Since the OnePlus 3T series back in 2016, every “T” model in the OnePlus series translates to an upgrade over the previous generation. This continued on even when OnePlus introduced Pro models with the OnePlus 7 series.
However, for this year, things are different for the OnePlus 8T: instead of being an upgrade to the OnePlus 8, the OnePlus 8T is classified as the middle child of the OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 8 Pro—which explains why there is no OnePlus 8T Pro coming this year.
Like its two siblings that launched earlier this year, the OnePlus 8T is powered by a Snapdragon 865 processor. The use of a more powerful Snapdragon 865+ was not an option for OnePlus, as it wants to keep the OnePlus 8T to be priced competitively while offering flagship-grade hardware. Compared to the OnePlus 8, the OnePlus 8T is better on certain aspects, specifically:
- Charging speeds. This time around, the OnePlus 8T gets a new 65w WarpCharge solution, which is faster than the one used on both the OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro. As for the charging brick, the 65w WarpCharge charger uses USB-C instead of USB-A. The battery is also slightly bigger as well at 4500mAh.
- Display. While you only get a flat display unlike the OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro, the OnePlus 8T does have a 120hz refresh rate, giving you a smoother experience compared to the OnePlus 8’s 90hz refresh rate. Resolution is the same as its vanilla sibling at Full HD+, and the same goes for the punch hole location.
- One more rear camera. Unlike the OnePlus 8, the OnePlus 8T will have a quad-rear camera setup. The main and ultra-wide-angle cameras are the same, while the Macro camera is now 5-megapixel and you get an additional 2-megapixel monochrome camera.
- Android 11 out of the box. Android 11 is not officially rolling out yet, but the OnePlus 8T is one of the first phones to have the latest Android software. Aside from that, the OnePlus 8T also runs the latest version of OxygenOS as well.
As it aims to deliver a balance between the OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro (though you get that fast 65w wired charging), the OnePlus 8T is priced at 599 Euros(~Php 34.4k) for the 8GB/128GB model and 699 Euros (~Php 40.1k) for the 12GB/256GB model and will be available in Europe on October 20. European pricing is usually more expensive, so expect the OnePlus 8T’s pricing in the Philippines to be a bit lower.
Aside from the OnePlus 8T, the brand also announced the OnePlus Buds Z, which is an affordable version of the OnePlus Buds but with silicone tips. Priced at $45.99(~Php 2.3k), the Buds Z has features like 10mm drivers, Bluetooth 5.0, IP55 rating, and Dolby Atmos.
The buds last for 5 hours on a single charge and up to 20 hours with the case. Charging the case is done via USB-C, and OnePlus claims that a 10-minute charge will give you 3 hours of listening time. They also come with a “quick switch” feature, where holding down either earbud for three seconds will let you switch between two recently paired devices.