Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the OnePlus 10 Pro and the Apple iPhone 16 Plus. We'll go beyond just specs and see what these differences really mean for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the key specs, broken down into categories with a focus on what they mean for everyday use:
| Feature | OnePlus 10 Pro | Apple iPhone 16 Plus | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163 × 73.9 × 8.6 mm | 160.9 × 77.8 × 7.8 mm | OnePlus 10 Pro is slightly taller and thicker, iPhone 16 Plus is wider. Overall, the OnePlus is a bit bulkier. |
| Weight | 201g | 199g | Virtually identical weight; both feel substantial in hand |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Identical screen sizes; both offer a large viewing area |
| Resolution | 1440x3216 | 1290x2796 | OnePlus 10 Pro display is significantly sharper, text and images will appear crisper |
| PPI | 525 | 460 | The OnePlus 10 Pro has higher pixel density leading to finer details on the screen |
| Technology | OLED | iPhone 16 Plus offers superior contrast, color accuracy, and black levels | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | OnePlus 10 Pro has smoother animations, more fluid scrolling experience |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 2000 nits | iPhone 16 Plus is noticeably more visible in bright sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Apple A18 (3 nm) | Apple A18 offers significantly faster processing and better power efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 900,491 | 1,753,018 | iPhone 16 Plus will have a much better experience for gaming and intensive tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Apple GPU (5-core) | Apple GPU offers superior graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 48MP | Both have the same resolution, capturing highly detailed photos. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.6 | iPhone 16 Plus is better in low light with a wider aperture |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.43" | 1/1.3" | iPhone 16 Plus captures more light, improving image quality |
| Main Camera Sensor Model | Sony IMX789 | Sony IMX904 | Newer IMX904 sensor on iPhone tends to offer improved image quality. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 1.12 µm | 1.00 µm | Larger pixel size allows for more light capture, although the difference is small. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP (f/2.4) | None | OnePlus 10 Pro offers optical zoom capabilities, missing on the iPhone 16 Plus |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP (f/2.2) | None | OnePlus 10 Pro has a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing expansive landscapes. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | None | 12MP (f/2.2) | iPhone 16 Plus offers a more detailed wide-angle with macro capabilities. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 32MP (f/2.0) | 12MP (f/1.9) | OnePlus 10 Pro selfie camera offers more resolution. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | f/1.9 | iPhone 16 Plus is slightly better for low-light selfies. |
| Video | Up to 8K | Up to 4K | OnePlus 10 Pro offers higher video resolution, iPhone 16 Plus has better stabilization. |
| DXOMark Score | 122 | N/A | OnePlus 10 Pro's camera performance, confirmed by DXOMark, is quite strong, though the iPhone remains untested. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4674mAh | OnePlus 10 Pro has slightly larger battery, though this doesn't guarantee longer battery life. |
| Charging | 80W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | OnePlus 10 Pro charges much faster, minimizing downtime |
| Wireless Charging | 50W Wireless | 25W Wireless | OnePlus 10 Pro charges faster wirelessly |
| Features | Reverse charging, reverse wireless charging | None | OnePlus 10 Pro can charge other devices wirelessly |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 14) | iOS 18 | Different operating systems. Android allows customization while iOS emphasizes ease of use and ecosystem integration. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 7 | WiFi 6E | OnePlus 10 Pro has newer WiFi standard for faster speeds and better network performance |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | iPhone 16 Plus has newer Bluetooth version, although differences in audio codecs might be more impactful |
| GPS | Multiple | Multiple | Both have comprehensive satellite support for accurate location services. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | iPhone 16 Plus offers eSIM convenience; OnePlus 10 Pro supports two physical SIMs simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256/512 GB | 128/256/512 GB | Identical storage options, choose based on your data needs. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 8GB | OnePlus 10 Pro has more RAM, better multitasking performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports storage expansion via microSD. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Both offer similar audio features |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Security Features | OnePlus has a fingerprint sensor, while the iPhone lacks any defined biometric identification methods. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | OnePlus 10 Pro uses the best screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Comprehensive Suite | Comprehensive Suite, Barometer | iPhone 16 Plus includes additional environmental sensors, like Barometer |
2. Key Insights
OnePlus 10 Pro Strengths
- Display Sharpness & Smoothness: The higher resolution and 120Hz refresh rate provide a noticeably sharper and more fluid visual experience.
- Versatile Camera System: The inclusion of a telephoto lens and wide-angle lens makes it more versatile for different photography scenarios.
- Fast Charging: 80W wired and 50W wireless charging is significantly faster than the iPhone, great for quick top-ups.
- Customization: Android's customizability gives more freedom over the phone's UI.
- Extra RAM: Offers a 12GB variant for better multitasking.
Apple iPhone 16 Plus Strengths
- Superior Performance: The A18 chip offers class-leading performance, unmatched by the Snapdragon in the OnePlus 10 Pro.
- Excellent Display Technology: OLED screen offers superior contrast, color accuracy and black levels.
- Brighter Screen: The 2000 nits brightness will make a noticeable difference in outdoor use.
- Software Ecosystem: Seamless integration with other Apple devices and strong app ecosystem.
- Advanced Video Features: Although it doesn't record at 8k, the video is stable, clean and simple to use.
Trade-offs
- OnePlus 10 Pro: Slightly older chip, lower brightness, and no macro lens.
- iPhone 16 Plus: Slower refresh rate, slower charging speeds, no telephoto lens.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
OnePlus 10 Pro:
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who enjoy tweaking settings, appreciate faster charging, and a more versatile camera system.
- Android Fans: Users who love Android customization and are used to the ecosystem.
- Media Consumers: Great for people who watch a lot of videos or scroll through content thanks to the fluid display.
Apple iPhone 16 Plus:
- Apple Ecosystem Users: Ideal for individuals already integrated into the Apple ecosystem and value simplicity.
- Performance Seekers: Those who want top-of-the-line performance for gaming, heavy apps, or video editing.
- Outdoor Users: The high brightness display is critical for those who use their phone in sunlight.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to ask yourself:
- Do you prioritize performance or versatility? The iPhone 16 Plus has a much more powerful processor, while the OnePlus 10 Pro has a versatile camera system and faster charging.
- How important is the display to you? The iPhone 16 Plus has a superior OLED panel, while the OnePlus 10 Pro has a higher resolution.
- Are you committed to an ecosystem? The iPhone 16 Plus is tightly integrated into Apple's world, while the OnePlus 10 Pro is part of the Android universe.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- If you are a hardcore gamer: Go for the iPhone 16 Plus for its unparalleled chip and superior graphics performance.
- If you're a photographer: The OnePlus 10 Pro's versatile cameras will provide more flexibility.
- If you value battery and fast charging: The OnePlus 10 Pro’s 80W charging is significantly faster.
- If you are an existing Apple user: The iPhone 16 Plus will seamlessly integrate into your existing setup.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Apple iPhone 16 Plus.
While I appreciate the OnePlus 10 Pro's faster charging and versatile camera system, the massive performance leap offered by the A18 chip in the iPhone 16 Plus is too significant to ignore. As a tech journalist who values responsiveness and speed, I need a phone that can keep up with demanding tasks. The superior display technology of the iPhone is another big win, offering better viewing experience. I also value the ecosystem integration and the overall experience of iOS, so the ecosystem makes my final decision a simple one.
