The OnePlus 8 12GB variant represents a compelling flagship offering from a brand that has consistently challenged the status quo in the smartphone industry. With its blend of premium hardware, refined software, and aggressive pricing, this device aims to deliver a high-end experience without the exorbitant cost typically associated with top-tier phones. Let’s dive into what makes the OnePlus 8 stand out in a crowded market.

Design and Build Quality

From the moment you hold the OnePlus 8, it’s clear that this is a device designed with precision and care. The phone features a sleek, curved glass back that seamlessly merges with the aluminum frame, offering a premium feel that rivals more expensive competitors. The 6.55-inch Fluid AMOLED display dominates the front, with minimal bezels and a small punch-hole cutout for the front camera. Weighing in at 180 grams and measuring just 8mm in thickness, the OnePlus 8 strikes a perfect balance between substantial heft and ergonomic comfort. The device is available in three stunning finishes: Onyx Black, Glacial Green, and Interstellar Glow, each offering a distinct aesthetic appeal.

Display Performance

OnePlus has long been praised for its displays, and the OnePlus 8 is no exception. The 6.55-inch Fluid AMOLED panel boasts a 1080 x 2400 resolution with a 90Hz refresh rate, delivering buttery-smooth animations and scrolling. While some may argue that the lack of a 120Hz refresh rate is a drawback, the 90Hz panel strikes an excellent balance between performance and battery efficiency. Colors are vibrant and accurate, with support for HDR10+ content, making it a joy to consume media on this device. The inclusion of an in-display fingerprint sensor adds to the seamless user experience, and it’s both fast and reliable in daily use.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the OnePlus 8 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset, paired with a generous 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 256GB of UFS 3.0 storage. This combination ensures blistering performance across all tasks, from multitasking to graphically intensive gaming. Apps launch instantly, and the phone handles demanding titles like Call of Duty Mobile and Genshin Impact with ease. The Adreno 650 GPU delivers excellent graphics performance, while the efficient 7nm manufacturing process helps keep thermals in check. OnePlus’s signature OxygenOS, based on Android 10 (upgradable to Android 11), further enhances the experience with its clean, bloatware-free interface and thoughtful optimizations.

Camera Capabilities

The OnePlus 8 features a triple-camera setup, headlined by a 48MP Sony IMX586 primary sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS) and an f/1.75 aperture. This is complemented by a 16MP ultra-wide-angle lens and a 2MP macro camera. In daylight conditions, the primary shooter captures detailed, well-exposed images with accurate colors and dynamic range. The ultra-wide lens is useful for expansive landscapes, though it does exhibit some distortion at the edges. Low-light performance is respectable, thanks to Nightscape mode, but it still lags behind the best in class. The 16MP front-facing camera produces sharp selfies with good skin tones, though it tends to over-smooth faces in certain lighting conditions.

Battery Life and Charging

Equipped with a 4300mAh battery, the OnePlus 8 delivers solid endurance, easily lasting a full day of moderate to heavy use. The 90Hz display does consume more power than a standard 60Hz panel, but the efficient chipset and software optimizations help mitigate this. Where the device truly shines is in its charging capabilities. With Warp Charge 30T, the phone can go from 0 to 50% in just 22 minutes, and a full charge takes around an hour. Unfortunately, wireless charging is absent, which may be a dealbreaker for some users.

Software and User Experience

OxygenOS remains one of the best Android skins available, offering a near-stock experience with thoughtful additions. Features like Zen Mode, which encourages digital detox, and the highly customizable Always-On Display add value without cluttering the interface. OnePlus has committed to regular software updates, and the device has already received Android 11 with OxygenOS 11, bringing improved animations, a refreshed UI, and enhanced privacy controls. The clean software, combined with the powerful hardware, results in a fluid and responsive user experience that few Android phones can match.

Key Specifications of OnePlus 8 (12GB Variant)

Display: 6.55-inch Fluid AMOLED, 1080 x 2400 resolution, 90Hz refresh rate, HDR10+

Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 (7nm+)

RAM: 12GB LPDDR5

Storage: 256GB UFS 3.0 (non-expandable)

Rear Cameras: 48MP primary (f/1.75, OIS), 16MP ultra-wide (f/2.2), 2MP macro (f/2.4)

Front Camera: 16MP (f/2.0)

Battery: 4300mAh, Warp Charge 30T (30W wired)

Operating System: OxygenOS based on Android 10 (upgradable to Android 11)

Dimensions: 160.2 x 72.9 x 8.0 mm

Weight: 180 grams

Colors: Onyx Black, Glacial Green, Interstellar Glow

Final Verdict

The OnePlus 8 12GB model is a testament to OnePlus’s ability to deliver flagship-level performance at a relatively accessible price point. While it may lack some premium features like wireless charging or an IP68 rating, it more than makes up for these omissions with its stunning display, exceptional performance, and clean software experience. For users who prioritize speed, smoothness, and a near-stock Android experience, the OnePlus 8 remains an outstanding choice in 2023, even as newer models have entered the market. It’s a device that proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a top-tier smartphone experience.