OnePlus 8 Pro And OnePlus 8 Review: Disruptive 5G Flagships
5G, Call Quality And Acoustics
We hope to return here shortly with some 5G-enabled speed tests, but we have to travel to a 5G enabled area in this unprecedented time of #StayHome, so keep an eye on this space for updates. However, you can rest assured other basic phone functions are solid here with both devices, including top shelf call audio quality and decent, loud but thin audio output from their stereo speaker setups. You can’t expect much bass response from virtually any phone and the OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro are no different in that regard. In the meantime, there's a lot to consider with these two new 8th generation OnePlus phones, so let's wrap...
OnePlus 8 And OnePlus 8 Pro Review Summary
The OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 8 Pro share a similar design language, both have fantastic displays, and are based on identical mobile processing platforms, but that’s where the similarities end. These are very different devices in many respects, and certainly with different price points. OnePlus tried to strike a balance here, but still command higher price points for their devices versus previous generations.
Starting at $699 unlocked and off contract, the OnePlus 8 is a solid value with its base 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, but at $800 for its 12GB and 256GB storage it’s a tougher sell in our opinion. Not that much tougher, but when you consider you’re basically getting the previous gen OnePlus 7 T’s camera and still no wireless charging or official IP68 support, the pluses for the OnePlus 8 amount to its updated Snapdragon 865 SoC, a 500 mAh larger battery, 5G connectivity, and WiFi-6. Even the display is basically the same (6.55” 90Hz AMOLED), except for the teardrop notch for its selfie cam. 5G is a cost-adding feature that is still maturing in the market, as is WiFi-6, but you can consider yourself future-proofed with this phone for that $100 up-charge. If only its camera was the same as the OnePlus 8 Pro, it would be a slam-dunk. Again, you’ll have to make the call.
We’re far more enamored with the OnePlus 8 Pro, though starting at $899 for 8GB RAM/128GB storage we’re back into flagship price-points with OnePlus. That said, its camera performance now competes in the big leagues in every meaningful way, and that's something we've been asking for from OnePlus for a long time. The OnePlus 8 Pro also ticks a few more critical check boxes that will appeal to a wider audience, including fast 30 Watt wireless Warp Charge, IP68 water and dust resistance, and of course 5G and WiFi-6 capabilities. If you're looking to "never settle," the OnePlus 8 Pro is a no compromise device that, while still expensive (especially for a OnePlus phone), is still a good value, when you consider pricing for competitive flagships like Samsung's Galaxy S20 family that starts at $1K for a 128GB of storage variant.
In short, for us, the OnePlus 8 Pro is a clear Editor's Choice winner and the OnePlus 8 scores our approval as well. And again, both devices are on sale starting today, with a few discount promos and trade-in deals going on, so keep an eye for the best deals.
OnePlus 8 Pro
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OnePlus 8
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