I made a mistake by letting go of my OnePlus 8 Pro. It's a decision I now deeply regret.
I'm a freelance journalist, Eli, and my journey into tech writing began with a simple desire to play Fortnite at 90 FPS. Little did I know, that decision would open up a whole new world of Android gaming and emulation.
The OnePlus 8 Pro was a powerhouse, and I loved it. It never slowed down, and its battery life remained impressive, even after years of use. The Snapdragon 865 chip was a game-changer, and it's still used in high-end handheld devices today. I had no idea about the world of emulation until I upgraded, and now I wish I'd held on to my old phone.
But here's where it gets controversial...
I upgraded to the Google Pixel 9a, a budget device compared to my previous flagship. I didn't realize the value of my OnePlus; I thought it was time to move on. But now, I see the potential it still held. It could have been my dedicated gaming device, a perfect companion for emulating classic games without worrying about battery degradation.
The Pixel 9a is a great phone, but it's not ideal for gaming. I prefer to keep my phone's battery life intact, and using it for gaming would mean more charging cycles and potential battery issues. Having a separate device just for gaming would have been perfect.
And this is the part most people miss...
The Retroid Pocket, for example, offers a true 16:9 aspect ratio, something my phone emulation struggles with. It's a small detail, but it makes a big difference in the gaming experience.
OnePlus was once known for its powerful phones, and I think that's why I let go of mine. I believed it was time to move on to something newer and faster. But now, I see that my OnePlus still had so much to offer, even after nearly six years.
I'm happy with my Pixel 9a, but I can't help but miss my OnePlus. In an ideal world, I'd still have both, each serving its unique purpose. It's a lesson learned, and I hope others can learn from my experience too.
So, what do you think? Should we hold on to our older devices, or is it better to upgrade and move on? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
