Should you get the OnePlus 8 or OnePlus 8T?

There are multiple OnePlus 8 variants around, and it’s very likely that some of you are confused of what to get. Should you get the OnePlus 8 or the OnePlus 8T? Today, we’re taking a look back at these devices, give our long term review and tell what should get for yourself. This time, these 2 products have been updated to their respective softwares, running on Android 11. Since we don’t have a OnePlus, we’re sticking with what we have at the moment.

What’s with the updated prices?

At the time of the writing this review, both devices are priced at PhP27,990. Normally, OnePlus would distribute the price differently, and cost the ‘T’ variant higher than the non-T. What is OnePlus trying to accomplish here?

Here’s a full rundown of the specs of OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 8T. OnePlus managed to balance the distribution of benefits you can get from each device without making one more expensive than the other. In this regard, you’re not basically missing out a lot of benefits if you bought the OnePlus 8 when it was released in the Philippines. However, if you didn’t buy the OnePlus 8, you shouldn’t be missing anything too significant either should you decide to get the OnePlus 8T. I may be spoiling things here, but allow me to give you a breakdown in a little bit.

This brings me to identifying the major differences between the two devices. This should help you pinpoint the feature you need, which should direct you to answering what you should actually buy.

The Major Differences

On Size

OnePlus 8T is bigger and heavier than the OnePlus 8. While these differences are not too obvious from the get-go, knowing the size of the phone you’re buying will have an impact on how often and how you are using your device. For 3 months, I would prefer the OnePlus 8’s size because I have a better grip on it. It isn’t also a different case when you put the case (pun intended) on.

If you’ve got smaller hands, get the OnePlus 8. If you’ve got “goliath” hands, you should have any concerns on the OnePlus 8T.

On Display

OnePlus 8T has the same display size but now supports up to 120Hz refresh rate. This is a significant bump from the OnePlus 8 and makes it almost at par with the OnePlus 8 Pro. With this refresh rate, you can play supported games and have a smoother user experience. Unlike Samsung, this does not have an adaptive refresh rate. This means that if you want to switch from 120 to 60 hertz, you’ll still have to go through settings. This lack of convenience feature has a positive impact on saving battery life though. This means that if you’re not really into using 120Hz too often – which is likely the case right now – you can simply stick with 60Hz all the way.

Apart from the refresh rate, one of the major differences between the two is the design of the display. OnePlus 8’s display is curved as opposed to 8T’s flat design.

Moreover, you still get the same resolution and Gorilla Glass 5 protection.

If you are a gamer and you want faster refresh rate, get the OnePlus 8T. If you don’t play that much, and you’re good with 90Hz display, stick with the OnePlus 8. If you want a more ergonomic design of the display, OnePlus 8’s curved display is your best bet.

On Software

OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 8T both run on Android 11 and Oxygen OS 11. This is, by far, one of the most sought after and loved UIs in the market right now because of its close-to-stock Android minimalist UI, and because of its streamlined extra features that enhance user experience. If you’re going to ask me, I would prefer the Oxygen OS over other Android UIs except for Samsung’s One UI.

OnePlus Oxygen OS 11 adds a lot of new features on top of Android 11. You’ve got a new visual design, new layout, the most requested always-on display function, live wallpaper, optimized dark mode, more Zen mode themes, and a new gallery function that makes weekly stories for you.

On Cameras

One thing that you’ll notice with the OnePlus 8T is the new layout of its cameras. The cameras are now located on the left side, which reminds me of the new Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra and Note20 Ultra 5G. This is the first time in many iterations of the series to have the cameras relocated to the left side. OnePlus 8, on the other hand, retains the classic center placement of cameras.

Now how about the new cameras? Here’s what you’ll get: you have the same 48-megapixel wide camera, same 16-megapixel ultrawide but with a much wider FOV, better macro lens at 5-megapixels and an additional 2-megapixel depth sensor. As for the front camera, you still have the same 16-megapixel wide camera with f 2.4 aperture. You get of course all the available streamlined camera feature and modes.

OnePlus 8 Sample Photos

OnePlus 8T Sample Photos

In terms of video taking capabilities, you’ll be able to take up to 4K CINE at 60fps, which I think is one of its bestselling features. 4K CINE has 21:9 aspect ratio cinema standard, which is definitely a must-have mode for video enthusiasts. Pair this up with an Osmo Mobile 4, and I cam already imagine the wonders you can do with this!

Of course, if you’re into stretching your creativity further, you can enjoy shooting slow-motion videos up to 240 FPS.

By far, OnePlus 8T offers the best combination of camera specs and features. If you can maximize all these, get the OnePlus 8T. If not, the OnePlus 8 should be good enough.

Performance Benchmark

It’s good to note that both devices are equipped with 7nm+ Snapdragon 865 with octa core processors and 8GB RAM. This is a good deal for a smartphone that costs less than PhP30,000. The only device that I find a huge threat to this is the Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G, which is being sold for less than PhP20,000, albeit too difficult to find a brad new one these days.

There is no significant difference between the two in terms of performance. From triple A titles to casual mobile games, you should be able to play these games without any issues. Sure, this isn’t a gaming smartphone like the ROG Phone 3 (which currently tops our performance chart)

So, whether you’re getting the OnePlus 8 or OnePlus 8T,

Battery Performance

Surprisingly, while the OnePlus 8T has slightly bigger battery life, its major advantage is more on compatibility with 65W charging. This is major advantage because a 15-minute charge will give you almost a day of usage. This isn’t something that you can do on OnePlus 8, which only supports fast charging up to 30W. Even if you try to buy a 65W charger and use it on OnePlus 8, you will not be able to maximize it because it simply does not support 65w charging. If this is a huge deal for you, getting the OnePlus 8T is the one you’ll need.

What should you get?

It’s easy to take OnePlus 8 out of the picture because the OnePlus 8T is evidently better in most aspects. However, there are specific features that make OnePlus 8 a worthy purchase. If you want a phone that’s sleeker, battery-efficient (albeit not having 65w charging support), and with curved display, you’ll never go wrong with the OnePlus 8. However, if you want something with better display and camera features, get the OnePlus 8T.

Giancarlo Viterbo

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Giancarlo Viterbo is a Filipino Technology Journalist, blogger and Editor of gadgetpilipinas.net, He is also a Geek, Dad and a Husband. He knows a lot about washing the dishes, doing some errands and following instructions from his boss on his day job. Follow him on twitter: @gianviterbo and @gadgetpilipinas.