1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | OnePlus 8T | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 160.7 × 74.1 × 8.4 mm | 162.3 × 78.6 × 9.1 mm | M35 is larger and may be less comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 188g | 222g | 34g difference is noticeable. OnePlus 8T is easier to hold for extended periods. |
| Build Quality (Screen) | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | M35 screen is significantly more resistant to scratches and drops. |
Display
| Feature | OnePlus 8T | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.55" | 6.6" | Negligible difference in screen size. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Virtually identical sharpness. |
| Pixel Density | 402 PPI | 390 PPI | No noticeable difference in clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and gaming on both. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | OnePlus 8T is much more visible in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus 8T | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 865 offers better performance for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 744,900 | 578,500 | OnePlus 8T loads apps faster, smoother multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G68 MP5 | Adreno 650 provides better graphics performance in games. |
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus 8T | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 1/2", Sony IMX586 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2", Sony LYT-600 | M35 might capture slightly more detail, 8T better in low light due to wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", Sony IMX471 | 13MP, f/2.2 | M35 has the advantage in low-light selfie performance. |
| Ultrawide Camera | 16MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | OnePlus 8T captures much more detailed ultrawide photos. |
| Macro Camera | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | OnePlus 8T captures more detailed macro shots. |
| Video | 4K@60fps, HDR, EIS | 4K@30fps, EIS | OnePlus 8T offers smoother 4K video recording (60fps). |
| Features | OIS, Laser AF, RAW | OIS, All Pixel Omni-Directional PDAF, RAW 12 bits, DOL HDR | Each offer different features. M35 has some computational photography advantages. |
Battery
| Feature | OnePlus 8T | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 6000mAh | M35 lasts significantly longer on a single charge. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | OnePlus 8T charges much faster. |
Software
| Feature | OnePlus 8T | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (up to 14) | Android 14 | M35 has a more up-to-date OS. |
Storage
| Feature | OnePlus 8T | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Same storage options. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 6/8 GB | OnePlus 8T offers a higher RAM variant for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | No expandable storage on either device. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 8T Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 865 chipset offers significantly better CPU and GPU performance compared to the Exynos 1380.
- Faster Charging: 65W charging refills the battery much quicker than the M35's 25W.
- Brighter Display: The 1100 nits display is much easier to see outdoors in bright sunlight.
- Better Cameras Overall: Ultrawide and Macro cameras have higher MP count than the Samsung Galaxy M35.
Samsung Galaxy M35 Advantages:
- Massive Battery Life: 6000mAh battery provides significantly longer usage between charges.
- More Up-to-Date Software: Ships with Android 14, offering the latest features and security.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides superior scratch and drop resistance.
- Hi-Res Audio: Offers better audio quality playback and better audio separation.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 8T Ideal User:
- Gamers: Need a powerful processor and GPU for smooth, high-frame-rate gaming.
- Power Users: Demanding users who multitask heavily and require fast app loading.
- Outdoor Users: Benefit from the brighter display for visibility in sunlight.
- Users who prioritize Fast Charging Don't want to wait hours for the phone to charge
Samsung Galaxy M35 Ideal User:
- Battery Life Prioritizers: Need a phone that lasts all day (or multiple days) without needing a recharge.
- Outdoor Adventurers: Benefit from the extra screen protection and long battery life.
- Multimedia Consumers: Enjoy watching videos and listening to music for extended periods.
- Users who want the latest Software: Having the latest software with all the new features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is battery life to you? If you need multi-day battery, the M35 is the clear winner.
- How much do you value performance for gaming and demanding apps? The OnePlus 8T offers a smoother, faster experience.
- Do you frequently use your phone in bright sunlight? The OnePlus 8T's brighter display is a significant advantage.
Final Decision
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the OnePlus 8T. While the Samsung Galaxy M35 has a newer operating system, better screen protection, and much larger battery, the OnePlus 8T has a more powerful chipset, resulting in a much better user experience. Plus, the brighter screen makes it a much better option for outdoor use.
The fact that it is lighter and has better performing cameras also contribute to a positive user experience.
