OnePlus 8T Long-Term Review: Balancing Speed and Performance

OnePlus 8T Long-Term Review: Balancing Speed and Performance

The OnePlus 8T continues the brand’s tradition of delivering high-performance smartphones with its signature speed-focused approach. This model introduces notable upgrades such as a 120Hz display and 65W fast charging, while maintaining the clean and responsive OxygenOS experience that users appreciate. However, the device’s camera capabilities trail behind key competitors, particularly the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE, which raises questions about whether OnePlus has done enough to stand out in an increasingly crowded market.

Design and Build

The OnePlus 8T sports a glass front and back with an aluminum frame, offering a premium look and feel. However, the flat display design, while modern, feels slightly larger and less comfortable to handle than the curved screen on the OnePlus 8. Despite being only a fraction of a millimeter thicker and slightly heavier, the 8T’s thicker side curves make it feel bulkier in hand. The device lacks official dust and water resistance certification, which is a notable omission. The camera bar placement is improved over previous models, but the overall design does not match the refinement of its predecessor.

Display

The 6.38-inch Fluid AMOLED panel retains the same size as before but benefits from a bumped 120Hz refresh rate, providing a noticeably smoother scrolling experience. The 240Hz touch sampling rate ensures responsive input, making gaming and navigation feel particularly fluid. Outdoor visibility is excellent, with strong brightness levels that handle sunny conditions well. However, the display lacks DC dimming, which makes low-light use less comfortable compared to devices like the iPhone or Samsung Galaxy series.

Performance

Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 processor, the OnePlus 8T delivers top-tier performance for everyday tasks and demanding games alike. Whether browsing, multitasking, or gaming, the phone remains responsive without lag. Recent software updates have introduced a 90fps gaming mode for titles like PUBG Mobile, enhancing the gaming experience further. OxygenOS 11 brings a redesigned interface that prioritizes easier one-handed use, though some long-time OnePlus users may find the shift from the near-stock Android experience jarring.

Camera

The camera setup includes a 48MP main sensor, a 16MP ultra-wide lens, a 5MP macro sensor, and a 2MP monochrome lens. While image quality has improved over previous models, the 8T struggles to compete with the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE. The main and ultra-wide shots often exhibit excessive contrast, and night-time photos can appear overly processed with unnatural color saturation. The S20 FE offers better dynamic range, color accuracy, and includes a versatile telephoto lens that the 8T lacks. Video recording is decent at up to 4K/60fps but can lose detail and struggles with fast motion. Selfie camera performance is also mediocre, with noticeable red tints and limited dynamic range.

Battery and Charging

With a 4500mAh battery, the OnePlus 8T easily lasts a full day of typical use, even with the 120Hz display enabled. Charging is exceptionally fast thanks to the 65W Warp Charge technology, which can take the phone from zero to fully charged in approximately 40 minutes. It is worth noting that the device automatically reduces the refresh rate to 60Hz in certain applications when brightness exceeds 50%, though this can be avoided by enabling dark mode or keeping brightness below that threshold.

Verdict

Overall, the OnePlus 8T is a compelling smartphone that excels in performance, display smoothness, and rapid charging. It offers strong value for users who prioritize speed and endurance. However, the lack of a telephoto lens and the camera’s inability to match competitors like the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE are significant drawbacks. As the value-flagship segment becomes more competitive, OnePlus will need to address these gaps to maintain its position. For now, the 8T remains a solid choice for those who value a fast, well-rounded device but may not be the best pick for photography enthusiasts.