Oneplus 6 Vs Samsung Note 8 Is The Newer Oneplus Still Worth It

In 2018, two flagship smartphones stood out for users who wanted premium performance without breaking the bank: the OnePlus 6 and the Samsung Galaxy Note 8. While both were released within months of each other, they represented different philosophies—OnePlus with its \"flagship killer\" approach focused on raw speed and value, and Samsung doubling down on polished hardware, stylus functionality, and brand prestige. Fast forward to today, the question isn’t about launch-day excitement but long-term relevance: Is the OnePlus 6 still worth it compared to the Note 8?

This isn’t just a retrospective—it matters to users considering buying a used device or holding onto an older phone. With software updates, repairability, and daily usability in mind, we break down how these phones hold up nearly six years later.

Design and Build Quality

The OnePlus 6 introduced a glass back with a vertical dual-camera layout, marking a shift from the company’s earlier all-metal designs. It adopted a notch display—a controversial move at the time—which increased screen-to-body ratio but divided opinions. At 177 grams, it felt solid but not overly heavy, and its compact footprint made single-handed use easier than many rivals.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 8, by contrast, featured a sleek, symmetrical design with a 6.3-inch Quad HD+ Super AMOLED display and curved edges. Its build was IP68-rated for dust and water resistance, a feature the OnePlus 6 lacked. The S Pen added functional distinction, allowing for note-taking, drawing, and remote shutter control—features that remain useful even today.

Tip: If you frequently use your phone outdoors or in unpredictable weather, the Note 8’s IP68 rating gives it a real-world durability edge over the OnePlus 6.

Performance and Software Longevity

Under the hood, both devices launched with top-tier specs. The OnePlus 6 packed the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845, up to 8GB of RAM, and UFS 2.1 storage. It ran OxygenOS, a near-stock Android experience known for smooth animations and minimal bloat. This lightweight software contributed to snappy day-to-day performance—even by 2020 standards.

The Note 8 also used the Snapdragon 835 (or Exynos 9810 in some regions), which, while powerful, wasn’t quite as fast as the 845. However, Samsung’s optimization meant it handled multitasking and S Pen features efficiently. More importantly, Samsung provided longer software support: the Note 8 received three major Android updates (up to Android 9 Pie officially, with unofficial ports going further).

OnePlus updated the 6 up to Android 10 via OxygenOS, but dropped official support shortly after. No security patches have been released since 2021. For users concerned about app compatibility and security, this is a critical drawback.

“Software support lifespan often determines a phone’s real-world longevity more than raw specs.” — David Kim, Mobile Analyst at TechLongevity Group

Camera Comparison: Real-World Results

Both phones had dual rear cameras, but their approaches differed. The OnePlus 6 featured a 16MP main sensor (Sony IMX519) and a 20MP telephoto lens. It delivered vibrant colors, excellent dynamic range in daylight, and strong portrait mode effects. Video recording peaked at 4K@30fps, with reliable stabilization.

The Note 8 paired a 12MP f/1.7 wide-angle lens with a 12MP f/2.4 telephoto unit—both co-developed with DxO. While megapixels were lower, the larger pixel size and optical image stabilization (OIS) on both lenses gave it superior low-light performance and more consistent zoom quality. Its video capabilities included 4K@60fps, offering smoother playback than the OnePlus 6.

In head-to-head photo tests from 2018–2019, the Note 8 consistently scored higher in professional reviews for color accuracy, detail retention, and night photography. Today, the difference remains noticeable when viewing full-resolution images.

Camera Feature Breakdown

Feature	OnePlus 6	Samsung Note 8
Main Sensor	16MP, f/1.7	12MP, f/1.7 (OIS)
Telephoto	20MP, f/2.6	12MP, f/2.4 (OIS)
Front Camera	16MP, f/2.0	8MP, f/1.7
Video Max	4K@30fps	4K@60fps
Low-Light Performance	Good	Excellent

Battery Life and Charging

The Note 8 came with a 3300mAh battery, while the OnePlus 6 had a slightly smaller 3300mAh unit as well. In practice, the OnePlus 6 often lasted longer due to OxygenOS’s efficient power management and aggressive background app control. However, Samsung’s adaptive battery and Doze modes helped close the gap over time.

Charging was where OnePlus pulled ahead. The 6 supported Dash Charge, delivering a 60% charge in 30 minutes with minimal heat. The Note 8 relied on standard USB Power Delivery and Adaptive Fast Charging, which were slower and generated more heat. Neither supported wireless charging initially, though the Note 8 could be upgraded via firmware to enable it.

Tip: If you rely on quick top-ups during the day, the OnePlus 6’s Dash Charge remains a compelling advantage—even today.

Real-World Example: Two Users, Six Years Later

Consider two users: Maria kept her OnePlus 6 as a backup phone until 2023. She appreciated its speed and clean interface but noticed increasing friction with modern apps—especially banking and messaging platforms requiring newer Android versions. By late 2022, she could no longer verify her identity on several services due to outdated security protocols.

John used his Note 8 until 2021, primarily for sketching and note-taking with the S Pen. Even after years of use, he found Samsung Notes synced seamlessly across devices, and DeX mode allowed him to turn the phone into a desktop-like interface. When he finally upgraded, he transferred years of handwritten notes effortlessly.

The takeaway? The Note 8 offered better ecosystem integration and longevity through software and accessories, while the OnePlus 6 excelled in pure responsiveness but faltered in long-term usability.

Checklist: Is the OnePlus 6 Still Worth It in 2024?

• ✅ Need a responsive, lightweight phone for basic tasks?
• ✅ Looking for a secondary device for media consumption?
• ✅ Comfortable using third-party ROMs like LineageOS for updates?
• ❌ Concerned about security patches or Google Play Protect warnings?
• ❌ Planning to use mobile banking, work apps, or secure logins regularly?
• ❌ Expecting reliable Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity with modern peripherals?

If most of your answers are “yes” to the first three and “no” to the last three, the OnePlus 6 might still serve you. Otherwise, the risks outweigh the benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the OnePlus 6 run Android 13 or 14?

No, OnePlus never officially released Android 11 or beyond for the 6. However, developers have ported custom ROMs like LineageOS 20 (based on Android 13), which can extend functionality—but without guaranteed security or full hardware compatibility.

Is the S Pen essential on the Note 8?

For creative professionals, students, or anyone who takes frequent handwritten notes, yes. The S Pen offers precision and pressure sensitivity unmatched by touch alone. For casual users, it’s a nice-to-have but not essential.

Which phone holds resale value better?

Historically, Samsung flagships retain value slightly better due to broader consumer trust and longer update cycles. However, both phones now have minimal resale value—typically under $50 in working condition.

Final Verdict: Is the Newer OnePlus Still Worth It?

The OnePlus 6 was newer, faster, and cheaper at launch. But “newer” doesn’t always mean “better in the long run.” The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 offered superior build quality, longer software support, better cameras, and unique functionality with the S Pen. These factors contribute to sustained usability far beyond initial performance benchmarks.

Today, neither phone meets modern baseline expectations for security or app compatibility. But if forced to choose, the Note 8 edges ahead—not because it was faster, but because it was built to last. Its ecosystem integration, IP68 rating, and upgrade path made it more resilient over time.

The OnePlus 6 was a triumph of speed and simplicity, ideal for users who prioritize immediacy over endurance. But for those asking whether it's still worth it in 2024, the answer depends on context. As a daily driver? No. As a retro experiment or secondary device with custom software? Possibly. As a replacement for the Note 8? Not quite.

💬 Have you held onto your OnePlus 6 or Note 8? Share your experience—what worked, what failed, and what surprised you after years of use.