OnePlus 8

OnePlus 8 Review

The OnePlus 8, released on April 21, 2020, is a high-priced smartphone positioned in the flagship segment. It offers a blend of premium features and robust performance.

Key Features

• Display: 6.55-inch Fluid AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, and a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels (402 ppi). The screen also features a hole-punch notch and Always-On Display functionality.
• Performance: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) chipset, coupled with an Octa-core CPU (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) and Adreno 650 GPU. Options include 8GB or 12GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB or 256GB of UFS 3.0 storage.
• Cameras: Rear triple camera setup with a 48MP main sensor (Sony IMX586, f/1.75, OIS), a 16MP ultrawide lens (f/2.2), and a 2MP macro lens (f/2.4). The front camera is a 16MP Sony IMX471 sensor (f/2.45). Supports 4K video recording at up to 60fps with HDR and EIS, and slow-motion video.
• Battery: 4300 mAh non-removable Li-Polymer battery with 30W fast charging.
• Connectivity: Dual SIM (Nano-SIM) support, 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, NFC, USB Type-C 3.1 with OTG. It also includes GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, S-GPS, Beidou, and Galileo (E1+E5a).
• Software: Launched with Android 10 and upgradable to Android 13.
• Other: In-display fingerprint sensor, stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, and a cooling system.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Smooth Display: The 90Hz Fluid AMOLED display provides a fluid and visually pleasing experience, enhanced by HDR10+ support.
• Flagship Performance: The Snapdragon 865 chipset delivers fast and efficient performance, making it suitable for demanding applications and gaming.
• Fast Charging: The 30W fast charging capability allows for quick battery top-ups.
• Premium Build: Solid construction with a sleek design, available in multiple color options like Glacial Green, Onyx Black, and Interstellar Glow.
• 5G Connectivity: Supports a wide array of 5G bands, future-proofing the device.
• Capable Cameras: The triple camera setup, including OIS on the main sensor, offers versatile photography capabilities with 4K recording.
• Stereo Speakers with Dolby Atmos: Enhances the audio experience for multimedia consumption.

Cons:

• No Wireless Charging: The lack of wireless charging may be a drawback for some users in this price range.
• No Telephoto Lens: The absence of a telephoto lens for optical zoom limits camera versatility compared to some competitors.
• Macro Lens Limitations: The 2MP macro lens is of limited utility.
• Pricing: Positioned at a high price point, it competes with other premium flagship phones.
• No IP Rating: Lacks an official IP rating for water and dust resistance.
• No SD Card Slot: Expandable storage is not an option as there is no SD Card slot available

User Experience

The OnePlus 8 provides a smooth and responsive user experience, thanks to its 90Hz display and powerful chipset. The OxygenOS, based on Android, offers a clean and customizable interface. Multitasking is seamless, and the phone handles demanding games without issue. The in-display fingerprint sensor is fast and reliable. The absence of wireless charging and an IP rating, however, might be disappointing for some users. The camera system captures good-quality images under various lighting conditions, though the macro lens is not particularly impressive. The stereo speakers provide decent audio quality for media consumption.

Hardware & Design

The OnePlus 8 has a glass and aluminum build with curved edges for a comfortable in-hand feel. It measures 160.2 x 72.9 x 8 mm and weighs 180 grams. The device sports a 6.55-inch AMOLED display with a hole-punch cutout for the front camera. The phone uses Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for screen protection. It features a USB Type-C port with USB 3.1 functionality and has no 3.5mm audio jack. The power button is located on the right side, with the volume rocker on the left.

Conclusion

The OnePlus 8 is a capable flagship phone offering a smooth user experience, robust performance, and a premium design. Its strengths lie in the 90Hz Fluid AMOLED display, the powerful Snapdragon 865 processor, and fast charging. However, it lacks wireless charging, a telephoto lens, and an IP rating, features that are becoming more common in this segment. The phone's price positions it against other premium smartphones, making it a strong contender but not without its compromises. If you prioritize a smooth and fast experience over having the absolute latest features, the OnePlus 8 remains a solid choice from 2020.