OnePlus 3T

The OnePlus 3T is no longer officially available in Qatar, as it has been discontinued. However, when it was initially released, the OnePlus 3T was available in two variants: 64GB and 128GB storage options. The 64GB variant was priced at around QAR 1,799, while the 128GB variant was priced at approximately QAR 1,999.

These prices may have varied slightly depending on the retailer and any ongoing promotions at the time.

OnePlus 3T Specifications

Release Date and Availability

The OnePlus 3T was announced in November 2016 and released shortly after. It was an upgraded version of the OnePlus 3, which was released earlier in the same year.

The device quickly gained popularity due to its high-end specifications and competitive pricing, earning it the nickname “flagship killer.”Upon its release, the OnePlus 3T was available in two color options: Gunmetal and Soft Gold. Later, a limited edition Midnight Black color was also introduced. The device was sold through official OnePlus channels and select retailers in Qatar.

Design and Build Quality

The OnePlus 3T features a sleek and premium design with an all-metal unibody construction. The phone’s body is made of anodized aluminum, giving it a premium look and feel. The device is slim at just 7.4 mm thick and weighs 158 grams, making it comfortable to hold and use with one hand.

On the front, the 5.5-inch display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 4, which provides good scratch resistance. The fingerprint sensor is located on the front, doubling as a home button. The power button is on the right side, while the volume rocker and alert slider are on the left side of the device.

Display Technology

The OnePlus 3T boasts a 5.5-inch Optic AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels. This results in a pixel density of about 401 pixels per inch (ppi), providing sharp and crisp visuals. The AMOLED technology ensures deep blacks and vibrant colors, making it great for watching videos and browsing photos.

The display also features a 2.5D curved glass, which gives it a premium look and feel. It has good sunlight legibility and offers customizable color temperature settings, allowing users to adjust the display according to their preferences.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the OnePlus 3T is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 processor, which was one of the top-tier mobile processors at the time of its release. This quad-core chip is paired with 6GB of RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and excellent overall performance.

The device comes with either 64GB or 128GB of internal storage. However, it’s worth noting that the OnePlus 3T doesn’t have a microSD card slot for expandable storage, so users need to choose their storage option wisely at the time of purchase.

Camera Capabilities

The OnePlus 3T features a 16-megapixel rear camera with an f/2.0 aperture. It includes optical image stabilization (OIS) and electronic image stabilization (EIS) for steady shots and videos. The camera can record 4K videos at 30fps and slow-motion videos at 720p at 120fps.

One of the standout features of the OnePlus 3T is its front-facing camera. It sports a 16-megapixel sensor, which was quite impressive for a front camera at the time of its release. This makes the OnePlus 3T an excellent choice for selfie enthusiasts and video calling.

Battery Life and Charging

The OnePlus 3T is equipped with a 3400mAh battery, which is a slight upgrade from its predecessor. This battery size, combined with the energy-efficient processor and optimized software, provides good battery life for most users.

One of the highlights of the OnePlus 3T is its Dash Charge technology. This fast-charging solution can charge the phone from 0 to 60% in just 30 minutes, making it one of the fastest charging phones of its time. The Dash Charge adapter is included in the box, allowing users to take full advantage of this feature right out of the box.

Software and User Interface

The OnePlus 3T originally came with OxygenOS based on Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow. OxygenOS is known for its clean, near-stock Android experience with useful additions and customizations. The device received several updates over time and was upgradable to Android 9.0 Pie.

OxygenOS offers features like customizable gesture controls, a dark mode, and a reading mode that adjusts the screen’s color temperature for comfortable reading. The interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, making it suitable for both Android newcomers and experienced users.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The OnePlus 3T supports dual SIM cards, which is a useful feature for those who need to manage multiple phone numbers. It also supports 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.2, NFC, and GPS.

The device features a front-mounted fingerprint sensor that’s quick and accurate. It also has a USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer, which was becoming the standard at the time of its release.

Comparison with Other OnePlus Models

When comparing the OnePlus 3T to its successors, the OnePlus 5 and OnePlus 5T, we can see significant improvements in various aspects. The OnePlus 5 and 5T feature more powerful Snapdragon 835 processors, improved dual-camera setups, and slightly larger batteries. The OnePlus 5T, in particular, introduced a larger 6.01-inch display with an 18:9 aspect ratio and slimmer bezels, following the trend of fuller-screen designs.

The OnePlus 5 and 5T also offer up to 8GB of RAM, compared to the 6GB in the 3T. However, the core experience of a clean, fast interface and rapid charging remains consistent across these models. The OnePlus 3T still holds its ground in terms of build quality and overall performance, even when compared to these newer models.

Comparison with Other Brands

When the OnePlus 3T was released, it competed with flagship devices from other brands like the Samsung Galaxy S7, iPhone 7, and Google Pixel. The OnePlus 3T stood out due to its competitive pricing, offering similar or better specifications at a lower cost.

Compared to the Samsung Galaxy S7, the OnePlus 3T offered more RAM (6GB vs 4GB) and a cleaner software experience. However, the Galaxy S7 had advantages like water resistance and a higher resolution display. The iPhone 7 had the edge in terms of software updates and ecosystem integration, but the OnePlus 3T offered a larger display and more customization options.

The Google Pixel, released around the same time, had a superior camera and guaranteed quick Android updates. However, the OnePlus 3T offered more RAM and storage at a lower price point. Each device had its strengths, but the OnePlus 3T’s combination of high-end specs and affordable pricing made it a compelling option for many consumers.

Is the OnePlus 3T Still Worth Buying?

The OnePlus 3T is no longer a current-generation device. While it was an excellent smartphone when it was released, technology has advanced significantly since then. Newer models offer improved cameras, faster processors, better displays, and 5G connectivity.

However, for users with basic smartphone needs such as calling, messaging, web browsing, and light gaming, the OnePlus 3T can still be a functional device. Its 6GB of RAM and Snapdragon 821 processor can handle most day-to-day tasks smoothly. The main drawbacks would be the lack of software updates, as the device is no longer supported, and potential battery degradation due to age.

For those considering a OnePlus device, it would be advisable to look at more recent models like the OnePlus 11 or OnePlus Nord series, which offer modern features and ongoing software support. These newer models provide significant improvements in camera quality, processing power, 5G connectivity, and overall user experience.