X

OnePlus 3 flaunts its premium design to the masses (pictures)

The OnePlus 3 launches (invite-free this time) with a new aluminum look, high-end specs and an affordable price tag.

Lynn La
Lynn La covers mobile reviews and news. She previously wrote for The Sacramento Bee, Macworld and The Global Post.
Lynn La
oneplus-3-0292.jpg
1 of 14 James Martin/CNET

The OnePlus 3 is finally here

Amidst a loyal fan base and a lot of hype, OnePlus finally launched its third flagship phone, the OnePlus 3. Equipped with high-end hardware and a $399 price tag (£309 or approximately AU$541), this is the best budget Android phone available

oneplus-3-0328.jpg
2 of 14 James Martin/CNET

A polished design

With a new aluminum construction and chamfered details around the display's edges, the OnePlus 3 has a more elegant look compared to its predecessors.

oneplus-3-0309.jpg
3 of 14 James Martin/CNET

Android Marshmallow dipped in OxygenOS

The handset features a 5.5-inch, 1,080-pixel resolution display. It runs Google Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow with OnePlus' customizable OxygenOS interface on top.

oneplus-3-0321.jpg
4 of 14 James Martin/CNET

Slide to change your notifications

On the left edge is a notification toggle that's common on OnePlus phones. Not only can you slide it to turn notifications on and off, but there's also a priority notifications setting in the middle.

oneplus-3-0324.jpg
5 of 14 James Martin/CNET

Fingerprint reader on the bottom

The home button below the display also acts a fingerprint sensor for added user security.

oneplus-3-0312.jpg
6 of 14 James Martin/CNET

Compatible with GSM networks

The device only works with carriers using GSM technology (in the US that means AT&T and T-Mobile ), and it has dual-SIM capabilities.

oneplus-3-0326.jpg
7 of 14 James Martin/CNET

Capture sharp pics easily

The 16-megapixel camera (which bulges out a bit from the handset's surface) has automatic High Dynamic Range shooting, HD Mode and records 4K video. It also has a manual mode and you can save photos as uncompressed raw files.

oneplus-3-0314.jpg
8 of 14 James Martin/CNET

For your selfie needs

On the front is an 8-megapixel shooter.

oneplus-3-0297.jpg
9 of 14 James Martin/CNET

Snapdragon inside and 6GB of RAM

A quad-core Snapdragon 820 processor from Qualcomm powers the phone. It also has 6GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage (without the option to expand).

oneplus-3-0308.jpg
10 of 14 James Martin/CNET

Super fast charging

The OnePlus 3's 3,000mAh non-removable battery charges through a USB Type-C port. It also has Dash Charging, trademarked by OnePlus, which means it charges quickly without overheating. When I tested it out, the phone shot up from 0 to 65 percent after 30 minutes.

oneplus-3-1688.jpg
11 of 14 James Martin/CNET

Dash charge as you go

In addition to the stock Dash charger, the company released a Dash car charger so you can juice up your device on the go.

oneplus-3-1672.jpg
12 of 14 James Martin/CNET

Switching up your style

If you're not digging the aluminum aesthetic, you can buy a back cover in wood, bamboo and other materials.

oneplus-3-1707.jpg
13 of 14 James Martin/CNET

Another hat in the VR ring

In conjunction with the flagship launch, OnePlus released a VR headset for users to watch VR video and other content with the OnePlus 3.

oneplus-3-0294.jpg
14 of 14 James Martin/CNET

No more invitation system

Unlike previous launches, you won't have to frustratingly wait for an invite to get your hands on the phone. Instead, the company is releasing it to the masses right at launch on its site. For more information, read CNET's full review of the OnePlus 3.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos