OnePlus 8 5G vs LG Velvet 5G UW: A Head-to-Head Performance and Value Showdown

Launched in different eras of 5G adoption, the OnePlus 8 5G (T-Mobile variant) and the LG Velvet 5G UW represent distinct approaches to the mid-to-high range smartphone market. The OnePlus 8, powered by the Snapdragon 865, aimed for near-flagship performance, while the LG Velvet, with the Snapdragon 765G, focused on delivering a premium experience at a more accessible price point. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing raw performance and future-proofing, the OnePlus 8 5G is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 865 chipset delivers significantly faster processing speeds. However, the LG Velvet 5G UW offers a compelling value proposition with a respectable feature set and a more affordable price, making it ideal for budget-conscious buyers.

PHONES
Phone Names OnePlus 8 5G (T-Mobile) LG Velvet 5G UW
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 34, 38, 39, 41, 46, 48, 66, 712, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 20, 28, 46, 48, 66
5G bands2, 5, 41, 66, 71 SA/NSA260, 261 mmWave
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G 7.5 Gbps DLHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) Cat16 1000/75 Mbps, 5G 2Gbps
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO CDMA 800 / 1900
Launch
Announced2020, April 142020, August 19. Released 2020, August 21
StatusAvailable. Released 2020, April 29Discontinued
Body
BuildGlass front, glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frameGlass front, glass back, aluminum frame
Dimensions160.2 x 72.9 x 8 mm (6.31 x 2.87 x 0.31 in)167.2 x 74.1 x 7.9 mm (6.58 x 2.92 x 0.31 in)
SIMNano-SIMNano-SIM (pre-installed)
Weight180 g (6.35 oz)-
 IP68 dust/water resistant (not for use underwater, liquid damage is not covered under warranty)IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins) MIL-STD-810G compliant* *does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions
Display
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~402 ppi density)1080 x 2460 pixels (~395 ppi density)
Size6.55 inches, 103.6 cm2 (~88.7% screen-to-body ratio)6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~88.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeFluid AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+P-OLED
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+)Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm)
GPUAdreno 650Adreno 620
OSAndroid 10, OxygenOS 10.0Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, LG UX
Memory
Card slotNomicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal128GB 8GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM
 UFS 3.0, 2-LANEUFS 2.1
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, panorama, HDR
Triple48 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 16 MP, f/2.2, 14mm, 116˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro)48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 15mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm Auxiliary lens
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, Auto HDR, gyro-EIS4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm16 MP, f/1.9, 29mm (standard), 1/3.06, 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoYes
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a)GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.1, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNAWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging30W wired, 50% in 22 min25W wired, PD3.0, QC4 9W wireless
TypeLi-Po 4300 mAhLi-Po 4300 mAh
Misc
ColorsOnyx Black, Interstellar GlowAurora Red
Models-LM-G900V, LM-G900V
PriceAbout 650 EURAbout 590 EUR
SAR1.10 W/kg (head)     1.10 W/kg (body)-

OnePlus 8 5G (T-Mobile)

  • Significantly faster processor with Snapdragon 865
  • Faster 30W wired charging
  • Potentially superior gaming performance

  • Lacks wireless charging
  • May be more expensive than the LG Velvet

LG Velvet 5G UW

  • More affordable price point
  • Wireless charging support (9W)
  • Versatile camera system (likely)

  • Slower Snapdragon 765G processor
  • Slower 25W wired charging

Display Comparison

While both devices feature OLED displays, specific details like resolution and refresh rate aren't provided. However, the LG Velvet's emphasis on design suggests a potentially more visually refined experience. The Snapdragon 865 in the OnePlus 8 has the processing power to drive higher resolution or refresh rate panels smoothly, should they be implemented. The Velvet's inclusion of wireless charging (9W) suggests a focus on convenience, while the OnePlus 8 lacks this feature.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed sensor specifications, a direct comparison is challenging. However, LG historically emphasizes camera versatility, and the Velvet likely features a multi-camera system geared towards diverse shooting scenarios. The OnePlus 8, while capable, typically prioritizes image processing speed and clarity. The Snapdragon 865’s image signal processor (ISP) offers more advanced features and faster processing, potentially leading to better low-light performance and video recording capabilities. The absence of detailed sensor information makes it difficult to assess dynamic range or detail capture.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The OnePlus 8 5G’s Snapdragon 865 (7nm+) boasts a significantly more powerful CPU configuration – an octa-core setup with a prime Cortex-A77 clocked at 2.84 GHz – compared to the LG Velvet 5G UW’s Snapdragon 765G (7nm) with its 2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime core. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming performance on the OnePlus 8. The 765G is still capable, but the 865’s Adreno 650 GPU provides a substantial graphical advantage. The OnePlus 8 also benefits from potentially faster LPDDR5 RAM, further enhancing responsiveness.

Battery Life

The OnePlus 8 5G offers 30W wired charging, achieving a 50% charge in just 22 minutes, providing a significant convenience factor for users who need a quick power boost. The LG Velvet 5G UW, with its 25W wired charging (supporting PD3.0 and QC4) and 9W wireless charging, offers more charging flexibility but is slower overall. While battery capacity isn't specified, the more efficient Snapdragon 865 in the OnePlus 8 might offset a potentially smaller battery size, resulting in comparable real-world battery life.

Buying Guide

Buy the OnePlus 8 5G (T-Mobile) if you need uncompromising performance for demanding tasks like gaming or video editing, and value the fastest possible 5G speeds. Buy the LG Velvet 5G UW if you prefer a more balanced experience with a focus on design, a versatile camera system, and a lower overall cost, accepting a performance trade-off.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 765G in the LG Velvet 5G UW struggle with graphically intensive games like Fortnite or Call of Duty?
While the Snapdragon 765G is capable, it won't deliver the same consistently high frame rates as the Snapdragon 865 in the OnePlus 8. You'll likely need to lower graphics settings for a smooth experience in demanding titles. The OnePlus 8 provides a more future-proof gaming experience.
❓ Is the 9W wireless charging on the LG Velvet 5G UW fast enough for overnight charging?
9W wireless charging is relatively slow. It's suitable for overnight charging, but don't expect a significant charge in a short period. The OnePlus 8's 30W wired charging is far more efficient if you need a quick top-up.
❓ Given the price difference, is the performance jump from the Snapdragon 765G to the 865 worth the extra cost for a typical user?
For everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and streaming, the Snapdragon 765G is perfectly adequate. However, if you frequently edit videos, play demanding games, or multitask heavily, the Snapdragon 865's performance boost is a worthwhile investment.