• OnePlus Ace 2 Review

    OnePlus Ace 2 Review: A Budget-Friendly Contender with Surprising Camera Performance

    Daven Klarsen Posted on

    OnePlus has been a consistent player known for its flagship-killing devices. The OnePlus 11, when reviewed earlier, received a good rating for its impressive features and performance. However, not everyone can afford a sub-flagship device. Enter the OnePlus Ace 2, a smartphone that aims to bring the flagship-killing spirit back at a more affordable price point.

    The OnePlus Ace 2 is also known globally as the OnePlus 11R, with almost identical specs, except for differences in RAM and ROM capacities. In this comprehensive review, we will delve into the OnePlus Ace 2’s design, benchmark performance, gaming capabilities, display quality, camera system, battery life, and overall value proposition.

    Design:

    The OnePlus Ace 2’s design is reminiscent of its OnePlus 11 sibling, bearing a family resemblance that OnePlus enthusiasts will appreciate. The most noticeable change is the absence of the Hasselblad logo, which, in our opinion, enhances the aesthetics of the camera module. The frame of the Ace 2 has shifted from metal to plastic, contributing to a slightly lighter feel in the hand.

    However, the weight difference isn’t significant. OnePlus has repositioned the fingerprint sensor lower on the device, possibly a cost-cutting measure. Thankfully, the beloved alert slider remains intact, and an IR blaster has been added, expanding the device’s functionality. The Frosted back panel is a nice touch, reducing fingerprint smudges. While the OnePlus Ace 2’s design may not be groundbreaking, it certainly meets the mark.

    Display:

    While the OnePlus 11 had a display that was nearly perfect, featuring a Samsung E4 panel, some users raised concerns about visible lines. OnePlus has addressed this issue in the Ace 2 by equipping it with a 1240p screen from TEMA. The display specifications on the Ace 2 surpass those of the OnePlus 11, especially in terms of eye comfort.

    The Ace 2’s display offers a high touch sampling rate of 375Hz when gaming, making it an improvement over the OnePlus 11. However, it falls slightly behind the Redmi K60 in this aspect. Overall, the Ace 2’s display is a commendable upgrade, offering a superior visual experience.

    Benchmark & Gaming Performance:

    The OnePlus Ace 2, much like its predecessor OnePlus 11, places a strong emphasis on performance. It boasts the formidable Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen1 chipset, which outperforms the down-clocked 8 Plus G1 version found in the K60 in terms of benchmark scores. OnePlus has invested significantly in optimizing the gaming experience, with a dedicated lab set up in collaboration with miHoYo, the creators of Genshin Impact. On paper, Genshin Impact is reported to run at an average of 59 FPS on the OnePlus Ace 2.

    However, real-world gaming performance is a mixed bag. In high-performance mode, the device struggles with overheating and inconsistent frame rates. Disabling this mode results in lower temperatures and improved average frame rates.

    However, it’s worth noting that extended gaming sessions often lead to frame rate limitations, locking at 30 FPS. The OnePlus Ace 2’s cooling system, while advertised as robust, doesn’t live up to expectations. If gaming is a top priority, dedicated gaming phones or the OnePlus 11 may be better options.

    Camera System:

    The OnePlus Ace 2 shares the same primary camera sensor, the IMX A90, as the OnePlus 11. Despite the OnePlus 11’s collaboration with Hasselblad, the difference in photo quality between the two devices is negligible.

    Without watermark assistance, it’s challenging to discern which device captured which photo. Even with a 2x crop factor on the Ace 2’s main camera, it produces comparable results to the OnePlus 11’s optical 2x lens. The Ace 2 impresses with its primary camera performance.

    However, the story changes when it comes to the ultra-wide camera. While the OnePlus 11 maintains the same level of quality as its primary camera, the Ace 2 struggles with dynamic range, resulting in purple fringing on the edges of objects. In low-light conditions, noise becomes more pronounced, and sharpness suffers. The Ace 2’s ultra-wide camera is not on par with its primary sensor.

    Battery & Charging:

    In terms of charging, the OnePlus Ace 2 takes a step back compared to the OnePlus 11. While 100-watt charging is not slow by any means, it’s not as impressive as the OnePlus 11’s charging capabilities.

    However, a full charge in 25 minutes is still commendable and matches the OnePlus 11, offering significant value for a lower price. Battery life on both devices is average, with little to differentiate them in this regard.

    Conclusion:

    The OnePlus Ace 2 presents a compelling package that closely mirrors the OnePlus 11, with a particular focus on performance. However, it doesn’t stand out in a crowded market. What truly impresses about the Ace 2 is its camera system, which delivers results on par with its more expensive sibling.

    While the OnePlus 11R might seem a bit pricey for what it offers, as the Ace 2, it provides excellent value for money. For those who know how to replace ColorOS with OxygenOS, this phone offers a budget-friendly alternative to OnePlus’ pricier models. If you still hold affection for OnePlus, the Ace 2 is worth considering, especially if you’re seeking a capable device without breaking the bank. Check out the latest price of OnePlus Ace 2 here>>

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    Daven Klarsen
    Daven Klarsen is a technology writer and researcher. He's also an avid sports fan, especially when it comes to the LAL. When not working, you can usually find him tweaking his Android devices or watching soccer news.
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