Remember the excitement of the OnePlus 7T? When it launched in late 2019, it set the stage with a 90Hz AMOLED display, Warp Charge technology, and a sleek version of OxygenOS. It was a standout, offering premium features at a mid-range price. Fast forward to 2025, and the question arises: Does the OnePlus 7T still have what it takes, or is it merely a relic of the past?
For those searching for a budget gaming phone, a secondary device, or reminiscing about their beloved 7T, we’ll delve into its performance, software, display, battery life, camera capabilities, and overall design.
Performance: Sprinter Turned Marathoner
The Snapdragon 855+ chipset in the OnePlus 7T was a game-changer in its prime and paired with 8GB of RAM, it delivered impressive performance. In real-world scenarios today, however, the 7T’s capabilities are waning.
- Benchmark Scores: The OnePlus 7T sits in the mid-tier range, with AnTuTu scores between 487,000 and 595,000. Competing with newer mid-range devices proves challenging.
- Daily Tasks: General use such as social media browsing, video streaming, and casual gaming remains smooth, allowing users to navigate daily tasks effortlessly. Yet, expectations for intensive gaming sessions may lead to disappointment.
In 2025, while it still runs lighter applications efficiently, extended gaming sessions may expose performance limitations.
Software: Once Gold, Now… Glitchy
OxygenOS: A Shift in Quality
OxygenOS has long been lauded for its speed and bloat-free interface. However, recent updates have introduced bugs that compromise user experience.
- Common Issues: Users face random crashes, overheating during idle time, notification glitches, and stuttering menus.
- Quality Decline: The once-reliable system can now feel frustrating, and it seems improvements are needed more than ever. One user likened the experience to “death by notification bugs”.
The hope is that upcoming updates will resolve these issues, but as of now, the software reliability has dipped significantly.
Display: Still Feels Fresh, but Shows Its Age
The 6.55-inch 90Hz AMOLED display of the OnePlus 7T was a defining feature and continues to impress in 2025.
- Visual Experience: The display remains vibrant and responsive, doing justice to media consumption and social media activities.
- Design Limitations: The thick bezels and pronounced notch contrast sharply with today’s minimalist designs. Without HDR10+ support or adaptive refresh rates, the display feels somewhat antiquated.
Despite its visual appeal, the display showcases signs of its age when compared to modern standards.
Battery & Charging: A Mixed Bag
Battery life is a crucial consideration in 2025.
- Capacity: The 3800mAh battery that once powered through a full day now typically lasts only 4–5 hours of screen-on time, a noticeable decrease that can hinder intensive usage.
- Warp Charge 30T: Fortunately, the fast charging remains impressive. You can expect a full charge in under an hour, which helps alleviate some of the battery woes.
Users may find themselves charging more frequently, which is a compromise for that rapid charging convenience.
Camera Review
The OnePlus 7T comes equipped with a respectable triple-lens camera setup—48MP wide, 12MP telephoto, and 16MP ultra-wide.
- Daylight Performance: The camera shines in well-lit conditions, capturing crisp and balanced images.
- Low-Light Shortcomings: Unfortunately, the software doesn’t keep pace with more recent camera technology, leading to lag, unnatural colors, and struggles with low-light photography.
For selfie enthusiasts, the front camera suffices for casual use but lacks the finesse required for social media stardom.
Design & Ergonomics: Still Has the Hand Feel
Despite its age, the OnePlus 7T’s design remains appealing.
- Build Quality: The frosted matte glass back and smooth curves deliver a premium feel, making it comparable to modern budget devices.
- Weight Consideration: It is heavier than many current models and lacks modern waterproof ratings, but the overall quality stands tall.
If you’re considering ergonomic comfort and design aesthetics, the OnePlus 7T holds its own in 2025.
Gaming & Media Use: Optional, Not Ideal
Gaming profiles are evolving, and the OnePlus 7T finds itself wanting.
- Performance in Gaming: While capable of handling Genshin Impact or Call of Duty: Mobile, prolonged gaming sessions reveal thermal throttling and frame drops, resulting in a suboptimal experience.
- Media Consumption: When it comes to streaming on platforms like Netflix or YouTube, the 7T excels, thanks to its vibrant display and solid audio.
While it serves well for short gaming sessions, it’s more suited for casual viewing than intensive play.
Is the OnePlus 7T Still Worth It in 2025?
Pros:
- Smooth everyday performance for light to moderate usage.
- Attractive build quality and ergonomic design.
- High refresh rate AMOLED display still impresses today.
- Warp Charge 30T provides rapid recharging capability.
Cons:
- Noticeable battery degradation affects daily usage.
- Software issues create frustration and hurt user experience.
- Cameras do not measure up to modern standards.
- Limited performance for demanding gaming and multitasking.
For individuals on a budget or seeking a secondary device, the OnePlus 7T makes sense, especially in the pre-owned market. However, those seeking a flagship experience or heavy performance need to look elsewhere.
Conclusion
So, should you revisit your OnePlus 7T? Like revisiting a vintage film, it offers a nostalgic charm but also reveals its age. While it still possesses certain strengths, noticeable shortcomings hold it back from being the powerhouse it once was.
If the OnePlus 7T is still collecting dust in your drawer, consider giving it another chance. It may surprise you with its enduring capabilities—but keep in mind it has its limitations. Whether as a backup device or a casual daily driver, it’s a dependable option that has not entirely lost its spark.
