Smartphone Comparison: OnePlus 8T vs. Nothing Phone (2)
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | OnePlus 8T | Nothing Phone (2) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 160.7 × 74.1 × 8.4 mm | 162.1 × 76.4 × 8.6 mm | Nothing Phone (2) is slightly larger and may feel less comfortable in smaller hands. |
| Weight | 188g | 201.2g | OnePlus 8T is lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones, no foldable design. |
Display
| Feature | OnePlus 8T | Nothing Phone (2) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.55" | 6.7" | Nothing Phone (2) offers a slightly more immersive viewing experience for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Negligible difference in sharpness. Both displays are sharp enough for typical use. |
| PPI | 402 | 394 | Nearly identical pixel density, so the difference will be imperceptible. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Similar display quality; both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both devices, enhancing the user experience, especially in gaming. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1600 nits | Nothing Phone (2) is significantly brighter and easier to view outdoors in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus 8T | Nothing Phone (2) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | Nothing Phone (2) offers significantly faster performance and improved efficiency for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 744,900 | 1,135,786 | The Nothing Phone (2) has a significantly higher benchmark score, indicating better overall performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 730 | Nothing Phone (2) provides better graphics performance, resulting in smoother gameplay and faster rendering times. |
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus 8T | Nothing Phone (2) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 1/2" Sony IMX586 | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56" Sony IMX890 | Nothing Phone (2) has a slightly higher resolution and larger sensor, potentially resulting in better image quality, especially in low light. |
| Ultrawide Lens | 16MP, f/2.2 | 50MP, f/2.2 | The Nothing Phone (2) has a higher resolution and larger sensor, potentially resulting in better image quality |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" Sony IMX471 | 32MP, f/2.45, 1/2.74" Sony IMX615 | Nothing Phone (2) captures more detailed selfies with its higher-resolution sensor. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | N/A | OnePlus 8T includes a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Additional Cameras | Black & white (2MP) | Wide Angle + Macro (50MP) | Each phone has a unique secondary lens. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR, EIS | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR, OIS, EIS | Nothing Phone (2) includes Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), which can result in smoother videos, especially in shaky conditions. |
Battery
| Feature | OnePlus 8T | Nothing Phone (2) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4700mAh | Nothing Phone (2) may offer slightly longer battery life due to the larger capacity. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | OnePlus 8T charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Wireless Charging | No | 15W | Nothing Phone (2) offers the convenience of wireless charging. |
| Reverse Charging | No | Yes | Nothing Phone (2) can be used to charge other devices wirelessly. |
Software
| Feature | OnePlus 8T | Nothing Phone (2) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 14 | Android 13, upgradable to 16 | Nothing Phone (2) offers a more up-to-date Android experience with longer software support. |
Connectivity
| Feature | OnePlus 8T | Nothing Phone (2) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | Nothing Phone (2) has a newer Bluetooth version, potentially offering more stable connections and improved energy efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), NavIC System | Nothing Phone (2) supports a wider range of GPS systems, potentially leading to more accurate location tracking. |
Storage
| Feature | OnePlus 8T | Nothing Phone (2) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB | Nothing Phone (2) offers a higher storage option (512GB) for users with extensive media libraries or app collections. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion via microSD card. |
Audio
| Feature | OnePlus 8T | Nothing Phone (2) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 3 Microphones | Nothing Phone (2) emphasizes audio quality, offering Hi-Res Audio support and better voice recording. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 8T Advantages:
- Faster Charging: 65W charging offers a significant advantage in terms of charging speed.
- Macro Lens: Dedicated macro lens for detailed close-up shots.
Practical Implications:
- Faster charging is highly convenient for users who need to quickly top up their battery.
- The macro lens provides creative options for photography enthusiasts.
Nothing Phone (2) Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Performance: Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset offers a considerable performance boost.
- Brighter Display: 1600 nits brightness for excellent outdoor visibility.
- Better Main Camera: Larger sensor and OIS for improved image and video quality.
- Wireless and Reverse Wireless Charging: Added convenience for charging and sharing power.
- More Modern Software: Comes with a newer version of Android (13) and longer software support.
- Hi-Res Audio: Higher quality audio playback
- 512GB Storage option: More storage.
Practical Implications:
- The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 handles demanding tasks like gaming and video editing with ease.
- The brighter display ensures comfortable viewing in bright sunlight.
- Wireless charging adds convenience, while reverse wireless charging can be useful in emergencies.
- Longer software support ensures the phone stays secure and up-to-date for a longer period.
Trade-offs:
- The Nothing Phone (2) is slightly heavier and larger, and charges slightly slower than the OnePlus 8T.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 8T Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize fast charging.
- Users who want a macro camera.
- Users looking for a good value in the used smartphone market.
Use Cases:
- Quick battery top-ups before heading out.
- Capturing detailed close-up shots of small objects.
Nothing Phone (2) Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize performance and camera quality.
- Users who value wireless charging and a modern software experience.
- Users who consume a lot of media on their phones, or enjoy gaming.
Use Cases:
- Playing graphics-intensive games.
- Taking high-quality photos and videos, even in low light.
- Charging the phone wirelessly on a nightstand.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is raw performance? If you need a phone for demanding tasks, the Nothing Phone (2) is the better choice.
- Do you value wireless charging? If so, the Nothing Phone (2) is the only option.
- How important is software support and longevity? The Nothing Phone (2) is newer and will receive updates for a longer period.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-conscious users who want fast charging: OnePlus 8T
- Performance enthusiasts who want the best possible experience: Nothing Phone (2)
- Users who value modern features and a sleek design: Nothing Phone (2)
Personal Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones today, I would pick the Nothing Phone (2). While the OnePlus 8T offers faster charging, the Nothing Phone (2)'s superior performance, brighter display, better camera (especially with OIS), wireless charging capabilities, more modern software, and overall longer lifespan make it the better investment. The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset provides a noticeable performance boost, which translates to a smoother and more enjoyable user experience, particularly for gaming and demanding apps. The brighter display is also a significant advantage for outdoor use. While the OnePlus 8T might be a decent option on the used market, the Nothing Phone (2) provides a more complete and future-proof package.
