OnePlus 8T Renders and Key Specs Leak Online
Yes, renders and key specifications for the OnePlus 8T leaked online in early September 2020, ahead of its official October 14 launch. The leaks, primarily from noted tipsters and case manufacturers, revealed a flat 6.55-inch 120Hz AMOLED display, a quad-camera setup with a 48MP main sensor, and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 865+ processor, along with 65W wired charging. This article compiles the most credible leaked details, explains what they mean for buyers, and separates confirmed facts from rumors.
Background: The OnePlus 8T Leak Timeline
OnePlus typically releases a “T� variant in the second half of the year, refining the flagship model from earlier in the year. The OnePlus 8T was no exception. Leaks began circulating in July 2020, with the first credible renders appearing in early September. These renders, often based on factory CAD files or case manufacturer listings, showed a design very similar to the OnePlus 8 but with a flat display instead of a curved one. By late September, more detailed specifications emerged from tipsters who had access to early retail units or internal documentation.
Key Specifications from the Leaks
The leaked specifications painted a clear picture of what the OnePlus 8T would offer. Here is a breakdown of the most commonly cited details:
- Display: 6.55-inch Fluid AMOLED, 1080 x 2400 resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, flat panel (no curve). The 120Hz refresh rate was a significant upgrade from the 90Hz on the OnePlus 8.
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ (a slight overclock of the 865). This was the same chip used in the OnePlus 8T’s sibling, the OnePlus 8 Pro, and many 2020 gaming phones.
- RAM and Storage: 8GB or 12GB LPDDR5 RAM, and 128GB or 256GB UFS 3.1 storage. No microSD card slot, as is standard for OnePlus.
- Rear Cameras: Quad-camera setup: 48MP main (Sony IMX586), 16MP ultra-wide, 5MP macro, and 2MP depth sensor. The main sensor was the same as the OnePlus 8, not the newer IMX689 found on the 8 Pro.
- Front Camera: 16MP punch-hole camera (Sony IMX471).
- Battery and Charging: 4,500mAh battery (up from 4,300mAh on the OnePlus 8) with 65W Warp Charge (wired). This was a major leap from the 30W charging on the OnePlus 8. Wireless charging was not included.
- Software: Android 11 with OxygenOS 11 at launch.
- Connectivity: 5G (sub-6GHz), Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, NFC.
- Dimensions: 160.7 x 74.1 x 8.4mm, weight around 188g.
Design and Build: What the Renders Showed
The leaked renders showed a design that was a subtle evolution of the OnePlus 8. The most noticeable change was the flat display, which many users prefer for easier screen protector application and fewer accidental touches. The rear camera module was a rectangular housing in the top-left corner, similar to the OnePlus 8 Pro but with a slightly different arrangement. The phone was expected to be offered in two colors: Aquamarine Green and Lunar Silver. The frame was aluminum, and the back was glass (Gorilla Glass 5). The alert slider, a OnePlus signature, remained on the right side.
How the Leaks Compare to the Official Specs
When OnePlus officially launched the 8T on October 14, 2020, nearly all the leaked specifications were accurate. The official specs confirmed the 6.55-inch 120Hz flat display, Snapdragon 865+, 48MP main camera, 4,500mAh battery, and 65W charging. The only minor discrepancies were in the ultra-wide camera (officially 16MP, as leaked) and the inclusion of a macro lens (5MP) and depth sensor (2MP), which were also as leaked. The design matched the renders exactly.
Common Questions and Misconceptions
One frequent misconception is that the OnePlus 8T was a major camera upgrade over the OnePlus 8. In reality, the main sensor was identical (IMX586), and the ultra-wide was actually a slight downgrade in resolution (16MP vs. the 8’s 12MP, though the 8T’s sensor was physically larger). The real upgrades were the 120Hz display, faster charging, and the newer processor. Another common question is whether the 8T supported wireless charging—it did not, a deliberate choice to keep the price down and differentiate it from the 8 Pro.
How to Interpret Leaks in General
Leaks are often a mix of accurate information and speculation. For a buyer, the best approach is to treat leaks as a strong indication of what to expect, but to wait for official announcements for final decisions. Look for leaks from multiple sources that corroborate each other, and be wary of overly detailed specs that seem too good to be true. In the case of the OnePlus 8T, the leaks were remarkably accurate because they came from supply chain sources and early retail units, not just fan-made renders.
Alternatives to the OnePlus 8T (at the time)
If the OnePlus 8T didn’t appeal, there were several alternatives in late 2020:
- OnePlus 8 Pro: For those who wanted wireless charging and a better camera, the 8 Pro offered a 120Hz curved display, a 48MP IMX689 main sensor, and 30W wireless charging, but at a higher price.
- Samsung Galaxy S20 FE: A similar flat-display phone with a 120Hz screen, Snapdragon 865, and a more versatile camera system (including a 3x telephoto), often priced similarly.
- Google Pixel 5: A smaller phone with a 90Hz display and a single main camera, but with Google’s computational photography and guaranteed updates.
- Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro: A 144Hz display, 108MP camera, and a larger battery, though with a heavier design and MIUI software.
Cost and Value Context
The OnePlus 8T launched at a starting price of $749 in the US (for 8GB/128GB) and €599 in Europe. This was a significant price increase over the OnePlus 8’s launch price of $699, but it included the faster charging and 120Hz display. The value proposition was strong for those who prioritized charging speed and a smooth display over camera versatility. However, by early 2021, the phone could often be found for less than $600, making it a better deal.
Safety and Accuracy of Leaks
It’s important to note that leaks are not official information. They can be wrong, and sometimes they are used to mislead competitors or fans. For the OnePlus 8T, the leaks were accurate, but that is not always the case. When reading leaks, always cross-reference with multiple sources and wait for official confirmation before making a purchase decision based on specs. Additionally, be cautious of phishing links or malware disguised as “leakâ€� files—only view leaked images or documents from reputable tech sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was the OnePlus 8T waterproof?
No official IP rating was announced for the OnePlus 8T. It had some water resistance (likely IP68-level in practice), but OnePlus did not certify it. It’s best to treat it as not waterproof and avoid submerging it.
Did the OnePlus 8T have a headphone jack?
No, the OnePlus 8T did not have a 3.5mm headphone jack. It relied on USB-C audio or Bluetooth headphones.
How fast is 65W charging really?
With 65W Warp Charge, the OnePlus 8T could charge from 0 to 100% in about 39 minutes, according to OnePlus’s official figures. It also supported USB Power Delivery (PD) for slower charging with other chargers.
Is the OnePlus 8T still worth buying in 2024?
In 2024, the OnePlus 8T is over three years old and will not receive major Android updates beyond Android 13 (it got Android 13, but not Android 14). The hardware is still capable for everyday tasks, but the lack of software updates and an aging battery make it a less attractive purchase compared to newer budget phones.
What is the difference between the OnePlus 8 and 8T?
The main differences are the 120Hz flat display (vs. 90Hz curved), the Snapdragon 865+ (vs. 865), the 4,500mAh battery with 65W charging (vs. 4,300mAh with 30W), and the camera module (the 8T has a macro lens and depth sensor, but the main and ultra-wide are similar). The 8T also has a slightly different design with the camera housing.
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