The OnePlus 8 isn’t expected to be released until next year, but as with all highly anticipated smartphones, leaks and rumors will dominate until it’s officially unveiled. This doesn’t actually fall into either of those two categories, but it is a sort of wish list of items most fans would like to see in the OnePlus 8.
Improved cameras
Perhaps the number one gripe reviewers had with the OnePlus 7 Pro was the cameras. While the phone does sport a massive 48-megapixel sensor as one of the three lenses on its main camera, the quality of the images taken by it just isn’t as good as that of images taken by phones with fewer megapixels. The rear-facing camera also features wide-angle and telephoto lenses.
However, despite the high pixel count and three lenses, many of the photos taken by this year’s Pro model are washed out or overexposed. Low-light photos come out blurry sometimes too. Thus, we would like to see an improved camera in the OnePlus 8. This is mostly about software and non-spec related features. While OnePlus doesn’t really make entry-level phones, the company could really attract more buyers with a better camera on the OnePlus 8. Google has proven that it is possible to provide an excellent camera even in an entry-level device with the Pixel 3a, so we are confident OnePlus can do the same in its devices.
Multiple sizes, or at least, a smaller size
Another problem the OnePlus 8 could solve is the size issue. The phone is perhaps the largest on the market, even bigger than Samsung’s Note line-up. With an aspect ratio of 19:5:9, it’s also the tallest phone on the market. The trend in smartphones has been bigger is better where the display is concerned, but it is possible to make a phone that’s simply too big, and that’s what happened with the OnePlus 7 Pro.
OnePlus is a smaller company, so making multiple sizes may not be in the cards yet, but the company could rethink the massive size of its phones. People with small hands will have a lot of difficulties with the 7 Pro, so the OnePlus 8 would do better to fix this, either with a smaller size or with features that somehow make the display seem easier to use even with smaller hands.
Wireless charging
Wireless charging has become a standard feature on flagship smartphones, and it’s one feature OnePlus has yet to add to its phones. Not everyone demands or requires wireless charging, but since the company uses glass backs on its phones, we would expect it to be included. Of course, this is one area in which the company chooses to cut corners to keep the price lower than the $1,000+ price tags of its competitors, so the OnePlus 8 may not have it either.
microSD card slot
Once again, we have a feature that wouldn’t be a deal-breaker on the OnePlus 8, but it would make a nice addition. With so much onboard memory, this feature may be nitpicking a bit. This may also fall in the category of keeping the price lower, so it’s anyone’s guess whether a microSD card slot will ever make an appearance in any of the company’s upcoming phones.
IP water-resistance certification
The OnePlus 8 could also benefit from an IP water resistance rating. The company explained why its phones lack IP certification earlier this year, saying that it was one way they were saving consumers money. As proof of its water resistance, the company dunked one of its phones in a bucket of water. However, outdoor enthusiasts and businesses which require IP certification may avoid the OnePlus 8 if it doesn’t have the appropriate rating. IP certification has become an industry standard for flagship devices.
The same or better display
The OnePlus 7 Pro sports a new design with a pop-up selfie camera, which is great for the screen because it’s one of the first phones to have a truly all-screen design. One of the best things about the 7 Pro was the beautiful display, so hopefully the OnePlus 8 either keeps the display or improves on it further.
