OnePlus 10 Pro Review: A Solid Flagship That Falls Short of the Best

OnePlus 10 Pro Review: A Solid Flagship That Falls Short of the Best

The OnePlus 10 Pro represents a noticeable step forward from its predecessor, the OnePlus 9 Pro, but it does not quite reach the heights of this year’s leading flagships such as the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra or the iPhone 13 Pro Max. For Nepali consumers, this device provides a premium feel and solid performance, though it has clear limitations when compared to its main rivals.

Design and Build

Measuring 163 x 73.9 x 8.55mm and weighing 200.5 grams, the OnePlus 10 Pro strikes a balanced and comfortable form factor. Its slim profile and well-distributed weight make it a pleasure to hold, especially compared to bulkier alternatives like the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra. The phone features Gorilla Glass Victus on the front and Gorilla Glass 5 on the back, with an aluminum frame that looks and feels premium. However, the absence of an IP68 rating is a notable drawback, particularly during monsoon conditions in Nepal, where water resistance would be a valuable asset.

Display

The 6.7-inch QHD+ LTPO AMOLED panel is a standout feature, delivering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. With a peak brightness of 1300 nits and a 525 PPI density, the screen is not only sharp but also highly responsive for scrolling and gaming. Slight improvements over the OnePlus 9 Pro include better color calibration and enhanced haptic feedback, making navigation and multimedia consumption more engaging.

Performance

Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, paired with 8GB or 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage, the OnePlus 10 Pro handles everyday tasks and most games with ease. The OxygenOS 12 overlay on Android 12 is polished and intuitive, contributing to a smooth user experience. However, thermal management remains a concern. During normal use in Kathmandu’s moderate climate, the phone stays cool, but under heavy load—such as extended gaming or high-brightness usage in hotter regions like Lumbini—it can become uncomfortably hot. Gaming performance is generally stable, with titles like Call of Duty and PUBG Mobile running smoothly at 60 fps, though more demanding games like Genshin Impact experience a drop to around 35 fps after prolonged sessions.

Battery and Charging

The 5000mAh battery supports 80W SuperVOOC wired charging, allowing the device to reach 100 percent in roughly 30 minutes. Wireless charging is also available at 50W, with reverse charging support. Despite these fast-charging capabilities, battery endurance is merely average. With the display set to QHD+ resolution, screen-on time hovers around 5 hours, improving to approximately 6.5 hours when lowered to FHD+. This places it behind competitors like the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, which offers noticeably longer battery life.

Cameras

The OnePlus 10 Pro carries a triple rear camera setup headlined by a 48MP main sensor developed with Hasselblad, alongside a 50MP ultrawide and an 8MP telephoto lens. While the cameras produce decent images, they have not evolved significantly since the OnePlus 8 Pro era. Compared to the Samsung Galaxy S22+, which delivers more consistent dynamic range and better highlight handling, the OnePlus 10 Pro’s photography feels a step behind. Selfies from the 32MP front camera are acceptable but lack the refinement seen in rivals. Video capabilities also fall short, with no support for 4K selfie recording or 4K 60fps playback, making it less versatile for content creators.

Verdict

The OnePlus 10 Pro is a well-built phone with a fantastic display, rapid charging, and a refined software experience. However, its lack of an IP68 rating, average battery life, and middling camera performance hold it back from joining the elite tier of 2022 flagships. For Nepali buyers, it offers strong value at NPR 135,000, but those seeking top-tier performance, camera quality, and durability may find the Samsung Galaxy S22+ a more compelling choice despite the higher cost.