OnePlus 8 Release Date, Price, Cameras, Spec

Image Credit | Gadget.NDTV

Last year was a great one for OnePlus. Both the mid-range OnePlus 7T and flagship OnePlus 7 Pro were top-rated phones in their respective classes, thanks to the fast performance and charging, beautiful 90Hz displays, some impressive photography, and reasonable price tags. But it's 2020 now, and therefore time to look to its next generation of devices, most likely called the OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro.

At CES 2020, OnePlus revealed the Concept One, a concept phone (in case the name didn't make it obvious) that showed off the company's new electrochromic glass tech, a first for smartphones. This glass changes color from opaque to transparent with the application of an electric current and is used on the Concept One to hide the rear cameras until you need them or to act as a filter if you know what you're doing.

Also featuring a leatherback colored in Papaya Orange, the signature color of OnePlus' automotive partner McLaren, and the same cameras, pop-up mechanism, and display as the OnePlus 7T Pro, it's a remarkable phone that looks production-ready, although the company has said there's no plan to make a production version.

As for the phones OnePlus will release this year, the company tends to take an iterative approach to design, improving its smartphones twice a year, so there’s nothing to suggest the company is preparing a radical departure from the general design and feature set established in its current models. Still, early renders hint at a change for the handsets’ front-facing camera arrays, as well as the addition of a fourth, time-of-flight depth-sensing lens on the back of the new Pro variant.

There is also even a third device called the OnePlus 8 Lite, that will make some sacrifices to achieve a lower price. Here is everything we know about the OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 8 Pro.

OnePlus 8 Rumors

OnePlus has confirmed that its next phone will feature a display with a 120-Hz refresh rate. That's a step up from the already smooth 90-Hz refresh in last year's OnePlus flagships. A report says that Verizon will offer a 5G version of the OnePlus 8.

OnePlus 8 Release Date

It’s unlikely we’ll see OnePlus’ next phone debut before May. Going back the last three years, the OnePlus 7 Pro and OnePlus 7 debuted May 14, 2019; the OnePlus 6 was unveiled May 22, 2018; and the OnePlus 5 came out on June 20, 2017.

We rarely about which carriers will offer a phone until it's officially announced, but it's worth keeping an ear out for rumors about the OnePlus 8. OnePlus used to just sell its phones unlocked, but starting with the OnePlus 6T, it's been working with U.S. carriers to broaden the audience for its phones. (T-Mobile offers the OnePlus 7T and OnePlus 7T Pro 5G McLaren; Sprint sells the OnePlus 7 Pro 5G.)

Verizon may be getting into the mix this year, as an Android Police report claims that the carrier is going to offer the OnePlus 8. What's more, Verizon will reportedly sell a 5G version of that phone.

OnePlus 8 Specs

OnePlus has always been at the forefront of flagship hardware, and we expect the OnePlus 8 to be no different. Qualcomm snapdragon will roll out its range-topping Snapdragon 865 chipset next year, which should make its way into the phone maker’s next products.

Beyond that, we know little about the OnePlus 8’s internals at this venture, save for one important aspect: the display. OnePlus introduced its 90-Hz Fluid AMOLED screen with the OnePlus 7 Pro in 2019 and brought the technology over to the cheaper OnePlus 7T Pro this past fall. The 90-Hz refresh rate is faster than the traditional 60Hz refresh rate of most panels, resulting in smoother, more responsive animations.

You'd expect the OnePlus 8 series to at least continue the 90-Hz standard, while the Pro model could potentially see a display size increase to 6.65 inches if those renders are any indication.

A rumor promoted by self-proclaimed “industrial leaker” Max J. on Twitter that OnePlus was looking to ratchet the refresh rate up to 120 Hz seems like it's going to pan out. OnePlus CEO Pete Lau announced on Chinese social network site Weibo that the company has successfully researched and designed a 120-Hz display and will be showing off this new technology soon.

There's no specific mention of the OnePlus 8, but we can be fairly sure that this will be the device that will first use this tech. That would be the highest refresh rate of any smartphone on the market — putting the device on equal footing with the Asus ROG Phone 2 and Razer Phone 2.

OnePlus 8 Design

While particular aspects of OnePlus’ phone design have changed over the last few years, the general proportions and shape really haven’t. Rumors point to the OnePlus 8 continues the company’s trend of large handsets with curved front and rear glass panels and tapered sides, alongside triple- and quadruple-camera stacks serving as centerpieces on the back.

Concept One might give us some hints about OnePlus' future design language, even if the phone itself won't be making it to production. The long stripe down the center of the back is more reminiscent of the OnePlus 7 Pro's centrally-aligned cameras rather than the circular bump with horizontal cameras we saw on the 7T, and that seems to be backed up by other renders, which we will get onto shortly.

On the front, OnePlus looks to continue to chip away at those pesky bezels. Renders from OnLeaks and 91Mobiles, as well as spy shots that surfaced on Weibo in November, suggest the company has elected to stash a front-facing camera module on the screen, hole-punch style. On the Pro variant, it’s even possible this shooter could comprise two lenses — either stashed in the upper-left corner or slightly offset to the right, based on what we've seen from different images.

In November 2019 a blog named TrueTech published what it claimed were leaked schematics of the OnePlus 8 Pro sent from an "anonymous OnePlus official." The sketches do fall largely in line with the renders above, though we're not sure why one of the front views shows a device with a single-lens front-facing camera, while the other depicts a dual-lens module.

It is possible the non-Pro version will inherit the single-lens shooter, though TrueTech doesn't suggest this is the case. Additionally, the blog was supplied with notes on the design that is also purportedly from the company, though many details — like the "TIme of light" rear sensor — are misspelled or strangely explained, which certainly calls the leak's credibility into question.

OnePlus 8 Cameras

OnePlus’ imaging technology has made strides in recent years, though it’s still not quite at parity with Google and Apple’s mobile cameras and the best camera phones.

We don’t know if that could change for the better with the OnePlus 8 series, but we do have a strong suspicion the company will continue its multi-lens approach, potentially adding a light sensor to the back of the OnePlus 8 Pro.

The render from OneLeaks and 91Mobiles depicts a vertically-stacked stripe of three lenses on the back of the OnePlus 8 Pro, flanked by that tiny extra depth camera to the left. We don’t yet have details on the sensors or optics tied to each camera, though in theory, the time-of-flight lens should allow for more precise background bokeh for shallow depth-of-field portraits.

We accept OnePlus will continue to tweak its computational photography algorithms and software, to improve special features like Nightscape Mode, which leaves the shutter open for longer to increase light sensitivity when shooting in darker conditions.

Additionally, the rumored second camera on the front of the OnePlus 8 Pro could either be used to deliver a more accurate Portrait Mode for selfies or offer an ultrawide-perspective lens for group shots.

Wireless Charging

OnePlus has never been apologetic about its distaste for wireless charging. The rationale is that the fastest charging still requires wires, and of course, everyone wants their device to charge quickly. OnePlus’ Warp Charge technology is among the speediest there is, though that’s not to say wireless charging doesn’t offer its own convenience. Consider the fact that the majority of modern flagships offer it, and we think it’s about time OnePlus joins their ranks.

Camera Improvements

Camera improvements: OnePlus hasn’t queried us for pointers on how to better its cameras (the nerve!) But if they were to ask us for advice, we’d tell them they should concentrate on improving the white balance, which had a tendency to paint photos in cooler tones in previous models. We’d also like to see the better low-light performance that doesn’t blow out highlights quite so strongly.

Support All Networks

Native support for all major networks: The OnePlus 7 Pro and 7T can be used on Verizon, though users are required to contact the carrier and make sure a technician provisions their device as LTE-only because neither phone can connect to Big Red’s legacy 3G networks. If OnePlus were to make its next handsets compatible with CDMA bands as well as GSM ones, it would make the process of using one on a carrier that isn’t T-Mobile or AT&T much simpler. So that's why we're heartened by reports that Verizon will offer the OnePlus 8.

OnePlus 8 Said to Have Been Listed on BIS Database With IN2011 Model Number

OnePlus 8 is expected to launch alongside the OnePlus 8 Pro and OnePlus 8 Lite in the first half of this year, however, it hasn't seen its fair share of leaks compared to the other two models. The OnePlus 8 Pro and OnePlus 8 Lite have featured in numerous leaks in the past few months, but the OnePlus 8 has barely featured in such revelations.

Now, the OnePlus 8 is said to have been listed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), however, no real details have emerged from the purported listing. Read on to know more about the reported OnePlus 8 BIS listing.

OnePlus 8 Reportedly Certified By BIS

According to a report by Nashville Chatter Class, an OnePlus smartphone with model number IN2011 has been listed on the BIS database, and it is thought to be the OnePlus 8. The model number fits with other recent leaks, which tipped the OnePlus 8 Pro will feature the model number IN2023.

As we mentioned, nothing significant has been mentioned in the purported BIS listing of the OnePlus 8, beyond tipping its model number. The listing doesn't reveal details like launch date, expected price, or any specifications, and we'll have to wait for further leaks leading up to the launch to learn more about the OnePlus 8.

OnePlus 8 Price

The price for the OnePlus 8 is trickier to down. The OnePlus 7T costs $599, while the OnePlus 7 Pro starts at $629, and OnePlus does not offer the OnePlus 7T Pro in North America. It’s not unusual for the company to increase the price of its phones by anywhere from $30 to $50 from generation to generation, and we’re expecting a similar jump for the OnePlus 8 series. For reference, the OnePlus 6 started at $529, and the OnePlus 5 started at $479.

OnePlus 8 Price In India

OnePlus 8 prices in India are expected to be Rs. 39,999. OnePlus 8 will be expected to be launched on Apr 23, 2020. This is 8 GB RAM / 128 GB internal storage base variant of OnePlus 8 which is expected to available in Black color.

OnePlus 8 Price In Pakistan

The expected price of OnePlus 8 in Pakistan will be at Rs. 89,999. Expected Price of OnePlus in USD is $671.

Finally, OnePlus

Several years ago, when the OnePlus 3 launched at just $399, we weren’t particularly bothered by the successive 3T model costing an extra $40, because even then, $339 was several hundred dollars cheaper than comparable flagships at the time. These days, things are a bit different. The cheapest new iPhone, the iPhone 11, starts at $699 — only $100 more than the $599 OnePlus 7T. Sure,

OnePlus is still undercutting the likes of Apple, Samsung, and Google, though not by as much as it once did. If OnePlus increases the cost of its next handsets in kind, it’ll only make them a tougher sell relative to devices from more established brands.

This is highly unlikely, as OnePlus hasn’t offered a smaller or “Lite” type model since the OnePlus X way back in 2015.

But some of the Tom’s Guide staff would give anything for an OnePlus handset that mostly matches the internals of its larger brethren, yet comes in significantly smaller than the unwieldy 6.55 inches of the OnePlus 7T. Indeed, the company’s offerings have only grown in size year over year, and those who prefer small phones are finding themselves pushed out of OnePlus range of otherwise great devices, which is a shame.

OnePlus 8 Full Specifications

SUMMARY

Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 Plus
Display	6.55 inches (16.64 cm)
Storage	128GB
Rear Camera	Triple (48MP + 16MP + 12MP)
Battery	4000 mAh
RAM	8GB

DISPLAY

Resolution	1080 x 2340 pixels
Display Type	Fluid AMOLED
Screen Size	6.55 inches (16.64 cm)
Pixel Density	393 pixels per inch (PPI)
Touchscreen type	Capacitive
Protection	Corning Gorilla Glass
Screen to body percentage	89.98 %

STORAGE

RAM	8GB
Internal	128GB
Expandable	No

GENERAL

Water-Resistant

Yes

SOFTWARE

Operating System

Android v10 (Q)

CAMERA

Rear	Triple (48MP + 16MP + 12MP)
Selfie	20MP
Rear Camera Features	Digital Zoom, Auto Flash, Face detection, Touch to focus

BATTERY

Removable Battery	No
Type	Li-ion
Capacity	4000 mAh
Fast Charging	Yes

CONNECTIVITY

GPS	Yes, with A-GPS, GLONASS
Bluetooth	v5.0
Wi-Fi	Yes,802.11, b/g/n
Network	4G VoLTE, 4G
USB	Type-C
Voice Over LTE (VoLTE)	Yes
SIM Configuration	Dual, Nano-SIM
NFC Chipset	Yes

PROCESSOR

Chipset	Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 Plus
CPU	2.96 GHz, Single-core, Kryo 485 + 2.42 GHz, Tri core, Kryo 485 + 1.8 GHz, Quad core, Kryo 485
Graphics	Adreno 640
Architecture	64 bit
No of Cores	8 (Octa Core)

SENSORS

Accelerometer	Yes
Gyroscope	Yes
Fingerprint sensor	Yes, On-screen
Other Sensors	Compass, Light sensor, Proximity sensor

SOUND

Speaker	Yes
Audio Jack	Type-C