Oneplus 8 Vs Galaxy S8 In 2024 Is Upgrading Really Worth It Or Am I Wasting Money

It's been years since the Samsung Galaxy S8 and OnePlus 8 hit the market, yet thousands of users still rely on these devices daily. The Galaxy S8 launched in 2017 as a flagship with an edge-to-edge display and IP68 rating; the OnePlus 8 arrived in 2020 boasting 90Hz refresh rates, flagship Snapdragon performance, and fast charging. Now, in 2024, if you're still using either — especially the S8 — the question isn't just about preference. It's practical: Should you upgrade from your aging device, or are you throwing good money after old tech?

The answer depends on your needs, budget, and expectations. While both phones were groundbreaking in their time, technology has moved fast. Let’s break down whether upgrading from a Galaxy S8 to a OnePlus 8 (or holding onto either) makes financial and functional sense in 2024.

Performance and Hardware: A Generational Leap

The hardware gap between the Galaxy S8 and OnePlus 8 is massive — nearly four years of advancement in processors, RAM, storage, and thermals.

The Galaxy S8 runs on the Exynos 8895 or Snapdragon 835 (depending on region), paired with 4GB of RAM. By 2024 standards, this setup struggles with multitasking, modern app demands, and even basic OS animations. Many apps now require background services that the S8 simply can’t sustain without lag or crashes.

In contrast, the OnePlus 8 uses the Snapdragon 865, 8GB or 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM, and UFS 3.0 storage. Even in 2024, this combination handles most tasks smoothly — social media, streaming, productivity tools, and even mid-tier gaming like Genshin Impact at medium settings.

Tip: If your current phone takes more than 2 seconds to open common apps like WhatsApp or Chrome, it’s likely slowing down your daily efficiency.

Real-World Example: Daily Use in 2024

Consider Maria, a freelance designer who held onto her Galaxy S8 for sentimental reasons. By early 2023, she noticed delays when switching between Figma, Gmail, and Slack. Rendering thumbnails took seconds. Notifications arrived late. After upgrading to a OnePlus 8 (refurbished, under $250), her workflow improved dramatically. App launches became instant, split-screen multitasking worked reliably, and video calls no longer froze mid-conversation.

This isn’t just about speed — it’s about usability. In 2024, a sluggish phone doesn’t just frustrate; it costs time.

Software Support and Security: The Hidden Lifespan Factor

Software updates are where the Galaxy S8 falls hardest. Samsung ended major Android updates for the S8 with Android 9 Pie. Security patches stopped entirely by 2020. That means over four years without critical security fixes — a serious risk in an era of mobile banking, two-factor authentication, and phishing attacks.

The OnePlus 8, while not eternal, received three major Android upgrades (up to Android 13) and four years of security patches. As of 2024, it may still receive occasional patch updates depending on region and carrier, but official support has largely concluded. Still, being on Android 13 offers better encryption, permission controls, and app compatibility than Android 9.

“Devices stuck on outdated OS versions are prime targets for malware disguised as legitimate apps.” — David Lin, Mobile Security Analyst at CyberShield Labs

Running an unsupported OS increases exposure to vulnerabilities. Even casual browsing becomes riskier when core system protections aren’t updated.

Camera Comparison: More Than Just Megapixels

Cameras age faster than any other smartphone component due to rapid advancements in computational photography.

The Galaxy S8 features a single 12MP rear sensor with decent low-light performance for its time, but lacks Night Mode, HDR+, or AI scene optimization. Front camera is 8MP with average dynamic range.

The OnePlus 8 introduces a dual-camera system: 48MP main + 16MP ultra-wide. While the marketing emphasized resolution, the real improvements lie in software processing — better color accuracy, faster autofocus, and usable wide-angle shots. Its Nightscape mode significantly outperforms the S8 in dim environments.

Feature	Galaxy S8	OnePlus 8
Rear Camera	12MP (f/1.7)	48MP + 16MP ultra-wide
Front Camera	8MP	16MP
Video Recording	4K@30fps	4K@30/60fps
Night Mode	No	Yes
Stabilization	OIS + EIS	OIS + EIS

If you regularly share photos on social media, document work, or value clear video calls, the OnePlus 8 delivers noticeably better output — especially in varied lighting.

Battery Life and Charging: Efficiency Matters

The Galaxy S8 packs a 3000mAh battery with 15W fast charging. In 2017, this was acceptable. Today, it barely lasts a full day with light use and degrades significantly if the battery hasn’t been carefully maintained.

The OnePlus 8 steps up with a 4300mAh cell and Warp Charge 30T, capable of going from 0% to 70% in 30 minutes. Even with age, its battery management remains efficient thanks to the newer chipset and adaptive battery features in OxygenOS.

But here’s the catch: batteries degrade. If you’re considering a used OnePlus 8, check the battery health. A unit with 75% capacity will behave like the S8 did in 2019 — needing midday top-ups.

Step-by-Step: Evaluating Upgrade Value

1. Assess your current pain points: Does your S8 freeze, fail to install apps, or die before noon?
2. Check app compatibility: Try installing Google Messages, Instagram, or Zoom. If they don’t run or crash, upgrade.
3. Determine security needs: Are you using mobile banking or storing sensitive data? Outdated OS = higher risk.
4. Research refurbished prices: Refurbished OnePlus 8 units start around $200–$250. Compare to newer budget options like Pixel 7a or Galaxy A54.
5. Calculate long-term cost: Spending $250 on a phone with near-end-of-life support may be less wise than saving $100 more for a device supported until 2027.

Is Upgrading from S8 to OnePlus 8 Worth It in 2024?

For a Galaxy S8 user, moving to a OnePlus 8 in 2024 is absolutely worthwhile — but with caveats.

You’ll gain:

• Massively improved performance
• Modern app compatibility
• Better cameras and video calling
• Faster charging and longer battery life
• More secure software environment

However, consider this: the OnePlus 8 is already four years old. You’re jumping from one aging platform to another. While it performs well now, future app updates may begin to strain it by 2025. You won’t get Android 15, and long-term reliability decreases.

Tip: Instead of buying a 2020 phone in 2024, look at 2022–2023 models like the Pixel 6a or Galaxy S21 FE — often priced similarly but with longer software support.

Checklist: Before Buying a OnePlus 8 in 2024

• ✅ Verify battery cycle count (under 500 cycles ideal)
• ✅ Confirm it’s not carrier-locked
• ✅ Check for screen burn-in (common on older OnePlus OLEDs)
• ✅ Ensure it runs OxygenOS 13 or latest available
• ✅ Test all ports, buttons, and biometrics
• ✅ Prefer models with original charger and cable

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Galaxy S8 still be used safely in 2024?

Possibly for very basic tasks — calls, texts, offline music. But avoid online banking, email, or social logins due to lack of security patches. It’s increasingly vulnerable to exploits targeting outdated Android versions.

Is the OnePlus 8 future-proof in 2024?

No phone from 2020 is truly future-proof. The OnePlus 8 will handle daily use through 2025 for most people, but expect slower performance with heavier apps and no further OS updates beyond Android 13.

Should I upgrade to a newer phone instead?

If you can stretch your budget slightly, yes. Phones like the Pixel 8a ($499) or Samsung Galaxy A54 ($449) offer five years of updates, better efficiency, and modern features like satellite SOS or advanced AI photo editing.

Final Verdict: Upgrade Smartly, Not Just Because You Can

Moving from a Galaxy S8 to a OnePlus 8 in 2024 is a smart short-term upgrade — it restores functionality, improves safety, and brings your experience into the modern mobile era. But it’s not a long-term solution.

If you're spending money, aim for longevity. A slightly higher investment today in a device with active software support can save you from repeating this decision in 12 months. However, if budget is tight and you need a reliable step up immediately, a well-maintained OnePlus 8 is far better than clinging to a seven-year-old phone.

Technology should serve you, not slow you down. Whether you choose to upgrade or hold on, make the decision based on real utility — not nostalgia.

💬 Have you upgraded from an S8 or OnePlus 8 recently? Share your experience — what worked, what didn’t — and help others decide wisely.