OnePlus 8 Pro

Revisiting a Classic: My Time with the OnePlus 8 Pro in 2024

I've spent the past few weeks revisiting a phone that, while not the newest kid on the block, still carries a certain allure: the OnePlus 8 Pro. Released back in 2020, it occupies an interesting space in today's market. You can find it at significantly reduced prices compared to contemporary flagships, making it a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers seeking a premium experience. My testing involved daily use as my primary device, throwing everything from demanding games to everyday productivity tasks at it. My initial impression? This phone still packs a punch, but like any seasoned veteran, it has its quirks. At its current price point, the OnePlus 8 Pro targets users who prioritize a smooth, high-quality display and capable performance over having the absolute latest features.

Market Context: Still a Relevant Contender?

Why revisit a four-year-old phone in a market saturated with new releases? For me, it’s about understanding longevity and value. OnePlus carved a niche for themselves by offering near-flagship specs at competitive prices, and the 8 Pro embodies that philosophy. While OnePlus's strategy has evolved since then, focusing on a broader range of devices, the 8 Pro represents a high point in their "flagship killer" era. In 2024, it's no longer a flagship killer in terms of raw power, but it is a compelling value proposition. The reduced price puts it in direct competition with newer mid-range devices, and I wanted to see if its older flagship pedigree still holds up against that competition. My personal take is that the price point is crucial here; if you can snag a well-maintained OnePlus 8 Pro at a good price, you're getting a lot of phone for your money.

Design & Hardware: Holding Up Gracefully

Picking up the OnePlus 8 Pro, the first thing that strikes you is the premium feel. The curved glass on the front and back, coupled with the aluminum frame, feels undeniably high-end. It’s a substantial phone, weighing in at 199 grams, and its dimensions (165.3mm tall) definitely make it a two-handed device for me. However, that heft contributes to the feeling of quality. The materials used still feel top-notch; the glass is smooth, and the frame feels robust. While I haven't intentionally tested its durability with drops, it's reassuring to know it has Corning Gorilla Glass 5 on both sides. In practical use, the curved display looks sleek, but I did experience a few accidental touch inputs along the edges. Overall, the design has aged well, still looking and feeling like a premium smartphone despite its years.

Display: A Visual Treat That Endures

The display is where the OnePlus 8 Pro continues to shine. This 6.78-inch Fluid AMOLED panel with its 120Hz refresh rate is simply gorgeous. From my experience, the brightness is excellent, easily cutting through outdoor glare on sunny days. Media consumption is a joy; videos are vibrant, colors pop thanks to the 1B color support, and the HDR10+ certification truly enhances the viewing experience. Gaming also benefits immensely from the smooth 120Hz refresh rate, making gameplay feel incredibly responsive. Even for everyday tasks like scrolling through social media or reading articles, the fluidity is noticeable and makes the experience more enjoyable. I have to point out that this display was considered top-tier in its day, and even now, it rivals many newer phones in terms of visual quality.

Performance: Still Surprisingly Capable

Under the hood, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 might not be the latest and greatest, but in my testing, it still delivers a smooth and responsive experience. For typical daily tasks – browsing, social media, email, and video streaming – the phone handles everything with ease. I even put it through its paces with some demanding gaming sessions, and while it’s not pushing the highest frame rates on the most graphically intensive titles, it still provides a very playable experience. Multitasking is also handled well, thanks in part to the generous 12GB of RAM in my test unit. I didn't encounter any significant lag or stuttering while switching between multiple apps. Temperature management seems decent; during extended gaming sessions, the phone did get warm, but it never became uncomfortably hot. From my experience, the performance is still a strong point for this phone, proving that flagship-level chips have staying power.

Camera System: A Mixed Bag with Moments of Brilliance

The camera system on the OnePlus 8 Pro is where you see some of its age. My actual photo-taking experience was a bit of a rollercoaster. The 48MP main sensor, when blessed with good lighting, captures excellent images with plenty of detail and accurate colors. I found the ultrawide lens to be quite versatile, capturing expansive scenes, although the image quality isn't quite as sharp as the main sensor. The 8MP telephoto lens, however, is where things start to fall behind. While it offers 3x optical zoom, the image quality, especially in low light, isn't particularly impressive compared to modern telephoto implementations. Video recording is decent, with up to 4K at 60fps, and the inclusion of HDR and EIS helps to stabilize footage. I tested it in various scenarios, from bright daylight to indoor settings, and while it's capable, it doesn't quite match the image quality and versatility of newer flagship cameras. Compared to market alternatives, especially in low-light performance and zoom capabilities, the OnePlus 8 Pro's camera system shows its age. However, for casual users and those prioritizing daytime photography, it’s still a capable setup.

Battery & Charging: Getting Through the Day (Mostly)

Battery life on the OnePlus 8 Pro, with its 4510mAh battery, has been generally acceptable. In my observed battery performance, it usually gets me through a full day of moderate use, including web browsing, social media, and some video watching. However, on heavier usage days involving extended gaming or GPS navigation, I often found myself needing to top it up in the late afternoon. The 30W fast charging is a welcome feature, quickly replenishing the battery when needed. In my charging speed testing, it can go from near empty to a significant charge in a reasonable amount of time. Power management seems adequate, but it's not the most efficient I've seen. Real-world endurance is decent but don't expect class-leading battery life compared to newer, more efficient devices.

Software: Still Functional, But Approaching End of Life

The OnePlus 8 Pro launched with Android 10 and has since been updated to Android 13. While the software experience is generally smooth and the OxygenOS interface is clean and intuitive, it's important to note that official software support for this device has ended. My daily usage experience has been positive in terms of stability and performance, but the lack of future updates means it won't receive the latest features and security patches. While the existing features are still useful, the absence of ongoing support is a significant factor to consider.

Value Analysis: A Smart Budget Pick?

My personal take on the OnePlus 8 Pro's value proposition in 2024 hinges on its price. If you can find it at a price significantly lower than newer mid-range phones, it offers a compelling blend of a fantastic display, smooth performance, and a premium design. I think this phone is ideal for users who prioritize these aspects and are willing to forgo the absolute latest camera technology and software updates. Those who should look elsewhere are users who demand the best possible camera performance, the longest battery life, or are concerned about having the latest software and security updates. In the competitive context of the current market, the OnePlus 8 Pro stands out as a solid option for budget-conscious buyers who don't want to sacrifice too much on the overall experience.

Conclusion: A Worthwhile Option for the Right Buyer

Ultimately, my time with the OnePlus 8 Pro has been a positive reminder of its strengths. The stunning display and smooth performance remain its standout features. While the camera system and battery life are showing their age, they are still capable for most users. The lack of future software updates is a consideration, but if you're comfortable with that, the OnePlus 8 Pro can still offer excellent value. My final recommendation is that the OnePlus 8 Pro is a worthwhile buy for those seeking a premium experience on a budget, particularly if display quality and smooth performance are high on their priority list. Just be sure to factor in the discontinued software support when making your decision.