If you missed it, you can read our full review on the OnePlus 10T, which covers the entire picture of the phone. We’ve also rounded up some reasons why you should buy the OnePlus 10T, which you can read here. And now we’re rounding up some reasons why you shouldn’t buy the OnePlus 10T. Though it’s worth mentioning that these reasons really aren’t dealbreakers for most people.
Price is middling
So, $649 for the 8GB/128GB model is pretty good, but it puts the 10T in a weird spot. A lot of mid-range phones are priced around $500 or less. Like the Pixel 6a is $449, and the iPhone SE is $429. So this is a solid $200 above both of those. Of course, it is a much more powerful phone at that price too. It’s also about $200 less than other flagships. The Samsung Galaxy S22 is still $799 (regularly $899), and the Pixel 6 is $699 (with mmWave). So it puts the OnePlus 10T in a weird range, that might not have a lot of people looking for a phone. It leaves me asking myself, why would I buy this when I can buy the Pixel 6a which has a very competitive processor in Tensor, and likely a better camera. Or why not spend a bit more for a Pixel 6/6 Pro or a Galaxy S22 which will have the same chipset (more or less) and also a better camera, among other features. I believe at $649 it’s a really good price, but that range doesn’t have much competition. Leading me to think there’s not a lot of people looking to buy a phone at that price range.
No Hasselblad influence leads to average cameras
OnePlus did not include Hasselblad on the 10T. That’s one way it was able to decrease the price here, compared to the 10 Pro. But that also means that you’re not getting the Hasselblad color science nor the input in the processing of the photos. And you can tell. In my review, I did post a few pictures taken with the 10T, and they aren’t that great, to be quite honest. OnePlus has never had the best camera, but it’s usually been pretty decent. The 10T’s cameras, are just not great at all. On top of that, OnePlus switched out the telephoto lens for a macro lens that’s only 2-megapixels. Now I’ve ranted about this on Twitter a few years ago, and thought these dedicated macro lenses were gone for good. Especially for OnePlus since it did macro on the 10 Pro, using the ultrawide sensor. But it’s back on the 10T, and it kinda sucks. If you are outside, it’s not so bad. But with less lighting, it’s very bad. Again, the decision to drop that telephoto lens for a 2-megapixel macro lens was likely a cost decision, and they probably had a bunch laying around from older phones.
OnePlus 10T doesn’t work on some US carriers
This is a big reason why a lot of people don’t buy unlocked phones in the US. Because they work on one carrier usually, and maybe not even totally on that carrier. The OnePlus 10T is an example of that. It works on T-Mobile, and has some 5G bands for Verizon (but currently doesn’t work at all there), and some bands for AT&T. Which means you won’t get the best experience unless you’re on T-Mobile. Currently, OnePlus has not announced anything in regards to carrier partnerships for the 10T, that will come closer to the pre-order date in September, most likely. But their phones are usually on T-Mobile only. Verizon used to sell a couple of their flagships, but did not sell the OnePlus 9 series nor the 10 Pro. So don’t expect Verizon to sell the 10T either.
The fan-favorite Alert Slider is gone
The Alert Slider has been a fan favorite for OnePlus since the original OnePlus One. It’s a little slider on the side of the phone that lets you quickly switch between having your ringer on, vibrate or off entirely. It’s a simple feature that works really well. But it’s not available on the 10T. Now OnePlus has said that removing it allowed them to make the 360-antenna which helps with signal, and also makes the frame stronger. OnePlus also said that the Alert Slider is not gone for good. My theory here is that this is another way they are differentiating the 10T from the 10 Pro. Since the Alert Slider is not available on the Nord smartphones either which are typically under $500. So if you want the Alert Slider, you’ll have to pony up another $150 for the OnePlus 10 Pro.
Should you buy the OnePlus 10T?
As I said in the “Why you should buy the OnePlus 10T” article, I’ve gone back and forth a lot on whether you should actually buy the OnePlus 10T. It’s got a lot going for it, and a lot of that has to do with the price. But there’s better phones out there. And honestly, unless you are on Verizon or AT&T, none of these reasons here are dealbreakers. Obviously, the whole not working on your carrier thing is a big deal, for Verizon and AT&T customers.
