Additional features such as LED flash, panorama, and HDR were also included. The camera's video recording capabilities supported 4K at 30fps, 1080p at 30/60fps, and 720p at 120fps, making it versatile for users who enjoy capturing videos. The front-facing camera was an 8 MP shooter with an f/2.0 aperture and 1.4µm pixel size, catering well to selfie enthusiasts.

Audio and Sound

In terms of sound, the OnePlus 3 was equipped with a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is appreciated by many users for its compatibility with a wide range of audio devices. The audio quality was commendable, with voice, noise, and ring decibel levels recorded at 62dB, 71dB, and 77dB, respectively.

Connectivity Options

Providing extensive connectivity options, the OnePlus 3 supported Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct, and DLNA for seamless internet connectivity and file transfers. Bluetooth 4.2 was included with support for A2DP, LE, and aptX HD for high-quality audio streaming. Additionally, the device had GPS, GLONASS, BDS for precise location tracking, and NFC for contactless transactions. One of its notable absences was a radio, but it did come with a USB Type-C 2.0 connector for charging and data transfer.

Battery Life

The device was powered by a non-removable Li-Ion 3000 mAh battery, which offered a decent endurance rating of 66 hours. It supported 20W wired charging, also known as Dash Charge, which was one of the fastest charging technologies available at that time. This allowed the phone to charge quickly, minimizing downtime and keeping users connected longer.

Sensors and Additional Features

For security and usability, the OnePlus 3 featured a range of sensors including a front-mounted fingerprint scanner, accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, and compass. These sensors enhanced the overall user experience, providing easy access and smooth navigation through the device.

Release and Market Reception

Announced and released in June 2016, the OnePlus 3 quickly garnered attention for its combination of high-end specifications and competitive pricing, which was around 400 EUR at launch. It achieved positive reviews for its camera performance, fast charging capabilities, and build quality, despite criticisms over the lack of expandable storage and the absence of a radio. The OnePlus 3 marked a significant step in OnePlus's strategy to offer flagship performance at an affordable price, strengthening its reputation in the smartphone market.

Upgrade Path and Software Updates

Initially launched with Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow), the OnePlus 3 was eligible for software upgrades and eventually received updates up to Android 9.0 (Pie). This extended software lifecycle was appreciated by users and showcased OnePlus's commitment to support and provide continuous software improvements for their devices, extending their usability and functionality.

Conclusion

The OnePlus 3 stood out as a flagship killer of its time, offering powerful hardware, a vivid display, and excellent build quality at a comparatively lower price. Despite some limitations like the lack of expandable storage and radio, it delivered exceptional value, becoming a preferred choice for tech enthusiasts and everyday consumers alike.