The Ace series has an intriguing journey, initially emerging under Oppo and later becoming part of OnePlus. This transformation reflects strategic choices, market dynamics, and a focus on delivering flagship performance at more affordable prices.
The Birth of Oppo Ace: Affordable Performance
In 2019, the demand for “flagship killers” – smartphones with high-end features at lower prices – was on the rise. Devices like the Poco F1, with its Snapdragon 845 processor and competitive pricing, exemplified this trend.
Oppo responded by launching the Ace series under its Reno brand. The Oppo Reno Ace debuted in October 2019, equipped with a Snapdragon 855+ processor, a 90Hz AMOLED display, and 65W SuperVOOC fast charging. These specifications were typically found in more expensive flagship phones.
The Reno Ace targeted tech enthusiasts and gamers who wanted top-tier performance without the premium price tag. It was also designed to compete with emerging brands like iQOO, a Vivo sub-brand making a name with performance-focused smartphones.
A Separate Identity and Discontinuation
Building on the Reno Ace's success, Oppo decided to give the Ace series its own identity, separate from the Reno brand. The Oppo Ace 2, launched in April 2020, reinforced the series’ reputation for high performance and value.
Surprisingly, Oppo discontinued the Ace series in late 2020, leaving many fans puzzled. Analysts speculated that Oppo might be refocusing on other product lines or streamlining its brand portfolio.
The OnePlus Revival: Embracing the Online Market
In 2022, OnePlus, a subsidiary of Oppo, revived the Ace series under its own brand. This move aimed to bolster OnePlus’ presence in the online market, especially in China, where it faced strong competition from Xiaomi and Realme.
The OnePlus Ace, launched in April 2022, stayed true to the series’ core philosophy of delivering flagship performance at competitive prices. In India and other global markets, it was rebranded as the OnePlus 10R.
Later in the year, the OnePlus Ace Pro, featuring a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor and 150W charging, further enhanced the series. This model was rebranded as the OnePlus 10T outside of China.
Special Editions and Global Appeal
A hallmark of the Ace series has been its special editions, often featuring unique designs or collaborations with popular brands. OnePlus continued this tradition with models like the OnePlus Ace Pro Genshin Impact Limited Edition and the OnePlus Ace Racing Edition, generating excitement among consumers.
The Ace series’ global reach was expanded through OnePlus' rebranding strategy. While the Ace name is mainly used in China, rebranded versions like the OnePlus 10R have been well-received in markets including India, Europe, and North America.
Expanding the Ace Family: Ace 2, Ace 2 Pro, and Ace 3
In 2023, the Ace series grew with the release of the OnePlus Ace 2. Featuring a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor and 100W fast charging, this model was rebranded as the OnePlus 11R globally.
The OnePlus Ace 2 Pro, launched in August 2023, offered up to 24GB of RAM, a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, and 150W charging, remaining exclusive to China.
The OnePlus Ace 3 debuted in China in January 2024 with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and up to 16GB of RAM. It was later introduced globally as the OnePlus 12R.
Looking to the Future: Ace 3 Pro
The upcoming OnePlus Ace 3 Pro is anticipated to continue the legacy of powerful performance and innovative features at competitive prices.
Early leaks suggest it may feature a 6,100mAh battery with 100W charging, up to 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM, 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage, and a triple camera setup with a 50-megapixel primary sensor.
Leaked images on Weibo reveal a round camera module and a curved-edge OLED screen with 1.5K resolution in white and blue color options. The Ace 3 Pro will also have a DisplayMate A+ rating, promising enhanced eye protection and superior display quality, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor.
