Black Shark 5 vs. OnePlus 10 Pro: A Deep Dive into Gaming and Flagship Performance

The Xiaomi Black Shark 5 and OnePlus 10 Pro represent divergent approaches to the high-end smartphone market. The Black Shark 5 prioritizes gaming performance and aggressive cooling, while the OnePlus 10 Pro aims for a more balanced flagship experience with a focus on camera quality and refined software. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user, the OnePlus 10 Pro emerges as the more compelling choice. While the Black Shark 5 delivers strong gaming performance, the OnePlus 10 Pro’s superior chipset, camera system, and broader feature set offer a more well-rounded and polished experience. However, gamers prioritizing raw performance on a budget will find the Black Shark 5 a strong contender.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi Black Shark 5 OnePlus 10 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 18, 19, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66, 71 - International
5G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (4CA) Cat18 1200/200 Mbps, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA - India
Launch
Announced2022, March 302022, January 11
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, April 04Available. Released 2022, January 13
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame
Dimensions163.8 x 76.3 x 10 mm (6.45 x 3.00 x 0.39 in)163 x 73.9 x 8.6 mm (6.42 x 2.91 x 0.34 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight218 g (7.69 oz)201 g (7.09 oz)
 Physical pop-up gaming triggersIP68 dust/water resistant - T-Mobile only (not for use underwater, liquid damage is not covered under warranty)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)1440 x 3216 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~525 ppi density)
Size6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~90.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 144Hz, 1300 nits (peak)LTPO2 Fluid AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ), 800 nits (HBM), 1300 nits (peak)
 Always-on displayAlways-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585)Octa-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm)Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 650Adreno 730
OSAndroid 12, Joy UI 13Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, OxygenOS 14 (International), ColorOS (China)
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, Hasselblad Color Calibration, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Single-32 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/2.74", 0.8µm
Triple64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 13 MP, f/2.4, 120˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro)48 MP, f/1.8, 23mm (wide), 1/1.43", 1.12µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.4, 77mm (telephoto), 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 3.3x optical zoom 50 MP, f/2.2, 14mm, 150˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 1080p@960fps8K@24fps, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, Auto HDR, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single16 MP, (wide)32 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/2.74", 0.8µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 3.1, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging120W wired, 100% in 15 min80W wired, PD, 100% in 32 min (International) 65W wired, PD, 58% in 15 min (North America) 50W wireless Reverse wireless
TypeLi-Po 4650 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, White, GrayVolcanic Black, Emerald Forest, Panda White (Extreme Edition)
ModelsSHARK PAR-A0NE2210, NE2211, NE2213, NE2215, NE2217
PriceAbout 600 EUR$ 264.39 / C$ 349.99 / £ 360.00 / € 399.99
SAR-1.16 W/kg (head)     0.70 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 107h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -25.2 LUFS (Very good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 886248 (v9) GeekBench: 3447 (v5.1) GFXBench: 48fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Xiaomi Black Shark 5

  • Blazing-fast 120W wired charging
  • Strong gaming performance with Snapdragon 870
  • Potentially more affordable price point

  • Likely inferior camera system
  • Less refined software experience
  • Display specs are unknown

OnePlus 10 Pro

  • Superior Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 performance
  • Brighter and higher-quality display
  • Versatile camera system with Hasselblad tuning

  • Slower wired charging (especially in North America)
  • Higher price tag
  • Potential for thermal throttling under sustained load

Display Comparison

The OnePlus 10 Pro boasts a brighter display, reaching a measured 780 nits, compared to an unspecified brightness for the Black Shark 5. While the Black Shark 5’s display specs are not provided, OnePlus’s panel benefits from an infinite contrast ratio, delivering deeper blacks. Both likely utilize high refresh rate panels, but the OnePlus 10 Pro’s brightness advantage is crucial for outdoor visibility. The lack of detailed display information for the Black Shark 5 makes a precise comparison difficult, but the OnePlus 10 Pro clearly holds an advantage in raw display quality.

Camera Comparison

Both phones feature photo and video capabilities, but the OnePlus 10 Pro is expected to have a more sophisticated camera system. Details on the Black Shark 5’s camera are absent, but given its gaming focus, it likely prioritizes affordability over cutting-edge imaging. The OnePlus 10 Pro, leveraging Hasselblad color calibration, likely offers superior image processing and dynamic range. Without specific sensor details for the Black Shark 5, it’s reasonable to assume the OnePlus 10 Pro provides a more versatile and higher-quality camera experience.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The OnePlus 10 Pro’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) offers a significant architectural leap over the Black Shark 5’s Snapdragon 870 (7nm). The Gen 1 features the Cortex-X2 prime core clocked at 3.00 GHz, alongside Cortex-A710 and A510 cores, providing superior single-core and multi-core performance. While the Snapdragon 870 remains a capable performer, the 4nm process of the Gen 1 translates to improved thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during sustained gaming sessions. The Black Shark 5’s cooling system will mitigate some throttling, but the underlying chipset architecture favors the OnePlus 10 Pro.

Battery Life

Both devices offer impressive endurance, with the OnePlus 10 Pro achieving a 107-hour rating. However, charging speeds differ dramatically. The Black Shark 5’s 120W wired charging is incredibly fast, reaching 100% in just 15 minutes. The OnePlus 10 Pro’s 80W wired charging (International) takes 32 minutes, while North American models are limited to 65W, achieving only 58% charge in 15 minutes. The OnePlus 10 Pro also supports 50W wireless and reverse wireless charging, features absent on the Black Shark 5. The Black Shark 5’s faster wired charging is a significant advantage for users who prioritize speed, but the OnePlus 10 Pro offers greater charging versatility.

Buying Guide

Buy the Xiaomi Black Shark 5 if you need uncompromising gaming performance and rapid 120W charging is a priority, and you're willing to accept compromises in camera quality and software refinement. Buy the OnePlus 10 Pro if you prefer a flagship experience with a versatile camera system, a brighter display, and a more polished software experience, even if it means slightly slower charging speeds (especially in North America).

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the OnePlus 10 Pro's Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is known to generate more heat than previous generations. However, the OnePlus 10 Pro incorporates a vapor chamber cooling system designed to mitigate thermal throttling. While some performance degradation may occur during prolonged, demanding gaming, it's generally well-managed and doesn't lead to complete shutdowns.
❓ How does the Black Shark 5's charging speed compare to other 120W charging phones?
The Black Shark 5's 120W charging is among the fastest available on any smartphone. It consistently delivers a full charge in around 15 minutes, outperforming most other 65W or 80W charging solutions. However, it's important to note that using a compatible charger is crucial to achieve these speeds.
❓ Is the OnePlus 10 Pro's camera significantly better than the Black Shark 5's?
Based on OnePlus's track record and the inclusion of Hasselblad color calibration, the OnePlus 10 Pro's camera is expected to offer superior image quality, dynamic range, and overall versatility compared to the Black Shark 5. The Black Shark 5 likely prioritizes affordability in its camera system, resulting in a less refined imaging experience.
❓ Does the Black Shark 5 have any gaming-specific features beyond the Snapdragon 870?
The Black Shark 5 is designed with gaming in mind, and likely includes features such as shoulder triggers, a dedicated gaming mode, and optimized cooling solutions. These features enhance the gaming experience beyond just the processor's capabilities.