OnePlus 8 Pro downgraded to Widevine L3 with latest update

The latest update for the OnePlus 8 Pro seems to have messed up the Widevine security level, with it dropping down to Widevine L3 from Widevine L1. Widevine L1 support is required to enjoy content on Netflix or Amazon Prime Video at HD or higher resolutions. Without it, you would be stuck with 480p streams.

The issue has apparently started with the 10.5.5 update, and persists until the latest 10.5.8 update. However not all OnePlus 8 Pro users are affected, with some reportedly still enjoying support for Widevine L1 on their devices even with the OTA versions that have caused issues for others.

We do acknowledge the issue you have with your device. To look at resolving the issue, please send us a direct message and we will be more than happy to help.
https://t.co/Y6rHuMeSK9

— OnePlus Support (@OnePlus_Support) May 3, 2020

OnePlus is apparently aware of the issue, which should mean that a solution is on its way. We do know that Widevine L1 support can be delivered via an OTA, as we saw that happen with the POCO F1. Perhaps we will see re-added to the OnePlus 8 Pro too via an update down the road when OnePlus finally solves the issue, whatever that is.

OnePlus 8 Pro Specs

• Snapdragon 865, octa-core up to 2.84 GHz, 7nm
• Up to 12GB LPDDR5 RAM
• Up to 256GB UFS 3.0 storage
• 6.78″ 2K+ Fluid AMOLED, 120 Hz refresh rate
• 48MP Sony IMX689 f/1.78 + 48MP Sony IMX586 f/2.2 ultra-wide/macro + 8MP f/2.44 3x telephoto + 5MP color filter
• 16MP f/2.45 selfie camera
• 4510 mAh battery, 30W Warp Charge 30T, 30W Warp Charge Wireless
• 8GB + 128GB: RM3699
  12GB + 256GB: RM4099

I can imagine that this issue might irk OnePlus users more than it did for POCO F1 users, considering that the OnePlus 8 Pro is priced as a premium flagship. There’s also the fact that the feature was sort of removed from the OnePlus 8 Pro, while it was never available on the POCO F1 until an update brought Widevine L1 to the affordable flagship killer.

Is your OnePlus 8 Pro affected? All you need to do is to download DRM Info from the Play Store and it will tell you which level of Widevine DRM your device supports.

Pokdepinion: To be entirely honest, I don’t really mind lower quality streams on my smartphone…