Considering an upgrade or a new flagship phone? The battle between the OnePlus 7T and the OnePlus 8 has been a hot topic for many tech enthusiasts. Both devices offer a compelling blend of performance, design, and features that have defined OnePlus’s reputation.
The OnePlus 7T, with its smooth display and powerful chipset, was a strong contender. However, the OnePlus 8 arrived with its own set of advancements, aiming to push the boundaries even further. Deciding between these two can be a challenge, as each brings unique strengths to the table.
This comparison dives deep into what sets the OnePlus 7T and OnePlus 8 apart. We’ll explore their key differences in design, display, performance, camera capabilities, and battery life to help you make the most informed decision.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | OnePlus 7T | OnePlus 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.55 inches | 6.55 inches |
| Display Type | Fluid AMOLED | Fluid AMOLED |
| Display Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz |
| Processor | Snapdragon 855+ | Snapdragon 865 |
| RAM Options | 8GB | 8GB, 12GB |
| Storage Options | 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB |
| Rear Camera System | Triple: 48MP (wide) + 12MP (telephoto) + 16MP (ultrawide) | Triple: 48MP (wide) + 16MP (ultrawide) + 2MP (macro) |
| Front Camera | 16MP | 16MP |
| Battery Capacity | 3800 mAh | 4300 mAh |
| Warp Charge | 30W | 30W |
| 5G Connectivity | No | Yes |
| Water Resistance | No official rating | IP68 |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Oneplus 7t: Features a 6.55-inch Fluid AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate. The resolution is 1080 x 2400 pixels. It offers a smooth visual experience for its time, though brightness can be a minor concern in direct sunlight.
- Oneplus 8: Boasts a slightly larger 6.55-inch Fluid AMOLED display, also with a 90Hz refresh rate. The resolution is 1080 x 2400 pixels. It offers a brighter panel than the 7T, improving outdoor visibility, and a more refined design with a punch-hole cutout.
- Winner: oneplus 8
Processor
- Oneplus 7t: Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+ chipset. This was a flagship processor at its release, offering excellent performance for gaming and multitasking. It still holds up well for most daily tasks.
- Oneplus 8: Equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset. This processor offers a significant performance upgrade over the 855+, providing faster speeds and improved power efficiency. It handles demanding applications and future-proofing better.
- Winner: oneplus 8
Camera System
- Oneplus 7t: Features a triple rear camera setup: 48MP (wide) + 12MP (telephoto) + 16MP (ultrawide). The cameras are capable, producing good shots in daylight, but low-light performance and zoom capabilities are not as advanced as newer models.
- Oneplus 8: Comes with a triple rear camera setup: 48MP (wide) + 16MP (ultrawide) + 2MP (macro). While it drops the dedicated telephoto lens of the 7T, the 8’s main sensor offers improved low-light performance and dynamic range. The macro lens is a new addition for close-up shots.
- Winner: oneplus 8
Battery and Charging
- Oneplus 7t: Houses a 3800 mAh battery with 30W Warp Charge 3.0. The battery life is generally good for a full day of moderate use. 30W charging is impressively fast, quickly topping up the device.
- Oneplus 8: Features a slightly larger 4300 mAh battery with 30W Warp Charge 3.0. The increased battery capacity provides better endurance. It also supports wireless charging, a significant advantage over the 7T.
- Winner: oneplus 8
Design and Build
- Oneplus 7t: Sports a distinctive circular camera module on the back and an alert slider. The build quality is premium, with a glass front and back. The notch for the selfie camera is a bit more prominent.
- Oneplus 8: Adopts a more modern design with a punch-hole cutout for the selfie camera and a vertically aligned camera array. It offers a sleeker aesthetic and a more compact feel despite the slightly larger screen. It also retains the premium glass and metal construction.
- Winner: oneplus 8
5G Connectivity
- Oneplus 7t: Does not support 5G connectivity. It is limited to 4G LTE networks. This is a significant drawback for future-proofing and accessing the latest network speeds.
- Oneplus 8: Comes with 5G connectivity support. This makes it ready for the future of mobile networks, offering faster download and upload speeds where 5G is available.
- Winner: oneplus 8
Software Updates
- Oneplus 7t: Has received significant software updates, but as an older device, it will likely reach its end-of-support sooner than the 8. It’s still receiving security patches but major OS upgrades may be limited.
- Oneplus 8: Being a newer device, the OnePlus 8 is expected to receive software updates for a longer period. This ensures access to new features and ongoing security patches for a more extended duration.
- Winner: oneplus 8
Price and Value
- Oneplus 7t: Launched at a more budget-friendly price point and can now be found at even lower prices, making it a strong contender for value. It offers flagship performance for its cost.
- Oneplus 8: Launched at a higher price point, reflecting its newer technology and features like 5G and wireless charging. While more expensive, it offers a more complete and future-proof package.
- Winner: oneplus 7t
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Performance | OnePlus 8 |
| Display | Tie |
| Camera | OnePlus 7T (for telephoto lens) |
| Battery | OnePlus 8 |
| Connectivity | OnePlus 8 |
| Durability | OnePlus 8 |
| Value | OnePlus 7T |
What They Have in Common
- Display Quality: Both devices boast a 6.55-inch Fluid AMOLED display with a smooth 90Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and excellent viewing experiences for media consumption and general use.
- Fast Charging: OnePlus’s signature Warp Charge technology is present on both the 7T and 8, providing incredibly fast charging speeds of 30W to get you back up and running in no time.
- Performance: While the OnePlus 8 has a newer processor, both phones are powered by flagship Snapdragon chipsets that deliver snappy performance for everyday tasks, multitasking, and even demanding mobile games.
- Software Experience: Both phones run on OxygenOS, known for its clean, near-stock Android feel with useful customizations and timely updates, ensuring a fluid and enjoyable user interface.
- Build Materials: Both devices feature premium build quality with glass backs and aluminum frames, giving them a solid and high-end feel in the hand.
- Front Camera: The selfie camera resolution is identical on both the OnePlus 7T and OnePlus 8, with a 16MP sensor capable of capturing sharp and detailed self-portraits.
Oneplus 7T Vs Oneplus 8 Buying Guide
Overall Value Proposition
The OnePlus 7T, despite being an older model, often presents a compelling value proposition. It offers a flagship-level experience at a significantly lower price point, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers who still desire premium features. While the OnePlus 8 brings newer technology, the 7T remains a capable device that can handle daily tasks and gaming with ease.
If your priority is getting the most performance for your money, the 7T is hard to beat. You’ll still get a fantastic display, a versatile camera system, and fast charging, all wrapped in a well-built package. (See Also: Nest Cam Vs Ring )
Camera Considerations
When it comes to cameras, the OnePlus 8 generally takes a slight edge. It boasts a more advanced main sensor and improved image processing, leading to sharper photos with better detail, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The inclusion of a dedicated macro lens on the OnePlus 8 also opens up new photographic possibilities.
However, the OnePlus 7T’s camera system is by no means a slouch. It captures vibrant and detailed shots in good lighting and its ultrawide lens is still very useful. For casual photography, the 7T will more than suffice, but for enthusiasts seeking the absolute best mobile photography, the 8 is the more refined option.
Performance and Gaming
In terms of raw performance, the OnePlus 8, with its newer Snapdragon 865 processor, will offer a noticeable boost over the OnePlus 7T’s Snapdragon 855+. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a slight edge in demanding mobile games. The 8 also benefits from faster RAM, further enhancing its responsiveness.
That said, the OnePlus 7T is still a very powerful smartphone. Its processor is more than capable of handling most games at high settings and everyday tasks with fluidity. The difference in day-to-day use might be subtle for many users, but for those who push their devices to the absolute limit, the 8 offers that extra headroom. (See Also: Lose It Vs Weight Watchers )
Display and Design
Both phones feature stunning AMOLED displays with high refresh rates, offering an incredibly smooth visual experience. The OnePlus 8 boasts a slightly more refined design with a punch-hole cutout for the selfie camera, which is more modern than the 7T’s waterdrop notch. The 8 also tends to have a brighter display, which can be beneficial in direct sunlight.
The OnePlus 7T, however, still provides a gorgeous 90Hz display that is a joy to use. Its design is also premium and comfortable to hold. While the 8’s design is arguably more contemporary, the 7T’s display remains competitive and offers an excellent viewing experience for media consumption and general use.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy OnePlus 7T If…
- You’re looking for excellent value and a flagship experience without the latest premium price tag.
- You prioritize a versatile triple rear camera setup that includes a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom.
- 5G connectivity is not a primary concern for your current or future needs.
- You want a great all-around smartphone that still performs exceptionally well for daily use.
Buy OnePlus 8 If…
- You want the absolute latest in mobile technology, including a more powerful processor and 5G capabilities.
- You desire enhanced durability with official IP68 water and dust resistance.
- You appreciate a slightly larger battery for potentially longer endurance.
- You want access to higher RAM configurations for even more demanding multitasking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the OnePlus 8 a significant upgrade over the OnePlus 7T?
Yes, the OnePlus 8 offers several notable upgrades. It features a more powerful Snapdragon 865 processor, a slightly better camera system with a dedicated macro lens, faster RAM, and a more modern punch-hole display design. While the 7T is still a capable phone, the 8 provides a more refined and future-proof experience across performance, photography, and design elements.
Which phone has a better camera?
The OnePlus 8 generally has a better camera system. It utilizes a more advanced main sensor that captures more detail and performs better in low light. The addition of a dedicated macro lens on the OnePlus 8 also allows for closer and more intricate shots, something the 7T lacks. While the 7T’s camera is good, the 8 offers superior image quality and versatility. (See Also: Bose Quiet Comfort Vs Airpods Pro )
Is the OnePlus 7T still worth buying in 2023/2024?
The OnePlus 7T can still be a very worthwhile purchase, especially if you find it at a significantly reduced price. It offers a fantastic 90Hz display, a capable processor for daily tasks and gaming, and a good camera. However, be mindful of software updates; it may not receive as many major Android version updates as the newer OnePlus 8.
What are the key differences in display technology?
Both phones feature excellent AMOLED displays with 90Hz refresh rates for smooth scrolling. The OnePlus 8 has a slightly brighter display, which is beneficial in direct sunlight, and its design incorporates a more discreet punch-hole cutout for the selfie camera. The OnePlus 7T uses a waterdrop notch, which is less immersive but still functional. The overall viewing experience is excellent on both.
Which phone offers better battery life and charging speeds?
Both phones offer comparable battery life for a full day of moderate use. They both support fast wired charging, with the OnePlus 8 often having slightly faster charging speeds depending on the specific Warp Charge adapter used. Wireless charging is exclusive to the OnePlus 8, which is a significant convenience feature that the 7T lacks. This makes the 8 more convenient for charging on the go.
Final Verdict
The OnePlus 8 emerges as the superior device, offering a more refined experience with its faster processor, improved camera system, and modern design. While the OnePlus 7T remains a strong contender for its value, the OnePlus 8 provides a more future-proof and feature-rich package for those willing to invest a bit more. The inclusion of wireless charging on the 8 is also a significant advantage.
Winner: OnePlus 8