Oneplus 3t Vs Samsung S8 Was Upgrading Really Worth It 2

In 2017, smartphone buyers faced a pivotal decision: stick with the reliable, high-performance OnePlus 3T or jump to the futuristic Samsung Galaxy S8. The latter promised innovation—curved displays, facial recognition, IP68 water resistance—while the former delivered raw speed and clean software at half the price. Two years after their release, revisiting this comparison reveals more than just specs—it uncovers how design trends, ecosystem loyalty, and long-term usability shape real user satisfaction.

Design and Build: Form Meets Function

The most immediate difference between the OnePlus 3T and the Samsung Galaxy S8 lies in their physical presence. The 3T features a minimalist aluminum unibody with sharp edges and a traditional 16:9 display. It’s compact, sturdy, and fits comfortably in one hand. In contrast, the S8 introduced Samsung’s Infinity Display—a nearly bezel-less 5.8-inch curved AMOLED screen with a 18.5:9 aspect ratio. This shift wasn’t just aesthetic; it redefined how users interacted with their phones, enabling better multitasking and immersive media consumption.

However, innovation came with trade-offs. The curved glass made the S8 more prone to accidental touches and significantly more fragile. Without a protective case, a single drop could result in costly edge damage. The 3T, while not indestructible, offered a more practical build for daily use.

Tip: If you prioritize screen immersion and modern aesthetics, the S8 delivers. But if durability and ease of handling matter more, the 3T remains a smarter pick.

Performance and Software Experience

Under the hood, both devices were powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 821, making them equally capable in raw processing power. Benchmarks showed negligible differences in CPU and GPU performance. However, real-world usage revealed subtle but important distinctions.

OnePlus ran OxygenOS, a near-stock Android experience known for its fluidity, minimal bloatware, and timely updates. The interface felt snappy, even after months of use. Samsung’s TouchWiz (rebranded as Samsung Experience on the S8) offered deeper customization and additional features like Samsung Pay, Bixby, and DeX mode—but at the cost of occasional lag and system clutter.

Battery life favored the 3T, which packed a 3400mAh cell compared to the S8’s 3000mAh. Despite the S8’s more efficient display and processor optimizations, heavy users reported needing a midday charge. The 3T consistently lasted a full day, even with mixed usage.

“Software smoothness isn’t just about hardware—it’s about optimization. OnePlus proved that less can be more.” — Rajiv M., Mobile Performance Analyst

Camera Comparison: Real-World Results

Photography capabilities were a major selling point for the S8. Its 12MP dual-pixel rear sensor delivered excellent dynamic range, accurate colors, and superior low-light performance. Samsung’s image processing produced vibrant, social-media-ready photos out of the box. The front-facing 8MP camera also supported iris scanning—a novel but underutilized security feature.

The OnePlus 3T’s 16MP shooter was competent but inconsistent. While daylight shots were sharp and well-exposed, low-light images suffered from noise and slower focusing. The lack of optical image stabilization (OIS) became apparent in dim environments or when recording video.

For casual photographers who valued point-and-shoot reliability, the S8 was clearly superior. Enthusiasts who preferred manual control appreciated the 3T’s Pro mode, but had to accept lower consistency.

Feature	OnePlus 3T	Samsung Galaxy S8
Display	5.5\" Optic AMOLED, 1080p	5.8\" Quad HD+ Curved AMOLED
Processor	Snapdragon 821	Snapdragon 835 (US) / Exynos 9 Octa (Global)
Rear Camera	16MP f/2.0, no OIS	12MP f/1.7, Dual Pixel, OIS
Battery	3400mAh, Dash Charge	3000mAh, Fast Charging
Water Resistance	No	IP68 rated
Biometrics	Fingerprint only	Fingerprint, Iris Scan, Face Unlock
Storage Options	64GB / 128GB, no expandable	64GB, microSD up to 256GB

Long-Term Usability and Upgrade Value

Two years post-launch, the true test of any smartphone emerges: how well does it age?

OnePlus continued supporting the 3T with Android updates up to Android 9 Pie, a commendable effort for a budget flagship. OxygenOS updates were lightweight and preserved device speed. Users reported minimal slowdown even in late 2018.

The S8 received three major Android upgrades (up to Android 10), but each brought heavier UI layers and background processes. Some users noticed increased app reloads and reduced battery efficiency over time. Additionally, Samsung’s focus shifted rapidly to newer models, leaving S8 owners waiting longer for patches.

Resale value told a similar story. Due to its premium branding and features, the S8 retained higher market value initially. However, by 2019, the 3T held stronger appeal among enthusiasts for its simplicity and reliability—especially in refurbished markets.

Mini Case Study: Alex’s Upgrade Dilemma

Alex, a freelance designer, upgraded from a OnePlus 3T to an S8 in early 2017. He was drawn to the S8’s display quality for color-accurate photo editing and loved the sleek look. But within six months, he found the phone too slippery to use without a bulky case, missed the tactile feedback of the 3T’s alert slider, and grew frustrated with Bixby launching accidentally.

By 2019, his S8 struggled with app loading times, especially Adobe Creative Cloud apps. He eventually switched back to a OnePlus 6T, citing “predictable performance and fewer distractions” as key reasons. His experience reflects a broader trend: for productivity-focused users, sustained usability often outweighs flashy features.

Was the Upgrade Worth It? A Balanced Verdict

The answer depends on what you valued in 2017—and what you still value today.

• If you wanted cutting-edge design and brand prestige, the S8 was worth the $750 price tag. It set the template for future smartphones and offered features like wireless charging and water resistance that the 3T lacked.
• If you prioritized performance, battery life, and clean software, staying with the 3T—or buying one secondhand—was the smarter move. For many, the upgrade didn’t deliver meaningful improvements in daily use.

It’s also worth noting that the S8 launched at a significantly higher price point. At $649 (S8) versus $439 (3T, post-discount), the cost difference was substantial. For budget-conscious users, that gap could have funded accessories, cloud storage, or even a future device.

Tip: When considering an upgrade, ask: “Does this improve my actual usage?” Not every new feature translates to real-world benefit.

Checklist: Is a Flagship Upgrade Worth It?

1. ✅ Does the new device fix a genuine pain point in your current phone?
2. ✅ Are critical components (battery, camera, display) significantly improved?
3. ✅ Will the software remain supported for at least 3 years?
4. ✅ Can you resell or trade-in your old device easily?
5. ✅ Are you paying for features you won’t actually use?

FAQ

Did the Samsung S8 have better fast charging than the OnePlus 3T?

No. Despite common belief, the OnePlus 3T’s Dash Charge technology was more efficient. It safely delivered higher currents without overheating, allowing faster top-ups—even while using the phone. The S8 supported fast charging but required a compatible charger and generated more heat during the process.

Can the OnePlus 3T run modern apps smoothly in 2024?

Largely, yes—but with limitations. Lightweight apps like messaging, email, and web browsing work fine. However, newer versions of Instagram, TikTok, or games like Genshin Impact may lag or fail to install due to API and hardware requirements. It functions best as a secondary or backup device today.

Why did Samsung remove the headphone jack on the S8?

To achieve a slimmer profile, IP68 water resistance, and more internal space for components. The move followed Apple’s lead with the iPhone 7 and sparked debate. OnePlus kept the 3.5mm jack on the 3T, appealing to users who valued audio convenience and wired headphones.

Conclusion

The OnePlus 3T vs Samsung S8 debate wasn’t just about specs—it was a clash of philosophies. OnePlus championed performance and pragmatism. Samsung pursued innovation and ecosystem integration. Upgrading from the 3T to the S8 delivered visual wow and advanced features, but not always better functionality.

For many, the answer to “Was it worth it?” is nuanced. If you craved a status symbol or needed water resistance and a top-tier camera, yes. But if you valued efficiency, longevity, and value, the 3T remained a compelling choice—proving that sometimes, the best upgrade is no upgrade at all.

🚀 Still using an older flagship? Share your experience. Did the latest features enhance your life—or just complicate it? Join the conversation below.