The next flagship OnePlus phone was revealed in a live stream presentation, showing off a sleek chassis embodied with a 6.5-inch screen and new integrations for 5G connections.
According to Tom’s Guide, the device was leaked earlier in a series of product listings on a UK retailer, showing off two different versions. The listings also disclosed some specifications, including OnePlus 8’s larger display and SIM-free features. At face value, its image showed an embedded front camera and a bigger screen-to-body ratio.
CEO Pete Lau eventually shared more information on the devices over OnePlus’ forums and hinted at a new direction to use more glass over plastic components. This includes enclosing the device with a glass back and matte finish.
The Pro model pushes its display upgrades forward with a 6.78-inch OLED display running at a 1440p resolution. It also boasts a 120Hx screen for a smooth UI, powered by its Snapdragon 865 core. Its live stream presentation put an RGB-type technology forward for adding vibrant colours to images. The screen’s brightness can also go up to 1200 nits with automatic colour temperatures based on environment or user settings.
Its cameras are coming at an increased 48MP wide, ultrawide and 8MP telephoto lens. A third additional camera also adds a 5mp color filter for dynamic shots. The three cameras stack vertically in its sleek exterior while its own Camera app will allow for fluid use with a tap. An upgraded sensor reduces noise for images, even when zoomed into objects.
Its 5G integration was the biggest talking point during the livestream. U.S. owners can access the connection through an exclusive offer with Verizon. On the power side, the OnePlus 8 features a 4300mAh battery, with the OnePlus 8 Pro boasting a 4510mAh and wireless charging. These larger batteries ensure you should achieve a solid day of battery based on use, although as with anything technology related, we will need to test it out before we can give a firm comment on how the battery holds up to real-world testing.
The vanilla OnePlus 8 model shares its own upgrades which follow closely to the Pro’s features. Its 6.55mm display was touted as bigger than the iPhone Pro’s while the weight was reduced to 180g – making it one of the company’s lightest phones.
Further OnePlus 8 specs were confirmed in the livestream, showing off a FHD+ display at 2400×1080, while its brightness comes close to the Pro at 1100 Nits. The device also gives 40% less blue light for late usability and a 20:9 aspect ratio across its UIX. More importantly, users move past the 60Hz barrier as the OnePlus 8 will come in a 90Hz display.
As with all OnePlus devices, the OnePlus 8 comes installed with their special version of Android, OxygenOS, that in past has felt like a good mix between stock Android, while still offering enough new to take advantage of the unique features OnePlus bake into their devices. It also no longer features the pop-up camera and ops for the hole-punch style front-facing 16-megapixel (f/2.45) camera on the OnePlus 8 Pro, and a 16-megapixel (f/2.0) on the OnePlus 8.
The OnePlus 8 launches over digital mobile retailers in Canada on April 29 at $699 USD ($1,099 CAD) for the 8GB and 128GB model. The higher 12 and 256GB GB model comes slightly more at $799 ($899 CAD).
Its OnePlus 8 Pro model releases on the same day at $899 USD for the 8GB and 128GB model ($1,399 CAD), while its 12GB and 256GB version is priced at $999 USD ($1,549 CAD).
