Refurbished OnePlus 3 (2016) is a smartphone that marked a turning point for OnePlus as a brand. It was the moment when OnePlus moved from being an ambitious newcomer to a serious competitor in the premium smartphone space. Even today, years after its original release, the OnePlus 3 is remembered for getting the fundamentals right and for delivering a smooth, reliable experience that focused on real world use rather than marketing gimmicks.
When you first pick up the Refurbished OnePlus 3 (2016), the build quality is immediately noticeable. This was OnePlus’s first fully metal unibody phone, and it shows. The aluminium body feels solid and reassuring in the hand. There is a sense of durability and craftsmanship that was not always common at the time, especially at the price point the phone originally launched at. The finish is smooth without being slippery, and the curved edges make it comfortable to hold for extended periods.
The design of the Refurbished OnePlus 3 (2016) is clean and purposeful. It does not rely on flashy materials or bold styling choices. Instead, it opts for a timeless look that has aged gracefully. The phone feels balanced and well proportioned, making it easy to use with one hand while still offering a large enough screen for media and productivity. Buttons are placed thoughtfully, and the alert slider, a signature OnePlus feature, adds a level of convenience that many users quickly come to appreciate.
The display on the Refurbished OnePlus 3 (2016) plays a major role in how enjoyable the phone feels to use. It features a 5.5 inch AMOLED screen that delivers rich colours, deep blacks, and strong contrast. At the time of release, this display was considered excellent, and even now it holds up well for everyday tasks. Text is clear, images look vibrant, and videos feel immersive without being overwhelming.
AMOLED technology gives the screen a pleasing depth that enhances everything from reading articles to watching films. The display is bright enough for most indoor and outdoor conditions, and viewing angles remain strong. While it does not offer the ultra high refresh rates of modern phones, the screen still feels responsive and smooth in daily use.
Performance was one of the defining strengths of the OnePlus 3, and the Refurbished OnePlus 3 (2016) continues to reflect that reputation. Powered by a flagship level processor for its time and paired with a generous amount of RAM, the phone was built to feel fast and responsive. Even years later, it remains capable of handling everyday tasks without frustration.
Opening apps, switching between screens, and navigating the interface feels smooth and fluid. The phone does not feel sluggish when used within reasonable expectations. For messaging, browsing, social media, navigation, and streaming, the performance remains reliable. This is largely due to OnePlus’s focus on software optimisation rather than simply relying on raw hardware power.
Multitasking on the Refurbished OnePlus 3 (2016) still feels comfortable for light to moderate use. Apps remain responsive, and switching between tasks does not feel like a chore. While it may not handle the most demanding modern games or applications as effortlessly as newer devices, it still delivers a satisfying experience for most everyday needs.
Battery life on the Refurbished OnePlus 3 (2016) is dependable for typical daily use. The phone was designed to balance performance and efficiency, allowing users to get through a full day of moderate activity without constant charging. Tasks such as calls, messages, browsing, and occasional media playback are handled comfortably. This makes it suitable as a daily driver for users with reasonable expectations or as a secondary device.
Charging is one area where the OnePlus 3 truly stood out at launch, and it remains impressive even now. The fast charging technology introduced with this phone was a game changer at the time. Charging is quick and efficient, allowing users to top up the battery rapidly without excessive heat. This feature adds real convenience to daily life and reduces the stress of running low on power.
The camera on the Refurbished OnePlus 3 (2016) reflects OnePlus’s approach at the time. It focuses on delivering natural looking photos rather than heavily processed images. In good lighting conditions, the camera captures sharp images with realistic colours and pleasing detail. Photos feel honest and balanced, making them suitable for sharing and everyday memories.
Low light performance is respectable given the phone’s age. While it does not compete with modern night photography systems, it still manages to capture usable images with careful framing and lighting. For casual photography and documentation, the camera remains functional and enjoyable to use.
Video recording on the Refurbished OnePlus 3 (2016) is smooth and stable for everyday use. Footage looks clear, and audio capture is reliable. While it does not offer advanced stabilisation or high resolution options by today’s standards, it performs well enough for capturing moments and short clips.
The front facing camera is practical and reliable for selfies and video calls. Image quality is sufficient for communication and casual use, and the camera performs consistently in good lighting conditions. This makes it suitable for everyday interactions without complication.
Software experience is one of the areas where the Refurbished OnePlus 3 (2016) truly shines. OnePlus built its reputation on delivering a clean and fast Android experience, and the OnePlus 3 exemplifies that philosophy. The interface feels uncluttered, responsive, and intuitive. Menus are logically organised, animations are smooth, and the overall experience feels focused on usability.
OnePlus avoided unnecessary preinstalled apps and visual clutter, which helped the phone feel fast even as hardware aged. This approach makes the Refurbished OnePlus 3 (2016) easier to use than many devices from the same era. It feels like a phone designed for people who want control and simplicity rather than constant distractions.
The alert slider remains one of the most appreciated features. It allows users to switch between sound profiles instantly without unlocking the phone or navigating menus. This small detail adds a lot of convenience and shows how OnePlus paid attention to everyday usability.
Audio quality on the Refurbished OnePlus 3 (2016) is clear and functional. Call quality is strong, with voices coming through clearly. The speaker is loud enough for notifications and casual media use. While it is not designed to replace dedicated speakers or headphones, it performs its role reliably.
Connectivity is stable and dependable. Calls connect consistently, data performance is reliable, and wireless connections work as expected. These fundamentals are crucial for any phone, and the OnePlus 3 delivers them without fuss.
One of the reasons the Refurbished OnePlus 3 (2016) remains appealing is its durability. The metal unibody construction gives the phone a sense of strength that helps it withstand everyday wear. While no phone is immune to damage, the OnePlus 3 feels robust and capable of handling regular use without constant concern.
Using the Refurbished OnePlus 3 (2016) today feels like stepping back into a simpler era of smartphones. Notifications feel manageable, apps feel purposeful, and the phone does not constantly demand attention. For some users, this simplicity is a welcome change from the complexity of modern devices.
Choosing a refurbished OnePlus 3 also offers practical benefits. Refurbished devices are professionally tested and restored to working condition, ensuring reliability and peace of mind. This allows users to enjoy a well built, historically significant smartphone without the risks associated with untested second hand purchases.
There is also an environmental benefit to choosing refurbished. Extending the life of existing devices reduces electronic waste and makes better use of resources already produced. For environmentally conscious users, this adds another layer of value to the Refurbished OnePlus 3 (2016).
The phone suits a specific type of user. It is ideal for those who want a reliable smartphone for calls, messages, browsing, and light media use. It also works well as a secondary device, a backup phone, or a phone for users who prefer a simpler digital experience without constant upgrades.
In everyday use, the phone feels consistent and predictable. It powers on reliably, responds to input without unnecessary lag, and behaves in a way that builds trust over time. This consistency is something many users value, especially when compared to devices that feel unstable or overloaded with features.
The design has aged well. The Refurbished OnePlus 3 (2016) does not look out of place in modern settings. Its understated appearance and clean lines give it a timeless quality that many newer phones lack.
For media consumption, the phone still delivers an enjoyable experience within its limits. Watching videos, browsing photos, and reading content feels comfortable on the AMOLED display. While it does not offer the immersive experience of modern large screens, it remains pleasant and functional.
Gaming performance is modest by today’s standards but remains suitable for casual titles and older games. The phone handles these tasks without major issues, making it a versatile device for light entertainment.
Ultimately, the Refurbished OnePlus 3 (2016) represents a time when smartphones focused on delivering a smooth, reliable experience without unnecessary complexity. It offers strong build quality, a clean software experience, dependable performance, and thoughtful design choices that continue to resonate with users.
For anyone looking for a straightforward, well built smartphone with historical significance and practical usability, the Refurbished OnePlus 3 (2016) remains a meaningful and worthwhile choice. It stands as a reminder that great user experiences come from thoughtful design and careful optimisation rather than chasing every new trend.
