Overview

When released in June 2016, the OnePlus 3 signaled a major shift for the brand, trading the textured plastic "Sandstone" finishes of its predecessors for a refined, anodized aluminum unibody. Armed with a quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 chipset, a generous 6GB of RAM, and a 5.5-inch 1080p Optic AMOLED display, it offered near-flagship performance at a fraction of contemporary competitor pricing. It also debuted Dash Charge, a 20W fast-charging technology that moved thermal management inside the power brick rather than heating up the phone itself.

Looking at the device today, the OnePlus 3 holds iconic status among Android hardware collectors and open-source software enthusiasts. While official software support concluded with Android 9.0 (Pie), active third-party custom ROM development continues to extend its software utility. Long-term ownership now focuses on managing physical component wear, replacing tired batteries, and sourcing replacement hardware for aging sub-assemblies.

Design and build

The full aluminum unibody construction gives the OnePlus 3 an extraordinarily slim profile at 7.3mm and a light weight of just 158 grams. Covered by Gorilla Glass 4 on the front, the phone retains a classic tactile feel thanks to its signature three-stage Alert Slider on the side rail and a capacitive home button housing a speedy fingerprint sensor.

From a structural perspective, metal backs offer superior drop resilience compared to modern all-glass smartphones. Dropping the OnePlus 3 typically results in minor scuffs along the metal edges rather than catastrophic rear cracking. However, accessing internal components requires removing two bottom Torx screws and carefully unclipping the aluminum shell from the display assembly, a procedure that demands steady hands and thin prying tools to avoid damaging the frame boundary clips.

Everyday performance

For basic daily operations—messaging, light web browsing, offline audio playback, and retro emulation—the Snapdragon 820 paired with 6GB of RAM holds its own surprisingly well. The 6GB memory buffer was far ahead of its time in 2016, allowing the device to keep multiple lightweight applications cached in memory without frequent reloads.

Official firmware maxes out at Android 9, but flashing modern lightweight Linux-based mobile OSes or custom Android builds brings updated security patches and clean user interfaces. The 1080p Optic AMOLED panel continues to produce deep blacks and punchy colors, though peak brightness falls well short of modern daylight standards. Expect the quad-core processor to show its age during intensive multitasking, heavy app initialization, or modern 3D gaming.

Battery, durability, and longevity

The internal 3000 mAh Li-Ion battery (part number BLP615) is the primary bottleneck for long-term ownership. After years of charge cycles, original batteries suffer severe capacity loss, resulting in sudden power drops under heavy CPU load or rapid drain within just a few hours of screen time.

Dash Charge remains a standout feature for longevity. By shifting the power conversion voltage regulation to the wall adapter, the battery module absorbs less ambient heat while charging, which historically helped mitigate rapid thermal degradation. Replacing the internal battery cell is relatively accessible once the metal chassis is opened, making a fresh pack one of the most effective ways to restore real-world usability.

Common issues owners hit

Hardware failures on the OnePlus 3 are well-documented due to the device's age and widespread adoption. The most frequent mechanical failure point involves the 16 MP primary camera module. Over time, the Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) spring mechanism or Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF) system degrades, leading to an inability to focus beyond a few inches, accompanied by a vibrating or rattling sound from the camera bump.

Another routine failure vector is the bottom USB-C port assembly. Physical debris, pin wear, or board-level flexing can prevent the proprietary Dash Charge data handshake, dropping the phone back to slow standard charging speeds or losing connection to computers entirely. If you are experiencing charging failure modes or camera issues, consulting our problems hub or reviewing component layout details on the OnePlus 3 device page will help isolate hardware faults.

Who it's for

The OnePlus 3 is ideal for software tinkerers, custom ROM developers, retro tech collectors, or anyone seeking a robust, glass-free secondary backup phone. It is less suited for general consumers who expect out-of-the-box modern app support, high-end photography, or hassle-free battery life without performing minor hardware upkeep.

Bottom line

The OnePlus 3 stands out as a high watermark for metal-era smartphone design. While its original battery life and camera module often show their age today, its straightforward mechanical layout and vibrant enthusiast community make it an extraordinarily rewarding device to maintain and preserve.

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