OnePlus 3 smartphone

Photo: Santeri Viinamäki via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

OnePlus

OnePlus 3

June 14, 2016 8/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The OnePlus 3 was a flagship-level smartphone released in 2016, known for offering high-end specifications and a premium metal build at a highly competitive price. It featured a powerful Snapdragon 820 processor, 6GB of RAM, and a 16MP camera, aiming to deliver a top-tier Android experience without the premium cost.
Display5.5-inch Optic AMOLED (1080p)
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 820
Main Camera16MP with OIS and PDAF
Battery3000mAh with 20W Dash Charge
Starting from $25

💰 OnePlus 3 Price

The OnePlus 3 lowest price is $25, based on current retailer listings.

📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeOptic AMOLED
Size5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~73.1% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~401 ppi density)
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 4

Platform

OSAndroid 6.0.1 (Marshmallow), upgradable to Android 9.0 (Pie)
ChipsetQualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820 (14 nm)
CPUQuad-core (2x2.15 GHz Kryo & 2x1.6 GHz Kryo)
GPUAdreno 530

Memory

Card slotNo
Internal64GB 6GB RAM

Main Camera

Modules16 MP, f/2.0, 1/2.8", 1.12µm, PDAF, OIS
FeaturesLED flash, panorama, HDR
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, 720p@120fps, Auto HDR

Selfie Camera

Modules8 MP, f/2.0, 1/3.2", 1.4µm
Video1080p@30fps

Battery

TypeLi-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable
Charging20W wired (Dash Charge)

Body

Dimensions152.7 x 74.7 x 7.4 mm (6.01 x 2.94 x 0.29 in)
Weight158 g (5.57 oz)
BuildGlass front (Corning Gorilla Glass 4), aluminum back, aluminum frame

Comms

WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA
Bluetooth4.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS
NFCYes
USBUSB Type-C 2.0

Launch

Announced2016, June
StatusDiscontinued

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Excellent performance for its price point
  • Premium aluminum build quality
  • Fast and efficient Dash Charge technology
  • Smooth OxygenOS experience
  • Good camera in well-lit conditions

Cons

  • Display resolution is 1080p, not Quad HD like some competitors
  • No expandable storage via microSD card
  • Low-light camera performance could be improved
  • Discontinued, limiting official support and updates
  • Battery capacity is average for its time
★ Our Verdict

The OnePlus 3 earned a high rating for delivering exceptional flagship-level performance and a premium user experience at a significantly lower price than its contemporaries, despite a few minor compromises.

As the OnePlus 3 was released in 2016, purchasing one today means buying a used or refurbished device. Prioritize checking the battery health, as it's a non-removable unit that would have degraded over time. Ensure the device is running the latest available software (Android 9 Pie was its last major update) and that all hardware components, especially the camera and charging port, are fully functional. Be aware that it will not receive current Android updates or security patches, which could pose compatibility and security risks with newer apps and services. It's best suited for users seeking a budget-friendly secondary device or a collector's item, rather than a primary daily driver. Consider the availability of replacement parts and community support for an older device.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • OnePlus 3 smartphone
  • Dash Charge Type-C cable
  • Dash Charge power adapter
  • SIM ejector tool
  • Quick start guide
  • Safety information

Typically came with a standard manufacturer's warranty at the time of purchase.

❓ Questions & Answers

When was the OnePlus 3 released?

The OnePlus 3 was officially revealed on June 14, 2016, and released in the same month.

Does the OnePlus 3 support 5G connectivity?

No, the OnePlus 3 was released in 2016 and supports up to 4G LTE networks. It does not have 5G capabilities.

Can the storage on the OnePlus 3 be expanded?

No, the OnePlus 3 comes with 64GB of internal storage and does not feature a microSD card slot for expandable memory.

What is Dash Charge on the OnePlus 3?

Dash Charge is OnePlus's proprietary fast-charging technology that came with the OnePlus 3, capable of providing a day's power in about half an hour with its 20W wired charging.

What operating system does the OnePlus 3 run?

The OnePlus 3 launched with Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow and was officially upgradable to Android 9.0 Pie.

Is the OnePlus 3 still a good phone to buy today?

While it offered excellent value and performance in its time, the OnePlus 3 is an older device (released 2016) and is no longer supported with modern software updates or security patches. It's generally not recommended as a primary device today due to potential compatibility and security issues, but could serve as a secondary phone or for collectors.