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OnePlus 8 Pro: A Flagship That Stands the Test of Time?
The OnePlus 8 Pro, released in April 2020, arrived amidst a flurry of flagship contenders, promising a premium experience at a (relatively) competitive price point. Three years later, its position in the smartphone landscape is a fascinating case study. While newer devices boast more powerful processors and camera systems, the 8 Pro’s legacy is far from obsolete. This article delves into the phone’s enduring qualities, its shortcomings, and ultimately, whether it still holds up in 2023.
A Look Back at the Specs and Features:
The OnePlus 8 Pro launched with impressive specifications for its time. It featured a vibrant 6.78-inch Fluid AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a cutting-edge feature then slowly trickling down to more affordable devices. This display, with its smooth scrolling and vibrant colours, remains a joy to use even today. The Snapdragon 865 processor, paired with up to 12GB of RAM, ensured smooth multitasking and capable gaming performance. While not as powerful as the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, it still handles most modern apps and games with reasonable efficiency.
The camera system was a highlight, boasting a versatile quad-camera setup. This included a 48MP main sensor, a 48MP ultrawide lens, an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a unique colour filter camera. While the computational photography capabilities might not match the latest advancements in AI-powered image processing, the 8 Pro’s camera still produces respectable photos in good lighting conditions. The ultrawide lens, in particular, was a standout feature, offering a wider field of view than many competitors at the time.
Other notable features included 5G connectivity, Warp Charge 30T fast charging, and a large 4510mAh battery. Warp Charge, OnePlus’s proprietary fast charging technology, significantly reduced charging times, a feature that remains highly valued even in today’s market. The battery life, while not exceptional by modern standards, still provided a full day of use for most users.
The Enduring Strengths:
Despite its age, several aspects of the OnePlus 8 Pro continue to impress:
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The Display: The 120Hz Fluid AMOLED display remains a pleasure to use. Its vibrant colours, smooth scrolling, and excellent brightness make it a standout feature, even compared to many newer phones. The high refresh rate significantly enhances the user experience, making animations and scrolling feel incredibly fluid.
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Warp Charge 30T: While faster charging technologies exist now, Warp Charge 30T is still remarkably fast. It can significantly top up the battery in a short amount of time, a crucial feature for busy individuals. This fast charging capability remains a significant advantage over many phones in its price range even today.
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Build Quality: OnePlus has always been known for its build quality, and the 8 Pro is no exception. The phone feels premium in hand, with its smooth glass back and sturdy aluminum frame. It’s a testament to OnePlus’s commitment to crafting well-built devices.
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Software Updates (with caveats): While OnePlus’s update policy has faced criticism in recent years, the 8 Pro received several significant software updates, extending its lifespan beyond what many other manufacturers offer for similar-aged devices. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that the phone is no longer receiving major Android updates, leaving it vulnerable to security threats.
The Areas Where it Shows its Age:
While the OnePlus 8 Pro holds up surprisingly well in many areas, its age is evident in several aspects:
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Processing Power: The Snapdragon 865, while powerful in 2020, is noticeably less powerful than the latest Snapdragon processors. Demanding games and apps might experience occasional lag or slower load times compared to newer devices.
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Camera Performance in Low Light: The camera struggles in low-light conditions compared to modern phones with advanced night modes and larger sensors. Images taken in low light often lack detail and can be noisy.
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Lack of Current Software Updates: This is perhaps the most significant drawback. The lack of major Android updates and security patches leaves the phone vulnerable to security risks and limits its access to the latest features and improvements. This is a significant concern for security-conscious users.
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Charging Speed Compared to Modern Standards: While Warp Charge 30T was impressive in its time, it’s now surpassed by significantly faster charging technologies like 100W+ fast charging available in other flagship devices.
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No Wireless Charging: The absence of wireless charging was a notable omission at launch and remains a drawback compared to many competing flagships.
The Verdict: A Worthy Contender, but with Caveats
The OnePlus 8 Pro remains a surprisingly capable phone in 2023. Its excellent display, fast charging, and premium build quality still hold up remarkably well. However, its aging processor, subpar low-light camera performance, and lack of current software updates are significant limitations.
Whether it’s a "flagship that stands the test of time" depends entirely on your priorities and expectations. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly phone with a stunning display and fast charging, the 8 Pro could still be a viable option, especially if you can find it at a significantly reduced price. However, if you prioritize the latest processing power, cutting-edge camera technology, and consistent software updates, you’ll undoubtedly be better served by a newer flagship device.
Ultimately, the OnePlus 8 Pro represents a fascinating snapshot of a specific moment in smartphone history. It showcases the impressive strides made in mobile technology in a relatively short period, highlighting both the enduring appeal of certain design choices and the rapid pace of innovation in the industry. While it may not be a top-tier contender in 2023, its legacy as a compelling and well-built flagship remains undeniable. Its continued use depends on individual needs and tolerance for its now-apparent limitations. It’s a phone that, while showing its age, still offers a surprisingly enjoyable experience for those willing to accept its compromises.
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