Oneplus 5t Vs Samsung S8 Plus Was It A Mistake To Switch Or Is The S8 Still Better

In 2017 and 2018, two Android flagships dominated mid-to-high-end conversations: the OnePlus 5T and the Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus. One represented aggressive value with near-stock Android and top-tier specs; the other stood for polished design, premium materials, and ecosystem integration. Fast forward several years, and users who made the switch from Samsung to OnePlus—or vice versa—often question whether they made the right choice. Was abandoning the S8 Plus for the 5T a mistake? Or did Samsung’s offering remain superior despite its higher price?

This isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about real-world usability, software longevity, hardware durability, and overall user satisfaction. Let’s break down both phones across key categories to determine where each excels and whether your decision to switch was justified.

Design and Build Quality: Premium vs Practical

The Galaxy S8 Plus set a new standard for smartphone aesthetics in 2017. With its curved AMOLED edges, minimal bezels, glass back, and IP68 water resistance, it felt like holding a piece of futuristic tech. The aluminum frame and refined finish gave it a luxurious presence that many still praise today.

In contrast, the OnePlus 5T took a more functional approach. It featured a metal unibody with slim bezels and a nearly edge-to-edge display, but lacked water resistance and had a flatter, less dynamic visual profile. While solidly built, it didn’t evoke the same sense of premium craftsmanship as the S8 Plus.

Tip: If you prioritize durability and use your phone outdoors often, the S8 Plus’s IP68 rating gives it a clear advantage over the non-water-resistant 5T.

However, practicality matters too. The 5T’s flat screen was easier to protect with standard tempered glass, whereas the S8 Plus required specialized curved protectors—a small but meaningful difference for daily maintenance.

Display: Curved Elegance vs Flat Usability

Samsung’s 6.2-inch Quad HD+ Super AMOLED display on the S8 Plus remains one of the best ever put into a smartphone of its era. Vibrant colors, deep blacks, excellent outdoor visibility, and HDR support made it ideal for media consumption. The curvature added immersion but occasionally caused accidental touches at the edges.

The OnePlus 5T’s 6.01-inch Full HD+ Optic AMOLED panel was no slouch—it offered accurate color reproduction and good brightness—but it couldn’t match the resolution or refinement of Samsung’s display. That said, the slightly smaller size and flat surface made single-handed use more comfortable.

“Samsung’s display technology in 2017 was ahead of its time. Even now, few mid-range devices match the S8 Plus’s screen quality.” — David Kim, Mobile Display Analyst at TechVision Labs

Performance and Software Experience

On paper, the OnePlus 5T had an edge. Equipped with the Snapdragon 835 and up to 8GB of RAM, it delivered snappy multitasking and sustained performance. OxygenOS, OnePlus’s lightweight Android skin, offered fast app launches, smooth animations, and fewer background processes than Samsung’s TouchWiz (later rebranded as One UI).

The S8 Plus also used the Snapdragon 835 (or Exynos 9810 in some regions), so raw processing power was comparable. However, Samsung’s heavier software layer introduced slight lag in navigation and longer boot times. Over time, this could lead to a less fluid experience, especially after multiple OS updates.

Where the 5T truly shined was update speed. OnePlus pushed timely Android version upgrades and security patches faster than Samsung did during that period. For enthusiasts who valued clean, responsive software, this alone made the switch worthwhile.

Camera Comparison: Consistency vs Versatility

Both phones featured single rear cameras—common for their time—but approached photography differently.

The S8 Plus had a 12MP dual-pixel sensor with f/1.7 aperture, optical image stabilization (OIS), and advanced processing algorithms. It produced richly detailed photos with natural color tones, excellent dynamic range, and reliable low-light performance. Its consistency across lighting conditions made it a favorite among casual photographers.

The OnePlus 5T used a 16MP primary sensor (f/1.7) paired with a 20MP monochrome secondary sensor (though only one was active at a time). While capable of sharp images in daylight, its HDR processing was inconsistent, and night shots often suffered from noise and over-sharpening. Video recording capped at 30fps in 4K without OIS, limiting stability.

Feature	OnePlus 5T	Samsung S8 Plus
Rear Camera	16MP + 20MP (monochrome)	12MP Dual Pixel
Front Camera	16MP	8MP
OIS	No	Yes
Video Recording	4K@30fps	4K@30fps
Low-Light Performance	Moderate	Excellent

If photography was a priority, the S8 Plus remained the better choice. But for social media-centric users who preferred quick snaps and liked manual controls via third-party apps, the 5T held its own.

Battery Life and Charging

The S8 Plus packed a 3500mAh battery, while the 5T came with 3300mAh. Despite the smaller capacity, OnePlus managed efficiency well through aggressive Doze modes and minimal bloatware. In real-world usage, both phones lasted a full day under moderate load.

Charging favored OnePlus: Dash Charge allowed the 5T to go from 0% to 60% in just 30 minutes. Samsung’s Adaptive Fast Charging was capable but slightly slower. Neither supported wireless charging out of the box, though the S8 Plus could charge wirelessly with accessories thanks to its glass back.

Tip: To maximize battery lifespan on either device, avoid letting the charge drop below 20% regularly and disable unnecessary background sync.

Long-Term Ownership and Update Support

This is where the narrative shifts significantly. The OnePlus 5T received two major Android OS updates (up to Android 10) and regular security patches until late 2020. By modern standards, that’s respectable for a mid-priced flagship of its time.

The S8 Plus, however, officially received three Android version upgrades (up to Android 9 Pie), with security updates tapering off by 2020. Surprisingly, community developers extended life further via custom ROMs like LineageOS, but stock users were left behind sooner than expected for a premium device.

For users who kept their phones beyond two years, the software stagnation became noticeable. Apps optimized for newer Android versions began running slower, and compatibility issues emerged. Those who switched to the 5T may have initially sacrificed polish, but gained longer usability in return.

Mini Case Study: Alex’s Switch from S8 Plus to 5T

Alex, a digital marketer based in Austin, used his S8 Plus for 18 months before switching to the OnePlus 5T. “I loved how beautiful the Samsung looked,” he said, “but I got frustrated with slow updates and bloated pre-installed apps.” After moving to the 5T, he noticed immediate improvements in app responsiveness and system fluidity. “The screen wasn’t quite as stunning, but everything just *worked* better.” He kept the 5T for nearly three years, citing reliable performance and timely updates as key reasons.

His experience reflects a broader trend: users prioritizing functionality and longevity over aesthetic excellence often found greater satisfaction with OnePlus.

FAQ

Is the OnePlus 5T better than the S8 Plus overall?

It depends on your priorities. The S8 Plus wins in display quality, camera consistency, and build prestige. The 5T excels in software speed, update frequency, and value for money. There’s no definitive “better” phone—only what suits your needs.

Can either phone still be used in 2024?

Possibly, but not optimally. Both lack support for current security patches and modern app requirements. They can function as secondary devices or offline tools, but aren’t recommended for daily drivers due to potential vulnerabilities and performance limitations.

Why did people choose the 5T over the S8 Plus?

Mainly for cost savings, cleaner software, faster charging, and stronger multitasking performance. Enthusiasts appreciated the closer-to-stock Android experience and developer-friendly environment.

Conclusion: Was Switching a Mistake?

Switching from the Samsung S8 Plus to the OnePlus 5T wasn’t a mistake—it was a strategic trade-off. You gave up some premium flair, superior camera output, and brand ecosystem integration, but gained faster performance, leaner software, quicker updates, and better long-term usability.

The S8 Plus remains a landmark device in smartphone history, admired for pushing design boundaries. But admiration doesn’t always translate to daily satisfaction. For users who valued control, efficiency, and responsiveness, the OnePlus 5T delivered a compelling alternative that held up remarkably well over time.

🚀 Still using an older flagship? Share your experience below—was your switch worth it, or would you go back? Join the conversation and help others make informed decisions.