OnePlus 10 Pro best smartphone for camera and design

BY Saurabh

Published On:

OnePlus 10 Pro

OnePlus 10 Pro : The competitive premium smartphone landscape has witnessed a significant evolution with OnePlus’s 10 Pro, a device that challenges established photography and design conventions through its distinctive approach to both visual aesthetics and imaging capabilities.

Industry analysts have noted this flagship iteration represents OnePlus’s most cohesive implementation yet of their “Never Settle” philosophy, particularly in creating a genuinely distinctive design language while delivering photography capabilities that compete directly with long-established imaging leaders.

The timing of this release coincides with growing recognition that both visual identity and camera performance increasingly influence purchasing decisions more significantly than marginal processor improvements or specification advantages in mature smartphone categories.

OnePlus’s strategic partnership with legendary camera manufacturer Hasselblad enters its second generation with the 10 Pro, moving beyond surface-level color tuning toward more fundamental imaging system development informed by over seven decades of professional photography expertise.

The OnePlus 10 Pro enters a fiercely competitive premium segment where manufacturers constantly battle to deliver compelling feature combinations while establishing distinctive brand identities that resonate with increasingly sophisticated consumers.

With this release, OnePlus signals their commitment to challenging established photography conventions through computational approaches informed by traditional imaging principles rather than merely pursuing specification extremes.

Photography enthusiasts have shown particular interest in the device’s unique combination of hardware capabilities and Hasselblad-influenced processing that creates distinctive results separating it from the increasingly homogeneous approaches of competitors.

This comprehensive analysis explores how OnePlus has engineered a device that delivers substantive advantages through focused development priorities while establishing a recognizable design language that enhances brand identity.

Design Philosophy: Distinctive Sophistication Through Thoughtful Integration

The OnePlus 10 Pro immediately distinguishes itself through a design language that emphasizes visual harmony between functional elements rather than treating components as separate entities requiring accommodation.

OnePlus’s designers have crafted a unique camera module that flows seamlessly from the frame rather than appearing as a disconnected island, creating visual continuity that communicates intentional design rather than mere component placement.

The camera array adopts a 3×3 matrix arrangement with the flash completing the composition, creating balanced visual weight that references professional camera interfaces rather than pursuing arbitrary sensor placement.

Available in two thoughtfully developed primary colorways—Volcanic Black and Emerald Forest—each finish employs sophisticated optical engineering creating distinctive visual characteristics without resorting to attention-seeking patterns.

The Volcanic Black variant incorporates a micro-texture beneath its glass surface that subtly diffuses light reflections, minimizing fingerprint visibility while creating a sophisticated matte appearance that remains visually interesting.

Emerald Forest features a specialized finish developed through over 100 prototyping iterations, achieving a distinctive verdant hue that shifts subtly between teal and forest green depending on viewing angle and lighting conditions.

The aluminum frame employs a precision-machined construction with a subtle matte finish that provides both structural rigidity and premium tactile quality during handling and operation.

The front and rear glass panels feature subtle curvature that meets the frame with mathematically precise transitions, creating an ergonomic handling experience without resorting to aggressive curves that compromise durability.

These design elements collectively create a device that projects sophisticated distinctiveness rather than conforming to established premium conventions or implementing arbitrary visual flourishes.

Hasselblad Camera System: Photographic Excellence Through Thoughtful Implementation

The OnePlus 10 Pro’s camera system represents the second generation of OnePlus’s collaboration with legendary camera manufacturer Hasselblad, moving beyond superficial color tuning toward more fundamental imaging approaches.

At the hardware level, the system centers around a 48MP Sony IMX789 primary sensor developed specifically for OnePlus with custom specifications tailored to their computational approaches rather than pursuing extreme resolution.

This main sensor pairs with a 50MP Samsung JN1 ultrawide camera featuring an extraordinary 150° field of view—approaching fisheye territory—while incorporating advanced distortion correction algorithms that maintain linear perspective for architectural subjects.

Completing the array is an 8MP telephoto camera with 3.3x optical zoom capability that provides genuine optical magnification rather than relying exclusively on digital cropping techniques for distant subjects.

Hasselblad’s most significant contribution appears in the Hasselblad Pro Mode that brings a genuinely different approach to smartphone photography through an interface directly inspired by professional camera systems.

This Pro Mode delivers 12-bit RAW capture across all three cameras, providing exceptional editing flexibility through files containing substantially more color information than typical 10-bit implementations.

The Hasselblad Natural Color Solution provides a distinctive color science approach emphasizing accurate reproduction rather than the artificially vibrant processing common among competitors, creating images with more subtle gradations and natural appearance.

OnePlus’s computational photography approaches focus on maintaining natural imaging characteristics rather than aggressive HDR effects, preserving shadow areas and highlight transitions that reference traditional photography principles.

The Hasselblad XPan Mode reimagines a legendary film camera format for digital implementation, creating distinctive 65:24 panoramic captures that reference a beloved professional imaging tool rather than merely offering standard panorama stitching.

Photography Experience: Thoughtful Implementation Beyond Specifications

The OnePlus 10 Pro’s photographic excellence extends beyond hardware specifications to include thoughtful implementation details that enhance the practical photography experience.

The camera application launches nearly instantaneously through either the physical shortcut button or software interfaces, ensuring spontaneous moments aren’t missed due to software delays.

The intuitive interface provides seamless transitions between standard, ultrawide, and telephoto perspectives without the jarring jumps or exposure shifts common in less refined camera implementations.

Video capabilities include 8K recording at 24fps or 4K at up to 120fps, with Hasselblad’s color science providing consistent visual characteristics between still and video capture.

LOG format video recording—typically reserved for professional cinema cameras—provides enhanced dynamic range and color grading flexibility for serious content creators without requiring separate third-party applications.

The Master Styles feature developed in collaboration with professional Hasselblad photographers provides tasteful preset looks referencing specific photographic approaches rather than artificial filters, creating distinctive visual characters based on established imaging traditions.

Long exposure capabilities benefit from the optical image stabilization in the main camera, enabling creative techniques like light trails and motion blur without requiring a tripod in many situations.

These implementation details demonstrate OnePlus’s understanding that photographic excellence derives from thoughtful system design beyond mere hardware specifications or marketing partnerships.

Display Excellence: Visual Canvas for Content Evaluation

The OnePlus 10 Pro features a 6.7-inch QHD+ AMOLED display that delivers exceptional visual quality ideal for both composing images during capture and evaluating results afterward.

OnePlus has implemented LTPO 2.0 technology that dynamically adjusts refresh rate between 1-120Hz based on content requirements, balancing visual fluidity with power efficiency.

The display reaches an impressive peak brightness of 1,300 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even under challenging direct sunlight conditions—a practical consideration for outdoor photography.

Color accuracy receives special attention with 10-bit color depth (over one billion colors) and factory calibration to professional standards, providing true-to-life reproduction for evaluating photographic results.

DisplayMate A+ certification confirms the panel’s exceptional technical performance across brightness, color accuracy, contrast, and viewing angle stability—critical factors for serious photographic work.

Dual Color Calibration at both 500 nits and 100 nits ensures consistent color reproduction regardless of brightness setting, addressing a common limitation in smartphone displays that typically optimize for only a single brightness level.

These display characteristics create an excellent visual canvas for both composing images during capture and evaluating results immediately afterward, enhancing the overall photographic experience.

Competitive Camera and Design Comparison

Feature CategoryOnePlus 10 ProCompetitor XCompetitor Y
Design ApproachIntegrated Camera ModuleDistinct Camera IslandMinimal Camera Protrusion
Main Camera48MP Sony IMX789 Custom50MP Samsung GN112MP Sony IMX707
Ultrawide FOV150° with Distortion Correction114° Standard120° Standard
Color ScienceHasselblad Natural Color SolutionStandard ProcessingAI-Enhanced Processing
RAW Capture12-bit Across All Cameras10-bit Main Camera Only12-bit Main Camera Only
Pro ModeHasselblad-Inspired InterfaceBasic Manual ControlsAdvanced Manual Controls
Special ModesXPan Mode, Master StylesLong Exposure, MacroCinematic Mode, ProRAW
Build MaterialsAluminum Frame, Gorilla Glass VictusStainless Steel, Custom GlassAluminum, Gorilla Glass Victus
Display6.7″ QHD+ LTPO 2.0 AMOLED6.8″ QHD+ LTPO AMOLED6.1″ XDR OLED
Starting Price$899$1,199$999

Key Highlights of the OnePlus 10 Pro:

  • Distinctive design with seamlessly integrated camera module flowing from the aluminum frame
  • Second-generation Hasselblad Camera for Mobile system with natural color science
  • Exceptional 150° ultrawide camera with advanced distortion correction algorithms
  • Professional-grade features including 12-bit RAW capture and LOG video recording
  • Unique Hasselblad XPan Mode recreating a legendary panoramic film format
  • Master Styles developed with Hasselblad photographers providing tasteful preset looks
  • Outstanding 6.7-inch QHD+ LTPO 2.0 AMOLED display with dual color calibration
  • Emerald Forest colorway featuring sophisticated color-shifting properties
  • Thoughtful ergonomics through precision-engineered frame and glass curvature
  • Competitive pricing relative to similarly equipped premium alternatives

OnePlus 10 Pro Conclusion: Redefining Premium Experience Through Thoughtful Innovation

The OnePlus 10 Pro represents a significant evolution in flagship smartphone design by successfully balancing distinctive visual identity with genuine photographic innovation informed by traditional imaging principles.

By implementing an integrated camera module design and sophisticated color treatments, OnePlus creates visual differentiation without resorting to attention-seeking complexity or impractical embellishments that compromise everyday usability.

The Hasselblad collaboration demonstrates meaningful maturation beyond surface-level marketing partnerships, incorporating genuinely different approaches to color science, interface design, and image processing that reference established photographic traditions.

Photography capabilities that emphasize natural results rather than computational exaggeration create a distinctive imaging character increasingly rare in an era where aggressive HDR processing and artificial enhancement dominate smartphone photography.

The comprehensive pro mode implementation acknowledges serious photography enthusiasts’ desire for greater creative control without requiring separate third-party applications or complicated workflows.

With the 10 Pro, OnePlus has successfully created a device that delivers both visual sophistication and photographic excellence through focused design priorities and thoughtful feature implementation.

This balanced approach establishes a compelling option for discerning users seeking distinctive design and genuine photographic capabilities without the premium pricing commanded by more established luxury brands.

Also Read This-

Leave a Comment