The best OnePlus 8T alternatives

The best OnePlus 8T alternatives - 5 other phones to check out before you buy - Android

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The OnePlus 8T has finally been launched, but here are a few alternative phones worth considering.

Credit: David Imel / Android Authority

The OnePlus 8T is finally here, marking the fifth in OnePlus‘ T-series. From high-end silicon and a 120Hz OLED display to super-fast charging and a relatively large battery, there’s plenty to like on paper.

What if the phone doesn’t quite tickle your fancy though? Maybe you’re looking for something a little different or you need even more bang for your buck? This is our list of the best OnePlus 8T alternatives.

1. OnePlus 8 Pro

The same chipset and 120Hz capability as OnePlus 8T
Also has water resistance and wireless charging, but slower wired charging
Available in a variety of markets, including Europe, North America, and India

There’s no OnePlus 8T Pro this year, but even CEO Pete Lau himself has directed fans to the OnePlus 8 Pro if they want a more feature-packed premium experience. And there’s a lot to like about this phone.

Much like the OnePlus 8T, you’ve got a Snapdragon 865 processor, a 120Hz OLED screen, and a 4,500mAh battery. But the OnePlus 8 Pro also stands out with the addition of wireless charging and water resistance.

It’s worth noting that the OnePlus 8 Pro had a launch price of $899, but you’re definitely getting a few more extra features for the price.

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2. OnePlus Nord

Credit: Ryan-Thomas Shaw / Android Authority

Offers recent OnePlus staples at a cheaper price
Slower wired charging and a weaker processor than OnePlus 8T
Available in the likes of Europe and India, but not in North America

Like the idea of the OnePlus 8T but not a fan of the price? Then you need to look at the OnePlus Nord. It offers the core OnePlus experience in a mid-range phone. That means a high refresh rate OLED screen (90Hz), 30W wired charging, Oxygen OS, and 5G capabilities.

There are several compromises to reach this lower price point though, such as slower wired charging versus the 8T, an upper-midrange chipset, and a slightly smaller battery.

Our verdict OnePlus Nord review

When it comes to the camera experience, it’s a clear case of quantity over quality. Aside from the 48MP main and 8MP ultra-wide shooter, the firm chose to also offer a 5MP depth sensor and 2MP macro shooter to bump up the numbers. You’ve also got a dual selfie camera setup for standard and ultra-wide shots. Unfortunately, we weren’t terribly impressed with the photos it produced.

Still, you can do much worse than the Nord if you want a cheaper OnePlus experience, and it definitely seems greater than the sum of its parts.

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3. Poco F2 Pro

One of the more affordable Snapdragon 865 phones in 2020 (and it has a 3.5mm port!)
Lacks the OnePlus 8T’s super-fast charging and high refresh rate display though
General availability is restricted to Europe for the most part

Poco’s 2020 entry offers a somewhat different experience compared to the OnePlus 8T, but it’s still worth considering if you’re on the hunt for an affordable flagship. Expect to find powerful core features here too, such as a Snapdragon 865 SoC, 6GB to 8GB of RAM, and 128GB to 256GB of storage.

Other noteworthy features include a 4,700mAh battery that’s slightly larger than the OnePlus 8T’s pack, 8K recording, a 3.5mm port, and a quad rear camera setup (64MP main, 13MP ultra-wide, 5MP telephoto macro, and 2MP depth). You’re also getting a 20MP pop-up selfie camera too, as opposed to the punch-hole seen on OnePlus’s recent phones.

There are downsides to the Poco F2 Pro though, as the OnePlus device packs much faster wired charging (65W vs 30W), and a high refresh rate. Still, you’re getting one of the more competitive OnePlus 8T alternatives out there for ~$499.

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