OnePlus provided us with a review unit for one of our writers to test, which he returned after his thorough evaluation. Read on for his full thoughts.

OnePlus was founded on the idea that it could deliver flagship-quality smartphones at significantly lower prices, and its first phones were sensational in Asia and Europe for doing just that. Over time, and in rapid iterations, we’ve seen the company move closer to full-blown flagship status and further away from the clear value end of the equation.

The OnePlus 8T is the clearest example of this, priced at $749 in the US – the highest price yet for a non-Pro phone from the company. It’s a trinket-laden offering with some nice features not found in many other phones, or at least not in the sub-$1,000 price range, and it impresses with a dazzling display, plenty of power, and smooth software. But this flagship blend is let down by inconsistent cameras, which shouldn’t be a compromise on with a phone this expensive.

The OnePlus 8T certainly looks the part, with a glass back and a glossy aluminum frame that reminds me of Samsung’s own recent design philosophy. OnePlus has opted for a matte finish on the rear similar to that of Apple’s iPhone 12 Pro models, but it’s not quite as effective in execution: my Lunar Silver review unit consistently developed noticeable smudges, even when my hands were clean. This is not a good look. I wonder if the alluring Aquamarine Green version will also exhibit smudges.