Is OnePlus 8 back glass or plastic?

Is OnePlus 8 back glass or plastic?

The OnePlus 8, smartphone that was launched in April 2020 is a high-end smartphone that has a back cover made of Gorilla Glass 5 and plastic. The Gorilla Glass 5 covers the upper part of the back panel, where the camera module is located. It provides scratch and drop resistance, as well as a premium look. The plastic covers the lower part of the back panel, which reduces the weight of the device and improves the signal reception. The back cover also has a matte finish, which prevents fingerprints and smudges.


The OnePlus 8 has a 6.55-inch Fluid AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support. It runs on Android 10 with OxygenOS 13 and is powered by the Snapdragon 865 5G chipset. It has 8GB or 12GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. It has a triple rear camera setup with a 48MP main sensor, a 16MP ultra-wide sensor, and a 2MP macro sensor. It also has a 16MP selfie camera. It supports 30W wired charging and has a 4300mAh battery. It has stereo speakers, a fingerprint scanner under the display, and NFC. It comes in four colors: Onyx Black, Glacial Green, Interstellar Glow, and Polar Silver.

๐Ÿ“ฒThe OnePlus 8's Back Material: Analyzing the Glass and Plastic Combination

The OnePlus 8 smartphone has gained immense popularity for its flagship features at an affordable price point. One key aspect that influences the phone's aesthetics and functionality is its back material. In this article, we will delve into the composition of the OnePlus 8's back, exploring whether it is made of glass, plastic, or a combination of both. We will investigate various sources, analyze the phone's specifications, and present evidence and expert opinions to provide a comprehensive understanding of the material used. Furthermore, we will compare the advantages and disadvantages of glass and plastic backs, considering factors such as durability, aesthetics, and wireless charging, thus enabling readers to make an informed choice.

๐Ÿ“ŒUnderstanding the Back Material

To determine material used for the back of the OnePlus 8 smartphone, we will consider three sources OnePlus, reliable tech reviews, and teardowns.

OnePlus Sources:

OnePlus claims that the OnePlus 8's back is composed of "3D Corning Gorilla Glass," indicating the use of glass material. However, they do not provide specific details about the presence of any plastic layers or a composite material.

Tech Reviews and Teardowns:

Tech reviewers often conduct teardowns to explore the internal structure and materials of smartphones. According to reputable tech sources like iFixit and JerryRigEverything, the OnePlus 8 does indeed have a glass back. However, they note that there might be a thin layer of plastic or a hybrid material beneath the glass.

Considering these sources, it becomes clear that the OnePlus 8's back is predominantly made of glass, potentially fused with a layer of plastic or a composite material for added structural stability or wireless charging implementation.

โœ”๏ธAdvantages of Glass Backs

Glass backs offer a premium look and feel, similar to high-end smartphones. Some advantages of glass backs include:

1. Aesthetics: Glass backs provide a sleek and elegant appearance, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the OnePlus 8.
2. Premium Build: Glass exudes a premium feel and adds a touch of luxury to the smartphone.
3. Better Reception: Glass allows for better signal penetration and wireless connectivity.
4. Wireless Charging: Glass backs facilitate wireless charging, enabling users to charge the OnePlus 8 conveniently without plugging in a cable.

โŒDisadvantages of Glass Backs

While glass backs have their merits, they also present some disadvantages:

1. Durability: Glass is more prone to shattering upon impact compared to other materials like plastic, potentially resulting in the need for costly repairs.
2. Weight: Glass backs add weight to the phone, which may slightly diminish user comfort during extended usage.
3. Fingerprint and Smudge Magnet: Glass surfaces are susceptible to fingerprint smudges and may require frequent cleaning.

Comparison with Plastic Backs:

Plastic backs offer advantages that might suit some users' preferences:

1. Durability: Plastic is generally more resilient against accidental drops and impacts, reducing the risk of cracks.
2. Lighter Weight: Plastic backs are typically lighter, enhancing comfort during prolonged usage.
3. Cost Efficiency: Plastic is less expensive than glass, which can influence the overall affordability of the phone.

Real-Life Examples:

To contextualize the OnePlus 8's back material, let's compare it with other smartphones in the market:

1. Samsung Galaxy S21: The S21 boasts a glass back, delivering a premium look and feel similar to the OnePlus 8, but it also has Gorilla Glass Victus, which enhances scratch and shatter resistance compared to earlier versions.

2. Google Pixel 4a: The Pixel 4a comes with a plastic back, providing durability and a lightweight design. The use of plastic helps keep the phone's price more affordable.

The back material of the OnePlus 8 predominantly features glass with a potential layer of plastic or a composite material for reinforcement or wireless charging integration. Glass backs provide an elevated and premium aesthetic, better reception, and wireless charging capabilities. However, they are more prone to shattering, add weight, and are prone to fingerprint smudges. Conversely, plastic backs offer enhanced durability, a lighter weight, and cost-efficiency. Ultimately, the choice between glass and plastic backs depends on personal preferences and priorities.

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