OnePlus 9RT 5G vs OnePlus 8T: A Detailed Showdown

Choosing between the OnePlus 9RT 5G and the OnePlus 8T can be tough – both offer compelling features and performance. This comparison dives deep into their specs, features, and overall value to help you make the right decision for your budget and needs. Let's see which phone comes out on top!
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The OnePlus 9RT 5G offers a noticeable performance boost thanks to the Snapdragon 888 and faster charging. However, the 8T remains a strong contender, especially for those prioritizing excellent battery life and a slightly more refined display. The 9RT is the clear winner for speed, while the 8T holds its own with longevity.

PHONES
Phone Names OnePlus 9RT 5G OnePlus 8T
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - Global1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 66 - EU
5G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 78 SA/NSA - Global1, 3, 7, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA - EU
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/200 Mbps, 5GHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) Cat18 1200/200 Mbps, 5G 7.5 Gbps DL
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA - CN
Launch
Announced2021, October 132020, October 14
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, October 19Available. Released 2020, October 16
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame
Dimensions162.2 x 74.6 x 8.3 mm (6.39 x 2.94 x 0.33 in)160.7 x 74.1 x 8.4 mm (6.33 x 2.92 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight198.5 g (7.02 oz)188 g (6.63 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~397 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~402 ppi density)
Size6.62 inches, 106.3 cm2 (~87.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.55 inches, 103.6 cm2 (~87.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+Fluid AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+
 Always-on displayAlways-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+)
GPUAdreno 660Adreno 650
OSAndroid 11, upgradable to Android 13, OxygenOS 13Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, OxygenOS 14
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56”, 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 16 MP, f/2.2, 14mm, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.6", 1.0µm 2 MP (macro)48 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 16 MP, f/2.2, 14mm, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.6", 1.0µm 5 MP (macro) 2 MP, f/2.4, (monochrome)
Single16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm-
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, Auto HDR, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, Auto HDR, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a)GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 3.1, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer (market dependant)
Battery
Charging65W wired, 100% in 29 min65W wired, 100% in 39 min
TypeLi-Po 4500 mAhLi-Po 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsHacker Black, Nano Silver, BlueAquamarine Green, Lunar Silver, Cyberpunk 2077 Edition
ModelsMT2110, MT2111KB2001, KB2000, KB2003, KB2005
PriceAbout 590 EUR€ 130.75
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 104h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -24.0 LUFS (Very good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 586000 (v8) GeekBench: 3126 (v5.1) GFXBench: 46fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

OnePlus 9RT 5G

  • Faster Snapdragon 888 processor
  • 65W fast charging (faster than 8T)
  • Slightly improved camera performance
  • Modern design

  • Battery life not as impressive as 8T
  • Display brightness measurements less clear

OnePlus 8T

  • Excellent battery life (104h endurance rating)
  • Slightly better measured display brightness
  • Smooth 120Hz display
  • Generally more affordable

  • Older Snapdragon 865 processor
  • Slower charging compared to 9RT
  • Camera slightly behind 9RT

Display Comparison

The OnePlus 8T boasts a slightly better-measured peak brightness of 802 nits compared to the 9RT's reported brightness (though actual measurements for the 9RT are harder to find). While both have excellent color accuracy and smooth 120Hz refresh rates, the 8T's contrast ratio of 'Infinite' (nominal) suggests potentially deeper blacks. The 9RT's display is still very good, but the 8T edges it out slightly.

Camera Comparison

Both phones offer capable camera systems, but the 9RT generally produces slightly more vibrant and detailed images. The 9RT often has better low-light performance. While both record good quality video, the 9RT's image processing can sometimes result in a more pleasing aesthetic. Specific camera specs (megapixels, aperture) are similar, but the 9RT's image signal processor (ISP) provides an advantage.

Performance

Here's where the 9RT shines. The Snapdragon 888 is a significant upgrade over the 865 in the 8T, offering noticeably faster processing speeds and improved graphics performance. This translates to smoother multitasking, quicker app loading times, and a better gaming experience. The 9RT's CPU configuration also contributes to its enhanced performance.

Battery Life

The OnePlus 8T holds a clear advantage in battery life. Its endurance rating of 104 hours is impressive, suggesting it can easily last a full day and a half or even two days with moderate usage. The 9RT's battery life is still respectable, but not quite as exceptional as the 8T's. The 9RT's faster charging (29 minutes vs 39 minutes) partially compensates for this difference.

Buying Guide

The OnePlus 9RT 5G is ideal for gamers and power users who demand the latest performance and fast charging. The OnePlus 8T is a great choice for users who prioritize long battery life, a smooth display experience, and a slightly more affordable price point.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the OnePlus 9RT 5G worth upgrading from the OnePlus 8T?
If performance is your top priority, then yes. The Snapdragon 888 offers a significant upgrade. However, if you're happy with your 8T's battery life and don't need the extra power, it might not be worth the upgrade.
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The OnePlus 9RT 5G has significantly better gaming performance due to its more powerful Snapdragon 888 chipset and improved GPU.