The OnePlus 8 arrived in April 2020 as a flagship contender that brought premium features to a competitive price point. Built around a Snapdragon 865 5G processor and a smooth 90Hz display, this phone targeted users who wanted high-end performance without breaking the bank. Its sleek glass-and-aluminum design, combined with fast charging and a versatile camera system, positioned it as a serious alternative to more expensive flagships from Samsung and Apple.
What sets the OnePlus 8 apart is its focus on speed. The 90Hz Fluid AMOLED screen makes scrolling feel incredibly smooth, while the Snapdragon 865 handles demanding apps and games with ease. Wireless charging is absent, but the 30W wired charging gets you to 50% in just 22 minutes. The triple camera setup covers most shooting scenarios, from wide-angle landscapes to detailed macro shots, though it lacks the telephoto lens found on its Pro sibling.
What Makes the OnePlus 8 Worth Buying?
Performance stands as the OnePlus 8’s strongest selling point. The Snapdragon 865 chipset delivers flagship-level power that handles multitasking, gaming, and content creation without stuttering. Paired with up to 12GB of RAM and UFS 3.0 storage, apps launch instantly and switching between them feels seamless. This phone was built for users who demand speed in everything they do.
The 90Hz display transforms everyday use. Scrolling through social media, browsing websites, and navigating menus feels noticeably smoother compared to standard 60Hz screens. The Fluid AMOLED panel produces vibrant colors and deep blacks, making videos and photos pop. HDR10+ support means streaming content from Netflix or YouTube looks exceptional, with better contrast and color accuracy.
Design quality rivals phones that cost significantly more. The dual glass construction with Gorilla Glass 5 protection gives the OnePlus 8 a premium feel, while the aluminum frame adds structural integrity without excessive weight. At 180 grams, it strikes a balance between feeling substantial and remaining comfortable for extended use. The curved display edges create a modern aesthetic that catches the eye.
5G connectivity future-proofs this device. As networks continue expanding, the OnePlus 8 can take advantage of faster download speeds and lower latency. The phone supports both sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G bands, depending on the variant, ensuring compatibility with various carrier networks. This makes it a smart investment for users planning to keep their phone for several years.
OxygenOS provides a clean, bloat-free Android experience. OnePlus’s custom skin adds useful features without overwhelming users with unnecessary apps. The interface feels responsive, with thoughtful customization options that let you tailor the experience to your preferences. Regular software updates extended support through Android 13, showing OnePlus’s commitment to keeping older devices current.
Things to Know Before Choosing the OnePlus 8
The camera system performs well in good lighting but struggles when conditions get challenging. While the 48MP main sensor captures detailed shots during the day, low-light photography reveals limitations. Night mode helps, but results don’t match what you’ll get from Google Pixel or iPhone cameras at similar price points. The 2MP macro lens feels like a gimmick rather than a genuinely useful tool.
Battery life proves adequate but not exceptional. The 4300mAh capacity gets most users through a full day of moderate use, but heavy users might need a top-up before bedtime. Gaming, video streaming, and prolonged camera use drain the battery faster than expected. The fast charging partially compensates for this, but wireless charging fans will need to look elsewhere.
No expandable storage means you’re stuck with what you buy. The phone comes in 128GB or 256GB configurations, with no microSD card slot for adding more space. If you shoot lots of 4K video or download large game files, the base 128GB model fills up quickly. Consider your storage needs carefully before purchasing, as there’s no way to upgrade later.
The display notch houses a punch-hole camera that some find distracting. While smaller than older notch designs, it still interrupts the screen when watching videos or playing games. You can hide it with software tricks, but the workaround creates black bars that reduce usable screen space. It’s a minor annoyance that becomes easier to ignore over time.
Software updates have ended, with Android 13 being the final major update. Security patches may continue for a while, but OnePlus has moved on to newer models. This means you won’t get the latest Android features or improvements. For users who prioritize having the newest software, this limitation makes the OnePlus 8 less appealing in 2025.
Is the OnePlus 8 Right for You?
Mobile gamers will appreciate the powerful hardware combination. The Snapdragon 865 runs popular titles like Call of Duty Mobile and Genshin Impact smoothly, while the 90Hz display makes gameplay feel more responsive. The stereo speakers provide decent audio, though serious gamers might prefer headphones. The phone stays relatively cool during extended gaming sessions, thanks to effective thermal management.
Content consumers get an excellent multimedia device. The large AMOLED screen delivers stunning visuals for streaming video, and HDR10+ support enhances compatible content. The stereo speakers create a wider soundstage than single-speaker phones, making movies and music more immersive. The lack of a headphone jack requires an adapter or wireless earbuds, but the included USB-C earbuds work in a pinch.
Photography enthusiasts face mixed results. Daylight photos turn out sharp and colorful, with good dynamic range from the main camera. The ultrawide lens captures impressive landscapes and group shots. However, the macro camera disappoints, and low-light performance lags behind competitors. The 16MP selfie camera handles video calls and casual portraits well, though it’s not the strongest front camera in this class.
Budget-conscious buyers hunting for flagship performance should consider the OnePlus 8 in the used market. Prices have dropped significantly since launch, making it a cost-effective way to get premium specifications. The phone still handles demanding tasks well, and the 5G connectivity ensures it won’t feel outdated immediately. Just keep the software update situation in mind.
Business users and productivity-focused individuals benefit from the fast performance and clean interface. Multitasking works smoothly, and the large display provides ample space for reading documents or editing spreadsheets. The fast charging means you can quickly top up between meetings. However, the lack of wireless charging and the average battery life might frustrate users who are constantly on the move.
Best Alternatives to the OnePlus 8
The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE offers similar specifications with some key advantages. It includes wireless charging, IP68 water resistance, and a telephoto camera that the OnePlus 8 lacks. Samsung’s One UI provides a different software experience with more features, though some find it busier than OxygenOS. The S20 FE typically costs more on the used market but delivers extra functionality.
Google Pixel 5 prioritizes camera quality and clean Android over raw power. While it uses a less powerful Snapdragon 765G processor, the Pixel 5 captures significantly better photos in all lighting conditions. Google’s computational photography magic creates stunning images that rival flagship cameras. It also includes wireless charging and better battery life, though the 90Hz display matches the OnePlus 8.
The iPhone 12 mini provides a compact alternative with Apple’s ecosystem advantages. Its A14 Bionic processor outperforms the Snapdragon 865 in many tasks, and iOS offers longer software support. The camera system produces excellent photos and videos, particularly for those already invested in Apple products. However, it costs considerably more than a used OnePlus 8 and has a smaller screen.
OnePlus 8T, the brand’s own successor, improves on several fronts. It bumps the refresh rate to 120Hz, increases charging speed to 65W, and includes a larger 4500mAh battery. The flat display eliminates the curved edges that some users dislike on the OnePlus 8. Pricing sits slightly higher, but the upgrades justify the difference for those wanting the latest from OnePlus.
OnePlus 8 Frequently Asked Questions
Does the OnePlus 8 support wireless charging?
No, the OnePlus 8 does not support wireless charging. It relies exclusively on 30W wired fast charging through the USB Type-C port. The fast wired charging reaches 50% battery in approximately 22 minutes, which partially compensates for the lack of wireless charging. Users who prioritize wireless charging should consider the OnePlus 8 Pro or alternative flagship phones.
Is the OnePlus 8 waterproof?
The OnePlus 8 lacks official IP water resistance rating, though OnePlus claims it has some splash resistance. Unlike its Pro sibling which has IP68 certification, the standard OnePlus 8 should not be deliberately exposed to water. While it may survive light rain or accidental spills, submerging it in water or using it in wet conditions risks damage that won’t be covered under warranty.
How long will the OnePlus 8 receive software updates?
The OnePlus 8 received its final major Android update with Android 13 and OxygenOS 13. OnePlus provided three years of major Android updates and four years of security patches from the 2020 launch date. As of 2025, the phone is beyond its official support window, meaning it won’t receive new Android versions or feature updates, though security patches may occasionally appear.
Can I expand the storage on the OnePlus 8?
No, the OnePlus 8 does not include a microSD card slot for expandable storage. You’re limited to the internal storage capacity you choose at purchase, either 128GB or 256GB. The UFS 3.0 storage technology provides fast read and write speeds, but users who need more space should opt for the higher capacity model or manage their storage carefully by using cloud services.
What’s the difference between OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 8 Pro?
The OnePlus 8 Pro features a larger 6.78-inch display with 120Hz refresh rate compared to the OnePlus 8’s 6.55-inch 90Hz screen. The Pro model includes wireless charging, IP68 water resistance, and an additional telephoto camera. It also has a bigger 4510mAh battery and faster 30W wireless charging. The OnePlus 8 offers excellent value with slightly fewer premium features at a lower price point.