OnePlus promises to deliver regular system updates for its wide array of smartphones for at least two years and in some cases much longer for flagship models, but how is the April 2022 security update being handled?
OnePlus April 2022 security update — What’s new?
At the start of April, Google added the security patch as the fifth post-Android 12 update for all eligible Pixel devices after the previous addition of a substantial Feature Drop and version 12.1/12L upgrade. This OTA included a number of new tweaks to improve the experience on larger displays while simultaneously tuning the base Android 12 experience for devices.
Moving forward, this will be the basis for third-party OEM builds, but it’s still unclear when OnePlus phones will see it. It might be enveloped into the full Android 13 release at some point in future. Unlike Samsung, OnePlus is not quite as fast out of the blocks when it comes to Android updates. It took until April 20 before the latest security patch arrived on eligible handsets.
Late March saw the release of the OnePlus 10 Pro, which is likely to be given priority for future patches. That said, the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro have been supported very well since launch given that updates are often served on a bimonthly basis.
At this point in time, the April 2022 security patch has only arrived on a few OnePlus devices, but we expect that to change over the coming days and weeks. The April 2022 security update for OnePlus devices patches the DirtyPipe exploit, as this predominantly affected Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy smartphones.
OnePlus devices with the April 2022 update
OnePlus 9 series
Although superseded by the recent OnePlus 10 Pro, the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro are running a newer security patch courtesy of the OxygenOS C.48 update. This patch includes some system stability improvements and the latest patch but very little else.
OnePlus 7T series
Although almost identical to the OnePlus 7 Pro with very similar internals and external design, the OxygenOS 11.0.7.1 update is now available for the OnePlus 7T and 7T Pro. This patch includes the April 2022 security update and some general software stability improvements for the OnePlus duo.
OnePlus 7 series
Bearing the same build number as the April patch for OnePlus7T series devices, the OxygenOS 11.0.7.1 OTA is now rolling out for the OnePlus 7 and 7 Pro. Much like the OnePlus 7T patch, this update includes very little beyond the April security update.
OnePlus Nord series
The first device to actually get the latest April patch was, in fact, the OnePlus Nord 2. This upgraded follow-up to the original Nord is starting to see OxygenOS A.20, which includes the April 2022 security patch and some other tweaks as part of the update.
OxygenOS 11.0.6 is now rolling out for the most affordable Nord series handset. The Nord N100 might not be a powerful or “stacked” smartphone but it is getting the April security patch (via XDA). The update should be rolling out over the coming days to eligible handsets.
Devices still awaiting the April patch
While we’re seeing a very small pool of devices get the latest patch, a larger selection of the OnePlus hardware lineup is still updated with older 2022 security patches — with all devices noted below. As patches are often served on a bi-monthly cadence, you may see some devices skipped ahead of a wider rollout of an upcoming patch.
It’s also important to note that OnePlus has officially confirmed that the 6 and 6T series will no longer be updated or supported over the coming months. The 2018 flagship duo received a surprise update in mid-November and now will only be supported via third-party unofficial means moving forward.
OnePlus 10 series
OnePlus 10 Pro (March 2022 patch)
OnePlus 9 series
OnePlus 9 (March 2022 patch)
OnePlus 9 Pro (March 2022 patch)
OnePlus 9R (November 2021 patch)
OnePlus 9RT (March 2022 patch)
OnePlus 8 series
OnePlus 8 (February 2022 patch)
OnePlus 8 Pro (February 2022 patch)
OnePlus 8T (February 2022 patch)
OnePlus 7 series
OnePlus 7 (February 2022 patch)
OnePlus 7 Pro (February 2022 patch)
OnePlus 7T (February 2022 patch)
OnePlus 7T Pro (February 2022 patch)
OnePlus Nord series
OnePlus Nord (March 2022 patch)
OnePlus Nord CE (March 2022 patch)
OnePlus Nord 2 (December 2021 patch)
OnePlus Nord CE 2 (March 2022 patch)
OnePlus Nord N10 5G (March 2022 patch)
OnePlus Nord N100 (February 2022 patch)
OnePlus Nord N200 5G (March 2022 patch)
How can I get the April 2022 security patch on my OnePlus device?
OnePlus has a habit of rolling out updates for devices in a staged manner. That means that the initial release and subsequent confirmation on the OnePlus Forums don’t always indicate when you’ll be able to grab an OTA file and get your device updated/patched.
Our advice is to use a third-party application to get updates in a timely manner. The community-run Oxygen Updater allows you to sideload official update .zip files as soon as they are available publicly. While this will ensure you get updates right away, if you encounter problems, you may need to revert to an older build. This may require a device reset if problems are major.
OnePlus‘ new lineup consists of its two flagship models: the OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro. With these devices, OnePlus establishes a new position with competing OEMs as it snags the Hasselblad camera brand in a new partnership to help it further develop OnePlus’ camera prowess. OnePlus is using the tagline “Your best shot”, so let’s see what all the fuss is about.
You may be asking exactly how Hasselblad was involved in the development of the OnePlus 9’s cameras. As per OnePlus, Hasselblad has collaborated with the OEM to calibrate the cameras’ sensors and tune the color optics to behave as they would on high-end Hasselblad cameras – known for their accurate colors and image output in 16-bit RAW. While the OnePlus 9 can’t quite shoot in 16-bit RAW, it does have the ability to do so in 12-bit color while using the camera’s Pro shooting mode.
In this review, we’re going to focus on the (slightly) smaller of the two. The OnePlus 9 does skip out on some of the features that are exclusive to the 9 Pro – which has extra camera features, a more premium display, and support for OnePlus new 50W wireless charger. Storage is now updated to UFS 3.1 for faster read/write speeds, as well.
The look and feel of the OnePlus 9‘s design do not deviate far from its predecessor. The OnePlus 9 keeps the flat display and the new plastic frame could fool anyone into thinking it was metal. Don’t worry though, the front and back panes are still made of Gorilla Glass. The punch-hole camera cutout remains in the same spot for now, and the main camera cluster gets a new arrangement.
Coming from the OnePlus 8, the 9 gets updated wired charging, updated camera modules, support for 120Hz refresh rate, and now supports bi-directional wireless charging, though only in select markets. The more obvious updates include the Snapdragon 888 5G Mobile Platform, and a bump in battery capacity.
OnePlus 9 specs at a glance:
Body: 160.0×73.9×8.1mm, 183g; Glass front (Gorilla Glass), glass back (Gorilla Glass), plastic frame.
The OnePlus 9 now shares the same dual-cell battery setup that debuted on the OnePlus 8T. This means that the 9 supports OnePlus’ Warp Charge 65T. This tech quickly charges two smaller batteries that work in tandem and a full charge of the batteries’ combined 4,500 mAh capacity is promised in about half an hour.
The camera module has been updated to the Sony IMX689 – the same sensor from the OnePlus 8 Pro. The difference here is that this one is tuned with Hasselblad’s likeness. The ultrawide module is a significant upgrade. This is a large 50MP sensor that beefs up the performance of the ultrawide camera in low-light photography and when shooting video. It also has a fancy new lens that drastically minimizes distortion normally observed on ultrawide cameras – we’re excited to test it out.
Let’s dig into the OnePlus 9 and see what experience the entry-level OnePlus flagship has to offer. Let’s start with the contents of the phone’s packaging.
Unboxing
The OnePlus packaging has become a standard fare and the OnePlus 9 is no exception. Inside the now familiar red box is the phone at the top layer, followed by some paperwork, a silicone case in some markets, the 65W Warp Charge power adapter, and the usual red Type-C to Type-C USB 2.0 cable.
Unlike the opaque silicone case that comes with the 9 Pro, the OnePlus 8 silicone case is clear. We’re not sure why OnePlus chooses to omit this accessory in some markets and decides to leave it elsewhere. There will be aftermarket cases, obviously, along with some first-party options from OnePlus.
As usual, there are no audio accessories inside the package. Not even an audio adapter.
The competition
The OnePlus 9 starts at $729, which is a fairly serious price tag that gets it some fairly serious competition. For starters, it’s more expensive than the Samsung Galaxy S21, which starts at $699 but can occasionally be found for a lower price. Probably the most underrated of the three new S21 phones, the standard S21 is still a great smartphone whose only real flaw is perhaps opting for a plastic back in a market full of glass phones.
But if that’s a real deal-breaker to you or if you just want something larger, then there’s the S21+, which goes for $799 or at times even $749. The S21+ is a fully-featured smartphone that leaves very little on the table and has the performance to match the price tag. Samsung may even throw in an accessory or two in some regions or offer a discount on them if you pick this up, which makes the deal even sweeter.
The newly launched ASUS ROG Phone 5 is also a tough competitor in this segment. ASUS has not just chosen to pack this phone with as many features as possible but also opted for an aggressive pricing at around the same price as the OnePlus 9. While clearly marketed as a gaming phone (and it’s a damn good at that), the ROG Phone 5 is also a fairly complete package, with respectable performance in nearly every area.
If you’re looking for something a bit different, then maybe you’d want to consider the Apple iPhone 12. Possibly the best value iPhone in a while, the standard iPhone 12 manages to pack great design and build quality, a high quality display, best in class performance, a high quality set of cameras, easy to use software with unparalleled software and game library, legendary customer support and a high resale value to boot. The iPhone 12 will also be appealing to those who are looking for a more compact smartphone but for those who want something even smaller, there’s the $100 cheaper iPhone 12 mini as well, which does basically everything the iPhone 12 does in a smaller size. Yes, the 60Hz display aren’t exactly modern and the lack of any kind of charger in the box may be frustrating to some but as a complete package, the iPhone 12 is still hard to beat.
Verdict
From being the hero of its own story to becoming the sidekick, the non-Pro line of OnePlus phones has had a tragic demotion over the years. We first saw this with the OnePlus 7 and two years later, not much has changed.
It’s clear the Pro device is going to get all the best stuff moving forward but at times it feels like OnePlus swings the cripple hammer too hard on the non-Pro mode. A plastic frame, no certified ingress protection, lower resolution display from last year’s model, no telephoto camera and downgraded main sensor, no 4K 120fps recording, no OIS, and no wireless charging outside of NA and Europe.
As reviewers, it’s hard to get excited about the OnePlus 9. Just as it was hard to get excited about the OnePlus 8 and the OnePlus 7. As a phone, it’s perfectly adequate and for the most part it’s quite nice to use. But at $729 starting price, it’s supposed to be nice. The brakes on the OnePlus price hike train stopped working years ago and the company clearly has no plans on slowing down. So then why are things being taken away instead of being added?
We can’t decipher these mixed signals. If the OnePlus 9 is available in your region at a reasonable price, then it is a reasonable phone to pick up. But if OnePlus wants to play the price hike game, it will have to do better than this.
Pros
Good display performance
Relatively clean software and great UI performance
Powerful loudspeakers
Good performance from the main wide and ultra-wide cameras
Fast charging
Cons
Plastic frame
No official IP rating
No OIS
No dedicated telephoto camera
Outdated front camera
Hasselblad partnership mostly a marketing gimmick
Monochrome camera is useless
No wireless charging outside of NA and Europe
Worse battery life performance than previous models
OxygenOS 11.0.10.10 is now rolling out for the OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 8 Pro without Android 12 but with a host of fixes for the former flagship duo alongside the December 2021 security patch.
While owners await the full, stable release of Android 12 with OxygenOS 12 on their OnePlus 8 series devices, the Chinese firm has pushed a new update that resolves a few lingering problems affecting Android 11 on the duo. Confirmed over on the official OnePlus Forums, for those hoping for an expanded changelog, it’s fairly light on major details.
OxygenOS 11.0.10.10 most notably adds the December 2021 security patch, some display UI and Settings interface tweaks, fixes an issue with the Google Assistant, and resolves some minor WhatsApp crashes. All in all, it’s a nice little bonus before the end of 2021, but still not quite Android 12 that many would have hoped for. You can check out the full changelog below:
OxygenOS 11.0.10.10 for OnePlus 8/8 Pro update changelog
System
Optimized the UI display of Settings interface
Fixed the issue that Google Assistant and Gpay doesn’t display as expected in the Setup Wizard
Fixed the low probability issue of WhatsApp crash
Updated Android security patch to 2021.12
The OxygenOS 11.0.10.10 OTA update has started rolling out but comes in a few flavors based upon the region you live in – as you can see below:
OnePlus 8
India: 11.0.10.10.IN21DA
Europe: 11.0.10.10.IN21BA
Global: 11.0.10.10.IN21AA
OnePlus 8 Pro
India: 11.0.10.10.IN11DA
Europe: 11.0.10.10.IN11BA
Global: 11.0.10.10.IN11AA
As is often the case with OnePlus updates, the actual OxygenOS 11.0.10.10 OTA file is heading out in an incremental fashion. You may be able to grab it and sideload on your device using Oxygen Updater though.
If you don’t have the Community app installed on your device, feel free to download it HERE. You can check here for more information on the integrated Feedback tool.
As always, this OTA will be incremental. The OTA will reach a small percentage of users today, and we’ll begin a broader rollout in a few days.
Your feedback is appreciated. We may not always be able to respond to every comment in the forums, but please be assured that we take your comments and feedback seriously. Hope you enjoy and let us know how you feel about the update in the comments below.
OnePlus looks to be working on yet another limited-edition device – this time a Pac-Man-themed version of the affordable Nord 2.
We’ve seen the Chinese firm produce a number of tie-in devices over the years including with cultural juggernaut Star Wars, high-end boutique designers and my personal favorite, the Cyberpunk 2077 OnePlus 8T. Sticking with gaming, OnePlus appears to have a limited Pac-Man Nord 2 in the works.
Evidence is mounting as code digging into the recent OxygenOS A.11 update for OnePlus Nord CE devices by the team behind the fantastic Oxygen Updater has unearthed some interesting tidbits (via XDA). After delving into the Settings APK file, the team behind Oxygen Updater uncovered a new fingerprint animation that features titular character Pac-Man chased by ghosts “Blinky” and “Inky” above a maze-styled lock icon.”
Several other code strings also include various references to stickers that can be unlocked after completing various tasks including charging this proposed Pac-Man OnePlus Nord 2 device for 256 minutes. This is a reference to the last level in the original arcade game — which is also the “kill screen” for the game.
Other hardware notables include wireless charging, which is missing on the Vanilla Nord 2. The MediaTek 1200-powered device could also receive a chipset change to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778 according to other code-strings found in this initial report.
At first, none of this information really indicated a great deal in terms of new hardware. However, OnePlus tipster Max Jambor has since teased an image to indicate that this indeed could be a special edition or limited Nord 2 device with Pac-Man theming. Just why a Pac-Man edition of the device would be needed is anyone’s guess but if done well it could be a nice option.
Security updates are designed to keep Android devices as secure as possible, but you’re only as safe as your latest update. OnePlus does promise regular updates for its smartphones for at least two years, so let’s see how they’re handling the September 2021 security update.
OnePlus September 2021 security update — What’s new?
Google released the September security patch way back on September 7, but as is often the case nowadays, market leader Samsung started to see the update almost a week before it “officially” arrived on Android with the Pixel rollout. As a part of this month’s patch, Google issued a few key fixes, mostly of moderate severity — as is often the case.
Rightly criticized for update consistency, OnePlus started rolling out the September patch 11 days after Google, but a whopping 18 days after Samsung started updating almost all of its core device lineup. It’s worth noting that this is a bit of an improvement over the August patch update schedule, but it still feels as though OnePlus is letting things slip after a rally earlier in the year. While it’s very close to October, we’re still seeing a rollout to select devices.
Those devices that have already started to see the latest update have also been on the receiving end of a few new features. As is often the case, there’s no discernable pattern to the company’s additions. We’ve said for some time that the overreliance on the Open Beta path is something that OnePlus has to move away from. It’s worth noting that the OxygenOS Open Beta has ended for a few devices over the past few weeks ahead of Android 12 coming soon.
On OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro, the September patch not only includes a number of common bug fixes including stability and device performance, but it also adds a brand-new XPan camera mode that was made famous by Hasselblad cameras. It’s unclear if this feature will ever come to other non-Hasselblad-certified devices from the firm, but it’s a neat new option for those with 2021’s flagship devices.
OnePlus devices with the September 2021 update
OnePlus 9 Series
OnePlus confirmed that we are unlikely to see a 9T model this year. This means that until the OnePlus 10 arrives, the 9 series will be more prominent — and hopefully gain greater software support. As the flagship series, the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro were the first from the Chinese OEM to gain access to the September 2021 security patch.
This has arrived in a couple of flavors. Firstly, it is available as part of the OxygenOS 11.2.9.9 update. As we have mentioned, this includes a number of substantial camera tweaks and the new XPan camera mode. For those happy to run what amounts to pre-release software, the recent Android 12 Developer Preview 2 for the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro also comes with the latest September 2021 security patch. However, it isn’t mentioned in the changelog, but we can confirm that it is included as part of this update.
Although an India exclusive device, the OnePlus 9R is also able to grab the latest security patch with OxygenOS 11.2.5.5. This patch includes a number of tweaks and fixes for some problems many owners saw with app crashes, and even problems with Warp Charge not activated correctly.
OnePlus 6 Series
Now approaching four years old, the oldest OnePlus devices in the entire lineup still receiving support now have access to the September 2021 security patch. It’s hard to be massively critical of OnePlus for this particularly update, especially as many other devices from a similar time period — save some Samsung flagships — have ceased being supported.
The OxygenOS 11.1.1.1 patch does not bring any new features, but does add some important software fixes and tuning to ensure your device runs smoothly. Plus on top of that, you have the September patch to protect your OnePlus 6 series handset.
Devices still awaiting the September patch
While we’re seeing a relatively small pool of devices get the latest patch, a larger selection of the OnePlus hardware lineup is now running the outdated August 2021 security patch. We’re not entirely sure if or when we could see the devices updated, but we are hoping that they are patched soon.
OnePlus 8 series
OnePlus 8
OnePlus 8 Pro
OnePlus 8T
OnePlus 7 series
OnePlus 7
OnePlus 7 Pro
OnePlus 7T
OnePlus 7T Pro
OnePlus Nord series
OnePlus Nord
OnePlus Nord CE
OnePlus Nord N100
OnePlus Nord N10 5G
OnePlus Nord 2
How can I get the September 2021 security patch on my OnePlus device?
OnePlus has a habit of rolling out updates for devices in a staged manner. That means that the initial release and subsequent confirmation on the OnePlus Forums doesn’t always indicate when you’ll be able to grab an OTA file and get your device updated/patched.
Our advice is to use a third-party application to get updates in a timely manner. The community-run Oxygen Updater allows you to sideload official update .zip files as soon as they are available publicly. While this will ensure you get updates right away, if you encounter problems, you may need to revert to an older build. This may require a device reset if problems are major.
OnePlus usually pushes out Oxygen OS updates to the OnePlus 8 Pro and One Plus 8 together, but availability may be affected by variant, carrier, and region.
Current stable version: Android 11
When will the OnePlus 8 series get Android 12? Early to mid-2022 (Estimated)
Latest OnePlus 8 Pro and OnePlus 8 updates
August 17, 2021: Oxygen OS 11.0.8.8 is a bumper update for the OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro. The patch brings a lengthy changelog, including a host of new features for the always-on display. Bitmoji AOD now features, while there’s now also a new screenshot feature for the display, too.
OnePlus is also adding its Store app to the devices, while camera fixes and navigation gesture tweaks are also incoming. Finally, the August 2021 Android security patch is the cherry on top.
See the full changelog below.
System
Newly adapted OnePlus Buds Pro and brought new powerful features
Newly added the screenshot feature for AOD
Fixed the failed issue of Navigation gestures in some scenes
Improved system stability and fixed known issues
Updated Android security patch to 2021.08
Camera
Optimized the portrait mode effect of the front camera
OnePlus Store
An intuitive and convenient way to manage your OnePlus account, get easy-to-access support, discover exciting members-only benefits, and shop for OnePlus products. (Please note that it can be uninstalled)
Ambient Display
Newly added Bitmoji AOD, co-designed with Snapchat, which will liven up the ambient display with your personal Bitmoji avatar. Your avatar will update throughout the day based on your activity and things happening around you (Path: Settings > Customization > Clock on ambient display > Bitmoji)
The update is available to users in Europe first, but will disseminate to India and North America “soon.”
As always, this update will be rolled out via OTA incrementally. Don’t be too concerned if you haven’t yet received it. To check if an update is available, head to Settings > System > System updates on your device.
Previous OnePlus 8 Pro and OnePlus 8 updates
June 9, 2021: Oxygen OS 11.0.7.7 brought fixes to the devices’ camera, specifically addressing the 48MP sensor’s shutter button issues. The June 2021 Android security patch was also included.
May 26, 2021: Oxygen OS 11.0.6.6 is now rolling out to the OnePlus 8 Pro and OnePlus 8. The patch brings improvements to the 8 Pro’s wireless charging experience, a number of bug fixes to both devices, and the May 2021 Android security patch. Also included are fixes to Gallery, Phone, and Messages bugs.
April 22, 2021: The ninth Oxygen OS 11 beta build rolled out to the OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro. Open Beta 9 included a lengthy changelog that mainly touched on system improvements. It also brought the April 2021 Android security patch.
March 29, 2021: Oxygen OS 11.0.5.5 failed to bring any new features to the OnePlus 8 Pro or 8, but did iron out several system bugs. The March 2021 Android security patch arrived in tow.
March 22, 2021: OnePlus started disseminating the eighth Oxygen OS 11 open beta build for the OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro. Alongside the March 2021 Android security patch, the beta update also brought a number of fixes for the system, camera, and other aspects of the OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro.
February 27, 2021: OnePlus rolled out the seventh Oxygen OS 11 open beta build for the OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro. It added the February security patch to the phones and fixed several system issues.
February 3, 2021: The sixth Oxygen OS 11 open beta brought a lengthy changelog, which included the Android Security Patch for January 2021, and a host of tweaks to Weather, Shelf, and Gaming Space apps.
December 22, 2020: OnePlus pushed out the fifth open beta update, bringing Rewind Recording for Game Space, selfie camera animation tweaks, and addressing a Bluetooth call bug. It also brought the December 2020 security patch to the table.
Last month, OnePlus released the first beta of Android 11 for the OnePlus 6 and OnePlus 6 T, allowing power users to test drive the new software ahead of the stable release. This was followed by the second beta release towards the end of July, which optimized the overheating control management and enhanced 5G and Wi-Fi connectivity. Now both phones are receiving a new beta update which further refines the software experience.
The third beta OxygenOS 11 beta, is rolling out to the OnePlus 6 and 6T as OnePlus continues to patch issues and iron out annoying bugs. The new update promises to improve the smoothness of YouTube videos, fixes a bug related to the Work-Life Balance feature, and optimizes background process management for improved battery life.
System
Optimized background process management mechanism to improve battery life
Improved the smoothness of YouTube playing videos
Improved system stability and fixed known issues
Network
Fixed the failed issue of enabling VoWiFi
Work-Life Balance
Fixed the issue that the feature doesn’t work when the screen is locked
OxygenOS 11 Open Beta 3 has already started rolling out to OnePlus 6 and 6T units. If you’re running the second beta, you should receive the latest build as an OTA shortly. As always, we have also provided direct download links to incremental and full OTA zip packages for both devices below. If you’re coming from the stable version, download the full OTA; grab the incremental update if you’re on Open Beta 2. Once downloaded, put the update package in the root directory of your internal storage. Next, navigate to Settings > System > System Update > “Local Update“ and select the downloaded package from the internal storage to start the installation process.
Download OxygenOS 11 Open Beta 3 for the OnePlus 6 and 6T
OnePlus thrives when it comes to smartphone sales, but that doesn’t mean its products are the best on the market. In fact, just about every OnePlus smartphone launched on the market is getting dozens and dozens of updates to further optimize the software and address issues that have just been discovered.
The good news is OnePlus continues to support its smartphones for many years, so we’re not surprised that the OnePlus 7 and OnePlus 7 Pro are getting new updates almost every month. Not only that, but these updates aren’t just adding new security patches, but also meaningful improvements meant to further enhance user experience.
OxygenOS 11.0.2.1 is the most recent update for the OnePlus 7 and OnePlus 7 Pro. As the title says, the update is supposed to reduce power consumption in certain scenarios, but it also fixes some annoying crashes:
System
Reduced Power consumption
Improved overheating control management
Fixed the issue of not being able to play high-definition videos on some video platforms
Upgraded Android Security Patch to 2021.06
File Manager
Fixed the crash issue of the application
Camera
Fixed the issue that the camera is blurred when shooting on fullscreen size
Improved the stability
Phone
Optimized the dial-pad UI display effect
As always, OnePlus is rolling out this update in stages, so OxygenOS 11.0.2.1 will only be available to a limited number of users today, but a broader rollout will kick off in just a few days after making sure there are no critical bugs.
The OnePlus Nord is kind of a big deal. Or, at least, that’s what OnePlus has been working hard to convey. The PR “hype machine” has been working over-time and the results are definitely showing. For better or worse, everybody seems to be discussing the Nord and a lot is actually riding on its success as a result.
Going off of the company’s own commercial message, the OnePlus Nord is intended to mark a new beginning, a bold start of a whole family of Nord devices. Another stab at the mid-range market and an attempt to break ground where the OnePlus X failed. And when the makers of the original “flagship killer” phone, the masters of guerilla marketing, the proverbial “underdogs” from a wilder, past Android realm start saying such things, people tend to listen and then expect nothing short of a market splash.
It’s frankly hard to think of a harder and tighter position to put one single phone in on today’s cutthroat mobile scene. And the most baffling bit is that OnePlus singlehandedly self-engineered the entire predicament. Sure, if anyone has the resources, market standing production and supply chain to pull-off a new “messiah” phone, it has to be the mighty BBK corporation. And in all fairness, the OnePlus Nord is a solid and well-rounded product. It’s important to get that on the record right away.
OnePlus Nord specs
Body: 158.3×73.3×8.2mm, 184g; Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame; Colors: Blue Marble, Gray Onyx.
It’s just that “good” or even “great” was never going to be enough to stop this particular hype train. Now the OnePlus Nord finds itself in a rather unfortunate, even if entirely predictable situation. Ever since it has hit shelves, the reception has been universally lukewarm. A big chunk of that response has been coming off as emotional, more than anything else. You’ll get none of that on the following pages, since the Nord deserves an evaluation on equal grounds, just like any other device we take a deep dive into.
That being said, the Nord, or rather OnePlus, won’t be getting a pass on some of its polarizing decisions in recent devices. Objective things, like the persistent absence of a telephoto camera, which still has fans harking back to the OnePlus 7T and a broader debate on the changing nature of a “value” that the brand and the 2020 mobile industry, as a whole, are now offering.
Unboxing OnePlus Nord
Presentation is vital if you are building a proper brand image. Ever since its early viral-marketing days, OnePlus has been among the best in the entire Android realm at selling ideas and feeling. A lifestyle brand, if you will. At least in some sense. Hence, it comes as no surprise that the Nord has its own, distinctive twist on the OnePlus look. Teal or aquamarine, depending on how much light is present, are the new accent colors. At least, going by the sturdy, two-piece box on the OnePlus Nord, as well as the accompanying “welcome letter”. Like we said, OnePlus knows its way around designing a lifestyle brand.
The thick rubber USB Type-A to Type-C charging cable in the box is still colored in the familiar bright red. Aquamarine on the cable would have really shown some extra care and attention to detail. The 30W wall charger is the same as on other OnePlus phones.
Cost-effective is not the worst thing to be accused of, though, especially since we can’t outright say OnePlus was stingy with the accessory bundle. You also get a nice and thick, frosted-look silicone case in the box. Complete with a rather odd geometrical pattern on the back. The latter is probably meant to mimic a compass arrow, which is the original inspiration for the Nord name. The only notable omission, in our mind, is a USB Type-C to 3.5mm dongle, since the Nord lacks a 3.5mm jack.
Competition
There are plenty of Nord alternatives in the incredibly saturated midranger market, regardless whether you are keen on getting 5G connectivity.
Since the entire segment is all about delivering just the right value formula, it is really tough to suggest any “overall better” alternative to the Nord. It all depends on your personal priorities. The closest you can actually get to the Nord, while getting a quantifiably better experience in many respects is the OnePlus 7T. The 7T offers the coveted 12MP telephoto, stereo speakers, a sturdier aluminum build, and what is a comparable or better Snapdragon 855+ chipset. You do have to live with certain compromises, though. Chief among which – the older hardware without 5G and slightly weaker battery. Plus, despite its age, the OnePlus 7T still sells for slightly more than the OnePlus Nord.
If Oxygen OS is high up on your priorities list, you have to look at the OnePlus lineup. If, however, you are willing to concede to a simpler, but even cleaner AOSP experience, the new Google Pixel 4a comes to mind. You will definitely be sacrificing on raw hardware specs, compared to the Nord, though. In some cases, quite severely, since the Pixel 4a only has a single main camera. Sadly, the more-capable Pixel 4 and 4XL are out of budget. Not to mention the fact that Google appears to be discontinuing them on many markets.
Motorola deserves an honorable mention when discussing vanilla and close-to vanilla Android. Both the Moto G 5G Plus and the One Fusion+, competing in the same price segment as the Nord come with compromises, like LCD displays.
OnePlus 7T • Oppo Reno3 Pro • Xiaomi Mi Note 10 • Samsung Galaxy A71
It would be shortsighted not to look at the rest of the BBK Electronics collective lineup for alternatives to the Nord too. The Realme X3 SuperZoom stands out immediately, because of its actual periscope telephoto camera. But it is a bit older now, with its Snapdragon 855+ chipset and has an LCD panel. Making the list instead, will be the Oppo Reno3 Pro. Technically, not the latest in the Reno line, either, but arguably better value than its successors. The device turnover in Oppo’s ranks has been crazy lately.
In competitor Xiaomi’s ranks, we can instantly spot the Poco F2 Pro, which is a amazing value device, sporting an actual flagship Snapdragon 865 chipset. Technically, it costs about as much as the OnePlus Nord too, but it is far from globally available and kind of hard to get. Making the list in its place, we have the Xiaomi Mi Note 10. It bumps the chipset down to a mid-range Snapdragon 730G, but its amazingly-versatile camera setup more than makes up for that in the overall value calculation.
Last, but not least, as a more “name-brand” alternative, Samsung will more than readily sell you the Galaxy A71, for right around the same price as the Nord. OneUI, among other things, makes for a significantly different Android experience though. If 5G is high on your wish list, you can look at the Galaxy A51 5G instead.
The verdict
The OnePlus Nord is a solid 5G-enabled mid-range offer. One combining a well-balanced specs sheet, with the excellent, class-leading experience of Oxygen OS. Thanks to thoughtful engineering and a large infusion of familiar OnePlus DNA, the Nord manages to transcend the simple label of just another BBK Electronics rebranded device. BBK owns and ensures healthy technology sharing among its subsidiaries Oppo, vivo, Realme and OnePlus but after all is said and done, each company runs its own phone business in a different way.
The Nord was introduced with a lot of fanfare, alongside bold promises to usher in a new beginning for the Android midrange niche. A great PR move, on paper, but one that put the Nord under a lot of heat and with frankly unrealistic expectations. After all, it’s OnePlus and you can’t blame fans for extrapolating that, just like the original “flagship killer”, the new one should at least have the dedicated telephoto camera from the OnePlus 7T, a headphone jack, a metal frame. And that’s just the more reasonable demands and complaints being tossed around and severely scrutinized.
Despite OnePlus efforts to make the device stand out, the Nord is, at its core, only a midrange device. As such, it has to play by the same market rules as everybody else in the midrange. The 2020 smartphone scene doesn’t leave a lot of room for a “flagship” killer, in the original OnePlus One sense. Even the mighty and vast BBK can’t include true flagship specs in the Nord, while also preserving its EUR 400 MSPR while funding a massive advertising campaign.
What it can and has successfully done with the Nord, though, is to give it the proper OnePlus treatment, through and through. For many prospective buyers, that’s going to be enough of an added value to choose the Nord over a slightly better-spec’d, but less prominent and refined alternative.
Pros
Clean, functional design, infused with familiar OnePlus controls, like the Alert Slider.
Super bright, accurate and smooth 90Hz OLED display, with HDR10+ support and clever auto refresh rate management.
Optimal performance is extracted from the Snapdragon 765G chipset.
Excellent battery life even in 90Hz mode.
Competitive fast charging.
Oxygen OS with more features than ever. Still one of the snappiest Android experiences available.
Excellent main camera performance for the class.
Cons
Plastic frame; dual selfie cam means a large punch hole.
No 3.5mm audio jack, no microSD card slot and no notification LED.
Single bottom-firing speaker with unimpressive performance.
The 2x zoom is no match for a proper telephoto and the ultra-wide is barely satisfactory.
Up to this point, OnePlus has climbed its way up from the high-end budget phone to the fully-fledged flagship. The brand once called its phone the “Flagship Killer”, and the OnePlus 8 Pro has become the very thing that the company initially aimed to dethrone.
Surely, the smartphone landscape has changed over the past several years. There are now so many contenders in the sub-$500 and sub-$400 price that the company has shifted its focus to creating a more prestigious brand name. With this iteration, the company has presented itself with an updated all-CAPS “ONEPLUS” typeface and tweaked “1+” logo.
Now with the OnePlus 8 Pro, the company thinks it has what it takes to compete in the flagship category at the $1000 price mark. Well, technically – the OnePlus 8 Pro starts at $900. The OnePlus 7 Pro was a strong seller, but will OnePlus have just as much success in a higher price bracket?
The 8 Pro has an impressive spec sheet: high-end CPU, 10-bit high-end AMOLED screen, Warp Charge 30T, and for the first time from OnePlus: support for wireless charging and even reverse-wireless charging for sharing juice with an accessory or a to give some juice to a friend.
OnePlus 8 Pro specs:
Body: 165.3 x 74.35 x 8.5 mm; 199g; metal frame; “3D Corning” Gorilla Glass 5 back
That high-end display is of the 120Hz variety – and it’s a panel made by Samsung. OnePlus is promising near-perfect color accuracy, over 1 billion colors, and the brightest output of any display it has ever put in a smartphone. The smoothness of the still-higher refresh rate display is the company’s way of staying ahead of the trends – which could be an advantage in markets like the US where the company has a presence.
There’s a new camera system with the notable larger Sony IMX 689 sensor behind the quad-camera’s main lens. The ultrawide camera gets a larger sensor as well, but the telephoto camera remains pretty much the same as the OnePlus 7T. OnePlus has a new “Color filter camera” whose long-term usefulness remains to be seen.
OnePlus has further refined its Android skin, Oxygen OS with new icons, and its revamped its UI’s animations for the 120Hz experience. Oxygen OS offers a stock-Android like experience, close to that of a Google Pixel, and OnePlus is known for its speedy turnaround when it comes to firmware updates.
OnePlus is the only high-end Chinese brand available from three of the four major US carriers – and many American consumers might be clueless of the brand’s existence in a market where Apple, Samsung, and Google are the most known (and most advertised) brands.
Unboxing
We always praise OnePlus for its packaging. The high-quality cardboard materials, and soft-touch red finish make a very good first impression. Our review unit doesn’t have the new all-CAPS name on the side, but it does have the updated “1+” logo.
Taking the lid off the long red box, we’re greeted by the OnePlus 8 Pro in Ultramarine Blue with a pre-installed factory screen protector. A notice on the plastic wrapper recommends using official OnePlus screen protectors for best compatibility of the in-display fingerprint scanner.
The cardboard cradle that holds the 8 Pro in place is also a box where the phone’s documentation is held, along with a SIM tool, welcome letter, and quick start guide. The words “Never Settle” sit below the smartphone as you unbox it – reminding us of the company’s long-time motto. Beneath this phone cradle is an included clear case to show off that deep blue color, and the Warp Charge 30T adapter and cable.
Now that we’ve seen what’s inside the box, head to the next page where we’ll spend some time talking about the phone’s design, ergonomics, and build quality.
The competition
This is the first time OnePlus has ever made any of its devices this expensive. As such, we’ll try to pair it up against other flagships that are near or over a grand. In the US, the only way to purchase the 8 Pro is unlocked from OnePlus (the OnePlus 8 is sold directly from carriers) and that’s not a great strategy if it is trying to convince consumers that they should buy OnePlus over Samsung or Apple.
In any case, let’s look through alternative devices. Starting with the LG V60, both devices are priced similarly at $899, but the 8 Pro is more equipped with features than the V60. Both are about the same in video quality, but LG’s camera experience is certainly more polished and offers far more advanced video and audio controls.
The iPhone 11 Pro Max is the largest iPhone that Apple makes and the display on the 8 Pro is superior in almost every way. Of course, iOS is a completely different landscape with similar image quality – though the iPhone doesn’t use a high-resolution camera sensor. The iPhone’s ultrawide camera doesn’t have autofocus either.
Cameras and software aside, it would be difficult to convince an iOS user to switch to a OnePlus device, unless they are already looking outside of the iOS ecosystem from boredom or desire for something more exciting.
The Galaxy S20+ might be a worthy alternative for the 8 Pro, though it’s certainly more expensive. Ironically, Samsung’s flagship no longer has a dual-curved display while the 8 Pro has the curviest display yet. Samsung’s One UI Android skin can be an acquired taste for some who might prefer a more stock-Android appearance like that of a Google Pixel phone.
Though they are distant cousins, the Oppo Find X2 Pro and the 8 Pro have similar DNA (the two brands are sister companies, after all). Although its more expensive, the Oppo Find X2 Pro has a stronger emphasis on photography prowess with its periscope telephoto camera. There’s also the luxurious Vegan leather option, as well.
If you’re in the US, chances are you’ve never heard of Oppo before – since the company has no presence in the American market.
Another device you won’t find the US, the Huawei P40 Pro is the latest flagship from Huawei, also with an emphasis on photography and imaging. Still cursed with last year’s US-Huawei ban, the brand makes a compelling phone that can’t be used with Google Services – which could be a deal breaker for many consumers in Western markets.
Xiaomi’s latest flagship is in a similar situation as the 8 Pro: it has shed away its midrange, high-value image and presents itself as a proper flagship with a flagship price to match. The Mi 10 Pro 5G is certainly well-spec’d on paper and its 108MP camera rivals the 8 Pro‘s overall camera experience.
The OnePlus 8 Pro‘s predecessors are still worthy alternatives to the 8 Pro. Depending on the market, the 5G version of the OnePlus 7T Pro (McLaren Edition @ T-Mobile in the US) is just as expensive as the 8 Pro’s entry price, but if you’re looking for a much cheaper option, the OnePlus 7 Pro is a great smartphone that’s aged very well over the last year.
It can be found around half the price of the 8 Pro, which is a nice trade-off if 5G isn’t a priority. The 7 Pro was one of our favorite smartphones of 2019 around the office.
The OnePlus 8 Pro is now a fully featured flagship worth a pretty penny. This is certainly a departure from OnePlus‘ original image of high-performance for low cost. With every passing iteration, OnePlus continued to build on its previous device’s success and even if it did sometimes hype our expectations, it has consistently improved in many areas throughout the years.
The OnePlus 8 Pro is a solid smartphone packed with a well-improved camera and all the top features that you’d expect from a flagship like reverse wireless charging, stereo speakers, and a top-of-the-line display with 120Hz refresh rate. Top performance from the Snapdragon 865 and 5G connectivity are must-haves in this space, but where OnePlus is no longer competing is in the very space it began.
Pros:
Bright and beautiful smooth display
Premium design and build quality with IP rating and soft-touch finish
Great camera all-around
It has the fastest Snapdragon chipset on board
Oxygen OS is snappy and gets frequent updates
Loud stereo speakers
Warp Wireless charging is super-fast
Cons:
MEMC Motion smoothing feature is inconsistent
Warp wireless charger is expensive
Still no always-on display out of the box
No expandable memory
Not available directly from US carriers
Color filter camera is meh
Ultrawide camera’s low-light performance is not great
OnePlus is a perfect example of the notion: “if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em,” and this is exactly what the company has done with the 8 Pro. It’s managed to become the very thing the company initially set out to defeat. It did call its phones “Flagship killers” for a while. These days, there is so much more competition in the category that OnePlus first started in, that it would rather compete at the flagship level with the big boys.
And they have succeeded in this endeavor. The OnePlus 8 Pro is a high-end smartphone worth considering. The company’s attention to detail in software, packaging, and design make their brand worth being a fan of.
