OnePlus 8: Unboxing and First Impressions
Here is a detailed unboxing and our first impressions of a special phone, the OnePlus 8. We will be looking at the Onyx Black variant with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.
What’s in the Box?
Let’s start by opening the box, which is noticeably taller than standard phone boxes. Inside, the first thing you’ll find is a smaller box with “Never Settle” written on it. This contains a clear case for the phone.
Underneath, you’ll find the familiar red USB Type-C cable and the 30T Warp Charger. The box also includes documentation, a letter from the Red Cable Club, a SIM card tool, and a set of OnePlus stickers. The provided documentation lists the SAR value as 0.83 W/kg at the head, which is quite low.
Design and In-Hand Feel
After seeing many blue and purple phones, it’s exciting to have a true black phone. The device feels incredibly lightweight and premium in the hand. It is also quite thin and not at all thick, which was an unexpected but pleasant surprise. Despite its light feel, the phone weighs 184 grams. The overall in-hand feel is excellent.
Looking at the ports and buttons, the bottom of the phone houses the speaker grill, a USB Type-C port, and the dual nano-SIM card tray. The left side has the volume up and down rocker, while the top has a noise-canceling microphone. On the right side, you’ll find the signature OnePlus alert slider in a different color, along with the power button.
Display and Build Quality
The OnePlus 8 features a metal and glass sandwich design with 3D Gorilla Glass protection on both the front and back, giving it a seriously premium feel. Unlike the OnePlus 7T which had a flat glass, this model features curved glass on both sides.
The phone sports a 6.55-inch FHD+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate and support for HDR10+. The side bezels are practically non-existent, and the top and bottom chin are also very thin, offering an immersive viewing experience.
Core Specifications and Performance
The OnePlus 8 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 processor and supports 5G. It is equipped with a 4300 mAh battery that supports 30T Warp Charging. It is important to note that there is no wireless charging support on this device.
The phone is available in three variants specific to India:
- 6GB RAM + 128GB Storage for ₹41,999
- 8GB RAM + 128GB Storage for ₹44,999
- 12GB RAM + 256GB Storage for ₹49,999
It also comes in three color options: Onyx Black, Glacial Green, and Interstellar Glow. In terms of performance, the Snapdragon 865 is the most powerful processor available right now, scoring over 576,000 on AnTuTu benchmarks. You can throw any task or game at it, including PUBG Mobile or Fortnite, and it will handle it at the highest settings without any issues.
Features and Connectivity
The OnePlus 8 comes with all the necessary sensors, including an in-display fingerprint sensor. For connectivity, it has NFC, WiFi 6, and Bluetooth 5.1. While the phone does not have an official IP68 certification like the Pro model, some unlocked versions have shown IP68 resistance, so it’s possible this model has some level of water resistance without being officially certified.
Security and Multimedia Experience
Both the in-display fingerprint sensor and face unlock work very well and are incredibly fast. For multimedia consumption, the phone is excellent. It features loud stereo speakers, with one at the top and one at the bottom, creating an enjoyable audio experience. Watching videos on the vibrant display is a pleasure.
Software: OxygenOS
The device runs on OxygenOS, which is a favorite for its understated, user-friendly, and clean interface. There is no bloatware or ads. The software supports features like WiFi Calling and Horizon Light, which illuminates the edges of the screen for notifications as there is no dedicated LED light.
The phone has full Camera2 API support, meaning you can easily install and use GCam. It also has Widevine L1 support for HD streaming. The camera app has also seen some improvements with new toggle buttons, making for a better user experience.
Camera Specifications and Features
The camera setup on the OnePlus 8 is different from the Pro model. The rear camera system includes:
- Primary Sensor: A 48 MP Sony IMX586 sensor with support for Optical Image Stabilization (OIS).
- Ultra-wide Sensor: A 16 MP ultra-wide sensor with a 116-degree field of view.
- Macro Sensor: A 2 MP macro sensor.
For selfies, there is a 16 MP Sony IMX471 sensor housed in a punch-hole cutout.
The camera can shoot video in 4K at up to 60fps. It includes a “Cine mode” that shoots in a 21:9 aspect ratio. The slow-motion feature allows you to capture video at 480fps for up to one minute. You can also capture RAW photos, but be mindful that they will take up more space.
Final First Impressions
One thing that was not expected was how good the in-hand feel would be. It feels light and fits perfectly in the hand, which is a major highlight. The 90Hz screen is also really good, with excellent colors. The introduction of the base 6GB/128GB variant is a masterstroke for its price point.
However, there are a few cons. The lack of wireless charging is a miss. There is also no 3.5mm headphone jack. While not officially certified, the lack of a formal IP rating might be a concern for some. Finally, a telephoto lens would have been a more useful addition than the 2 MP macro sensor.
If you have any questions about the OnePlus 8, feel free to ask.
