The OnePlus 10T is the OnePlus 10’s successor, a phone that the latter was never released, and it was not just a simple update to the old 10 but more of a lateral move. The 10T is the successor to the 10 and sits slightly under the 10 Pro’s tier, so the 10T offers a mixed bag of better specs in some areas and compromises in others. This is a device you might call the speed and power champion of OnePlus, as it sports the then-latest Snapdragon chipset and charging technology that has taken the rest of the field by storm, and that is what it is about—just pure power and performance of the highest level.
In this review of the OnePlus 10T, the writer leaves no stone unturned. The author not only delves deeply into technology but also paints a picture for readers about the handset’s character and sturdiness, indicating whether it is a good or bad investment. Along with that, the review briefly outlines the wider scope of the OnePlus family and addresses some of the most talked-about questions regarding the company, its competitors, and what the future might bring for this brand.
Unpacking the OnePlus 10T: Performance at its Core
The OnePlus 10T’s main feature is a set of performance-oriented changes. The phone was designed for users who are primarily focused on the speed and responsiveness of the device, with other features coming second.
The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 Advantage
The OnePlus 10T gets its power from the cutting-edge Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 CPU. This is a perfect upgrade from its predecessor in terms of power and speed. What this means for you is rapid, almost instantaneous app launches and flawless multitasking capability. Moreover, when dealing with graphically intensive games, you are not likely to face lag, and if you were playing on a PC laptop, you would probably not notice it either. In addition to that, the 10T with its heat dissipation system has been designed to maintain high-end performance for long durations, thus making it a top pick for mobile gamers and power users.
A Charging Revolution: 150W SUPERVOOC
OnePlus was always going to continue to innovate in the field of charging technology, and the 10T is proof that their determination is still there. 150W SUPERVOOC charging makes it among the quickest-charging mobile devices ever to be released. This technology makes it possible to recharge a 4,800 mAh battery from zero to full in less than 20 minutes, a feature that drastically transforms the way users engage with their gadgets. This means if, for instance, you are pressed for time and want to take off for the next 24 hours, you just have to wait around 5 minutes to have access to power for an entire day. Nonetheless, it is worth noting that in places where power comes in the form of 110 volts, such as in the US, the charging rate is limited to 125 watts only.
Design and Display: A Tale of Two Tiers
Though the performance is at flagship level indisputably, the 10T’s design and display are the first areas where the device shows compromises compared to the 10 Pro, a higher-end model.
Build Materials: Is the OnePlus 10T Plastic?
Indeed, the frame of the OnePlus 10T is plastic. While the OnePlus 10 Pro features an aluminum frame, you can easily tell that the saved money has been used in other parts. The back and the front of the phone are made of Corning Gorilla Glass 5. The combination is still rather nice, though it may not reflect that high-end all-metal-and-glass look like the other members in the family. The phone was released in a Moonstone Black finish with a slightly rough texture and a Jade Green one with a shiny surface.
Display Technology
A huge 6.7-inch Fluid AMOLED screen with Full HD+ quality is included with the OnePlus 10T. The phone has a 120Hz refresh rate, which provides very smooth scrolling and animation performance. The screen is compatible with 1 billion colors and has HDR10+ certification, which is awesome for watching videos or consuming media. However, it is rather unfortunate since the 10 Pro and 10T have different display technologies; as a result, the 10T lacks the more sophisticated LTPO technology that enables a more precise adaptive refresh rate for power saving.
Durability and Protection: Gorilla Glass and Water Resistance
On both the front and back, the OnePlus 10T has been equipped with Corning Gorilla Glass 5. This is designed to provide strong protection against scratches and small impacts. The handset also comes with a basic TPU film for the screen that is already installed.
Is the OnePlus 10T waterproof?
The OnePlus 10T is not a waterproof device, but it is water-resistant to some extent. The phone models produced for the North American market have an officially certified IP54 rating. This standard indicates that the unit has protection against limited dust ingress and water jets from any direction. The device can be used under a drizzle without any problem; however, it should not be immersed in water. In addition, the models that are sold in different locations, such as Europe and India, are not given any official IP ratings. Hence, they should be handled cautiously around liquids.
Camera System: Capable, But Not a Flagship Killer
In contrast to the 10T and the 10 Pro, the primary distinction between the two is the camera. OnePlus has opted to highlight the speed and performance of the device with this variant, de-emphasizing the photographic aspect of the device. The rear camera is a triple-lens setup, and the primary one is a 50MP Sony IMX766 sensor that offers detailed and vibrant photos, particularly when the light is favorable. Moreover, there is an 8MP ultrawide camera designed to capture more extensive shots; unfortunately, it is of lower quality than that of premium flagships. The 2MP macro camera completes the system, which, as is usually the case with many mid-range phones, is almost unused due to its limited practical application.
The OnePlus 10T does not come with a telephoto lens like the 10 Pro for optical zoom, which is a main feature that the 10 Pro has. Besides that, the company has also decided to do without the Hasselblad branding and collaboration with color science, which means that the way colors are processed is different from that of the Pro series. Although the main camera is great for daily snapshots, camera enthusiasts might find the total camera setup less exciting than other phones that cost the same amount.
The OnePlus Brand Universe: A Deeper Look
It is almost impossible, without knowing the OnePlus brand, its values, and its position in the wider technology world, to figure out what the OnePlus 10T means.
Is OnePlus Chinese or Korean?
OnePlus is a Chinese firm that manufactures electronics for consumers. It is a subsidiary of Oppo. In December 2013, in Shenzhen, Guangdong, Pete Lau and Carl Pei, the two ex-vice presidents of Oppo, set up the company.
Why is OnePlus special?
OnePlus first came to the fore with its brand identity of “Never Settle,” initially supplying flagship-level specifications for just a fraction of the prices of the big players. OnePlus earned the tag “flagship killer,” and that, together with its own OxygenOS—a software program that came with a nearly stock Android experience—has resulted in a strong community of tech-savvy members. The company has transitioned to a higher price range, but it has never given up its focus on performance, rapid charging, and a trouble-free user experience as key parts of its character.
OnePlus vs. Samsung: A Perennial Android Debate
Whether OnePlus is better than Samsung, or the opposite, the question still exists as one of the eternal Android debates. Many times, it is just a matter of different priorities that are needed to make the correct decision about what kind of smartphone experience you would like to have. OnePlus is usually stronger when it comes to pure speed as well as charging technology, thus attracting users who are fond of power and efficiency. On the other hand, Samsung can generally claim better camera qualities, as is the case with the flagship Ultra models, while having more versatile systems that provide more opportunities. Simply put, software is a matter of personal preference.
OxygenOS has a reputation for its clean, near-stock Android feeling, while Samsung’s One UI is known to be feature-packed and offering extensive customization. In addition, Samsung’s ecosystem of products is more mature and extensive than that of OnePlus, with more prolonged software support, while OnePlus devices tend to have more attractive mid-range specs and prices.
If you are someone who very much likes blazing fast charging and a neat, quick software experience, then there is no doubt that OnePlus would be a good choice. On the other hand, if your interests lie in having a world-class camera system, a vast ecosystem, and the longest software support, then Samsung would be a tough rival to beat.
Common OnePlus Issues and Concerns
Even the best smartphone brands are not free from issues, and OnePlus is no exception. Several recurring user issues have been reported by OnePlus users over the years.
Are OnePlus phones having some issues?
OnePlus phones can be defective just as any other electronic device. The most common user issues that are often discussed are software bugs after major updates, the battery that seems to drain quickly from time to time, and the device getting hot when heavy applications are being used.
Does OnePlus have a motherboard issue?
Several individuals have reported, and the company has confirmed, that there are hardware issues related to the motherboard in some OnePlus 8, 9, and 10 series smartphones. The company claims that it is responding to these cases and has taken steps to lower the cost of motherboard replacements.
The Lifespan and Future of OnePlus
When it comes to buying a new device and brand, the lifespan of a device and the direction of the brand in the future are the most significant things to take into account.
How long does a OnePlus phone last?
The lifespan of a OnePlus phone can be up to 5 years or maybe even longer if the user takes good care of it. Users of the OnePlus 5 model have shared their experiences of using the device even after half a decade of release. However, in reality, the limit of OnePlus phones is the software support. With the 10T, you get three major upgrades and four years of security patches, which means the phone will remain safe and compatible with the latest apps for quite some time.
Which series is best in OnePlus?
OnePlus has divided its phones into three main series. The numbered series, like the OnePlus 11 and 12, is the flagship line that offers the best of both worlds—highest performance and cutting-edge features. The T series, including the 10T, is made up of mid-cycle refreshes that normally concentrate on performance upgrades and new technologies. Lastly, the Nord series is the budget and mid-range division, providing a good compromise between features and cost. The “best” series eventually becomes the one that fits a user’s budget and requirements.
What will be the best Android phone in 2025?
It’s going to be such a hard fight between the best Android phones for 2025 that just thinking about it makes me excited. It might be up for grabs with the Samsung Galaxy S25, Google Pixel 9, and OnePlus’s upcoming flagship, the OnePlus 13. The one we will consider the best will be the one with improved AI features, advanced camera technology, and longer battery life. The OnePlus 13 is confirmed to be one of the contestants, especially concerning battery life and fast charging.
What are the disadvantages of the OnePlus 13?
If we take early speculation and rumors as a reference, the list of potential disadvantages of the unreleased OnePlus 13 might also contain the aspect of limited carrier support in the US, which makes it less accessible than other similar products, as a continuous theme emphasized by the rest of the content. Moreover, their AI functions are less advanced when compared to Google’s or Samsung’s, and they lack support for emerging standards like Qi2 magnetic wireless charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is the OnePlus 10T?
Is the OnePlus 10T a flagship phone?
Is the OnePlus 10T capable of wireless charging?
How many years of updates will the OnePlus 10T get?
Final Thoughts
The OnePlus 10T keeps coming back to the minds of some users as a powerful and fast choice, but still not quite the perfect one. The performance was very nice for all sorts of situations, even for playing heavy games, which was mostly powered by the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1. The charging speed is wonderful and is so fast that you could probably say it completely changes your normal charging routine.
Nonetheless, it is hard to say that it is a compelling device in every aspect; it compromised on most fronts when it came to premium features, so the camera system is just okay, the design does not have that luxurious feeling of a flagship, and there is no wireless charging. On the other hand, users who are really keen on a fast smartphone with a 120Hz display and especially ultra-fast charging will find the OnePlus 10T a very nice value device if they consider photographic excellence to be of lesser importance and look at the price it had at the time of its release.
