The OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 8 Pro now work on Verizon. However, they do not work on its 5G network.
Basically, you’ll be able to use the unlocked version of both models on Verizon’s 4G LTE and voice network. Allowing you to actually use the phone on its network, instead of it being a paperweight. That’s good news for those that wanted to purchase the OnePlus 8 from the company itself instead of Verizon. Or those that wanted the OnePlus 8 Pro – which Verizon is not selling.
There won’t be 5G support for Verizon on either unlocked model. That might be a good thing for some people. As it means better battery life, in the long run. And where Verizon is using mmWave for its 5G right now, most people won’t be able to get 5G service on that carrier anyways.
No more problems activating a OnePlus 8 on Verizon
Those that pre-ordered early to get their OnePlus 8 or 8 Pro, noticed that they were not able to activate the device on Verizon’s network. This was because Verizon wasn’t given the IMEI numbers to put into its database for activating the phones. Basically making them incompatible with Verizon’s network, even though they were certified.
But now that the IMEI numbers are in their database, they are going to be able to be activated on Big Red without any problems. That is a relief for those that bought an unlocked model. As their phone is no longer a $700+ paperweight on their desk.
If you want Verizon 5G, you’d better get the OnePlus 8 5G UW model
Now, if you do want the Verizon 5G network to work on your OnePlus 8, you’ll need to purchase the OnePlus 8 5G UW model from Verizon. It’s the only model that supports mmWave right now, which is what Verizon is using for 5G.
Verizon is going to be rolling out Sub-6 5G later this year, and the OnePlus 8 5G UW does also support Sub-6, like the regular unlocked model.
The OnePlus 8 5G UW is also more expensive, coming in at $799 for the 8GB/128GB model. So if you don’t want 5G then the unlocked model is going to be a better buy, as you can get 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage for that same price. However, Verizon does have that exclusive Polar Silver color for the OnePlus 8 5G UW model, which does look really great.
You can pick up an unlocked OnePlus 8 from OnePlus.com right now by clicking here.