by When OnePlus launched the OnePlus 8 Pro in April 2020, it marked a significant evolution for the company. Known for delivering high-end features at competitive prices, OnePlus stepped fully into the flagship territory with the 8 Pro. No longer just a “flagship killer,” this phone was a flagship in its own right, competing head-to-head with the likes of Samsung and Apple.
Four years later, the OnePlus 8 Pro still holds its ground as a reliable, fast, and premium smartphone that delivers excellent performance, an impressive display, and solid build quality. Let’s explore what made the OnePlus 8 Pro a standout device in its time and why it’s still worth talking about in 2025.
Design & Display: Sleek, Sophisticated, and Stunning
The OnePlus 8 Pro sports a sleek aluminum frame with Gorilla Glass 5 on both the front and back. It feels luxurious in the hand, offering both sturdiness and elegance. Available in Onyx Black, Glacial Green, and Ultramarine Blue, the phone’s color options added an extra flair to its premium look.
But the real showstopper is its 6.78-inch QHD+ Fluid AMOLED display. With a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, and a resolution of 3168 x 1440, this screen delivered stunning visuals. Whether gaming, streaming, or just browsing, the display remained silky smooth and vibrant. It also featured a peak brightness of 1300 nits, making it easily viewable even in bright sunlight.
OnePlus included MEMC (Motion Estimation, Motion Compensation) technology, which enhanced video playback by converting low frame rate content to 120fps — a feature more common in high-end TVs.
Performance: A Powerhouse Under the Hood
The OnePlus 8 Pro was powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset, paired with either 8GB or 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 128GB or 256GB of UFS 3.0 storage. This combination ensured lightning-fast app launches, seamless multitasking, and impressive gaming performance.
Even today, the Snapdragon 865 holds up for general use, including most games and productivity apps. OxygenOS, based on Android 10 at launch and upgradeable to Android 13, offered a near-stock Android experience with thoughtful enhancements and minimal bloatware. The interface was clean, customizable, and fast — hallmarks of the OnePlus software experience.
Camera: The First Real Leap for OnePlus
OnePlus had often faced criticism for underwhelming camera performance, but the 8 Pro aimed to change that. It came equipped with a quad-camera setup:
- 48 MP main sensor (Sony IMX689)
- 48 MP ultra-wide sensor (Sony IMX586)
- 8 MP telephoto lens (3x hybrid zoom, 30x digital zoom)
- 5 MP color filter camera
The main and ultra-wide sensors produced excellent images, especially in daylight, with sharp details, accurate colors, and good dynamic range. Nightscape mode improved low-light photography significantly. The telephoto lens allowed for crisp zoom shots, while the controversial color filter camera, though gimmicky, added some creative effects.
The front 16 MP camera was more than capable for selfies and video calls, offering good clarity and skin tones.
Battery and Charging: Fast, Wireless, and Reliable
With a 4,510mAh battery, the OnePlus 8 Pro provided all-day endurance with moderate to heavy usage. What made it even more impressive was the inclusion of Warp Charge 30T (30W wired fast charging) and Warp Charge 30 Wireless — OnePlus’s first wireless charging feature.
This was a major shift for the brand, which had long resisted adding wireless charging. In just 30 minutes, the device could charge up to 50%, whether wired or wireless. Reverse wireless charging was also included, allowing users to top up their earbuds or other devices.
Other Features: All the Bells and Whistles
The OnePlus 8 Pro came with an official IP68 rating for dust and water resistance — a first for the company. It also supported 5G, dual stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, and an in-display fingerprint sensor that was fast and accurate.
Haptic feedback was improved, making typing and navigation more satisfying. Despite the large size, the phone felt well-balanced and comfortable to use for extended periods.
Verdict: A True Flagship at a Reasonable Price
At launch, the OnePlus 8 Pro started at around $899 — a steep rise from previous OnePlus phones but justified by the features packed in. It was no longer a budget-friendly alternative but a full-blown premium phone. It successfully challenged more expensive offerings from Samsung, Apple, and Huawei.
In 2025, the OnePlus 8 Pro remains a capable phone for users who prioritize smooth performance, great display quality, and long-term software support. For those on a budget looking for a flagship experience, a used or refurbished OnePlus 8 Pro still offers tremendous value.
Conclusion
The OnePlus 8 Pro marked a turning point for OnePlus — a transition from an enthusiast brand to a mainstream flagship contender. It brought high-end specs, premium design, and user-focused software together in one refined package. While the smartphone market continues to evolve rapidly, the OnePlus 8 Pro is remembered as one of the most complete and well-balanced Android devices of its time.
