OnePlus 8T Launch continues to be a fan favorite in the smartphone world even years after its launch. When it first arrived, it was marketed as a device that combined flagship-level performance with a competitive mid-range price tag. Today, the OnePlus 8T is still a strong choice for tech-savvy users and gamers who want a reliable smartphone without spending a fortune.
Packed with premium design elements, a gorgeous display, fast charging technology, and the highly acclaimed OxygenOS software, the OnePlus 8T delivers a near-flagship experience at an affordable price. This deep-dive article will explore everything about the OnePlus 8T, from its design and display to camera capabilities, gaming performance, software, and pricing, while comparing it to other smartphones in its segment.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly yet performance-packed smartphone, the OnePlus 8T is still worth every bit of attention in 2025. Let’s break down why.
OnePlus 8T Launch Design and Build Quality: Premium in Every Sense
The OnePlus 8T was one of the first devices to blur the line between mid-range and premium smartphones. It boasts a glass back with Gorilla Glass protection, a metal frame, and a sleek design that feels luxurious in hand. The 2.5D curved edges make it comfortable to hold, while the slim 8.4mm thickness and light 188g weight enhance its usability.
The smartphone’s design is minimal yet elegant, with clean lines, a rectangular camera bump, and a glossy finish. Available in eye-catching colors like Aquamarine Green and Lunar Silver, the OnePlus 8T still looks stylish even in 2025.
Key highlights of the design include:
- Slim bezels with a punch-hole selfie camera
- Symmetrical layout with an alert slider for quick sound profile toggling
- Premium glass and aluminum materials
- Fingerprint-resistant matte finish on certain color variants
For users who value aesthetics and ergonomics, the OnePlus 8T easily competes with modern flagship smartphones.
Display: A 120Hz AMOLED Experience
The OnePlus 8T was one of the first smartphones in its price range to feature a 120Hz AMOLED display, and even by today’s standards, it delivers a phenomenal viewing experience.
The phone sports a 6.55-inch Fluid AMOLED display with Full HD+ resolution (2400 x 1080 pixels), HDR10+ certification, and up to 1100 nits of brightness, making it perfect for outdoor usage. The combination of high refresh rate and AMOLED technology results in buttery-smooth animations, vivid colors, and deep blacks.
Other display highlights:
- Flat panel design for gamers and content creators who dislike curved screens
- 100% DCI-P3 color accuracy, calibrated for creators
- Always-On Display (AOD) with customizable themes
- Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection
Whether you’re gaming, watching Netflix in HDR, or scrolling through social media, the OnePlus 8T’s display continues to stand out as one of its strongest features.
Performance: Flagship-Level Snapdragon Power
At the heart of the OnePlus 8T is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 processor, which was a flagship chipset at the time of launch. Even today, this octa-core processor paired with Adreno 650 GPU offers excellent performance for multitasking, heavy gaming, and creative workflows.
OnePlus optimized the device with LPDDR4X RAM (up to 12GB) and UFS 3.1 storage (up to 256GB), which translates to lightning-fast app launches and file transfers. OxygenOS’s lightweight design further boosts performance, keeping the phone lag-free and responsive even under heavy usage.
For gamers, the OnePlus 8T features Fnatic Mode, which optimizes system resources for smoother gameplay. Combined with a 120Hz display, the experience is comparable to modern gaming-focused smartphones.
Camera Setup: Versatility Meets Quality
The OnePlus 8T’s camera system is designed for versatility, with a quad-camera setup that includes:
- 48MP Sony IMX586 Primary Sensor (f/1.7, OIS, EIS) – Delivers detailed shots in all lighting conditions.
- 16MP Ultra-Wide Sensor (123° field of view) – Perfect for landscapes and group photos.
- 5MP Macro Lens – For close-up photography.
- 2MP Monochrome Sensor – Enhances depth and detail in black-and-white photography.
The 16MP front camera with Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) captures high-quality selfies and supports 1080p video recording.
While modern smartphones now feature 200MP sensors, the OnePlus 8T remains a solid performer for photography enthusiasts. Nightscape mode delivers good low-light shots, while video recording capabilities include 4K at 60fps, making it a strong all-rounder.
Battery and Charging: 65W Warp Charging is a Game Changer
One of the most impressive aspects of the OnePlus 8T is its 65W Warp Charge technology. With a 4500mAh dual-cell battery, the smartphone can charge from 0 to 100% in just 39 minutes.
This level of charging speed was revolutionary at launch and is still competitive in 2025. The phone also supports USB Power Delivery (PD), allowing compatibility with other fast chargers.
Battery optimization through OxygenOS ensures a full day of use, even with heavy gaming or streaming.
OxygenOS: Clean, Fast, and Customizable
OnePlus’s OxygenOS is one of the most beloved Android skins. Based on Android, OxygenOS provides a bloatware-free, clean UI with customization options like:
- Dark Mode 2.0
- Always-On Display themes
- Gesture controls
- Zen Mode for digital detox
Over the years, OnePlus has consistently updated OxygenOS, bringing security patches and Android version updates. Even in 2025, the OnePlus 8T remains relevant thanks to a strong software ecosystem.
Connectivity and 5G Support
The OnePlus 8T was one of the early adopters of 5G connectivity. It supports both SA (Standalone) and NSA (Non-Standalone) 5G networks, ensuring blazing-fast internet speeds. Other connectivity features include:
- Wi-Fi 6 support for faster wireless internet
- Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX HD support
- Dual SIM 5G support
- USB-C with USB 3.1 speeds
These features ensure the device stays future-proof even as mobile network infrastructure evolves.
Audio Experience: Stereo Speakers and Dolby Atmos
The OnePlus 8T delivers a premium audio experience with dual stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos support, and high-resolution Bluetooth audio. While the phone lacks a headphone jack, it makes up for it with rich, immersive sound quality.
Storage and RAM Variant
The OnePlus 8T comes in two configurations:
- 8GB RAM + 128GB Storage
- 12GB RAM + 256GB Storage
Thanks to UFS 3.1 storage, the phone offers blazing-fast read and write speeds, making it ideal for large app installations, gaming, and media storage.
Gaming Performance: Built for Gamers
With its Snapdragon 865 chipset, 120Hz AMOLED display, and Fnatic Mode, the OnePlus 8T delivers a competitive gaming experience. Titles like PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty Mobile, and Genshin Impact run smoothly at high settings. The heat dissipation system keeps temperatures in check during extended gaming sessions.
Price and Availability
At launch, the OnePlus 8T was priced at around ₹42,999 in India ($599 globally), but its price has since dropped significantly. In 2025, this makes it a value-for-money device for anyone seeking near-flagship performance without spending a premium.
How the OnePlus 8T Stacks Up Against Modern Competitors
Even though newer models like the OnePlus 11 and Galaxy S23 dominate headlines, the OnePlus 8T remains a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers. It offers:
- Comparable display quality
- A flagship processor that still handles gaming and productivity
- 65W charging, which is still faster than many 2025 flagships
- A premium design that hasn’t aged
Why the OnePlus 8T Is Still Relevant in 2025
The OnePlus 8T strikes a perfect balance between price, performance, and features. It’s ideal for users who:
- Want a flagship-like experience at a mid-range price
- Prefer a clean software experience with OxygenOS
- Need 5G connectivity for future-proofing
- Value fast charging and gaming performance
Conclusion: A Timeless Smartphone
The OnePlus 8T proves that smartphones don’t always need to be brand-new to deliver incredible value. With its premium design, 120Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 865 performance, and blazing-fast charging, it’s still a fantastic choice for anyone shopping in the mid-range segment.
In a market dominated by feature-heavy yet often overpriced devices, the OnePlus 8T is a practical, reliable, and stylish option that continues to hold its ground in 2025.
