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OnePlus

OnePlus 3 (2016)

Android OS v6.0.1 (Marshmallow)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 MSM8996
Adreno 530
6 GB / 64 GB
5.5 inch (1080 x 1920 px)
16 MP, 4608 x 3456 px, autofocus, optical image stabilization

The manufacturer offers this phone with a 5.5 inch AMOLED display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 MSM8996 chipset, and 6 GB of RAM.

Want to know more about why this phone is special? Keep reading to learn all about it!

Table of Contents

This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the OnePlus 3 smartphone. We hope to offer helpful insights to others interested in this device.

OnePlus 3 / 1

OnePlus 3 specifications

BrandOnePlus
Name3
ModelA3003
Release date2016

Weight, dimensions, colors

Weight5.57 oz
Dimensions6.01 x 2.94 x 0.29 inch
Colorsgold, gray
SIM typeNano SIM

The weight of the OnePlus 3 is still considered to be lightweight and portable. Smartphones use a Nano SIM as a subscriber identity module (SIM), which is a chip card.

OnePlus 3 / 1

System, chipset, performance

OS versionAndroid OS v6.0.1 (Marshmallow)
SoCQualcomm Snapdragon 820 MSM8996
CPUQuad-core, Dual-core 2.15 GHz Kryo, Dual-core 1.6 GHz Kryo
GPUAdreno 530

The OnePlus 3 comes with Android OS v6.0.1 (Marshmallow) out of the box. Google regularly releases new versions of Android. They have new features, improvements, and security updates. The quad-core mobile CPU can provide fast and efficient performance for mobile games. Smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices use Adreno GPUs.

OnePlus 3 / 2

Display type, size, resolution

Display typeAMOLED
Screen size5.5 inch
Resolution1080 x 1920 px
Multitouch supportyes

The 3's AMOLED display has deep blacks and vibrant colors. It also has fast response times and features like Always-On Display. The 5.5 inch display make this smartphone pocket-friendly. The display size is the diagonal distance from one corner of the screen to the opposite corner.

OnePlus 3 / 3

Memory, storage

RAM6 GB
Internal storage64 GB
Memory card slotno

The OnePlus 3 comes with 6 GB of RAM, which is considered to be sufficient for most users' needs. The needed RAM amount for good performance depends on factors. These include the OS, the apps, and the services we use. 64 GB of storage is usually seen as good for a smartphone. It should be enough for most users. The internal storage of the OnePlus 3 (6 GB) cannot be expanded.

OnePlus 3 / 4

Cameras, flash

Main camera16 MP, 4608 x 3456 px, autofocus, optical image stabilization
FlashLED
Selfie camera8 MP

This single camera can be enough for many smartphone users, it depends on their photography needs and preferences. The 3 offers optical image stabilization (OIS) for their rear camera systems.

Connectivity, network, wireless

GSM 2G bands850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
Network coverage2G / 3G / 4G
Wi-FiWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetoothv4.2, A2DP
GPSA-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou
NFCyes
FM radiono
USBUSB Type-C
Headphone3.5 mm jack

Worldwide, people use 4G networks. They have become the standard for mobile networks in many countries. The 3 supports the latest Wi-Fi standards. We can use Bluetooth to connect our 3 smartphone to many Bluetooth devices. The 3 has a GPS receiver. Many fitness and activity tracking apps rely on GPS. It is used to accurately measure and record outdoor activities. The 3 has a built-in NFC chip, which allows it to support various NFC applications and services. The 3.5 mm headphone jack allows us to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.

Battery type, capacity, charger

TypeLi-Po 3000 mAh, non-removable

The Li-Po 3000 mAh, non-removable battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The lithium polymer (Li-Po) battery is a light-weight, rechargeable battery. The 3 does not have a removable battery, it integrates the battery into the phone's design.

Features, sensors, specials

Sensorsaccelerometer, compass, fingerprint, gyroscope, hall, light, proximity
SpecialsCorning Gorilla Glass 4, Dual SIM, OxygenOS

Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The 3 smartphone has an accelerometer. The fingerprint reader is a biometric security feature found in 3 smartphones. The light sensor is a type of sensor in a smartphone. It lets the phone measure light intensity around the device. Dual SIM is great for businesses. They want to give staff a device with separate numbers and bills for personal and business use. Corning Gorilla Glass is a type of chemically strengthened super-glass.

Verdict, pros and cons

Every phone has its strengths and weaknesses, and this OnePlus phone is no exception. As with any device, there are aspects that shine and others that fall short. By examining both sides, we can paint a complete picture of what this phone has to offer. Let's explore its standout features and areas for improvement. Remember, this is just my opinion, and yours might be different.

Pros

  • AMOLED display
  • adequate memory
  • optical image stabilization (OIS)
  • Dual SIM support
  • Corning Gorilla Glass shield

Cons

  • limited-size screen
  • non-expandable storage
  • single camera setup
  • no 5G support
  • low-capacity battery
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Updated: May 11, 2024

Lucas Bradley I'm Lucas Bradley, the founder of the Phone42.com site. I love technology, especially smartphones, and I've been working with tech stuff for more than 20 years. This means I've seen a lot of changes and have learned a bunch about what makes a good phone. On Phone42.com, I look at all kinds of phones. They can be from big, well-known companies or new ones trying to make their mark. I want to help people understand what's new and cool in the world of smartphones, in a way that's easy to get.
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