Oneplus 5t Vs Galaxy S8 Plus If You Upgraded Was It Really Worth It

When the OnePlus 5T launched in late 2017, it entered a market already captivated by Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S8 Plus. Many users found themselves at a crossroads—stick with Android excellence from Samsung or take a leap toward near-flagship specs at half the price with OnePlus. For those who made the switch, the real question wasn’t just about specs on paper, but whether the upgrade delivered tangible improvements in daily use. Was trading the S8 Plus for the 5T truly worth it?

This article dives into real-world experiences, hardware comparisons, software behavior, and long-term usability to help answer that question—not from a marketing perspective, but from the lens of actual users who lived with both devices.

Design and Build: Premium vs Practical

The Galaxy S8 Plus set a new standard for smartphone design in 2017. With its curved edge-to-edge Infinity Display, glass back, and IP68 water resistance, it felt like holding a piece of futuristic tech. The sleek aluminum frame and subtle curves made it stand out as a premium device, even among other flagships.

In contrast, the OnePlus 5T adopted a more functional approach. It featured a nearly bezel-less 6.01-inch Optic AMOLED display (slightly smaller than the S8 Plus’s 6.2 inches), but with flat edges and a metal body. While still attractive, it lacked the visual drama of Samsung’s offering. No official IP rating meant less peace of mind around water, and the rear fingerprint sensor placement, though improved over earlier OnePlus models, wasn’t as seamless as Samsung’s front-facing iris scanner and facial recognition combo.

Tip: If you frequently use your phone near water or outdoors, the S8 Plus’s IP68 rating offers real-world durability the 5T can't match.

Display and Visual Experience

On paper, the S8 Plus had a clear advantage. Its 1440p Quad HD+ resolution on a larger screen provided sharper text, smoother gradients, and richer HDR support for streaming services. The curved display, while polarizing, offered an immersive experience for videos and gaming.

The OnePlus 5T, however, used a 1080p Full HD+ panel. While still vibrant and accurate thanks to its AMOLED technology, the pixel density was noticeably lower. In side-by-side comparisons, especially when viewing high-resolution photos or reading fine print, the S8 Plus displayed superior clarity.

That said, most average users didn’t report missing the extra resolution. OnePlus tuned their display well, and the taller 18:9 aspect ratio made one-handed use easier despite the large screen. For media consumers who prioritize immersion and color accuracy, the S8 Plus wins. For those who value usability and battery efficiency, the 5T’s display struck a practical balance.

Performance and Software: Speed vs Polish

This is where the OnePlus 5T began to close the gap—and in some cases, surpass—the Galaxy S8 Plus. Both phones used the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor and came with up to 8GB of RAM. Benchmarks showed nearly identical raw performance.

But real-world speed told a different story. OnePlus’s OxygenOS, based closely on stock Android, was snappier in app launches, multitasking, and system navigation. Animations were smoother, bloatware was minimal, and updates arrived faster. Users upgrading from the S8 Plus often remarked how “lighter” the 5T felt despite similar hardware.

Samsung’s Experience UI (then called TouchWiz) brought useful features like multi-window mode, DeX support, and deeper integration with Samsung services. However, it also introduced background processes and visual clutter that some found sluggish over time.

“OxygenOS feels like Android as it should be—fast, clean, and unobstructed. I didn’t realize how much I missed stock Android until I got the 5T.” — Raj M., former S8 Plus owner

Camera Comparison: Daylight vs Low Light

The Galaxy S8 Plus featured a 12MP dual-pixel rear camera known for consistent dynamic range, accurate colors, and excellent stabilization. It excelled in daylight and handled mixed lighting gracefully. Video recording supported 4K at 30fps with steady electronic stabilization.

The OnePlus 5T introduced a dual-camera setup—a first for the brand—with a 16MP primary sensor and a 20MP monochrome secondary lens. While the hardware looked promising, early firmware limited the second sensor to portrait mode only, and image processing lagged behind Samsung’s maturity.

In low-light conditions, the 5T often produced brighter shots, sometimes at the cost of noise and detail. The S8 Plus, meanwhile, preserved more natural tones and better-controlled highlights. Portrait mode on the 5T was usable but inconsistent with edge detection, whereas Samsung’s implementation (on single-lens hardware) was more refined.

By mid-2018, OnePlus improved camera performance through software updates, narrowing the gap significantly. But at launch, the S8 Plus remained the more reliable photographer.

Camera Performance Summary

Feature	Galaxy S8 Plus	OnePlus 5T
Primary Sensor	12MP Dual Pixel	16MP f/1.7
Secondary Sensor	N/A	20MP Monochrome
Low-Light Performance	Natural, balanced	Brighter but noisier
Portrait Mode	Software-based, accurate	Hardware-assisted, inconsistent
Video Recording	4K@30fps, stable	4K@30fps, minor jitter

Battery Life and Charging: A Clear Win for OnePlus

The OnePlus 5T packed a 3300mAh battery compared to the S8 Plus’s 3500mAh. On paper, Samsung should have lasted longer. Yet in practice, many users reported better endurance on the 5T.

Why? Two reasons: software efficiency and charging speed. OxygenOS’s leaner codebase consumed fewer background resources. More importantly, the 5T supported Dash Charge—one of the fastest charging technologies at the time—delivering a full day’s power in under 30 minutes.

The S8 Plus supported fast charging too, but not at the same pace. Adaptive Fast Charging was decent, but required specific chargers and cables. Wireless charging was a plus, but added heat and reduced efficiency.

Tip: If you're always on the move, fast charging can be more valuable than slightly larger battery capacity.

Real User Scenario: Sarah’s Upgrade Journey

Sarah had been using her Galaxy S8 Plus since launch—loving the display, water resistance, and seamless Bixby integration. But after 10 months, she noticed slowdowns, occasional overheating, and frustration with pre-installed apps she couldn’t remove.

She switched to the OnePlus 5T primarily for the price ($449 vs $750 at the time) and curiosity about OxygenOS. Initially, she missed the curved screen and wireless charging. But within a week, she adapted to the flatter design and became reliant on Dash Charge.

“I don’t miss the S8 Plus,” she said. “The camera isn’t quite as good, but everything else feels faster. I get two full days with moderate use, and five minutes of charging gets me through a workday. That alone made the upgrade worth it.”

Is Upgrading from S8 Plus to 5T Worth It? A Checklist

For users considering this upgrade path, here’s a checklist to evaluate your priorities:

• ✅ Looking for faster performance and cleaner software?
• ✅ Want significantly quicker charging?
• ✅ Prefer a more compact form factor with modern 18:9 screen?
• ✅ Willing to trade water resistance and curved display elegance?
• ✅ Prioritize value-for-money over brand ecosystem?

If three or more apply, the OnePlus 5T likely offers a worthwhile upgrade—even from a premium device like the S8 Plus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the OnePlus 5T beat the S8 Plus in daily performance?

Yes, in terms of system responsiveness and app launch speed. Despite similar hardware, OxygenOS’s optimization gives the 5T a perceptible edge in fluidity and multitasking efficiency.

Does the lack of water resistance matter?

It depends on usage. If you often use your phone near sinks, pools, or in rainy climates, the S8 Plus’s IP68 rating provides meaningful protection. The 5T has no official rating, so caution is advised.

Was the OnePlus 5T a true flagship killer?

In 2017–2018, absolutely. It matched or exceeded many flagships in core areas—performance, charging, display size—while costing hundreds less. Against the S8 Plus, it traded prestige for pragmatism and won on value.

Final Verdict: Value Over Vanity

Upgrading from the Galaxy S8 Plus to the OnePlus 5T wasn’t about chasing status. It was a deliberate choice to prioritize speed, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness over luxury finishes and ecosystem perks.

For users deeply embedded in Samsung’s world—using DeX, Gear VR, or Samsung Health—the downgrade in integration might not be worth it. But for independent Android enthusiasts who value control, speed, and real-world battery performance, the 5T delivered a compelling alternative.

The truth is, “worth it” depends on what you value. If you define value by innovation, refinement, and long-term support, the S8 Plus remains impressive. But if you measure worth by daily usability, charging speed, and bang-for-buck, many who upgraded found the OnePlus 5T not just acceptable—but genuinely better.

🚀 Still debating your next move? Reflect on what matters most: seamless performance or premium polish. Your ideal phone isn’t the one with the best specs—it’s the one that fits your life.