OnePlus and Google have both been prominent players, consistently pushing the limits of innovation and design. In this guide, we will compare two of their top-tier devices, the OnePlus Open and the Google Pixel 8 Pro, to assist you in making an informed decision on which one may be the most suitable option for you.
Reader’s Walkthrough
Design and build
OnePlus Open
OnePlus has always been known for its attention to design and build quality, and the OnePlus Open is no exception. The device features a premium book-style design that’s reminiscent of other foldable phones like the Galaxy Z Fold 5. It boasts a regular phone-sized cover display (6.31 inches) that unfolds to reveal a small tablet-like display (7.82 inches).
The Open folds completely flat, making it aesthetically pleasing both when open and closed. While there’s a crease on the inner screen, it doesn’t significantly impact usability. However, it’s important to note that the cover screen is prone to scratches, but this can be resolved by removing the pre-applied screen protector.
Despite this minor issue, the OnePlus Open doesn’t feel cheap or fragile. It’s built with premium materials, including aluminum and glass. The device also comes with an IPX4 rating for splash resistance. It’s relatively lightweight and thin, making it suitable for everyday use.
The OnePlus Open features a distinctive circular camera bump on the back, and it includes an alert slider for easy mode switching and a fingerprint scanner built into the power button for convenient unlocking. Notably, the haptics on the device, known as O-Haptics, are exceptional, delivering realistic feedback in various scenarios.
Google Pixel 8 Pro
The Google Pixel 8 Pro continues the tradition of the Pixel series with a refined design and build. It ditches the curved display in favor of a 6.7-inch flat screen protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2. This display offers a variable 1-120Hz refresh rate and impressive brightness settings, reaching up to 2,400 nits for HDR content. The use of matte glass on the back not only feels great but also minimizes fingerprint smudges.
The phone’s camera bar, a signature design element, has been improved, making it more attractive and cleaner than previous iterations. The combination of matte glass and a glossy aluminum frame adds to the device’s aesthetics.
In terms of connectivity, Google has made strides in providing a reliable signal and improving network performance. The Tensor G3 chipset, developed in-house, has led to better control over the device’s hardware and software, resulting in an impressive seven years of Android and security updates. This is a significant advantage for long-term device support.
The Tensor G3 chipset also powers various unique software features, enhancing the user experience. Notably, the Pixel 8 Pro’s thermal performance has improved, no longer overheating during regular tasks.
Cameras
OnePlus Open
The OnePlus Open has a triple rear camera system with a 48MP main sensor, a 50MP ultrawide sensor, and an 8MP telephoto sensor. The front-facing camera has a 32MP sensor.
The main 48MP sensor produces high-quality shots in good lighting conditions, with excellent detail and dynamic range. The device’s camera system delivers authentic and true-to-life colors, suitable for point-and-shoot photography.
The ultrawide lens is great for landscape photography, with image quality comparable to the main lens. The telephoto lens offers optical and digital zoom options, resulting in detailed and stable zoomed-in photos. However, low-light photography remains a challenge for the device, with night mode not always producing the desired results.
The device’s portrait mode and selfie camera offer good results, with adjustable background blur for added flexibility. Video recording supports up to 4K at 30-60fps, with Ultra Steady mode providing smooth footage.
Google Pixel 8 Pro
The Google Pixel 8 Pro has a triple rear camera system with a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide sensor, and a 48MP telephoto sensor. The front-facing camera has an 11MP sensor.
The Google Pixel 8 Pro’s camera system is a standout feature, with enhancements like Magic Editor, Best Take, and Video Boost, powered by the Tensor G3 chip. The device’s camera capabilities provide excellent image quality in various scenarios, making it suitable for photography enthusiasts.
The Pixel 8 Pro also introduces a feature that generates wallpapers based on prompts, offering a unique and personalized experience. The device’s camera-based upgrades, including the Magic Editor, Best Take, and Video Boost, provide impressive results, enhancing the user’s creative capabilities.
The Pixel 8 Pro offers an upgraded Face Unlock feature with Class 3 security, making it secure for mobile payments and purchases without the need for a fingerprint. This is a significant improvement over previous models.
Both phones have excellent camera systems, but the Pixel 8 Pro has a slight edge in terms of image quality. The Pixel 8 Pro’s main sensor is larger and has better low-light performance. The Pixel 8 Pro also has a more versatile telephoto sensor with a longer focal length.
Specs and Performance
OnePlus Open
The OnePlus Open is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, coupled with 16GB of RAM. This configuration provides stellar performance across various tasks, from web browsing to gaming. The device’s high refresh rate contributes to a smooth and responsive user experience.
With 512GB of non-expandable storage, the OnePlus Open offers ample space for most users. The device also supports 5G connectivity, Bluetooth 5.3, and Wi-Fi 7, ensuring fast and reliable connections.
Google Pixel 8 Pro
The Google Pixel 8 Pro features Google’s in-house Tensor G3 chip, which has led to improved control over hardware and software integration. The chipset provides excellent everyday performance and ensures a seven-year promise of Android and security updates, setting a new standard for long-term support in the Android ecosystem.
The Tensor G3 chip powers unique software features, such as camera enhancements and personalized wallpapers. It also contributes to the device’s impressive thermal performance, preventing overheating during regular usage.
Battery Life & Charging
OnePlus Open
The OnePlus Open is equipped with a 4,805mAh battery, split across two cells. While it provides a full day of usage for most users, intensive use of the internal display may require charging sooner. The device supports 67W fast charging, with the necessary charger included in the box. Charging is fast, with a 50% charge in 15 minutes and a full charge in approximately 40 minutes. Unfortunately, there is no wireless charging support.
Google Pixel 8 Pro
The Google Pixel 8 Pro features a 5,000mAh battery, which, combined with the Tensor G3 chip’s optimizations, results in impressive battery life. It can easily provide a day and a half of usage for most users. The device supports 30W fast charging and 23W wireless charging. However, it’s important to note that the charger is not included in the box.
Software and Updates
OnePlus Open
The OnePlus Open runs on OxygenOS, which offers a near-stock Android experience with some useful additions. It receives regular software updates, including Android version updates and security patches. OnePlus has committed to providing four years of security updates and three years of major Android OS updates for the device.
Google Pixel 8 Pro
The Google Pixel 8 Pro runs on the latest Android version with guaranteed updates for seven years. This is a significant advantage in terms of software support, ensuring users stay up to date with the latest features and security enhancements.
The Pixel series is known for its clean Android experience, with no bloatware and only essential Google apps pre-installed. This enhances device performance and ensures a responsive user experience.
Price and Availability
The OnePlus Open is priced at $1,299 for the base model with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. It is available in select regions.
The Google Pixel 8 Pro is priced at $999 for the base model with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. It is available in a wider range of regions.
Verdict: OnePlus Open vs. Google Pixel 8 Pro
The OnePlus Open and Google Pixel 8 Pro are both excellent smartphones, each with its unique strengths and weaknesses. The choice between them largely depends on your specific needs and priorities.
The OnePlus Open is an ideal choice for users who want a foldable smartphone with a high-quality display and a versatile camera system. Its foldable design and build quality, along with top-tier performance and a flexible camera setup, make it a great option for those who value innovation and versatility. However, potential concerns with screen durability, especially the cover display, should be taken into consideration. Also, make sure to check out the full, detailed review and specifications of the OnePlus Open
The Google Pixel 8 Pro is a fantastic choice for users who prioritize a traditional smartphone with the best possible camera system and impressive battery life. It stands out with its refined design, outstanding display, and powerful Tensor G3 chip, ensuring long-term software support. The device also excels in terms of battery life and thermal performance, making it suitable for users who want a reliable and feature-rich Android experience. Additionally, it comes at a more affordable price point compared to some other flagship options. Also, make sure to check out the full, detailed review and specifications of the Google Pixel 8 Pro
If you’re still uncertain about which phone to buy, it’s advisable to wait for reviews of both phones to be published. This will provide you with a more comprehensive understanding of their strengths and weaknesses, enabling you to make a well-informed decision based on your specific requirements and preferences.
