OnePlus 5T 8GB RAM: Was It Really Launched?

Yes, the OnePlus 5T with 8GB of RAM was officially launched. The 8GB/128GB variant was released on November 21, 2017, alongside a 6GB/64GB base model, and it was the first OnePlus phone to offer 8GB of RAM as a standard configuration. This article explains the launch details, specs, performance, and how the 8GB variant compares to other phones of its era.

Background: The OnePlus 5T Announcement

OnePlus unveiled the 5T at a launch event in New York City on November 16, 2017, with sales starting in North America and Europe on November 21, 2017. The phone was an incremental upgrade over the OnePlus 5, which had launched just five months earlier. The main change was the display: a 6.01-inch AMOLED panel with an 18:9 aspect ratio and a smaller bezel, replacing the 5.5-inch 16:9 screen of the OnePlus 5. The 5T also moved the fingerprint sensor to the back to accommodate the taller screen.

The 8GB RAM option was a headline feature. While the OnePlus 5 had offered an 8GB/128GB variant in a limited “Midnight Black” edition, the 5T made 8GB RAM a standard choice available from day one. The 8GB model cost $559 in the US, £499 in the UK, and €559 in Europe, while the 6GB/64GB version was $499/£449/€499.

Specifications of the 8GB Variant

The OnePlus 5T 8GB/128GB model had the following key specs:

Display: 6.01-inch Optic AMOLED, 1080 x 2160 pixels (401 ppi), 18:9 aspect ratio
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 (octa-core, 10nm)
RAM: 8GB LPDDR4X
Storage: 128GB UFS 2.1 (non-expandable)
Rear Camera: Dual 16MP (f/1.7) + 20MP (f/1.7) with phase detection autofocus
Front Camera: 16MP (f/2.0)
Battery: 3,300 mAh with Dash Charge (5V/4A)
Operating System: Android 7.1.1 Nougat at launch, later updated to Android 10
Connectivity: USB-C, 3.5mm headphone jack, dual SIM, NFC
Dimensions: 156.1 x 75 x 7.3 mm, 162g

The 8GB RAM was LPDDR4X, which was the fastest type available in 2017. The 128GB storage used UFS 2.1, which offered faster read/write speeds than the eMMC found in budget phones.

Why 8GB RAM Mattered in 2017

In 2017, most flagship phones had 4GB of RAM, with some offering 6GB. The OnePlus 5T was among the first to offer 8GB, which was a marketing differentiator. The practical benefit was better multitasking: you could keep more apps in memory without them reloading. For example, you could switch between a game, a video, and a browser without the phone killing background processes. Benchmark tests at the time showed that the 8GB model could hold dozens of apps open simultaneously, while 4GB phones would start closing apps after about 20.

However, 8GB RAM was not essential for most users in 2017. Android’s memory management was already efficient, and most apps did not use more than a few hundred megabytes. The extra RAM mainly helped power users who ran heavy games or used split-screen mode extensively. It also future-proofed the phone for later Android versions, which became more memory-hungry.

Performance and Real-World Usage

The Snapdragon 835 paired with 8GB RAM delivered excellent performance. In day-to-day use, the 5T felt snappy, with app launches in under a second and no noticeable lag. Gaming was smooth on titles like PUBG Mobile and Asphalt 8, which were popular in 2017. The phone also handled 4K video recording at 30fps without overheating.

One common question is whether the 8GB variant was faster than the 6GB model. In most benchmarks, the difference was negligible because the processor and storage were identical. The only measurable difference was in memory-intensive tasks, like running multiple heavy apps simultaneously. For most users, the 6GB model would have been sufficient, but the 8GB version offered peace of mind for heavy multitaskers.

Comparison with Other 2017 Flagships

At the time, the OnePlus 5T 8GB was one of the most affordable phones with that much RAM. Here’s how it compared to rivals:

Samsung Galaxy S8: 4GB RAM, $720 – The S8 had a better display and camera, but less RAM and a higher price.
Google Pixel 2 XL: 4GB RAM, $849 – The Pixel had a superior camera and stock Android, but less RAM and a much higher price.
OnePlus 5 (previous model): 8GB RAM available, $539 – The 5 had a smaller screen and a front fingerprint sensor, but the same RAM option.
Huawei Mate 10 Pro: 6GB RAM, $799 – The Mate had a larger battery and AI features, but less RAM and a higher price.

The 5T was the only phone in this group to offer 8GB RAM at its price point, which made it a hit among tech enthusiasts.

Common Problems and Issues

Owners of the OnePlus 5T 8GB reported a few issues over time:

Display burn-in: Some users noticed image retention on the AMOLED screen after months of use, especially with the navigation bar. This was a known OLED issue, not specific to OnePlus.
Battery drain: After a year or two, some users experienced faster battery drain, which is typical for lithium-ion batteries. The 3,300 mAh battery was average for the time.
Camera quality in low light: The dual camera was decent but not class-leading. The 20MP sensor was used for low-light shots, but results were often noisy.
Software updates: The 5T received Android 8.0 Oreo and Android 9 Pie, but Android 10 was the final major update. Some users were disappointed that it didn’t get Android 11.

These issues were not widespread, and most were resolved with software updates. The 8GB RAM itself did not cause any problems; the phone remained fluid even after several years of use.

Is the 8GB OnePlus 5T Still Worth It Today?

As of 2024, the OnePlus 5T is an old phone, and its 8GB RAM is no longer exceptional—many budget phones now have 8GB or more. However, the 5T can still perform basic tasks like calling, texting, social media, and light browsing. The Snapdragon 835 is outdated, and it may struggle with the latest heavy apps or games. Also, the phone no longer receives security updates, which is a risk for online banking or sensitive data.

If you’re considering buying a used 5T, check the battery health and whether the screen has burn-in. The 8GB variant is not worth paying a premium for over the 6GB model, since the performance difference is minimal. For daily use, a modern budget phone would be a better choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did the OnePlus 5T have 8GB RAM in all regions?

Yes, the 8GB/128GB variant was available globally, including in North America, Europe, and Asia. Some regions also received a 6GB/64GB model, but the 8GB option was always offered.

What was the price of the OnePlus 5T 8GB at launch?

The 8GB/128GB model cost $559 in the US, £499 in the UK, and €559 in Europe. The 6GB/64GB version was $499/£449/€499.

How much RAM does the OnePlus 5T have?

The OnePlus 5T came in two variants: 6GB RAM with 64GB storage, and 8GB RAM with 128GB storage. The 8GB variant was the higher-end option.

Is 8GB RAM overkill for a phone?

For most users, 8GB is more than enough. It helps with heavy multitasking and future-proofing, but 6GB is usually sufficient for typical use. In 2017, 8GB was rare, but today it’s common in mid-range phones.

Can the OnePlus 5T 8GB run current apps?

It can run most current apps, but some newer games may lag or not be fully optimized. The processor is old, and the phone lacks the latest security patches, so it’s not recommended for sensitive tasks.

Does the OnePlus 5T support 5G?

No, the OnePlus 5T does not support 5G. It only supports 4G LTE, which is still fine for most areas, but 5G is not available.

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