The OnePlus 8 offers a number of features you won’t find in every phone, ranging from 5G connectivity to its audio profile switch and dedicated macro lens. That specialized lens lets you take up-close shots of small details, with a tight minimum focus distance of just 4cm. Though it’s low resolution at just 2MP, the photos you can capture with it are unique — and it’s easy to use.
Products used in this guide
- Macro master: OnePlus 8 ($700 at OnePlus)
- Upgrade pick: OnePlus 8 Pro ($900 at OnePlus)
How to use the macro camera
Open the Camera app.
Tap the flower icon at the top of the viewfinder to enable Macro mode.
You’ll need to position the camera close to your subject to lock in focus. Tap the shutter button to capture a photo.
The macro lens by nature requires close proximity to its subject, so you’ll need to get up close and personal with your subject to maintain focus. Unfortunately, OnePlus’s camera software doesn’t offer focus peaking, but tap-to-focus still works just fine. Just bear in mind that since the OnePlus 8 features a dedicated macro lens, you can’t enter macro mode using the standard wide or ultra-wide lenses.
Our top equipment picks
Macro master
OnePlus 8
$700 at OnePlus
$800 at Amazon
A dedicated lens for getting up close and personal
The OnePlus 8 features a dedicated macro lens with a minimum focal distance of just 4cm, allowing you to easily take extra-close shots of small subjects. It’s low-res at 2MP, but it allows you to capture unique shots other cameras can’t.
Upgrade pick
OnePlus 8 Pro
$900 at OnePlus
$1000 at Amazon
No dedicated lens, but still great cameras
The OnePlus 8 Pro doesn’t have a dedicated macro lens, but its cameras are a vast improvement over previous generations. You also get water resistance, 30W wireless charging, and a 120Hz display.
