OnePlus launched its OnePlus Ace 5 and Ace 5 Pro early this year, keeping this intriguing Chinese lineup alive for another generation. The OnePlus Ace 5 served as the Chinese version of the device that launched globally as the OnePlus 13R. Now, almost half a year since their release, the brand is adding two new variants, the OnePlus Ace 5 Racing and the Ace 5 Ultra. The new variants go beyond the usual with new specs and design. They effectively hit the flagship performance level while keeping prices affordable.
OnePlus Ace 5 Ultra
The new Ultra variant arrives as the most powerful MediaTek-powered OnePlus smartphone. It comes with the recently released MediaTek Dimensity 9400+. There is a 6.83-inch OLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and a resolution that goes slightly above Full HD+. It’s the so-called 1.5K Display. The phone also comes with 12 GB or 16 GB LPDDR5X RAM and 256 GB, 512 GB, or 1 TB of UFS 4.0 storage. Such an amount of RAM and Storage only shows how OnePlus wants to promote this as the definitive OnePlus Ace 5 smartphone.
The smartphone costs less than devices that usually come under the premium category. Therefore, it’s natural to see weak spots. The device has a modest camera setup with a 50 MP main camera with AF and OIS and an 8 MP ultrawide shooter. There isn’t any camera for advanced zoom, but at least there is OIS for steady video recording. The front-facing camera is also a basic 16 MP shooter that sits inside a punch hole.
The Ace 5 Ultra comes with a dedicated side button. It can be programmed to act as a shortcut to a predetermined set of apps – alarm, torch, Night Mode, translator, or AI. OnePlus comes with G1 connectivity chip for better Wi-Fi. It also has a multi-layered cooling architecture with a 7,300 sq.mm vapor chamber.
The device has a 6,700 mAh battery with 100W wired charging support that also offers bypass charging. Just 10 minutes on the charger will offer 3 hours of gaming, while 39 minutes will fill the battery from 0 to 100%.
OnePlus comes in China with Oppo’s ColorOS 15 and the in-house AI assistant. It is available only in the domestic market. Its colors are Blue, Black, and Titanium Silver. The starting price is CNY 2,499 (12GB/256GB). The most expensive version costs CNY 3,799.
Ace 5 Racing
OnePlus’ honeymoon with MediaTek continues with the use of the Dimensity 9400e in the Racing variant. For those unaware, the Dimensity 9400e has the name of the 9400 series, but it’s mostly an upgraded Dimensity 9300. It brings the all BIG core architecture, ensuring the best performance for heavy tasks and gaming. The device comes in the same RAM and storage options as the Ultra. So you can expect it to go up to 16 GB of RAM and 1 TB of Storage.
The cameras are even simpler in this variant. It has a 50 MP main camera and a 2 MP B&W sensor. The Selfie shotoer retains its 16 MP sensor.
The OnePlus Ace 5 Racing comes with 6.77-inch AMOLED panel with Full HD+ resolution and up to 120Hz refresh rate. This variant misses the G1 connectivity chip, but retains the sophisticated cooling system.
The Racing has a huge 7,100 mAh battery that charges at a 80W charging that supports bypass charging. The phone runs with ColorOS 15 and some AI features. These include 4K upscaling in videos and erasing objects in photos.
OnePlus Ace 5 Racing is available in White, Black, and Mint Green. Starting price is CNY1,799 for 12/256 GB.
Will these phones escape China?
Neither of the two phones will launch outside China. Or at least not with these names. OnePlus could opt for rebranding them for a global release, perhaps, under the Nord series. But only time will tell.
