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This time around, we’re comparing the Samsung Galaxy S21+ vs OnePlus 8T. Both of these smartphones are high-end offerings, even though the Galaxy S21+ is now one generation ahead of the OnePlus 8T. Still, considering the price of the Galaxy S21+, many of you are probably wondering if it’s worth getting it, or should you get something more affordable, like the OnePlus 8T.
Well, that’s something we’ll try to help you decide. We’ll give you some information about both devices in this comparison, and let you decide what’s the best course of action. As per usual, we’ll kick things off by listing their specifications, and move from there. We’ll touch upon their designs, displays, performance, battery life, cameras, and audio performance. That being said, let’s kick off the Samsung Galaxy S21+ vs OnePlus 8T comparison, shall we.
Specs
| Samsung Galaxy S21+ | OnePlus 8T | |
| Screen size | 6.7-inch FullHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display (120Hz adaptive refresh rate) | 6.55-inch fullHD+ Fluid AMOLED (120Hz) |
| Screen resolution | 2400 x 1080 | 2400 x 1080 |
| SoC | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 or Samsung Exynos 2100 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 |
| RAM | 8GB (LPDDR5) | 8GB / 12GB LPDDR4X |
| Storage | 128GB/256GB, non-expandable | 128GB/256GB UFS 3.1; Non-Expandable |
| Rear cameras | 12MP (f/1.8 aperture, 1.8um pixel size, OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF) 12MP (f/2.2 aperture, 1.4um pixel size, 120-degree FoV) 64MP (f/2.0 aperture, 0.8um pixel size, OIS, PDAF, Hybrid Optic 3X, 30X Space Zoom) |
48MP (Sony IMX586, f/1.7, 0.8um, OIS, EIS) 16MP (ultra-wide, Sony IMX481, f/2.2 aperture, 123-degree FoV) 5MP (macro, 3cm focal length) 2MP (monochrome) |
| Front cameras | 10MP (f/2.2 aperture, 1.22um pixel size, 80-degree FoV, Dual Pixel AF) | 16MP (Sony IMX471, f/2.4, 1.0um, EIS, Fixed Focus) |
| Battery | 4,800mAh, non-removable, fast battery charging, Fast Wireless Charging 2.0, Wireless PowerShare | 4,500mAh, non-removable, 65W fast battery charging |
| Dimensions | 161 x 75.6 x 7.8mm | 160.7 x 74.1 x 8.4mm |
| Weight | 202 grams | 188 grams |
| Connectivity | 5G, LTE, NFC, Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi, USB Type-C | 5G, LTE, NFC, Bluetooth 5.1, Wi-Fi, USB Type-C |
| Security | In-display fingerprint scanner (ultrasonic) | In-display fingerprint scanner (optical) |
| OS | Android 11 One UI 3.0 |
Android 11 OxygenOS 11 |
| Price | $999.99 | €599 / €699 (8GB & 12GB) ; $749 (12GB only) |
| Buy | Samsung | OnePlus |
Samsung Galaxy S21+ vs OnePlus 8T: Design
Both the Galaxy S21+ and OnePlus 8T are made out of metal and glass. The two devices actually do offer similar dimensions, though the OnePlus 8T is a bit thicker, and it does feel thicker in the hand. Speaking of which, the Galaxy S21+ is heavier, and that is something you’ll also notice, even though the difference is only 12 grams. Both phones have extremely thin bezels, and both offer flat displays.
Both devices are curved on the back, towards the edges. You’ll notice that each of them has a display camera hole, though those holes are placed in different spots. The Galaxy S21+ includes a display camera hole in the top-left corner, while the OnePlus 8T’s is centered. The rear camera housings are completely different in comparison. The Galaxy S21+’s is protected by metal, as it’s an extension of the phone’s frame. The OnePlus 8T’s, on the other hand, is a regular one, and it also sits in the top-left corner.
The Galaxy S21+ is slightly taller and wider than the OnePlus 8T. On top of that, it is 0.6mm thinner, and it’s also 12 grams heavier. You’ll feel the heft with both of these phones, to be quite honest. Neither of them is light, but they are noticeably lighter than the Galaxy S21 Ultra, for example. Both devices are well-made, the quality build is noticeable. When it comes to the design, it’s up to you, what you prefer more, as they do look quite different in comparison. It is worth noting that both are also quite slippery, so keep that in mind.
Samsung Galaxy S21+ vs OnePlus 8T: Display
What about their displays? Well, both do have fairly large, OLED panels, but they are different. The Galaxy S21+ comes with a 6.7-inch fullHD+ (2400 x 1080) Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. This display offers an adaptive refresh rate (up to 120Hz), and it is flat. The display is protected by the Gorilla Glass Victus, the latest and greatest protection from Corning. This display supports HDR10+ content, and gets quite bright, up to 1300 nits.
The OnePlus 8T, on the other hand, sports a 6.55-inch fullHD+ (2400 x 1080) Fluid AMOLED panel. It offers the same display aspect ratio as the Galaxy S21+. This display is also flat, and it supports HDR10+ content. It also offers a 120Hz refresh rate, but it’s not adaptive. The Gorilla Glass 5 protects this display. It is worth noting that the screen-to-body aspect ratio is high on both phones, though it’s slightly higher on the Galaxy S21+.
So, are these displays any good? Well, yes, they’re excellent, actually. Both displays are plenty sharp, you won’t really notice that they’re “only” fullHD+ panels. They have excellent viewing angles, they do get quite bright outdoors, and the colors are great. They’re vivid, and make both displays look excellent, to say the least. The blacks are deep on both displays, and there’s really not much to complain about here, if anything. The Galaxy S21+’s panel is technically more advanced due to the adaptive refresh rate, but both displays are top notch.
Samsung Galaxy S21+ vs OnePlus 8T: Performance
Is the performance any good, though? Yes, it’s excellent, on both phones. The Galaxy S21+ comes with the Snapdragon 888 SoC, which is more powerful than the Snapdragon 865 inside the OnePlus 8T. It also offers more advanced intervals overall, but the OnePlus 8T is not far behind. That doesn’t really affect the performance of the OnePlus 8T, at least not your regular, everyday performance.
Both phones are extremely fluid, to say the least. They can do anything you think of, and do it without hiccups. Browsing, consuming multimedia, multitasking, taking pictures and videos… it’s all very smooth. Even if you decide to indulge in a game or two, you won’t really have any issues with either device. Both phones can run the most demanding games in the Play Store without a problem. Their software offerings are quite optimized, and that certainly helps with the performance overall. It is worth noting that the Galaxy S21+ may open games slightly faster, due to a more powerful SoC, but that’s one of the few raw power differences you’ll notice.
Samsung Galaxy S21+ vs OnePlus 8T: Battery
What about the battery life? Well, both devices are excellent in this regard, to say the least. Both phones are amongst the best flagship-grade smartphones in this regard. The Galaxy S21+ comes with a 4,800mAh battery, while the OnePlus 8T includes a 4,500mAh unit. Both smartphones can easily cross the 7-hour screen-on-time mark, and then some. It will all depend on your usage, though.
If you’re gaming a lot on your phone, your battery life will deplete faster, of course. That goes for any type of power-intensive use. For most people, however, each of these devices may even offer two-day battery life. The Galaxy S21 Ultra does offer a bit better battery life, but both of these phones are not fast behind. Both Samsung and OnePlus did a great job when it comes to optimizing their software offerings as well.
In terms of charging, well, the situation is interesting. The Galaxy S21+ offers 25W wired charging, while the OnePlus 8T comes with 65W wired charging. OnePlus’ offering is much faster, but the thing is, wireless charging is not included. The Galaxy S21+ does offer wireless charging, however, on top of Wireless PowerShare aka reverse wireless charging as well. So… you’ll either get faster charging overall, or opt to have wireless charging as well. To each its own.
Samsung Galaxy S21+ vs OnePlus 8T: Cameras
Both of these phones are capable camera smartphones, but not the best around. Both smartphones can take really nice-looking pictures during the day, with plenty of details. Both of them tend to oversharpen images, though, the OnePlus 8T more than the Galaxy S21+. Both also like to add some flare to the images in terms of saturation in post-processing, which is, in most cases, not a bad thing.
Their ultra-wide cameras are good, though the Galaxy S21+’s seem to be taking slightly sharper images. It also does better in low light, even though the OnePlus 8T’s ultra-wide camera is far from bad in those situations. When it comes to the main camera in low light conditions, both phones do a really good job. They do manage to light up the scene enough, and capture enough details in the process. The images from the OnePlus 8T do tend to look a bit softer in such conditions, though. They’re both quite capable, that’s for sure.
Audio
In regards to audio, both smartphones deliver. They both come with a really good set of stereo speakers. The sound those speakers produce is loud and crisp, for a smartphone. The distortion is barely noticeable at the highest of volume settings, and the bass is not powerful, but it’s present. All in all, these speakers are really good considering these are smartphones, we really don’t have major complaints.
It is worth saying that neither of the two phones offers a 3.5mm headphone jack. You’ll need to use a Type-C port to connect your headphones, or simply use Bluetooth. Either way, you can get a really good sound output, presuming you have a good set of headphones. The sound is well-balanced in both cases, and it doesn’t disappoint.