The OnePlus 7, launched on May 14, 2019, marked another milestone in OnePlus’s journey of delivering flagship-level smartphones at competitive prices. As a successor to the OnePlus 6T, this device retained the brand’s signature “Flagship Killer” approach while refining key aspects like performance, display, and camera capabilities. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chipset and featuring a 6.41-inch Optic AMOLED display, the OnePlus 7 was designed to cater to power users and casual consumers alike.
One of the standout features of the OnePlus 7 was its dual-camera setup, headlined by a 48MP primary sensor with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization), ensuring sharp and detailed photos even in low-light conditions. The phone also introduced UFS 3.0 storage, significantly improving app load times and file transfers. Despite lacking some premium features like wireless charging and an IP rating, the OnePlus 7 remained a strong contender in the mid-range flagship segment, offering excellent value for money.
Key Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | OnePlus |
| Launch Date | May 14, 2019 |
| Display | 6.41-inch Optic AMOLED, 1080 x 2340 pixels |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 (7nm) |
| Join WhatsApp | Click Here |
| Join Telegram | Click Here |
| Official Website | oneplus.com |
Design and Display
The OnePlus 7 featured a sleek glass-and-metal design, with a Gorilla Glass 6 front and Gorilla Glass 5 back, giving it a premium feel while maintaining durability. The device measured 157.7 x 74.8 x 8.2 mm and weighed 182 grams, making it comfortable for one-handed use. It was available in Mirror Gray, Red, and Mirror Blue color variants, with the Red and Mirror Blue options being region-specific.
The 6.41-inch Optic AMOLED display offered a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2340 pixels) with a 19.5:9 aspect ratio, delivering vibrant colors and deep blacks. With a pixel density of ~402 PPI and support for HDR10, the screen was excellent for media consumption. However, unlike the OnePlus 7 Pro, it lacked a 90Hz refresh rate, sticking to the standard 60Hz panel. The waterdrop notch housed the 16MP front camera, maximizing screen real estate with an 85.5% screen-to-body ratio.
Performance and Hardware
Under the hood, the OnePlus 7 was powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855, built on a 7nm process, ensuring top-tier performance and energy efficiency. The octa-core CPU (1×2.84 GHz Kryo 485 + 3×2.42 GHz Kryo 485 + 4×1.78 GHz Kryo 485) was paired with an Adreno 640 GPU, making it capable of handling demanding games like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty: Mobile at high settings.
The phone came in multiple RAM and storage configurations:
- 6GB RAM + 128GB storage
- 8GB RAM + 256GB storage
- 12GB RAM + 256GB storage (China-exclusive)
One of the biggest upgrades was the inclusion of UFS 3.0 storage, which significantly improved read/write speeds compared to UFS 2.1. This meant faster app launches, quicker file transfers, and smoother multitasking. Benchmark tests revealed an AnTuTu score of 367,812 (v7) and a GeekBench multi-core score of 11,075, placing it among the fastest Android phones of its time.
Camera Capabilities
The OnePlus 7 featured a dual-camera setup on the rear:
- 48MP primary sensor (f/1.7, OIS, 0.8µm pixels)
- 5MP depth sensor (f/2.4)
The 48MP Sony IMX586 sensor used pixel-binning technology to produce 12MP images with better dynamic range and low-light performance. The inclusion of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) helped reduce blur in handheld shots, while Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) improved video recording stability.
Key camera features included:
- 4K video recording at 30/60fps
- 1080p slow-motion at 240fps
- 720p super slow-motion at 480fps
- Nightscape mode for low-light photography
The 16MP front camera (f/2.0, 1.0µm) supported 1080p video recording at 30fps with EIS, making it suitable for vlogging and video calls. While the camera system was not as advanced as flagship competitors like the iPhone XS or Samsung Galaxy S10, it delivered solid performance for its price range.
Battery Life and Charging
The OnePlus 7 packed a 3700mAh non-removable Li-Po battery, which provided all-day battery life under moderate usage. In looped video playback tests, it lasted 21 hours and 11 minutes, outperforming many competitors. However, heavy gaming and 4G usage could drain the battery faster.
The device supported 20W fast charging (Dash Charge), allowing a 0 to 50% charge in about 30 minutes. While it lacked wireless charging, the fast wired charging compensated for this omission.
Network and Connectivity
The OnePlus 7 supported a wide range of network bands, including:
- 2G (GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz, CDMA 800/1900 MHz)
- 3G (HSDPA 850/900/1700/1900/2100 MHz)
- 4G LTE (Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 29, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41)
It also featured dual-SIM support (Nano-SIM), Bluetooth 5.0 (with aptX HD), Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (dual-band), NFC, and USB Type-C 3.1 (with OTG support). However, it lacked a 3.5mm headphone jack, requiring users to rely on USB-C or Bluetooth headphones.
Software and Updates
The OnePlus 7 launched with OxygenOS 9.5 (based on Android 9 Pie), offering a clean, bloatware-free experience with useful customization options. OnePlus provided two major Android updates, upgrading the device to Android 12 (OxygenOS 12.1) before ending support.
FAQs
1. Does the OnePlus 7 support 5G?
No, the OnePlus 7 does not support 5G. Only the OnePlus 7 Pro 5G variant had 5G capabilities.
2. Is the OnePlus 7 waterproof?
The phone lacks an official IP rating, meaning it is not certified for water resistance. However, it has some degree of splash resistance.
3. Can the storage be expanded on the OnePlus 7?
No, the OnePlus 7 does not have a microSD card slot, so storage cannot be expanded beyond the built-in 128GB or 256GB options.
Arjun Kapoor is a Mobile Tech Journalist with 7+ years of experience covering smartphone launches, chipset advancements, and camera innovations. He holds a Master’s in Technology Management and enjoys analyzing market trends in the mobile industry.
