Oneplus 7 Pro Vs Iphone 8 Plus Is The Newer Phone Really Worth The Upgrade

For users still holding onto an iPhone 8 Plus, the question isn’t just about whether a new phone performs better—it’s about whether the upgrade makes sense in terms of value, usability, and long-term satisfaction. The OnePlus 7 Pro, released in 2019 as a flagship killer, offers a stark contrast in design, speed, and features compared to Apple’s 2017 workhorse. But does that automatically mean it's the better choice for someone coming from the iPhone ecosystem?

The answer depends on what you prioritize: iOS continuity, app optimization, and build reliability—or raw performance, screen quality, and future-proofing. Let’s break down the key differences and see if switching is more than just a spec sheet victory.

Design and Display: A Generational Leap

The most immediate difference between the two phones is the display. The iPhone 8 Plus features a 5.5-inch Retina HD LCD with a 16:9 aspect ratio and thick bezels. While sharp and color-accurate, it feels dated next to modern smartphones. In contrast, the OnePlus 7 Pro boasts a 6.67-inch QHD+ Fluid AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate—something Apple wouldn’t adopt until years later.

This higher refresh rate makes scrolling, gaming, and general navigation feel significantly smoother. The edge-to-edge, curved design with a pop-up front camera eliminates the notch, offering a truly immersive viewing experience. For media consumption or reading, the OnePlus 7 Pro is objectively superior.

Tip: If you frequently watch videos or read on your phone, the 90Hz display on the OnePlus 7 Pro reduces eye strain and enhances visual fluidity.

However, the iPhone 8 Plus has advantages too. Its compact size fits comfortably in one hand, and its aluminum-and-glass build feels premium despite being older. The OnePlus 7 Pro is larger and heavier, which may not suit all users. Additionally, Apple’s IP67 water resistance rating gives it a slight edge over the OnePlus 7 Pro, which lacks official waterproof certification.

Performance and Software Experience

Under the hood, the OnePlus 7 Pro runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 with up to 12GB of RAM, while the iPhone 8 Plus uses Apple’s A11 Bionic chip with 3GB of RAM. On paper, the OnePlus has more memory, but Apple’s tight hardware-software integration means the A11 still handles daily tasks efficiently—even in 2024.

That said, real-world performance tells a different story. Apps launch faster on the OnePlus 7 Pro. Multitasking is smoother. High-end games run at maximum settings without throttling. And Android 10 (upgradable to Android 11) offers greater customization than iOS 16, which is the last update available for the iPhone 8 Plus.

“Even three years after release, the OnePlus 7 Pro feels like a current-generation device in daily use.” — TechRadar, 2022 Smartphone Retrospective

But software longevity favors Apple. The iPhone 8 Plus received five major iOS updates—far exceeding typical Android support. Meanwhile, the OnePlus 7 Pro was promised only two OS upgrades and three years of security patches, now expired. This means no Android 12 or later, leaving it vulnerable to newer security threats.

If you rely on seamless iCloud integration, iMessage, FaceTime, or AirDrop, switching to Android requires adjustment. Contacts, messages, and photos need migration, and some services (like Google Messages vs. iMessage blue bubbles) may feel like a downgrade.

Camera Comparison: Quality vs. Consistency

The iPhone 8 Plus was praised for its portrait mode and excellent color science. Its dual 12MP rear cameras (wide and telephoto) produce natural-looking photos with accurate skin tones and strong dynamic range. It excels in daylight and well-lit environments, though low-light performance lags behind modern standards.

The OnePlus 7 Pro introduces a triple-camera system: 48MP main sensor, 8MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom, and a 16MP ultra-wide lens. This versatility allows for creative framing—shooting landscapes or group shots without stepping back. The primary sensor captures more detail, especially when zoomed digitally.

Feature	iPhone 8 Plus	OnePlus 7 Pro
Main Camera	12MP f/1.8	48MP f/1.6 (sensor binning to 12MP)
Zoom	2x optical	3x optical, up to 10x digital
Ultra-Wide Lens	No	Yes (117° FoV)
Front Camera	7MP f/2.2	16MP f/2.0 (pop-up)
Low-Light Performance	Moderate	Better with Nightscape mode

In practical use, the OnePlus 7 Pro offers more flexibility, but image processing can be inconsistent. Early firmware versions struggled with oversharpening and HDR artifacts. Apple’s computational photography delivers reliable results every time—fewer surprises, even if less flashy.

Battery Life and Charging: Speed vs. Longevity

The iPhone 8 Plus packs a 2,691mAh battery. With moderate use, it lasts a full day, though heavy usage often requires a midday charge. It supports 18W fast charging—but only with an adapter not included in the box. Most users stick to the standard 5W charger, resulting in slow top-ups.

The OnePlus 7 Pro counters with a 4,000mAh battery and Warp Charge 30T, capable of going from 0% to 70% in 30 minutes. This is a game-changer for busy users who need quick bursts of power. Real-world testing shows it consistently outlasts the iPhone 8 Plus by several hours under similar conditions.

Tip: Use the OnePlus 7 Pro’s adaptive battery settings to extend lifespan; avoid keeping it plugged in past 100%.

However, battery degradation over time is inevitable. After five years, both devices will show wear, but the iPhone’s optimized power management may preserve usability longer. Still, the sheer capacity and charging speed of the OnePlus make it a clear winner for energy demands.

Real-World Upgrade Scenario: Sarah’s Switch

Sarah had used her iPhone 8 Plus since 2018. By 2023, she noticed apps loading slower, storage filling up, and the camera struggling in dim lighting. She considered an iPhone 11 or 12 but found them over budget. Instead, she bought a refurbished OnePlus 7 Pro for $220.

Her first week was challenging—migrating WhatsApp data took effort, and she missed iMessage. But within days, she appreciated the larger screen for emails, the smoothness of 90Hz, and how quickly the phone charged. She loved the ultra-wide lens for travel photos and found the extra RAM kept apps open longer.

After two months, she reported feeling “like I’ve stepped into the future.” The trade-offs were minor compared to the gains. Her only regret? Not upgrading sooner.

FAQ

Can I transfer my data easily from iPhone to OnePlus 7 Pro?

Yes. Use Google’s “Switch to Android” app during initial setup. It migrates contacts, calendars, photos, and messages (except iMessages). Some third-party apps require manual re-login.

Is the OnePlus 7 Pro still secure in 2024?

Official security updates ended in 2021. While the phone remains functional, it lacks patches for newer vulnerabilities. Avoid storing sensitive financial data or using outdated apps from untrusted sources.

Does the pop-up camera on the OnePlus 7 Pro break easily?

OnePlus tested it for over 300,000 cycles—equivalent to five years of aggressive use. It retracts automatically if it detects a drop. Real-world reports show high durability, though sand or liquid exposure could cause issues.

Final Verdict: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

For most iPhone 8 Plus users, upgrading to the OnePlus 7 Pro represents a meaningful leap in display quality, performance, camera versatility, and charging speed. If you value responsiveness, multitasking, and a modern smartphone experience, the OnePlus delivers exceptional value—especially at discounted prices today.

But consider the trade-offs: no ongoing software support, loss of iOS ecosystem benefits, and potential adaptation challenges. If you depend on AirPods, Apple Watch, or rely heavily on iMessage, staying within Apple’s ecosystem might be wiser—even with older hardware.

• You should upgrade if: You want a faster, smoother, more immersive phone and don’t mind switching ecosystems.
• You should wait or stay if: You prioritize long-term software updates, seamless Apple integration, or plan to buy a new iPhone soon.

“The OnePlus 7 Pro wasn’t just competitive with flagships—it redefined what affordable excellence looked like.” — Marques Brownlee, MKBHD

🚀 Ready to take the plunge? Evaluate your priorities—speed and screen vs. ecosystem and updates—and make the move that aligns with how you actually use your phone every day.