The OnePlus 8 Pro arrived in April 2020 as a flagship contender that pushed the boundaries of smartphone displays and charging technology. With its fluid 120Hz screen, versatile quad-camera system, and 5G connectivity, this device positioned itself as a premium option without the ultra-premium price tag. The phone packs Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 865 processor, up to 12GB of RAM, and a large 6.78-inch display that stands out in any room.
OnePlus equipped this model with IP68 water resistance, wireless charging capabilities, and a sophisticated glass-and-aluminum construction. The 4510mAh battery supports both 30W wired and wireless charging, getting you to 50% in under half an hour. For photography enthusiasts, the quad-camera setup includes a 48MP main sensor with OIS, a 3x telephoto lens, and an ultra-wide camera that captures expansive scenes.
What Makes the OnePlus 8 Pro Worth Buying?
The standout feature here is the 120Hz Fluid AMOLED display. Scrolling through apps, browsing the web, or playing games feels incredibly smooth compared to standard 60Hz screens. The 1440 x 3168 resolution delivers sharp text and vibrant colors, while HDR10+ support enhances streaming content from services like Netflix and YouTube. The screen covers 90.8% of the front, giving you an immersive viewing experience with minimal bezels.
Performance-wise, the Snapdragon 865 processor handles everything from multitasking to demanding games without breaking a sweat. The Adreno 650 GPU pushes high frame rates in graphics-intensive titles. With 8GB or 12GB of RAM and UFS 3.0 storage, apps launch instantly and switching between them feels seamless. The 5G connectivity future-proofs the device for faster network speeds as coverage expands.
Charging flexibility sets this phone apart from many competitors. The 30W wired charging reaches 50% in just 23 minutes, while the 30W wireless charging matches that convenience without cables. Reverse wireless charging lets you top up accessories like earbuds or even another phone. The dual stereo speakers deliver clear audio for media consumption, though there’s no headphone jack to consider.
The camera system offers real versatility. The 48MP main sensor captures detailed photos in various lighting conditions, while optical image stabilization keeps shots steady. The 3x telephoto lens brings distant subjects closer without significant quality loss. The 48MP ultra-wide camera is perfect for landscapes or group photos. A color filter camera rounds out the setup, though its practical use is limited compared to the other lenses.
Things to Know Before Choosing the OnePlus 8 Pro
Storage expansion isn’t possible since there’s no microSD card slot. You’re locked into either 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, so choose carefully based on how many photos, videos, and apps you typically keep. The 128GB model comes with 8GB of RAM, while the 256GB variant bumps that up to 12GB.
Software support has reached its end for this device. It launched with Android 10 and received updates through Android 13 with OxygenOS 13. Don’t expect further major Android version upgrades, though security patches may continue for a limited time. If having the latest software features matters to you, newer models would serve you better.
The curved display edges look elegant but can lead to accidental touches. Some users find this frustrating when trying to grip the phone or use it one-handed. The 199-gram weight and 8.5mm thickness make it feel substantial in your hand, which some appreciate for the premium build quality while others find it less comfortable for extended use.
Battery life is decent but not exceptional. The 4510mAh capacity gets most users through a full day with moderate use, but heavy screen-on time at 120Hz and maximum brightness will drain it faster. Gaming sessions or extensive camera use will have you reaching for the charger before bedtime. The fast charging helps compensate for this, at least.
The camera performs well in good lighting but struggles more in low-light situations compared to newer flagship phones. Night mode helps, but you’ll see more noise and less detail than current-generation sensors deliver. Video recording maxes out at 4K 60fps, which was standard for 2020 but lacks some of the advanced stabilization and features found in today’s flagships.
Is the OnePlus 8 Pro Right for You?
Mobile Gamers: The 120Hz display and Snapdragon 865 create a smooth gaming experience. The Adreno 650 GPU handles popular titles like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty at high settings. The large screen gives you plenty of visual real estate, though the phone can get warm during extended gaming sessions.
Content Creators: The versatile camera system offers options for different shooting scenarios. The 4K video recording with stabilization works well for vlogging, and the ultra-wide lens adds creative possibilities. However, serious photographers might want to look at devices with more advanced computational photography and better low-light performance.
Media Consumers: The HDR10+ display makes streaming movies and shows a pleasure. The stereo speakers provide clear audio without needing headphones. The large screen size is great for YouTube, but keep in mind there’s no headphone jack if you prefer wired audio without adapters.
Power Users: The combination of fast charging, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging covers various use cases. The UFS 3.0 storage ensures quick file access and app loading. The absence of expandable storage might be limiting if you store large video files or extensive music libraries offline.
Budget-Conscious Buyers: As a 2020 flagship now available on the secondary market, the 8 Pro offers premium features at reduced prices. You get flagship specs, 5G connectivity, and wireless charging for significantly less than current high-end phones. The trade-off is older software and a camera system that doesn’t match modern standards.
Best Alternatives to the OnePlus 8 Pro
Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus: Released around the same time, the S20 Plus offers similar specs with a 120Hz display, Snapdragon 865 (in some regions), and a versatile camera system. Samsung’s software support typically extends longer, and the camera processing is often considered superior. The S20 Plus includes expandable storage, which the OnePlus lacks.
Google Pixel 5: While the Pixel 5 uses a less powerful Snapdragon 765G processor, it excels in photography thanks to Google’s computational photography. The camera produces stunning shots in challenging lighting conditions. The Pixel 5 is also more compact and lighter, with guaranteed software updates directly from Google for longer than the OnePlus.
iPhone 11 Pro Max: Apple’s 2019 flagship remains competitive with excellent camera performance, outstanding video recording, and years of iOS updates ahead. The display is only 60Hz, but iOS animations remain smooth. The ecosystem integration and resale value are strong points, though you’ll pay more even on the used market.
OnePlus 9 Pro: The direct successor improves on several fronts with a better camera system developed with Hasselblad, faster 65W wired charging, and a brighter display. If you’re considering the 8 Pro, stretching your budget slightly for the 9 Pro gets you meaningful upgrades while maintaining the OnePlus experience.
OnePlus 8 Pro Frequently Asked Questions
Does the OnePlus 8 Pro support 5G networks?
Yes, the OnePlus 8 Pro supports 5G connectivity along with 4G LTE, 3G HSPA, and 2G GSM/CDMA networks. The Snapdragon 865 5G chipset includes an integrated 5G modem that works with both sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G bands, depending on your carrier and region. This ensures you can take advantage of faster download speeds and lower latency where 5G coverage is available.
Is the OnePlus 8 Pro waterproof?
The OnePlus 8 Pro carries an IP68 rating, which means it’s dust tight and can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for up to 30 minutes. This protection covers accidental spills, rain exposure, and brief submersion. However, the rating doesn’t cover saltwater, hot water, or intentional underwater use, and water damage isn’t typically covered under warranty.
Can I expand the storage on the OnePlus 8 Pro?
No, the OnePlus 8 Pro doesn’t include a microSD card slot, so you cannot expand the internal storage. The phone comes in two configurations: 128GB with 8GB RAM or 256GB with 12GB RAM. Both use fast UFS 3.0 storage technology. You’ll need to choose your storage capacity at purchase based on your needs for apps, photos, videos, and other files.
What Android version does the OnePlus 8 Pro run?
The OnePlus 8 Pro originally shipped with Android 10 and OxygenOS 10. It has received updates through Android 13 with OxygenOS 13, which is the final major Android version update for this device. Security patches may continue for a limited time, but don’t expect Android 14 or later versions. The phone’s software support cycle has effectively concluded.
How fast does the OnePlus 8 Pro charge?
The OnePlus 8 Pro supports 30W Warp Charge wired charging, which reaches 50% battery capacity in approximately 23 minutes and fully charges in under an hour. It also supports 30W wireless charging that hits 50% in about 30 minutes, making it one of the fastest wireless charging solutions available. The phone additionally supports 3W reverse wireless charging for powering up accessories or other devices.