OnePlus 5 vs Galaxy S8: Ultimate Smartphone Comparison
Smartphones have become a crucial part of modern life, and with the fierce competition between manufacturers, selecting the right one can be a daunting task. Two of the most prominent contenders in 2017 were the OnePlus 5 and Samsung Galaxy S8, both flagships offering top-tier performance and innovative features. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll dissect their differences across key categories, helping you make an informed decision about which of these two phones suits your needs better.
1. Introduction to the Showdown: OnePlus 5 vs Galaxy S8
The OnePlus 5 vs Galaxy S8 comparison is an intriguing one, especially given the brands’ approaches to flagship phones. OnePlus, known for delivering flagship performance at an affordable price, brought the OnePlus 5 to the table with its characteristic “flagship killer” attitude. On the other hand, Samsung’s Galaxy S8 represented the pinnacle of premium smartphone craftsmanship and innovation, packed with top-notch specs and cutting-edge features.
OnePlus took a minimalist, performance-focused route, while Samsung emphasized futuristic design and advanced technology. Let’s explore how these two phones stack up against each other in different areas, from design and camera quality to battery life and price.
2. Design and Features: Sleek Innovation vs Minimalist Style
In terms of design and features, the Galaxy S8 easily stands out with its stunning Infinity Display that curves seamlessly along its edges. The nearly bezel-less 5.8-inch Super AMOLED screen and glass back give the S8 a futuristic aesthetic that few phones could rival in 2017. Samsung also incorporated IP68 water and dust resistance, which makes the device more durable in everyday conditions.
On the other hand, the OnePlus 5 opted for a more minimalist design approach. It features a 5.5-inch AMOLED display with a traditional 16:9 aspect ratio, framed by relatively larger bezels compared to the S8. While its aluminum build feels solid and premium, it lacks the same futuristic flair. However, OnePlus incorporated a practical dual-camera setup and a lightning-fast fingerprint scanner that many users appreciated for its functionality.
When it comes to additional features, Samsung wins with its iris scanner, wireless charging, and Bixby assistant, none of which the OnePlus 5 offers. However, the OnePlus 5 provides a cleaner software experience with its near-stock OxygenOS, which many users prefer over Samsung’s more bloated interface.
3. Display Quality: Infinity Display vs AMOLED Standard
The OnePlus 5 vs Galaxy S8 display quality comparison highlights a stark difference in screen technologies. The Samsung Galaxy S8 comes equipped with a 5.8-inch Super AMOLED Quad HD+ display that offers a resolution of 2960 x 1440 pixels. The screen is renowned for its deep blacks, vibrant colors, and high contrast, making media consumption and gaming a visually immersive experience.
The OnePlus 5 features a 5.5-inch Full HD AMOLED display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. While it’s no slouch, providing sharp images and bright colors, it pales in comparison to the Galaxy S8’s higher resolution and pixel density. The OnePlus 5’s display is perfect for everyday tasks but lacks the extra punch that would make it stand out in media-rich applications.
Both phones excel in color accuracy and viewing angles, but Samsung’s Infinity Display and superior resolution put the Galaxy S8 in the lead when it comes to display quality.
4. Camera Review: Dual-Lens Practicality vs Advanced Single Lens
Cameras are a vital factor for smartphone buyers, and in the OnePlus 5 vs Galaxy S8 camera review, both phones have their own strengths. The Galaxy S8 features a 12MP rear camera with f/1.7 aperture, dual-pixel autofocus, and optical image stabilization (OIS). Samsung’s camera shines in low-light performance, offering sharp and vibrant photos even in dim settings, thanks to its wide aperture and fast autofocus.
The OnePlus 5 features a dual-camera setup: a 16MP primary sensor with f/1.7 aperture and a 20MP telephoto lens with f/2.6 aperture. This allows for 2x optical zoom and portrait mode with a depth-of-field effect, something the Galaxy S8 lacks. In bright light, the OnePlus 5’s camera performs admirably, capturing detailed photos with accurate colors. However, it falls short in low-light conditions compared to the Galaxy S8.
In summary, the Galaxy S8 excels in low-light photography and overall image quality, while the OnePlus 5 offers additional functionality with its dual-camera system, making it better suited for portrait photography and zoom shots.
5. Performance: Speed and Smoothness
When evaluating Galaxy S8 vs OnePlus 5 performance, both phones are packed with impressive hardware. The Samsung Galaxy S8 runs on the Exynos 8895 (or Snapdragon 835 in the U.S.) with 4GB of RAM, offering smooth multitasking and excellent performance in demanding apps and games.
The OnePlus 5, however, slightly edges out in raw performance with its Snapdragon 835 chipset and 6GB or 8GB of RAM, depending on the variant. This additional RAM allows the OnePlus 5 to handle multitasking and memory-intensive applications more efficiently than the Galaxy S8. In terms of real-world performance, the OnePlus 5 vs Galaxy S8 speed test results show that the OnePlus 5 often loads apps faster and can handle multiple apps running simultaneously without any noticeable slowdown.
Both phones deliver top-tier performance, but for users looking for a speed demon and superior multitasking capabilities, the OnePlus 5 might have a slight advantage over the Galaxy S8.
6. Battery Life: Which Lasts Longer?
Battery life is always a major consideration when choosing a smartphone, and the OnePlus 5 battery life vs Galaxy S8 comparison reveals some interesting differences. The OnePlus 5 is powered by a 3300mAh battery, which is slightly larger than the 3000mAh battery found in the Galaxy S8.
In real-world usage, the OnePlus 5 tends to last longer due to its more power-efficient Full HD display and less power-hungry software. The OnePlus 5 can comfortably get through a full day of moderate use, with some power left for the next morning. Moreover, OnePlus’s Dash Charge technology is a significant bonus, offering faster charging speeds compared to Samsung’s Adaptive Fast Charging.
The Galaxy S8, while not far behind, consumes more power due to its Quad HD display and additional features like Always-On Display. With moderate use, the S8 lasts for a full day but may require a top-up by the evening. However, the S8 supports wireless charging, giving users more flexibility in how they charge their device, which the OnePlus 5 lacks.
7. Price Comparison: Flagship Costs
The Samsung Galaxy S8 vs OnePlus 5 price comparison is where OnePlus typically shines. At launch, the Galaxy S8 was priced at around $750, placing it firmly in the premium segment. Samsung’s reputation for high-quality displays, cutting-edge features, and top-tier performance justified its higher price tag.
On the other hand, the OnePlus 5 started at around $479, which is significantly cheaper than the Galaxy S8. Despite the lower price, OnePlus managed to pack flagship-level specifications into the OnePlus 5, making it one of the best value-for-money smartphones of its time. For users who prioritize performance over premium design and extra features, the OnePlus 5 offers tremendous value at a lower price point.
For buyers looking to maximize their investment, the OnePlus 5 is a clear winner in the price category, offering flagship performance at a more affordable price compared to the Galaxy S8.
8. Software Experience: OxygenOS vs Samsung Experience
Software is an often overlooked aspect of smartphone comparisons, but it plays a significant role in daily usability. The Galaxy S8 ships with Samsung Experience (formerly known as TouchWiz) on top of Android. While the software is feature-rich, offering capabilities like Samsung DeX and Bixby, it can feel bloated and overly complex for some users. Many criticize Samsung’s software for unnecessary apps and features that take up storage and slow down the overall experience.
The OnePlus 5, by contrast, offers a much cleaner software experience with OxygenOS, which is very close to stock Android. OxygenOS is known for its speed, minimalism, and customization options. Users have more control over the interface, and the absence of bloatware results in a faster and more fluid experience. Additionally, OnePlus is known for offering faster software updates compared to Samsung, which often lags behind in delivering new Android versions.
For users who value a clean, fast, and customizable user interface, the OnePlus 5 offers a superior software experience over the Galaxy S8.
9. Conclusion: Which Phone is Right for You?
The OnePlus 5 vs Galaxy S8 comparison ultimately comes down to your priorities as a smartphone user. If you value futuristic design, an immersive display, and extra features like wireless charging and water resistance, the Samsung Galaxy S8 remains a strong contender. Its superior camera performance in low-light conditions and premium build make it an attractive option for users seeking a truly high-end device.
However, if you prioritize performance, value-for-money, and a clean software experience, the OnePlus 5 is the better choice. With its powerful hardware, smooth OxygenOS, and considerably lower price, the OnePlus 5 offers flagship-level performance at a more affordable price point. It may not have the same premium feel or extra features as the Galaxy S8, but for those focused on getting the most performance for their dollar, the OnePlus 5 is hard to beat.
FAQs
Which phone has a better camera, the OnePlus 5 or Galaxy S8?
The Galaxy S8 excels in low-light photography with its single 12MP camera, while the OnePlus 5’s dual-camera setup offers better portrait and zoom capabilities.
Does the OnePlus 5 have wireless charging?
No, the OnePlus 5 does not support wireless charging, whereas the Galaxy S8 does.
Which phone has better battery life?
The OnePlus 5 tends to have slightly better battery life due to its more efficient display, but the Galaxy S8 offers wireless charging as an additional convenience.
Is the OnePlus 5 water-resistant?
No, the OnePlus 5 lacks water resistance, while the Galaxy S8 is IP68-rated for water and dust resistance.
Which phone is faster, the OnePlus 5 or Galaxy S8?
In terms of raw performance and multitasking, the OnePlus 5 with its 6GB/8GB RAM outperforms the Galaxy S8.
Which phone is more affordable?
The OnePlus 5 is significantly cheaper than the Galaxy S8, offering flagship performance at a lower price point.
