Advantages and disadvantages of the OnePlus 6 smartphone

In May 2018, the Chinese company OnePlus released its new smartphone. Someone considers it a "flagship killer", and someone talks about its limitless disadvantages. This article will describe both the advantages and disadvantages of the OnePlus 6 phone, a number of comparative analyzes with its predecessor, namely the OnePlus 5T.

Specifications and equipment

Basic equipment

• Smartphone;
• Silicone case;
• Charger;
• Charging cable (cord length 1 meter);

Specifications

• Form factor: smartphone;
• Operating system: Android 8.1 Oreo;
• Launcher: Oxygen OC;
• Processor: Snapdragon 845, 4x(2.8GHz) + 4x(1.7GHz);
• Fingerprint scanner: present;
• Graphics accelerator: Adreno 630 (710 MHz);
• RAM: 6 GB LPDDR4 / 8 GB LPDDR4;
• Permanent memory: 64 GB / 128 GB / 256 GB;
• Rear camera: 16/20 MP (aperture 1.7);
• Video recording: 4K, Slow-MO, 60 FPS;
• Front camera: 16 MP (aperture 2.0);
• Body materials: glass;
• Glass: Gorilla Glass 5;
• Coloring variations: black, gray, white, red;
• Display: 6.28;
• Unlock: touch and mechanical.
• Screen Resolutions: Full HD+;
• Autofocus: present;
• DPI Density: 402;
• Matrix: Super AMOLED;
• SIM cards: Nano-SIM, Dual Sim;
• Radio: absent;
• Sound: single channel;
• USB: Type-C;
• Memory expansion cards: none;
• Battery: 3300 mAh;
• Navigation: GLONASS, GPS;
• Internet: Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac;
• The presence of an NFC chip: present;
• Dimensions: 155.7 × 75.4 × 7.75 mm;
• Weight: 177 grams;

Criterias of choice

• OS;
• CPU;
• Video chip;
• RAM;
• Inner memory;
• shell;
• Camera quality;
• Reviews;

Overview of key features

Filling

The smartphone is powered by an octa-core Snapdragon 845 processor with a core frequency of up to 2.8 GHz. The processor is one of the "top", therefore it is able to run the most demanding games of 2018. All novelties of the telephone game industry work from 60 FPS. The phone practically does not heat up, even with prolonged use. In addition to the processor, the phone has a smart Adreno 630 video chip operating at a frequency of up to 710 MHz. Such a tandem shows a high level of performance in active games.

The phone does not have additional slots for memory cards.However, it comes in three versions: 64 GB built-in + 6 GB RAM, 128 GB built-in + 8 GB RAM, 256 GB built-in and 8 GB RAM. It cannot be said that the lack of a slot for a memory card is a big minus. After all, the phone has a wide choice of internal storage, and taking into account the fact that cloud storage is now actively used, the problem with memory is completely leveled.

autonomy

The device has a small battery, only 3300 mAh. On average, the phone can work up to 10 hours in active mode and 250 hours in standby mode. However, the phone supports Dash Charge technology, which allows you to charge 57% of the battery in 30 minutes. Also, the phone had a problem with autonomy, which was quickly “fixed” with the arrival of the shell update to the new version. In principle, if you use a phone with a low brightness level, then it can live 1 day in active mode. But still, you will often have to run for the charger, because the battery is weak. Of course, you can carry a power bank with you, but this is not what you expect from a “flagship killer”.

cameras

The phone has 1 double photo module, which is located on the back of the phone. The main camera has 16 megapixels, and the auxiliary camera has 20. The camera control interface is practically the same as in previous versions. This is not to say that it is bad, rather the opposite - convenient focusing and automatic settings allow you to take high-quality photos without much effort. The front camera is 16MP with f/2.0 aperture. Pictures are good, especially in bright light. With low illumination, there is practically no noise, the picture is not bad.Compared to the OnePlus 5T, it is not much ahead, it seems that the developers have somewhat “scored” the competition in optics.

Here is an example of a photo with daytime consecration:

And here's how to take a picture with a blur effect:

In general, the phone takes good pictures both during the day and at night. But it can hardly be called a "killer" of flagships. Here is an example photo of a Xiaomi Mi 8 smartphone for comparison with OnePlus 6:

The picture is a little contrasty and colors are lost in some places. The quality is slightly worse than that of OnePlus 6. It seems that the sharpness is overestimated by software. The OnePlus 6 does not have this, so the camera will be slightly better.

The device supports 4K recording at 60 FPS. There is also a function of shooting in Slow-Mo mode up to a minute. The presence of optical stabilization is also pleasing. Now video recording does not cause any difficulties, because the frame does not shake or blur.

Screen

The display size is 6.28 inches. Well, maybe it’s convenient for someone to use a phone with such a size, but it’s definitely not possible to control it with one hand. Also, in pursuit of popular models, a cutout was installed in the phone at the top of the screen. Such a decision is justified solely by "monkeyism". After all, what prevented you from placing cameras and sensors in standard places? Because of this, some of the information that was normally displayed at the top of the display is not visible. The only good news is that the "eyebrow" can be turned off in the phone settings. In general, the tendency of eternal copying of other people's ideas sometimes causes only inconvenience and indignation. Well, let's not talk about the bad.

The display has a Super AMOLED matrix and Full HD resolution (2280 x 1080). In the phone settings, you can adjust the brightness, saturation and other parameters.The entire screen has Gorilla Glass 5 glass, which protects the smartphone from dust and scratches.

Design and ergonomics

The design is standard, it is difficult to highlight something special. Although no, perhaps another manifestation of the power of "beauty" over the brain is a glass case. A wonderful solution, especially when the phone falls to the floor. Someone may advise putting on a case, but then what is the essence of the glass case if it is hidden under the case? Why not just make a practical aluminum case like so many manufacturers do? Obvious negative for OnePlus 6…

Everything else is standard, except for small details. The dual photo module is centered on the back of the smartphone and protrudes slightly. A little lower is a flash and a fingerprint scanner, which is slightly recessed into the body. I am glad that the camera is located exactly in the center, and not on the side, as is now customary.

Below is the main speaker with a protective grille. Just to the right of the speaker is a USB Type-C connector and a microphone. Also below is a mini-jack for a headset or headphones.

An additional microphone for noise reduction is installed on the top edge. And on the left side there is a tray for two Nano-SIM slots, as well as a rocker responsible for adjusting the volume. The right side has an installed screen lock / unlock button and a slider for switching sound playback modes.

The entire smartphone is framed by an iron frame, which at least slightly compensates for the fragility of the glass case. It is also worth noting that the phone is not protected from water, but there is some kind of protection against moisture. The device can be used freely in the rain and not be afraid to damage it.

Results and price

• Optical stabilization (can compete with category A phones);
• Good cameras;
• Super AMOLED matrix;
• The presence of NFC (Possibility of contactless payment using a phone);
• Large and comfortable diagonal;

• Glass case (at the slightest drop, the glass cracks or breaks completely);
• Low autonomy (with the active mode, the phone is completely discharged in 10 hours);
• Terrible sound played by the speaker;
• Unjustified price compared to OnePlus 5T;
• No protection against water;

It came out equally. But in order to accurately determine whether the OnePlus 6 deserves the title of "flagship killer", a comparative analysis should be carried out with its predecessor.

Comparison with OnePlus 5T

Previously, OnePlus released 1 smartphone per year. During this time, she managed to introduce new features and eliminate the shortcomings of previous versions. Only half a year has passed between the release of OnePlus 5T and OnePlus 6. The phone has changed its design and internal characteristics. But how significant are these changes? And is it worth buying the new version? Answers to these questions can be obtained in a comparative analysis.

Major changes

Specifications

OnePlus 6 has got a new Snapdragon 845 processor. OnePlus 5T features Snapdragon 835. Big change? No. There are no differences in performance. That the 835th, that the 845th is capable of producing a high result. In addition to the processor, the amount of permanent memory has slightly increased, a version with 256 GB of internal has become available. The Adreno 540 graphics chip has been replaced by the Adreno 630. The OnePlus 6 display has increased in size by 0.28 inches and slightly in resolution.

Design

OnePlus 6 received a "downgrade" by replacing the metal case with a glass one. The smartphone has become more vulnerable to bumps and scratches.He did not receive any wireless charging, even taking into account the presence of a glass case. Well, it did look better. Also, the phone received protection from splashes, namely from splashes, and not from immersion in water. Well, the main change is the cutout on the top of the display.

Similarities

Displays - they are completely different. Both have a Super AMOLED matrix and display the same picture. The amount of RAM has not changed either, both have an option for 6 and 8 GB of RAM. The cameras are completely identical both in the number of megapixels and in the quality of photos.

The result of the comparison. Which model is better to buy?

90% of the changes are design. In pursuit of trends, OnePlus 6 received a worse display and an unjustified “bangs” on top of the screen. It cannot be said that the technical characteristics are very different from each other. Except for the video chip, which is slightly better than its predecessor. If OnePlus 5T is available, then there is practically no point in switching to a newer version. Only if the external design is important, well, or there is an opportunity to overpay for air.

Answers to basic questions

How much does it cost and is it worth it at all?

The average price of OnePlus (8/256 GB) for 2018 is 51,000-52,000 rubles, which is about $760 in dollars. On the territory of Kazakhstan, it can be purchased at an average price of 274,000 tenge. It is worth considering that OnePlus 5T (8/128 GB) is a quarter cheaper. But still, this price is more or less acceptable, especially when compared with smartphones that were released in mid-2018 and have similar characteristics.

Apart from the comparison with the previous version, the phone is quite good. A good screen for watching videos that displays a bright picture even in the sun. High-quality cameras capable of recording in 4K without a strong loss of FPS.The pictures are also quite suitable, even in comparison with analogues from Samsung. Especially if you compare the level of optical stabilization. The phone is perfect for demanding games, as well as for ordinary reading or surfing. And a large supply of RAM and built-in memory allows you to use the phone without hesitation.

The OnePlus 6 and OnePlus in general are one of the top quality smartphone manufacturers. The popularity of their models is determined by consistently reliable assembly and high functionality. Although the OnePlus 6 cannot be classified as a low-cost or budget device, it does not have the sky-high price tag that famous brands like Apple often “lift up”. Compared to the best A-series manufacturers like Samsung, the OnePlus 6 is a big competitor both in terms of functionality and in terms of price / quality. And the lack of the title of "top" brand does not allow OnePlus to rely solely on status.