If you are planning to buy a powerful smartphone under ₹25,000 in India, you may have seen the OnePlus 8T 256GB showing up in online deals again. Even though this phone was launched a few years ago, it is still trending in searches. Many users now want to know if this older flagship is still a smart buy in 2026.
In this article, we explain what the OnePlus 8T 256GB offers today, its latest updates, current price in India, and whether it is still worth your money.
OnePlus 8T Launch Details and Background
The OnePlus 8T was officially launched on 14 October 2020 in India as a premium flagship smartphone.
At launch, it came with Android 11 and OxygenOS, along with top-level hardware for performance and gaming.
The 256GB storage variant was designed for heavy users who needed:
- More storage for apps and videos
- Smooth multitasking
- Long-term performance
Even today, this variant remains popular among budget flagship buyers.
Key Features of OnePlus 8T 256GB
The OnePlus 8T offers hardware that is still competitive for daily use.
It comes with:
- 6.55-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display
- 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 processor
- 12GB RAM with 256GB storage
- 48MP quad rear camera
- 4500mAh battery
- 65W fast charging support
- 5G connectivity
The phone can charge from 0 to 100% in about 39 minutes with Warp Charge 65 technology.
This makes it one of the fastest-charging smartphones even by today’s standards.
Check out more: Samsung Galaxy A36 5G
Latest Software Update Status in India
When it launched, the OnePlus 8T ran on Android 11. Over time, the device has received multiple updates.
As of January 2024, the OnePlus 8T has been updated up to Android 14.
However, reports suggest that:
- The device has now reached its official software life cycle
- It may not receive any new major Android updates in future
- Only security patches may continue for some time
So buyers should understand that long-term software support is limited now.
OnePlus 8T 256GB Price in India (2026)
In 2026, the OnePlus 8T 12GB RAM + 256GB storage model is available online at around:
₹23,899 (lowest recorded price in February 2026)
This is much lower than its original launch price, which makes it attractive for budget buyers who want flagship performance.
Why This Phone Still Matters in India
Even after five years, this smartphone is still useful for:
- Gaming
- Video editing
- Daily multitasking
- Content watching
- Social media usage
The Snapdragon 865 processor still delivers smooth performance for most apps and games.
Also, the 120Hz display and fast charging are features that many mid-range phones still do not offer at this price.
Should You Buy OnePlus 8T 256GB Now?
Buying the OnePlus 8T in 2026 makes sense if:
- You want strong performance under ₹25,000
- You need 256GB storage
- You are okay with limited future updates
But if you want long-term software support and the latest Android versions, then a newer model may be a better option.
What Happens Next for OnePlus 8T Users?
Since the phone has reached the end of major Android updates:
- Future upgrades may be limited
- Security patches may continue for some time
- No official Android version upgrades are expected
Users who want the latest Android versions may need to upgrade their device in the next 1–2 years.
FAQs
Is OnePlus 8T 256GB good for gaming in 2026?
Yes, the Snapdragon 865 processor still handles most modern games smoothly on medium to high settings.
Does OnePlus 8T support 5G in India?
Yes, it supports 5G networks and also received updates for Jio, Airtel, and Vi 5G support earlier.
Will OnePlus 8T get Android 15?
No official confirmation is available. The device has already reached its major update limit.
Is OnePlus 8T camera still good?
Yes, the 48MP quad camera setup is still good for daily photography and social media use.
What is the battery capacity of OnePlus 8T?
It comes with a 4500mAh battery and 65W fast charging support.
