OnePlus 8
Verdict
Key specs
Critic consensus
“As an isolated case, the OnePlus 8 is an excellent phone with nice main camera performance, excellent battery life, fast charging, bright and buttery-smooth 90Hz display, probably the best-sounding stereo speakers in town, unrivaled fingerprint reader performance and fast and optimized OxygenOS. However, at this price, the phone is going to have some hard time competing with the likes of Samsung S20+, for example. It also leaves a lingering sensation of a downgrade compared to the OnePlus 7T, which had all the proper focal lengths and offered better macro shots too.”
“With a generous memory configuration, good camera performance and a very smooth system overall, the OnePlus 8 is a great smartphone. Once 5G coverage becomes more widespread, buyers will be able to take full advantage of the strengths of the smartphone.”
“Unlike the OnePlus 7T, the OnePlus 8 isn't offering a big upgrade over its predecessor. Sure, the increase in battery capacity and screen size will be appreciated by some but the increase in price mostly because of 5G is probably going to be an issue. With the phone starting at $699 and the Pro version selling for $899, the company has made its phones the flagships that flagship killers can take an aim at rather the other way around. This puts OnePlus' handsets even closer to high-end phones from more renowned companies like Samsung, Apple and Huawei.”
“In many ways, OnePlus can stand on equal footing with Google or Samsung, but that means we also need to hold it to the same standards. The software experience is almost as good as Google's Pixel, and the build quality is easily a match for Samsung. While 5G is of questionable value right now, this phone catapults you into the 5G era for several hundred less than a Galaxy S20. That said, the OnePlus 8 is more expensive than the 7T, and the camera array isn't as versatile. You're basically spending money for 5G that you probably don't need right now. That makes the value middling at best.”
Watch before you decide
In Depth
In typical OnePlus style, the OnePlus 8 claims to be another premium phone for 2020 that doesn’t disappoint but comes in at a fraction of the price of competing top-end phones. But does the phone strike the ideal balance of affordability and enjoyability?
Design
Taller than its competing phones, reviews noted the OnePlus 8 feels good to hold in one hand. It’s designed to be among the thinnest of phones and ultra lightweight. But some reviews stated that the extra color options were somewhat marred by having to constantly clean off fingerprints.
Display
The 6.55-inch AMOLED screen with attractive waterfall edges placed high in reviews for its brightness and accuracy for colors. However, many reviewers also said the phone was far more prone to accidental touches or apps opening while retrieving the phone from a pocket or purse due to the curved display.
Performance
The OnePlus 8 has been characterized as ‘zippy’ for its fast refresh rates. This makes it ideal for mobile gaming. While the numbers technically fall short of it’s Pro sibling, reviewers who tested the phones side by side said there wasn’t a noticeable difference between the two.
TechRadar writes, “I assumed the OnePlus 8 Pro’s 120Hz would look even better. But when I navigated both of them side-by-side, the 8 Pro didn’t feel miles ahead of the OnePlus 8. So, if you’re leaning towards the OnePlus 8 between the two, don’t worry about ‘missing out’ on a superior display.”
Software & Storage
OnePlus 8 runs Android 10. The storage was one of the more praised elements of the phone for reviewers at 128/256GB of space available.
Cameras
The cameras were the least impressive part of an otherwise solid top-tier phone. Reviewers were disappointed to find the cameras did not offer an enhanced zoom function, and using digital zoom made photos so fuzzy they weren’t usable. Its 2MP macro camera also left a lot to be desired. Reviewers mentioned that unless you were a pro at these sorts of shots that it left a lot of noise in the photos.
Battery Life
Battery life impressed reviewers, lasting a day or more with hard use. The Warp Charge 30T charger excited reviewers as well, claiming to fully charge the phone in an hour.
Audio
Reviewers did not mention anything bad or exceptional about the phone’s audio. However, the phone does not come with a headphone jack. So you’ll need an adapter or wireless headphones for private listening.
Specs at a Glance
- Glass and aluminum chassis
- 6.55-inch AMOLED Display
- 2.84 Ghz octa-core Snapdragon 865 Processor
- 8/12GB RAM
- Android 10
- 128/256GB of Storage
- 48MP camera/ 2MP macro lens
- 4300 mAh Battery
Bottom Line
Reviewers had very little negative to say about the OnePlus 8. It’s a top-end phone for an affordable price with a good display and battery life. There are even a few color options that are not available on other phones for some unique visual flair. Reviews were solid and so was the performance.
TechRadar writes, “The OnePlus 8 sets the bar high for affordable flagships in 2020. While its design refinements borrow elements from other flagships, it’s an undeniably sleek phone.”
Tom’s Guide states, “The OnePlus 8 delivers solid performance, long battery life, and 5G at an attractive price”
Business Insider says, “[The phone offers] maximum power and almost everything you want for a lower price tag.”
What people actually want to know
When was the OnePlus 8 released?
The OnePlus 8 was released on April 21, 2020.
How long does the battery last on the OnePlus 8?
The OnePlus 8 has a 4,300 mAh battery.
Does the OnePlus 8 support wireless charging?
No, the OnePlus 8 does not support wireless charging.
Does the OnePlus 8 have a headphone jack?
No, the OnePlus 8 does not have a headphone jack. You'll need wireless headphones or a USB-C adapter.
Does the OnePlus 8 have NFC?
Yes, the OnePlus 8 has NFC. You can use Google Wallet, Apple Pay, and tap-to-pair with Bluetooth accessories.
Where can I get support for the OnePlus 8?
Visit OnePlus's official support page for warranty info, repairs, and troubleshooting.
Where can I download the OnePlus 8 manual?
You can view and download the OnePlus 8 manual on our dedicated manual page.
Questions & answers
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