Oneplus 5t Vs Galaxy S8 Plus Was Upgrading Really Worth It 2

In 2017, the smartphone market saw fierce competition between flagship devices from major brands. Among them, the OnePlus 5T and Samsung Galaxy S8+ stood out as top contenders in the premium mid-range and high-end segments. For users considering an upgrade—especially those moving from older Samsung devices to OnePlus—the decision wasn’t just about specs. It was about daily usability, long-term value, software experience, and whether the change truly delivered a meaningful improvement.

This article dives deep into the real-world differences between these two phones, analyzing not just benchmarks but how they perform in everyday scenarios. Whether you're still on the fence or reflecting on your own upgrade journey, this breakdown will help clarify if switching from the Galaxy S8+ to the OnePlus 5T—or vice versa—was genuinely worthwhile.

Design and Build: Premium Feel vs Practicality

The Galaxy S8+ represented Samsung’s bold move toward edge-to-edge displays with its curved Infinity Display, slim profile, and glass back that screamed premium craftsmanship. Measuring 159.5 x 73.4 x 8 mm and weighing 173g, it felt sleek but slippery without a case. Its IP68 rating offered peace of mind against dust and water exposure—a feature absent in the OnePlus 5T.

In contrast, the OnePlus 5T adopted a more utilitarian approach. At 156 x 75 x 7.5 mm and 165g, it was slightly shorter but wider, with a flat AMOLED display framed by minimal bezels. The aluminum unibody provided durability and better grip, though it lacked any official water resistance. While the S8+ looked futuristic, the 5T prioritized function over flair.

“Samsung focused on pushing design boundaries; OnePlus optimized for what users actually touch and hold every day.” — David Lin, Mobile Hardware Analyst at TechPulse Weekly

Tip: If you frequently use your phone outdoors or near water, the S8+'s IP68 rating gives it a clear advantage despite its slippery build.

Display Quality and Usability

The S8+ featured a 6.2-inch Quad HD+ (1440 x 2960) Super AMOLED panel with HDR support, delivering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent viewing angles. Its higher pixel density made text crisper and media richer—ideal for video consumption and gaming.

The OnePlus 5T used a 6.01-inch Full HD+ (1080 x 2160) Optic AMOLED display. Though technically lower resolution, most users couldn't discern individual pixels during normal use. OnePlus tuned their screen for natural color accuracy out of the box, appealing to photographers and readers who preferred less oversaturation than Samsung’s default settings.

In direct sunlight, both performed well, but the S8+ had a slight edge in peak brightness. However, the 5T supported DC Dimming (in later OxygenOS updates), reducing eye strain at low brightness levels—an increasingly important feature for night-time users.

Display Comparison Table

Feature	OnePlus 5T	Galaxy S8+
Screen Size	6.01 inches	6.2 inches
Resolution	1080 x 2160 (FHD+)	1440 x 2960 (QHD+)
PPI	~401	~529
Panel Type	AMOLED	Super AMOLED
HDR Support	No	Yes
DC Dimming	Yes (via update)	No

Performance and Software Experience

Under the hood, both devices were powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor and came with up to 8GB of RAM (S8+ maxed at 4GB in most regions). On paper, they were evenly matched, but real-world performance diverged due to software optimization.

The OnePlus 5T ran near-stock Android through OxygenOS, known for smooth animations, minimal bloatware, and fast app launches. Updates arrived quickly, often within weeks of Google’s public release. Users praised its responsiveness—even after months of heavy use.

Samsung’s Galaxy S8+, while powerful, ran TouchWiz (later rebranded as Samsung Experience), which added layers of customization and features like Bixby, Secure Folder, and DeX Mode. These tools enhanced functionality but introduced lag in transitions and delayed OS updates. Android Oreo didn’t arrive until early 2018, nearly six months after launch.

Tip: If you value clean software and timely updates, OxygenOS on the 5T offers a more future-proof experience than Samsung's heavily skinned interface at the time.

Real Example: Long-Term Daily Driver Test

Jamal, a digital marketer in Chicago, upgraded from a Galaxy S7 Edge to the OnePlus 5T in December 2017. He previously considered the S8+ but found the price gap too steep for marginal gains. After using the 5T for 18 months, he noted: “The speed never dropped. Apps opened instantly even with hundreds installed. I tried returning to a friend’s S8+ later and was shocked by how sluggish some menus felt. OxygenOS just feels lighter.”

However, Jamal missed Samsung Pay’s MST support (which worked with older magnetic stripe terminals) and occasionally wanted IP68 protection when commuting in heavy rain.

Camera Showdown: Point-and-Shoot vs Computational Tuning

The Galaxy S8+ boasted a single 12MP rear sensor with Dual Pixel autofocus and optical image stabilization. Samsung tuned images for vivid saturation and strong dynamic range, making photos pop on social media. Low-light performance was solid, especially with the f/1.7 aperture.

The OnePlus 5T launched with a dual-camera setup: a primary 16MP Sony IMX398 sensor and a secondary 20MP monochrome unit for depth sensing. While marketed as an upgrade, the second lens was largely unused except for portrait mode, which struggled with edge detection compared to Apple’s implementation.

In daylight, both phones produced sharp, well-exposed images. The S8+ edged ahead in consistency and skin tone accuracy. In low light, the 5T sometimes over-processed, introducing noise reduction artifacts. However, OnePlus allowed manual controls via Open Camera apps, giving enthusiasts more creative freedom.

• S8+ Strengths: Reliable auto mode, excellent HDR, faster focus in mixed lighting
• 5T Strengths: Sharper detail in ideal conditions, better white balance tuning in OxygenOS 5.1+

Battery Life and Charging Speed

The OnePlus 5T packed a 3300mAh battery, slightly smaller than the S8+’s 3500mAh unit. Yet, thanks to aggressive Doze optimizations and the efficiency of OxygenOS, both delivered similar all-day endurance under moderate use.

Where the 5T clearly won was charging speed. With Dash Charge (a licensed version of OPPO’s VOOC), it could reach 60% in 30 minutes—significantly faster than the S8+’s Adaptive Fast Charging (~50% in same timeframe). More importantly, Dash Charge operated at lower temperatures, allowing users to charge while gaming without throttling.

“Fast charging isn’t just convenience—it changes how people interact with their devices. Being able to top up during breakfast means fewer nighttime plug-ins.” — Priya Nair, UX Researcher at Mobile Futures Lab

Was Upgrading Worth It? A Balanced Verdict

For existing Galaxy S8+ owners, switching to the OnePlus 5T offered few compelling reasons unless cost savings or faster updates were priorities. You’d lose water resistance, expandable storage, wireless charging, and ecosystem integration (like Gear VR or Dex).

But for users coming from older Android devices or budget flagships, the OnePlus 5T represented exceptional value. Priced $200–$300 below the S8+, it delivered 90% of the performance at a fraction of the cost. Its clean software, responsive interface, and rapid charging made it a favorite among tech-savvy buyers who didn’t need bells and whistles.

Checklist: Is the OnePlus 5T Right for You?

1. Do you prioritize speed and clean software over brand ecosystem?
2. Are you looking to save money without sacrificing core performance?
3. Do you charge your phone frequently throughout the day?
4. Can you live without IP68 water resistance and wireless charging?
5. Do you prefer natural color calibration over vibrant presets?

If you answered “yes” to most of these, the upgrade likely felt worthwhile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did the OnePlus 5T receive Android Pie?

Yes, the OnePlus 5T received official updates up to Android 9.0 (Pie) with OxygenOS 9.0, released in mid-2019. Security patches continued into 2020, exceeding typical support timelines for phones in its class.

Which phone has better speakers?

The Galaxy S8+ has stereo speakers tuned by AKG, with one earpiece and one bottom-firing speaker. The OnePlus 5T also features dual speakers (earpiece + bottom), but audio output is louder and slightly more balanced, especially in landscape mode for videos.

Can the OnePlus 5T compete with Samsung in customer service?

No. Samsung offers global warranty coverage, retail support through carriers, and repair centers. OnePlus relied heavily on mail-in service and third-party repair networks, which varied significantly by region. This remains a downside for risk-averse users.

Final Thoughts

The debate between the OnePlus 5T and Galaxy S8+ isn’t about which phone is objectively better—it’s about what kind of experience matters most to the user. The S8+ excelled as a polished, full-featured flagship with cutting-edge design and robust ecosystem integration. The 5T succeeded as a no-compromise performer that maximized value, speed, and longevity.

Upgrading was “worth it” only if your definition of value leaned toward raw performance and software agility over luxury finishes and extra features. For many, especially those tired of bloated interfaces and slow updates, the OnePlus 5T wasn’t just a good alternative—it was a breath of fresh air.

💬 Have you made this switch? Share your experience—did the upgrade meet your expectations or fall short? Your insights could help others decide their next move.