OnePlus 8T

OnePlus 8T Review: Still a Smooth Operator Worth Considering?

I’ve spent the better part of a few weeks now with the OnePlus 8T nestled in my daily carry, and it's brought back a wave of nostalgia for a time when OnePlus was laser-focused on delivering top-tier performance without breaking the bank. At its original price point, the 8T aimed squarely at users who craved a smooth, fast experience. Having put it through its paces – from demanding gaming sessions to the everyday grind of social media and communication – I've developed a clear understanding of its strengths and where it sits in today's saturated market.

Navigating the Shifting Sands of the Smartphone Market

The OnePlus 8T arrived at a pivotal moment for the brand. It landed between the standard OnePlus 8 and the more premium 8 Pro, offering a compelling middle ground. From my perspective, this phone was a smart play by OnePlus, solidifying their commitment to offering options across different price points. The pricing felt particularly strategic, undercutting some of the more established flagship players while offering a significant step up from mid-range devices. In the context of 2020, the 8T represented a sweet spot for many, offering near-flagship performance without the top-tier price tag.

Design and Hardware: A Familiar, Comfortable Feel

Picking up the OnePlus 8T, I was immediately struck by how refined its design felt. It strikes a good balance – substantial enough to feel premium, yet comfortable for extended use. The 8.4mm thickness and the gentle curves of the back panel make it sit nicely in the hand. The materials used feel premium too, lending a sense of durability without venturing into overly flashy territory. What I particularly appreciate is the inclusion of the under-display fingerprint sensor. It’s not just a futuristic touch; in my experience, it's been consistently fast and reliable, making unlocking the phone a breeze. While it forgoes the more robust water resistance rating of the Pro model, it still feels like a well-built device ready for the rigors of daily life.

Display: A Feast for the Eyes, Even Now

The display is undoubtedly one of the standout features of the OnePlus 8T. The 6.55-inch "Fluid AMOLED" panel lives up to its name. In my testing, the colors are vibrant and punchy, making everything from scrolling through social media feeds to watching HDR content a truly immersive experience. What truly elevates this display, however, is the 120Hz refresh rate. Once you experience the silky smoothness of scrolling and animations at this rate, it's hard to go back. I’ve spent hours gaming on this phone, and the responsiveness and fluidity the display offers make a noticeable difference. Even for everyday tasks, the smoothness contributes to a more enjoyable and premium user experience. Visibility in bright sunlight was also commendable in my usage, ensuring the screen remained legible even outdoors.

Performance: Still Holding Its Own

Under the hood, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 is still a capable performer. In my real-world testing, the phone handles everything I throw at it with ease. Gaming sessions, even with graphically intensive titles, were smooth and stutter-free. Multitasking between numerous apps is also a breeze, thanks to the ample RAM (my test unit had 8GB). I've pushed it with resource-heavy applications, and the phone has consistently delivered a fluid and responsive experience. While it might not be the absolute cutting-edge silicon anymore, the Snapdragon 865 in the 8T still packs a punch. I also need to mention the thermal management. Even during prolonged gaming sessions, the phone never became uncomfortably hot in my hands, a testament to its internal cooling design.

Camera System: Capable and Versatile for Everyday Shots

The camera system on the OnePlus 8T offers a solid and versatile experience for everyday photography. The 48MP main sensor captures detailed images in good lighting conditions. During my testing, I found the images to be sharp with accurate colors. The 16MP ultrawide lens is a welcome addition, allowing for creative shots with a broader perspective. While it doesn't quite match the top-tier camera performance of some flagship rivals, it’s more than capable for capturing memories and sharing on social media. The dedicated macro lens, while present, is more of a situational tool, but the main and ultrawide lenses are where the real strength lies. Video recording is also impressive, with the ability to shoot smooth 4K footage. The included HDR mode is easy to use and effectively enhances dynamic range in challenging lighting scenarios. For a user who isn't a professional photographer but wants reliable and good-quality images, the OnePlus 8T’s camera setup delivers.

Battery & Charging: Warp Speed is Still Impressive

Battery life on the OnePlus 8T is generally solid. With my typical daily usage, which involves a mix of social media, email, web browsing, and some video streaming, I could comfortably get through a full day on a single charge. The 4500mAh battery capacity is well-optimized. However, the real game-changer here is the 65W Warp Charging. In my tests, the claims of rapid charging held true – going from near-empty to a significant charge in a matter of minutes is incredibly convenient. The ability to top up the battery so quickly significantly mitigates any battery anxiety, especially when you're on the go. This fast charging remains a standout feature and a significant advantage.

Software: A Familiar and Fluid Experience

The OnePlus 8T launched with OxygenOS, known for its clean and near-stock Android experience. In my daily usage, I’ve always appreciated the responsiveness and lack of bloatware. The interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, and the added customization options are a welcome touch for those who like to personalize their devices. While the phone won't be receiving further major Android updates beyond Android 14, the software experience remains smooth and functional. For users who value a clean and efficient Android experience, OxygenOS on the 8T continues to deliver.

Value Analysis: A Strong Contender, Even Now

Even considering its age, the OnePlus 8T still presents a compelling value proposition, particularly on the secondary market. At its original launch price, it offered a fantastic balance of performance and features. Now, with prices potentially lower, it's an even more attractive option for those seeking a powerful and smooth phone without the latest flagship price tag. I believe this phone is ideal for users who prioritize a fast and fluid user experience, enjoy mobile gaming, and appreciate fast charging. However, those who demand the absolute best camera performance or the latest and greatest features might look towards newer models. Compared to its contemporaries and current mid-range offerings, the 8T holds its own remarkably well in terms of performance and display quality.

Conclusion: A Resounding Yes for the Right User

Overall, my time with the OnePlus 8T has been a positive one. It's a testament to OnePlus's ability to craft devices that prioritize speed and a smooth user experience. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of the absolute latest flagships, the 8T delivers where it counts – performance, display quality, and incredibly fast charging. If you're looking for a reliable and capable phone that can handle everything you throw at it without breaking the bank, the OnePlus 8T is definitely a device worth considering, especially if you can find it at a compelling price point. It remains a solid all-rounder and a reminder of OnePlus's commitment to speed and efficiency.