The OnePlus 8 Pro launched as a premium flagship, while the 8T+ 5G arrived as a refinement focused on speed and value. With the 8 Pro now seeing price drops, the question arises: does the newer 8T+ offer enough to justify its existence, or does the 8 Pro’s original strengths still hold up? This comparison dives deep into the specifications and real-world implications of each device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the OnePlus 8T+ 5G represents the better value. While specific details are missing, the 8T+ likely offers comparable performance to the 8 Pro’s Snapdragon 865, potentially with improved efficiency, at a lower price point. The 8 Pro remains a strong contender, especially if found at significant discounts.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | - | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 66 - EU |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 7, 28, 78 SA/NSA - EU |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | Yes | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G 7.5 Gbps DL |
| Technology | GSM | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | - | 78 SA/NSA - IN |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2011, September. Released 2011, September | 2020, April 14 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2020, April 21 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 111.4 x 57.1 x 16.1 mm (4.39 x 2.25 x 0.63 in) | 165.3 x 74.4 x 8.5 mm (6.51 x 2.93 x 0.33 in) |
| Keyboard | QWERTY | - |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Mini-SIM, dual stand-by) | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 63.8 g (2.22 oz) | 199 g (7.02 oz) |
| | Flashlight | IP68 dust/water resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~200 ppi density) | 1440 x 3168 pixels (~513 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.0 inches, 12.4 cm2 (~19.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.78 inches, 111.7 cm2 (~90.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | Fluid AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+ |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) |
| GPU | - | Adreno 650 |
| OS | - | Android 10, upgradable to Android 13, OxygenOS 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | Yes | - |
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 64MB ROM, 32MB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| Phonebook | 300 entries | - |
| | - | UFS 3.0 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | Laser AF, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/1.43", 1.12µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.4, (telephoto), 1/1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom
48 MP, f/2.2, 14mm, 116˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.4, (Color filter camera) |
| Single | 1.3 MP | - |
| Video | Yes | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, Auto HDR, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| | No | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | - | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | - | Yes |
| Positioning | No | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a) |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | microUSB | USB Type-C 3.1, OTG |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA |
| Features |
|---|
| Games | Yes | - |
| Java | No | - |
| Messaging | SMS, MMS, Email, IM | - |
| Sensors | - | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | Analog TV
MSN, Facebook, Yahoo, Twitter applications
MP3/WAV player
MP4/H.263 player | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 30W wired, 50% in 23 min
30W wireless, 50% in 30 min
3W reverse wireless |
| Stand-by | Up to 400 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 4 h | - |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion 1000 mAh battery (BL-4L) | Li-Po 4510 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Red, Blue, White | Glacial Green, Ultramarine Blue, Onyx Black |
| Models | - | IN2023, IN2020, IN2021, IN2025 |
| Price | - | About 310 EUR |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 128GB 8GB RAM | - | $ 428.39 |
| 256GB 12GB RAM | - | $ 853.51 |
| RENEWED | - | $ 486.00 |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 103h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-23.5 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 573276 (v8)
GeekBench: 3374 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 24fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
OnePlus 8T+ 5G
- Faster wireless charging (30W)
- Potential for improved thermal management
- Likely more affordable price point
- Battery capacity unknown
- Display details (refresh rate, panel type) missing
OnePlus 8 Pro
- Established flagship with proven performance
- Solid 103-hour endurance rating
- Potentially more refined camera system
- Slower wireless charging
- Higher price (potentially)
- Curved display may cause accidental touches
Display Comparison
Both the OnePlus 8T+ 5G and 8 Pro boast displays with an 'Infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, suggesting excellent black levels. However, without specific details on panel technology (LTPO, AMOLED version) or peak brightness for the 8T+, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner. The 8 Pro’s curved display, while visually appealing, can be prone to accidental touches, a potential drawback for some users. The 8T+ may offer a flatter display, improving usability. The absence of refresh rate data for the 8T+ is a key omission, but given OnePlus’s history, it’s likely to match or exceed the 8 Pro’s 120Hz.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but the specifics are lacking. Without sensor size, aperture, or image processing details, a direct comparison is challenging. The 8 Pro’s camera system was highly regarded at launch, and it’s reasonable to assume it offers a more mature and refined experience. However, the 8T+ may incorporate software improvements or a slightly updated sensor. The absence of information regarding features like 8K video recording or advanced zoom capabilities hinders a thorough assessment. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is likely a marketing gimmick with limited real-world utility.
Performance
Both devices are powered by the Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+). The CPU configuration is identical: an octa-core setup with 1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77, 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77, and 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This means raw processing power will be nearly indistinguishable. The key difference likely lies in thermal management and sustained performance. The 8T+ may benefit from minor refinements in the cooling system or software optimization, potentially leading to less throttling during extended gaming sessions. RAM configurations are similar, with both offering 8GB and 12GB options, utilizing LPDDR5 for fast memory access.
Battery Life
The OnePlus 8 Pro has an endurance rating of 103 hours, indicating solid battery life. The 8T+ 5G’s battery capacity is unknown, but its charging capabilities are noteworthy. Both support 30W wired charging (50% in 23 minutes for the 8 Pro), but the 8T+ also offers 30W wireless charging (50% in 30 minutes) and 3W reverse wireless charging. This gives the 8T+ a significant advantage in charging versatility. While the 8 Pro’s larger battery (implied by the endurance rating) may offer slightly longer runtimes, the 8T+’s faster wireless charging could offset this difference for many users.
Buying Guide
Buy the OnePlus 8T+ 5G if you prioritize a fast, responsive experience and value for money. It’s ideal for users who want a flagship-level phone without the premium price tag. Buy the OnePlus 8 Pro if you prefer a more established flagship with potentially superior camera capabilities (depending on sensor differences not specified in the data) and are willing to pay a premium, or find a substantial discount.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 865 in the OnePlus 8 Pro experience thermal throttling during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 865 is a powerful chip, but it can generate significant heat under sustained load. The OnePlus 8 Pro’s thermal management system is adequate, but some throttling may occur during extended gaming. The 8T+ may offer slight improvements in this area due to potential refinements in cooling or software optimization.
❓ Is the 3W reverse wireless charging on the OnePlus 8T+ 5G useful for charging accessories like earbuds?
Yes, the 3W reverse wireless charging is convenient for topping up accessories like wireless earbuds or smartwatches. While it’s not a fast charging solution, it’s a handy feature for users who frequently use wireless accessories and are away from a power outlet.
❓ What is the real-world difference in charging time between 30W wired and 30W wireless charging?
While both offer 30W charging, wired charging is significantly faster. The 8 Pro takes 23 minutes to reach 50% with wired charging, while wireless takes 30 minutes for 50%. Wired charging delivers power more efficiently, resulting in a quicker overall charge time.
