Oneplus 8t Vs Samsung S20 Is The Newer Model Really Worth The Upgrade

When deciding between flagship smartphones from just a year apart, it’s easy to assume that the newer model automatically wins. But in the case of the OnePlus 8T and the Samsung Galaxy S20, the answer isn’t so straightforward. Both devices launched within months of each other—Samsung in early 2020, OnePlus later that same year—and targeted similar premium audiences. While the 8T arrived with refinements and faster charging, the S20 offered a more polished ecosystem and advanced camera system. So, is upgrading from the S20 to the 8T—or choosing the 8T over a used S20—actually worth it? Let’s break down the real differences.

Design and Build Quality

The Galaxy S20 and OnePlus 8T take different approaches to design. The S20 features a sleek glass-and-metal construction with an IP68 water and dust resistance rating—something that remains a standout feature for durability. Its curved AMOLED display gives it a premium look but can introduce glare and accidental touches. At 163g, it's relatively light for a flagship.

In contrast, the OnePlus 8T opts for a flatter display, reducing edge distortion and improving usability. It weighs slightly more at 188g, which gives it a more substantial feel in hand. While it also uses Gorilla Glass 5 on both front and back, it lacks official IP certification, making it less reliable in wet conditions despite anecdotal splash resistance.

Tip: If you frequently use your phone outdoors or near water, the S20’s IP68 rating offers tangible peace of mind—even if the 8T feels better to hold.

Display and User Experience

Both phones support 120Hz refresh rates, a major leap in smoothness over standard 60Hz screens. However, the implementation differs. The S20 dynamically adjusts between 60Hz and 120Hz based on content, helping preserve battery. The 8T, at launch, locked 120Hz to 1080p resolution, forcing a trade-off between sharpness and fluidity—a limitation later patched but still not as seamless.

The S20 has a slightly smaller 6.2-inch Quad HD+ (3200x1440) Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, while the 8T offers a 6.55-inch Full HD+ (2400x1080) Fluid AMOLED. In practice, the difference in pixel density is minimal, but the S20’s panel wins in color accuracy, peak brightness, and HDR performance, especially noticeable when streaming high-quality video.

“Samsung’s displays continue to set the benchmark for color science and outdoor visibility.” — Marques Brownlee, Tech Reviewer

Performance and Software Comparison

Under the hood, both devices are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865, ensuring nearly identical day-to-day performance. Apps launch quickly, multitasking is smooth, and gaming at high settings is effortless on either device. Neither suffers from thermal throttling under normal use, though extended gaming sessions may cause the 8T to warm up slightly faster due to its thinner cooling system.

Software experience diverges significantly. The S20 runs Samsung’s One UI over Android, packed with customization, productivity tools, and long-term update promises. Samsung committed to three major Android OS updates and four years of security patches—a rarity among Android OEMs at the time.

The OnePlus 8T ships with OxygenOS, known for its clean, near-stock Android feel and intuitive gestures. While many users prefer its simplicity, OxygenOS received fewer long-term enhancements post-launch compared to One UI. Additionally, OnePlus later merged OxygenOS with Oppo’s ColorOS, leading to mixed user reactions about future bloat and update consistency.

Update Policy Comparison

Feature	Samsung Galaxy S20	OnePlus 8T
Android Major Updates	3 (up to Android 13)	2 (up to Android 12, later extended to 13)
Security Updates	4 years	3 years
UI Evolution	One UI consistently improved	Merged into ColorOS, interface changed

Camera: Who Shoots Better?

This is where the S20 pulls ahead decisively. It features a triple-camera setup: 12MP main (f/1.8), 64MP telephoto (3x hybrid zoom), and 12MP ultra-wide. The 8T counters with a 48MP main (f/1.7), 16MP ultra-wide, 5MP macro, and 2MP monochrome sensor—an arrangement that includes lower-value dedicated lenses.

In real-world use, the S20 delivers superior dynamic range, more consistent color reproduction, and far better zoom capabilities. Its Space Zoom goes up to 30x (though best at 3–10x), while the 8T lacks optical zoom entirely, relying on digital cropping. Night mode on the S20 captures brighter scenes with less noise, and video recording supports 8K at 24fps, versus 4K on the 8T.

The 8T does offer a brighter aperture and improved low-light processing in its primary camera, and some users prefer its more natural skin tones in daylight. But overall, the S20’s versatility and computational photography make it the better all-around shooter.

Tip: If you regularly take photos in varied lighting or zoomed-in shots, the S20’s telephoto lens alone may justify sticking with it over the 8T.

Battery Life and Charging: Where OnePlus Shines

The OnePlus 8T brings a clear advantage in charging speed. With 65W Warp Charge, it can go from 0% to 100% in just 39 minutes—unmatched in its class. The S20, with 25W fast charging (and only 15W included in-box), takes over 70 minutes to fully charge, despite having a slightly smaller 4000mAh battery.

However, the 8T compensates with a larger 4500mAh cell, giving it a modest edge in endurance. Real-world usage shows the 8T lasting about 4–5 hours of screen-on time, compared to 3.5–4.5 on the S20, depending on network and brightness settings.

Wireless charging is present on both, but the S20 supports reverse wireless charging—handy for powering up earbuds or a smartwatch in a pinch. The 8T omits this feature, focusing instead on sheer speed.

Charging & Battery Summary

• OnePlus 8T: 4500mAh, 65W wired, no reverse wireless
• Samsung S20: 4000mAh, 25W wired, 15W wireless, reverse wireless charging

Real-World Example: Alex’s Upgrade Dilemma

Alex owned a Galaxy S20 since March 2020 and considered switching to the OnePlus 8T in late 2021 for the faster charging and higher-rated reviews around responsiveness. After testing both side-by-side for a week, he decided to keep the S20. “The camera made the difference,” he said. “I take a lot of photos during weekend hikes, and the S20’s zoom lets me capture distant details without losing quality. The 8T charges fast, but I usually charge overnight anyway.”

Alex’s case highlights a key point: perceived upgrades depend heavily on personal usage. For power users who prioritize speed and daily convenience, the 8T delivers. For those invested in media creation or ecosystem integration, the S20 holds up remarkably well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the OnePlus 8T outlast the Samsung S20 in daily use?

Yes, in terms of raw battery capacity and charging speed, the 8T has an edge. However, the S20’s software optimizations and adaptive refresh rate help balance efficiency. Over a full day, both perform similarly unless you're constantly recharging on the go.

Is the OnePlus 8T better for gaming?

Not significantly. Both use the same processor and have excellent thermal management. The 8T’s flat screen may reduce accidental touches during gameplay, but the S20’s superior display brightness and HDR support enhance visual immersion, especially in dark environments.

Should I upgrade from the S20 to the 8T now?

Only if fast charging is a top priority and you don’t rely on water resistance or advanced camera features. Otherwise, the improvements are incremental, and you might be better off waiting for a generational leap or considering newer models altogether.

Final Verdict: Is the Newer Model Worth It?

The OnePlus 8T is not objectively “better” than the Samsung Galaxy S20—it’s different. It refines aspects OnePlus fans love: fast charging, clean software, and responsive performance. But it sacrifices key advantages Samsung built into the S20: IP68 rating, superior camera hardware, adaptive display resolution, and longer software support.

If you’re choosing between them today—especially in the refurbished or secondhand market—the S20 offers more balanced longevity, particularly for photographers and travelers. The 8T excels for users who hate waiting for batteries and prefer a simpler Android experience.

Ultimately, newer doesn’t always mean better. Evaluate what matters most: durability, camera, charging speed, or ecosystem. Make your decision based on how you use your phone, not just spec sheets.

💬 Have you switched from the S20 to the 8T—or vice versa? Share your experience and help others decide whether this upgrade path makes sense for their lifestyle.