The Ace series has a fascinating history, starting as a performance-oriented series under Oppo and eventually finding its home within OnePlus. This evolution is marked by strategic decisions, market trends, and the desire to cater to a specific segment of smartphone users seeking flagship-level performance at more affordable prices.
The Birth of Oppo Ace: Answering the Call for Affordable Performance
In 2019, the smartphone landscape was witnessing a surge in popularity for “flagship killers” – devices that offered high-end specifications and features at a fraction of the cost of premium flagships. The Poco F1, with its powerful Snapdragon 845 processor and aggressive pricing, was a prime example of this trend.
Oppo, recognizing the growing demand for such devices, introduced the Ace series under its Reno brand. The Oppo Reno Ace, launched in October 2019, was the inaugural device in this series. It boasted a top-of-the-line Snapdragon 855+ processor, a 90Hz AMOLED display, and 65W SuperVOOC fast charging – features typically reserved for more expensive flagship phones.
The Reno Ace was positioned as a performance powerhouse aimed at tech-savvy consumers and gamers who sought uncompromising performance without breaking the bank. It was also designed to compete with emerging players like iQOO, a Vivo sub-brand that was making waves with its own performance-focused smartphones.
A Separate Identity and a Discontinued Journey
Following the success of the Reno Ace, Oppo decided to give the Ace series a separate identity, detaching it from the Reno brand. The Oppo Ace 2, launched in April 2020, further solidified the series’ reputation for delivering exceptional performance and value.
However, despite the positive reception, Oppo made the surprising decision to discontinue the Ace series in late 2020. This move left many fans disappointed and sparked speculation about the reasons behind the decision. Some analysts suggested that Oppo might be shifting its focus to other product lines or consolidating its brand portfolio.
The OnePlus Revival: Rebranding for the Online Market
In 2022, OnePlus, a subsidiary of Oppo, announced the revival of the Ace series under its own brand. This move was seen as a strategic decision to strengthen OnePlus’ presence in the online market, particularly in China, where the brand had been facing stiff competition from rivals like Xiaomi and Realme.
The OnePlus Ace, launched in April 2022, marked the series’ return. It retained the core philosophy of offering flagship-level performance at competitive prices. Notably, the OnePlus Ace was rebranded as the OnePlus 10R in India and other global markets, further expanding the reach of the series.
The OnePlus Ace Pro, released later that year, further elevated the series with a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor and an even faster 150W charging solution. This model also marked a rebranding effort outside of China, where it was launched as the OnePlus 10T.
Continuing the Tradition: Special Editions and Global Appeal
One of the hallmarks of the Ace series, both under Oppo and OnePlus, has been the release of special editions. These limited-edition models often feature unique designs, collaborations with popular brands, or exclusive colorways, catering to the diverse tastes of consumers.
OnePlus has continued this tradition with the Ace series, launching special editions like the OnePlus Ace Pro Genshin Impact Limited Edition and the OnePlus Ace Racing Edition. These models not only appeal to fans of specific games or themes but also create buzz and excitement around the series.
The Ace series has also gained a global following, thanks to the rebranding strategy employed by OnePlus. While the Ace name is primarily used in China, the rebranded models like the OnePlus 10R have been well-received in other markets, including India, Europe, and North America.
Expanding the Ace Family: Ace 2, Ace 2 Pro, and Ace 3
The Ace series continued its expansion in 2023 with the release of the OnePlus Ace 2. This model adopted a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor and offered 100W fast charging, catering to users seeking a balance between performance and affordability. It was rebranded as the OnePlus 11R in global markets.
The OnePlus Ace 2 Pro, released in August 2023, pushed the boundaries further by offering up to an unprecedented 24GB of RAM, a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, and a 150W fast charging solution. This model remained exclusive to the Chinese market.
The OnePlus Ace 3 was launched in China in January 2024, featuring a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and up to 16GB RAM of RAM. It was later introduced to global markets as the OnePlus 12R.
Looking to the Future: Ace 3 Pro
Now it’s time for the upcoming OnePlus Ace 3 Pro which is anticipated to continue the legacy of powerful performance, innovative features, and competitive pricing.
Early leaks suggest it may boast a 6,100mAh battery with 100W charging, up to 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM, 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage, and a triple camera unit with a 50-megapixel primary sensor
Leaked images on Weibo provide a glimpse of its design, showcasing a round camera module and a curved-edge OLED screen with 1.5K resolution in white and blue color options.
The leaked images also highlight the Ace 3 Pro’s DisplayMate A+ rating, promising enhanced eye protection and improvements in display quality, brightness, eye comfort, lifespan, and smoothness. The device will be equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor.
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