OnePlus Ace 3

The OnePlus Ace 3 is available in three variants in Qatar. The base model with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage is priced at QAR 1,649. The mid-tier variant with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage costs QAR 1,899. For those seeking maximum storage, the top-end model with 16GB RAM and 1TB storage is available at QAR 2,249.

These prices are based on the latest information from major Qatar retailers and may vary slightly depending on the seller and any ongoing promotions.

OnePlus Ace 3 Specifications

Release Date and Availability

The OnePlus Ace 3 was officially launched on January 4, 2024, in China. It became available globally, including in Qatar, on January 15, 2024. The device quickly gained popularity among smartphone enthusiasts due to its powerful specifications and competitive pricing. In Qatar, the OnePlus Ace 3 is available through various authorized retailers and online marketplaces, making it easily accessible to consumers across the country.

Design and Display

The OnePlus Ace 3 boasts a sleek and modern design that’s both aesthetically pleasing and functional. It features a 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a resolution of 1264 x 2780 pixels, offering crisp and vibrant visuals. The screen supports a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and responsive touch interactions. With a peak brightness of 4500 nits, the display remains easily visible even in bright outdoor conditions.

The device measures 163.3 x 75.3 x 8.8 mm and weighs 207 grams, striking a balance between screen size and comfortable handling. It’s available in three attractive colors: Titanium Mirror Silver, Green Field Blue, and Black. The phone’s build quality is premium, featuring a glass front protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, a glass back, and an aluminum frame.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the OnePlus Ace 3 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, a high-performance processor that ensures smooth multitasking and excellent gaming performance. This octa-core processor is paired with either 12GB or 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, depending on the variant chosen. The UFS 4.0 storage options of 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB provide ample space for apps, photos, and videos, with faster read and write speeds compared to previous generations.

The device runs on ColorOS 14, based on Android 14, offering a user-friendly interface with numerous customization options. The software experience is smooth and responsive, taking full advantage of the powerful hardware.

Camera System

Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the OnePlus Ace 3’s versatile camera setup. The main rear camera features a 50MP Sony IMX890 sensor with an f/1.8 aperture and optical image stabilization (OIS), capable of capturing detailed and sharp images in various lighting conditions. It’s accompanied by an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens with a 120-degree field of view and a 2MP macro camera for close-up shots.

On the front, a 16MP selfie camera housed in a punch-hole cutout delivers high-quality self-portraits and supports face unlock functionality. The camera system is capable of recording 4K video at 30fps and offers various shooting modes and AI enhancements to improve photo and video quality.

Battery Life and Charging

One of the standout features of the OnePlus Ace 3 is its large 5500mAh battery, which provides excellent battery life for all-day use. Even more impressive is the 100W SuperVOOC fast charging capability, which can charge the device from 0 to 100% in just about 30 minutes. This rapid charging technology ensures that users can quickly top up their phone’s battery even during short breaks.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The OnePlus Ace 3 supports 5G connectivity, allowing users to take advantage of the fastest mobile networks available. It also features Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, and NFC for contactless payments. The phone includes an under-display fingerprint sensor for quick and secure unlocking, as well as stereo speakers for an immersive audio experience.

Comparison with OnePlus Ace 3V and Similar Models

When compared to its sibling, the OnePlus Ace 3V, the Ace 3 offers several upgrades. The Ace 3 features a more powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, compared to the Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 3 in the Ace 3V. The Ace 3 also boasts a higher resolution display and a more advanced camera system. However, the Ace 3V is more affordable, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers who still want a high-performance device.

In the same price range, the OnePlus Ace 3 competes with devices like the Samsung Galaxy A54 and the Xiaomi 13 Lite. The Ace 3 generally offers better performance and faster charging compared to these models, but the Galaxy A54 may have an edge in terms of software support and water resistance. The Xiaomi 13 Lite, on the other hand, offers a slimmer design and a competitive camera setup.

When considering flagship devices, the OnePlus Ace 3 holds its own against more expensive models like the Samsung Galaxy S24 and the iPhone 15. While these premium devices may offer more advanced features and better cameras, the Ace 3 provides excellent value for money with its high-end processor, fast charging, and smooth display.

For those looking at other OnePlus models, the Ace 3 sits between the standard OnePlus 12 and the more affordable Nord series. It offers a balance of performance and price that many users will find appealing, especially if they don’t need the absolute top-tier specifications of the OnePlus 12.

Performance in Daily Use

In day-to-day usage, the OnePlus Ace 3 excels in providing a smooth and responsive experience. The powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, coupled with ample RAM, ensures that apps launch quickly and multitasking is a breeze. Whether you’re browsing the web, scrolling through social media, or switching between multiple apps, the Ace 3 handles it all with ease.

The 120Hz refresh rate display is particularly noticeable when scrolling through content or playing games that support high refresh rates. The fluidity of the screen makes for a more enjoyable and immersive user experience. The LTPO technology also helps in conserving battery life by dynamically adjusting the refresh rate based on the content being displayed.

For mobile gaming enthusiasts, the OnePlus Ace 3 is a solid choice. The Adreno 740 GPU delivers excellent graphics performance, allowing you to play demanding games at high settings without significant frame drops. The phone’s cooling system helps maintain performance during extended gaming sessions, preventing thermal throttling.

Camera Performance and Features

The camera system on the OnePlus Ace 3 is versatile and capable of producing high-quality images in various scenarios. The 50MP main camera captures detailed photos with good color accuracy and dynamic range. In low-light conditions, the night mode helps in producing brighter and clearer images with reduced noise.

Nord N20 5G

The 8MP ultra-wide camera is useful for capturing landscapes or group shots, though there might be a noticeable difference in quality compared to the main sensor. The 2MP macro lens, while not as frequently used, can be fun for close-up shots of small objects or textures.

For selfie lovers, the 16MP front camera delivers sharp and well-exposed self-portraits. The portrait mode, available on both front and rear cameras, does a good job of separating the subject from the background, creating a pleasing bokeh effect.

Video recording capabilities are solid, with the ability to capture 4K footage at 30fps. The optical image stabilization helps in producing smoother videos, especially when recording while walking or in motion. Various video modes and filters are available to enhance your recordings and add creative touches.

Battery Life and Charging Experience

The 5500mAh battery in the OnePlus Ace 3 is a standout feature, providing excellent battery life that easily lasts through a full day of moderate to heavy use. For most users, the phone can comfortably last from morning to night without needing a recharge, even with features like 5G and high refresh rate enabled.

When it’s time to charge, the 100W SuperVOOC fast charging is truly impressive. In real-world usage, you can expect to charge the phone from 0 to 50% in about 10 minutes, and a full charge takes around 30 minutes. This rapid charging capability is especially useful for those times when you need a quick top-up before heading out.

It’s worth noting that while the OnePlus Ace 3 supports fast charging, it does not offer wireless charging. This might be a consideration for users who prefer the convenience of placing their phone on a wireless charging pad.

Software Experience and Updates

The OnePlus Ace 3 runs on ColorOS 14, based on Android 14, which offers a clean and customizable user interface. The software includes various features like dynamic widgets, enhanced privacy controls, and AI-powered optimizations for better performance and battery life.

OnePlus has a good track record of providing software updates, though the frequency and duration of support may vary depending on the region and model. Users can expect to receive security patches and feature updates for at least two years from the release date.

The software also includes various OnePlus-specific features like OxygenOS, which offers a near-stock Android experience with useful additions. These include customizable always-on display options, gaming mode for optimized performance, and Zen Mode for digital wellbeing.

Connectivity and Network Performance

With 5G support, the OnePlus Ace 3 is future-proof in terms of network connectivity. In areas with 5G coverage, users can enjoy faster download and upload speeds, lower latency, and improved network reliability. The phone supports multiple 5G bands, ensuring compatibility with various carriers worldwide.

Wi-Fi 7 support is another advanced feature that sets the Ace 3 apart from many competitors in its price range. This latest Wi-Fi standard offers faster speeds and improved performance in congested network environments, though it’s worth noting that Wi-Fi 7 routers are still not widely available.

Bluetooth 5.3 ensures stable and energy-efficient connections with wireless accessories like headphones and smartwatches. The inclusion of NFC allows for contactless payments and quick pairing with compatible devices.

Build Quality and Durability

The OnePlus Ace 3 features a premium build quality with its glass front and back, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2. This provides good resistance against scratches and minor drops. The aluminum frame adds to the structural integrity of the device.

While the phone has an IP65 rating for dust and splash resistance, it’s important to note that this doesn’t make it fully waterproof. It can withstand light splashes and rain, but submersion in water should be avoided.

The in-display fingerprint sensor is fast and reliable, offering a convenient way to unlock the device and authenticate for apps and payments. Face unlock is also available as an alternative biometric security option.

Value for Money and Market Position

In the Qatari smartphone market, the OnePlus Ace 3 positions itself as a premium mid-range device that offers flagship-level performance at a more accessible price point. When compared to top-tier flagships from brands like Samsung and Apple, the Ace 3 provides similar performance in many aspects at a significantly lower cost.

The device offers excellent value for money, especially for users who prioritize performance, display quality, and fast charging. It may not have some of the more advanced features found in ultra-premium phones, such as sophisticated camera systems with periscope zoom lenses or IP68 water resistance, but for most users, the Ace 3 strikes an excellent balance between features and affordability.

Who Should Consider the OnePlus Ace 3?

The OnePlus Ace 3 is an excellent choice for several types of users:

1. Tech enthusiasts who want high-end performance without paying flagship prices.
2. Mobile gamers looking for a device that can handle demanding games smoothly.
3. Users who value fast charging and long battery life.
4. Those who enjoy a clean, customizable Android experience.
5. Consumers who want a future-proof device with 5G capabilities.

However, it may not be the best fit for:

1. Photography enthusiasts who need the most advanced camera features.
2. Users who prioritize wireless charging.
3. Those who require the highest level of water resistance (IP68).

Accessories and Ecosystem

When purchasing the OnePlus Ace 3, it’s worth considering the ecosystem of accessories available. OnePlus offers a range of compatible accessories, including cases, screen protectors, and earbuds that are designed to work seamlessly with the device.

The OnePlus Buds Pro 2, for example, pair easily with the Ace 3 and offer features like spatial audio and fast pairing. For protection, OnePlus provides both official and third-party cases that maintain the phone’s sleek profile while offering varying degrees of protection.

It’s also compatible with a wide range of third-party accessories, thanks to its USB-C port and Bluetooth connectivity. This includes external DACs for audiophiles, gaming controllers for mobile gamers, and various charging accessories that support the 100W fast charging standard.