Oneplus 5 Vs Samsung S8 Was Upgrading Really Worth It 4

In 2017, smartphone buyers faced a pivotal decision: stick with the established giants like Samsung or take a risk on rising challengers like OnePlus. The release of the OnePlus 5 and Samsung Galaxy S8 intensified this debate. Both devices arrived within weeks of each other, offering flagship-level specs and sleek designs. But for users considering an upgrade—especially from older Samsung models or mid-range phones—the question remained: was switching to either, or upgrading from one to the other, truly worth it?

This analysis dives deep into real-world performance, design philosophy, camera quality, software experience, and long-term value to help answer that question—not just from a spec sheet perspective, but from the standpoint of everyday use.

Design and Build: Glass vs Metal, Form vs Function

The Galaxy S8 represented a turning point in Samsung’s design language. It introduced the “Infinity Display,” a nearly bezel-less 5.8-inch curved AMOLED screen that dominated the front. The glass back and aluminum frame gave it a premium feel, but also made it more fragile and prone to fingerprints. At 149 grams, it was lightweight for its size, though the slippery surface demanded careful handling or a case.

In contrast, the OnePlus 5 embraced a more traditional metal unibody design. With a 5.5-inch Full HD Optic AMOLED display, it was slightly smaller and more compact. The brushed aluminum body offered better grip and durability, appealing to users who prioritized practicality over futuristic flair. However, the lack of water resistance—a feature the S8 included with IP68 certification—was a notable omission.

Tip: If you value durability and pocketability, the OnePlus 5’s metal build gives it an edge. If you want immersive visuals and modern aesthetics, the S8’s design is unmatched.

Performance and Software: Stock Android vs TouchWiz Evolution

Under the hood, both phones featured the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor and at least 6GB of RAM (OnePlus 5 launched with 6GB/8GB options; S8 had 4GB in some regions). In benchmark tests, their performance was nearly identical. Apps launched quickly, multitasking was smooth, and both handled gaming with ease.

Where they diverged significantly was software. The OnePlus 5 ran OxygenOS, a near-stock Android experience known for its speed, minimal bloatware, and clean interface. Updates were frequent and close to pure Android, appealing to enthusiasts who wanted control and simplicity.

The Galaxy S8 shipped with Samsung Experience (formerly TouchWiz) on top of Android Nougat. While heavier than OxygenOS, it offered far more customization, advanced features like Secure Folder, DeX support (with optional dock), and Bixby integration. Samsung’s ecosystem integration—especially with Galaxy Watches and tablets—added long-term value for loyal users.

“OxygenOS feels like driving a sports car—responsive, direct, and efficient. Samsung’s interface is more like a luxury sedan: packed with features, comfortable, but occasionally sluggish.” — Adrian Lee, Mobile Tech Analyst at TechPulse Weekly

Camera Comparison: Real-World Photography Showdown

The camera became a major differentiator. The Galaxy S8 featured a single 12MP Dual Pixel rear sensor with f/1.7 aperture, optical image stabilization (OIS), and excellent dynamic range. Its photos in daylight were consistently vibrant and detailed, while low-light shots retained remarkable clarity with minimal noise.

The OnePlus 5 introduced a dual-camera setup: a 16MP primary sensor (f/1.7) and a 20MP telephoto lens (f/2.6) for 2x lossless zoom. While innovative, the implementation was inconsistent. The telephoto lens lacked OIS and produced softer images in low light. The primary sensor performed well in good lighting but struggled with color accuracy and HDR processing compared to Samsung’s tuned algorithms.

In head-to-head tests, the S8 delivered more reliable results across conditions. The OnePlus 5 offered versatility with zoom, but often at the cost of image quality. For casual photographers, Samsung’s consistency won out. Enthusiasts who liked experimenting with portrait mode and zoom appreciated OnePlus’ flexibility.

Feature	OnePlus 5	Samsung Galaxy S8
Rear Camera	16MP + 20MP dual lens	12MP single lens (Dual Pixel)
OIS	No (primary only has EIS)	Yes
Low-Light Performance	Good, but inconsistent	Excellent, balanced noise control
Front Camera	16MP f/2.0	8MP f/1.7
Video Recording	4K @ 30fps	4K @ 30fps, slow-mo 1080p @ 240fps

Battery Life and Charging: Dash Charge vs Adaptive Fast Charging

Battery capacity favored the OnePlus 5: 3300mAh versus the S8’s 3000mAh. Despite the smaller battery, Samsung optimized power management well, delivering about a full day of moderate use. However, the real advantage belonged to OnePlus: Dash Charge technology allowed for faster charging without overheating. A 30-minute charge could deliver up to 60% battery, making it ideal for users on the go.

The S8 supported adaptive fast charging and wireless charging—features absent on the OnePlus 5. If you owned a Qi pad or valued cable-free convenience, Samsung had the edge. But if rapid top-ups mattered more, OnePlus’ solution was superior.

Tip: Prioritize Dash Charge if you’re frequently away from outlets. Choose wireless charging if your lifestyle includes desks, cars, or nightstands with charging pads.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah had been using a Galaxy S6 for three years. Her phone was slowing down, the battery barely lasted half a day, and she wanted a modern design. She considered both the S8 and the OnePlus 5. After testing both in-store, she chose the OnePlus 5 for its faster software, lower price ($539 vs $749), and cleaner Android experience.

After six months, she loved the speed and battery charging but missed Samsung’s ecosystem, especially when her Bluetooth earbuds paired inconsistently. She also found herself editing more photos due to less accurate colors from the camera. When her OnePlus 5 cracked after a drop (no official rugged cases available), she switched back to the S8+ the following year, citing reliability and polish as deciding factors.

Sarah’s experience reflects a common trade-off: raw performance and value versus ecosystem integration and refinement.

Step-by-Step: How to Decide Which Phone Was Worth the Upgrade

1. Evaluate your current device: Are you upgrading from a 2–3 year old phone? Both phones would feel like massive leaps in speed and display quality.
2. Assess your priorities: Do you want stock Android and faster updates (OnePlus), or Samsung’s feature-rich software and ecosystem (S8)?
3. Test camera samples: Compare photos taken in your typical environments—indoor lighting, outdoor landscapes, selfies.
4. Consider long-term ownership: Will you keep the phone for 2+ years? Samsung offered longer official update support at the time.
5. Check pricing and availability: The OnePlus 5 was significantly cheaper, making it a compelling value proposition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was the OnePlus 5 faster than the Galaxy S8?

In daily use, both felt equally fast due to identical processors and ample RAM. However, OxygenOS’s lighter interface gave the OnePlus 5 a slight edge in app launch times and UI responsiveness.

Did the Galaxy S8 justify its higher price?

For users already in the Samsung ecosystem, yes. Features like IP68 rating, wireless charging, DeX, and superior camera consistency added tangible value. For budget-conscious buyers, the OnePlus 5 offered 90% of the performance at 70% of the cost.

Could the OnePlus 5 replace a Samsung flagship in 2017?

Yes—but with caveats. It excelled in performance and value, but fell short in camera reliability, durability, and ecosystem depth. It was a flagship killer in specs, but not in holistic experience.

Final Verdict: Was Upgrading Really Worth It?

For users coming from older devices, upgrading to either the OnePlus 5 or Galaxy S8 was absolutely worth it. The leap in display quality, processing power, and overall user experience was dramatic. However, choosing between them depended on individual needs.

The Galaxy S8 was the more complete package: refined, durable, feature-rich, and backed by a global brand with strong support. It set a new standard for Android flagships. The OnePlus 5, meanwhile, proved that a smaller company could compete at the highest level through smart engineering and a focus on core performance. It appealed to purists who wanted speed, clean software, and value without paying a premium.

If you prioritized ecosystem, camera quality, and future-proofing, the S8 was the better investment. If you wanted flagship power at a competitive price and didn’t mind sacrificing water resistance and wireless charging, the OnePlus 5 delivered exceptional bang for the buck.

💬 What was your upgrade experience in 2017? Did you choose innovation or refinement? Share your story and help others reflect on how far smartphone evolution has come.