OnePlus 8T

OnePlus 8T Review

The OnePlus 8T, launched on October 16, 2020, arrives as a mid-range offering with a focus on performance and a smooth user experience.

Key Features

• Display: 6.55-inch Fluid AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, and a 2400 x 1080 resolution (402 ppi).
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 5G (7nm+) chipset with an octa-core CPU and Adreno 650 GPU.
• RAM/Storage: Multiple configurations including 8GB/128GB and 12GB/256GB variants, utilizing LPDDR4X RAM and UFS 3.1 storage.
• Cameras: Rear quad-camera setup featuring a 48MP main lens, 16MP ultrawide, 5MP macro and 2MP monochrome lens, along with a 16MP front-facing camera.
• Battery: 4500mAh battery with 65W fast charging.
• Operating System: Android 11 at launch, upgradable to Android 14.
• Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX HD and LDAC support, and NFC.
• Build: Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back, and aluminum frame, weighing 188g.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Smooth Display: The 120Hz Fluid AMOLED display is vibrant, fluid, and responsive, enhancing overall user experience. HDR10+ support provides excellent contrast and colors.
• Fast Performance: The Snapdragon 865 chipset provides robust performance, handling demanding tasks and gaming with ease. The combination of LPDDR4X RAM and UFS 3.1 storage further contributes to speed and responsiveness.
• Fast Charging: The 65W Warp Charge technology is exceptionally quick, significantly reducing charging times.
• Clean Software: OxygenOS, based on Android, is known for its clean interface, smooth animations, and minimal bloatware. The promise of updates up to Android 14 ensures longevity of software support.
• Capable Cameras: The rear camera system, while not class-leading, is versatile with good performance in various scenarios, including 4K video recording with HDR.
• Stereo Speakers: The inclusion of stereo speakers enhances the multimedia experience.

Cons:

• No Wireless Charging: The absence of wireless charging is a notable omission at this price point.
• No IP Rating: While some competitors offer official water and dust resistance ratings, the OnePlus 8T lacks this certification.
• Camera Performance: While versatile, the camera setup does not outperform some direct competitors, particularly in low-light scenarios.
• Design: The design, while sleek, is not particularly innovative or groundbreaking compared to some peers.

User Experience

The OnePlus 8T provides a seamless and fluid experience. The 120Hz display is exceptionally smooth, making scrolling and animations appear effortless. The performance of the Snapdragon 865 is consistently strong, handling everyday tasks and demanding games without any noticeable hiccups. OxygenOS is a highlight, offering a clean and customizable user interface with useful features without being overly cluttered. The fast charging is a significant advantage, allowing for quick top-ups of the battery. The under-display fingerprint sensor is responsive and reliable. While the lack of wireless charging might be a drawback for some users, the fast wired charging partially compensates for it. The device’s weight and dimensions are well-balanced, making it comfortable to hold and use for extended periods.

Hardware & Design

The OnePlus 8T measures 160.7 x 74.1 x 8.4 mm and weighs 188g. It has a glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back, and an aluminum frame, offering a premium in-hand feel. The 6.55-inch Fluid AMOLED display features a hole-punch notch for the front-facing camera. The device is available in Lunar Silver, Aquamarine Green, and a Cyberpunk 2077 Edition. The rear camera module houses four lenses and a dual-LED flash. The phone includes an under-display fingerprint sensor and features stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos. The device utilizes a USB Type-C 3.1 port with OTG support. It lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack. The cooling system helps in maintaining performance during prolonged usage. It uses a dual-cell battery design, which enables the 65W fast charging.

Conclusion

The OnePlus 8T is a well-rounded device that delivers a premium experience with its smooth display, strong performance, and extremely fast charging. It is a strong contender in the mid-range segment, excelling in areas like user experience and performance. However, the absence of wireless charging and an official IP rating might be a concern for some users. The camera system, while versatile, is not the best-in-class but still provides good image quality in a variety of scenarios. Overall, the OnePlus 8T is a solid choice for users seeking a fast and fluid smartphone with a clean Android experience.