OnePlus just made the presentation of the OnePlus 6T officially, a high-end device with the designation "T", it is the new OnePlus 6T. It is a device that saves many, we would say that too many differences with respect to its brother OnePlus 6, which makes it a simple facelift. Today, comparison of the OnePlus 6T versus the OnePlus 6Is this a real generational leap, or is it a minor update focused on polishing details?
The question posed at the beginning of the post is very relevant: Are the "T" versions of OnePlus phones really deserving of the name change?The company has become accustomed to releasing two models very close together in time, leading many people to wonder whether or not it's worth upgrading their device. While it's true that there aren't any radical changes between these two phones, the The OnePlus 6T represents a small step forward in key areas such as battery life, fingerprint reader, and screen-to-body ratio. We've also thoroughly analyzed the OnePlus 6T to better understand what it offers compared to the OnePlus 6.
Maybe this strategy of getting two terminals a year really similarities in hardware This is due to a marketing decision by the brand. The company thus maintains constant presence in the marketIt updates details that users demand and ensures it reaches peak purchase moments with a more polished model. If they keep repeating this generation after generation, it's because the approach works for them in terms of sales and visibility.
On the other hand, let's consider the user who bought a OnePlus 6 shortly before the arrival of the new model. Now they see how the brand releases a renewal of the terminal he bought few months ago, And same price rangeIt's not exactly a palatable option for the most loyal customers. Therefore, some users have become accustomed to wait to buy the "T" version, as it usually improves upon the regular version, corrects minor errors, and refines design and battery life details.
In this context, the key is to identify the real differences between these two models and what remains the same. From there, it will be easier to decide whether to upgrade to the OnePlus 6T. It's worth it for those who already own a OnePlus 6 or if it's a better option only for new buyers looking for a balanced high-end model.
Design, screen and notch: more screen and less notch
The main visible difference we found it in the screenThe OnePlus 6T features approximately 6,4 inches (6,41″)while the OnePlus 6 has 6,28 inches. This slight increase in screen size translates to more usable surface, better use of the front panel and a slightly superior sense of immersion, all while maintaining a very similar physical size.
Beyond the diagonal, there is also a variation in the effective resolutionThey both share technology AMOLED Full HD +But the OnePlus 6 offers 2.280 x 1.080 pixels and the OnePlus 6T goes up to XThe change in density is minimal, but the T model achieves a elongated screen ratio and better use of space at the top thanks to the new notch design.
The OnePlus 6 had a traditional elongated notch that took up more width and "ate up" part of the notification bar. The OnePlus 6T switches to a notch in the shape of a drop of waterAlso known as a waterdrop or raindrop notch, it's much more discreet. This small cutout is enough to house the front camera, leaving the sides free for icons and notifications. Furthermore, OxygenOS allows hide the notch via software If the user prefers, simulating a uniform upper frame.
Another important point is the glass that protects the screen. While the OnePlus 6 uses Gorilla Glass 5The OnePlus 6T makes the leap to Gorilla Glass 6A more modern version designed to better withstand repeated drops. This doesn't make the phone unbreakable, but it does offer a extra protection against minor everyday bumps.
Finally, it's worth noting that the screen-to-body ratio also improves on the OnePlus 6T. The bottom bezel is slightly reduced, and thanks to the smaller notch, the screen-to-body ratio It's superior. On a practical level, this translates into a very comfortable device to use, with a large screen in a manageable body.
Fingerprint reader and biometrics: the screen now reads your finger
Another important change between the two models comes with the fingerprint sensorOn the OnePlus 6, the fingerprint reader is located on the back, below the camera module, in a convenient and easily recognizable position. On the OnePlus 6T, however, the fingerprint reader is... disappears from the back and it integrates directly under the screen.
OnePlus is betting here on a optical sensor under the glassThis technology briefly illuminates the finger to read the fingerprint pattern through the AMOLED panel. This solution allows for a cleaner, more minimalist back and provides that touch of "modern high-end" that many users appreciate. According to the brand, unlocking is very fast, although in practice it can be slower. somewhat slower and less accurate than the rear physical reader, especially in the first weeks of use until the user gets used to the gesture of placing the finger on a specific point of the screen.
The difference in placement can also influence ergonomics. The rear fingerprint reader on the OnePlus 6 feels very natural if you usually unlock your phone by picking it up from a table, while the on-screen reader on the OnePlus 6T is more comfortable when the phone is lying flat, for example on a desk. It's largely a matter of personal preferences.
In any case, both devices maintain the 2D facial recognition via the front camera. This system, inherited from previous generations, allows you to unlock the phone almost instantly in good lighting conditions. It doesn't incorporate advanced sensors like infrared cameras or dot projectors, but it offers a Very quick and practical experience for everyday use, complementing the fingerprint reader.
Rear design and construction: glass, minimalism and the same colors
At first glance, the back of both phones is very similar. As we pointed out in the original article, the The back is practically the same Both phones feature a glass design, smooth lines, and a centered, vertically positioned dual-camera module. The main difference is that The OnePlus 6T does not have a fingerprint sensor. while the OnePlus 6 does integrate it under the cameras.
The two share colors and constructionThey are constructed of glass with an aluminum frame and are sold in two main shades: a glossier piano black and another midnight black with a matte finish that better hides fingerprints. This use of glass not only gives them a more premium look, but also allows for a improved antenna performance network and wireless connectivity.
In terms of dimensions, the OnePlus 6T is slightly larger tall and thickThis is directly related to the increased battery capacity and the new set of front-facing components. The weight also increases by a few grams, but in practical terms, it still feels like a light and well-balanced phone in hand. Both models do, however, share the absence of... official water resistance certificationThis is something OnePlus has historically compensated for with a certain level of internal protection, but without formal IP certifications.
Performance and internal hardware: same brain, same power
In the section performance We found one of the points where the differences between the OnePlus 6 and the OnePlus 6T are practically nonexistent. Both use the same processor. Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset 845 It's a 10nm, eight-core processor with four high-performance Kryo 385 Gold cores and four efficiency-focused Kryo 385 Silver cores. The GPU is the same in both cases, a Adreno 630 capable of smoothly running demanding games, heavy applications, and advanced multitasking.
There are no fundamental changes in RAM either: both offer configurations with 6 or 8 GB of RAM LPDDR4X is more than enough to keep many apps running in the background without forced closures. The same applies to internal storage, although with an important caveat: the OnePlus 6 has versions of 64, 128 and 256 GBwhile the OnePlus 6T starts from 128 GB and goes up to 256 GBthus eliminating the 64 GB option as the base model.
This change in the minimum storage capacity is positive for most users, as 128 GB offers a very large margin for photos, videos, games and applicationsEspecially considering that neither device supports microSD cards. All storage is based on UFS memory 2.1, faster than traditional eMMC and designed to improve loading times, app installation, and file transfer.
In short, in this chapter it can be said that the OnePlus 6T is no more powerful than the OnePlus 6. Both offer a level of performance of pure high-endThey remain perfectly valid for several years of intensive use and share the exact same "brain." Any differences in fluidity that some users may notice are due more to OxygenOS software adjustments and optimization than to changes in hardware.
Cameras and photography: same foundation, more polished software
In terms of photography, the two phones share virtually the same configuration. dual sensors follow located in the same position central and vertical, and both use Sony sensors. The main one is a Sony IMX 519 16-megapixel camera with f/1.7 aperture, optical image stabilization and PDAF approach. The secondary one is a Sony IMX 376K 20 megapixels, also with f/1.7 aperture, designed to support low-light scenes and portrait mode.
From the user's perspective, this means that both the OnePlus 6 and the OnePlus 6T offer a very similar image quality In most situations: good photos in good lighting, portraits with pleasing background blur, and acceptable performance in nighttime or indoor scenes. Both are capable of recording video in 4K UHD, with good stabilization and slow-motion options, and share a 16-megapixel front camera with f/2.0 aperture for selfies and video calls.
The most notable difference in this section comes from the side of photo softwareThe OnePlus 6T includes the mode as standard. NightscapeA night mode combines multiple captures to enhance detail and reduce noise in low-light scenes. This mode, however, is not limited to the 6T, as OnePlus has also been bringing this to the OnePlus 6 through updatesdemonstrating that the company prefers to take care of its user base and not restrict these improvements to a single model.
Therefore, if your absolute priority is photography, the jump from the OnePlus 6 to the OnePlus 6T doesn't represent a revolution in qualityHowever, you can notice small improvements in processing, dynamic range, and noise handling thanks to OxygenOS updates. In both cases, the camera is more than adequate for demanding use, although it doesn't quite compete with flagship phones focused entirely on photography.
Battery and autonomy: an improvement that is noticeable.
La battery This is one of the areas where the OnePlus 6T does offer a clear difference compared to the OnePlus 6. In the original model we have 3.300 mAh, while in the 6T the capacity increases to 3.700 mAhThis 400 mAh increase, combined with minor software optimization improvements, results in a significantly improved autonomy.
In day-to-day use, the OnePlus 6 already offered good battery life, capable of reach the end of the day For most users, the OnePlus 6T offers a welcome boost in battery life: longer screen-on time, improved performance on demanding mobile networks, and longer gaming and video sessions. While not designed for extreme gaming, the 6T delivers a more robust experience for those who spend a lot of time away from home.
Both devices maintain the known OnePlus fast chargingBased on a 20W (5V x 4A) charger, this technology allows you to recover around 50% battery in half an hour while plugged in, which is especially useful when you're in a hurry. Neither model includes wireless charging, but the speed of wired charging largely compensates for this.
Connectivity and sound: goodbye to the headphone jack on the OnePlus 6T
In terms of network connectivity, both models are practically identical. They both feature NFCBluetooth 5.0 with advanced audio profiles, WiFi 2 x 2 MIMO compatible with 2,4 and 5 GHz networks, support for dual nanoSIMGPS with GLONASS, BeiDou, and GALILEO, and a comprehensive list of LTE bands for convenient use in multiple regions. Both also incorporate a fingerprint sensor, facial recognition, and the same internal sound and noise cancellation technologies.
The big difference in this chapter is in the headphone portThe OnePlus 6 maintains the classic 3,5 mm jack on the bottom edge, allowing the direct use of traditional wired headphones without accessories. The OnePlus 6T, however, completely omits this connector and It outputs audio exclusively through the USB Type-C port.For those who already use Bluetooth headphones daily, this change may have little impact, but for many users it means having to rely on an adapter.
Luckily, the OnePlus 6T box includes a USB-C to 3,5 mm jack adapterThis means you can continue using your old headphones without having to buy a new one. Connecting this adapter also unlocks some sound customization options, although the overall audio experience remains similar to that of the OnePlus 6. However, there isn't a particularly noticeable improvement in external speakers or stereo sound: we're dealing with a evolution more practical than sonic, focused primarily on freeing up internal space.
In both cases, the absence of FM radio, wireless charging, or official IP certification puts them somewhat behind some rivals in this area, but this is compensated for by a good overall quality of the set and a clear focus on performance and ease of use.
Software, OxygenOS and user experience
At the software level, the foundation is the same: OXYGENOnePlus's own interface, based on pure Android with minor improvements. The original article already noted that both feature OxygenOS based on Android 9.0 PieAnd over time they have received new versions of the system, keeping the experience very much aligned between the two phones.
The OnePlus 6T has already been released dressed in a modern version of Androidwhich added features like smart battery, Digital Wellbeing, and new navigation gestures. The OnePlus 6, for its part, also received these improvements via update, so the day-to-day user experience is very similar. OxygenOS continues to focus on a smooth and fast experience, very close to stock Android but with useful extras such as gesture customization, game modes, dark theme and fine performance adjustments.
For those who prioritize clean and optimized software, both the OnePlus 6 and OnePlus 6T are very solid optionsThe main advantage of the 6T in this area is that, being the slightly newer model, it usually receives official support for a bit longer, accumulating more update cycles before the brand stops prioritizing it over later generations.
General similarities between OnePlus 6 and OnePlus 6T
Hay more similarities than differences between these two models. Both are true high-end Android phones, capable of easily competing with other flagship devices. Perhaps the OnePlus 6T stands out slightly more due to its novelty and the addition of small improvements, but the core functionality remains the same.
Summarizing the main similarities in list form:
- The colors and construction are same In the 6 and 6T: glass on the back and aluminum frame, available in piano black and midnight tones.
- UnlimitedThey both have the same internal components. Snapdragon 845, the Adreno 630 GPU and configurations of 6 or 8 GB of RAM.
- StorageOnePlus 6 is offered in versions of 64, 128 and 256 GBThe OnePlus 6T has versions of 128 and 256 GB, eliminating the 64 GB model.
- Screen: share Full HD+ AMOLED resolution and very similar density, with different screen sizes. The OnePlus 6T is slightly larger.
- Cameras: dual sensors follow located in the same position and they use the same Sony sensors, the IMX 519 for the main camera and the IMX 376K for the secondary camera.
- Battery: we have 3.700 mAh for the 6T and 3.300 mAh for the 6Same fast charging system in both cases.
- ConnectivityBoth include NFC, Bluetooth 5.0, 2x2 MIMO Wi-Fi, dual nanoSIM, GPS with GLONASS and BeiDou, and the aforementioned fast charging. They also feature facial recognition and a fingerprint sensor, though in different locations.
- OXYGEN Based on Android, with a very clean and updatable experience on both terminals.
If we take a look at the cold specifications we can see that the biggest differences focus on the notch in the shape of a drop of water, the fingerprint sensor under the screen, The increased battery and some more of Screen sizeIn addition to the removal of the headphone jack on the 6T. Otherwise, the essence is the same, although it must be acknowledged that in both cases we are dealing with genuine performance beasts.
Is it worth going from OnePlus 6 to OnePlus 6T?
If you have a OnePlus 6, the general recommendation is clear: It's not essential to buy a OnePlus 6TThe user experience offered by the 6 remains excellent, with top-notch performance, a good camera, a quality screen, and highly polished software. The improvements in the 6T, while interesting, focus on specific details such as the battery, the reduced notch, the in-display fingerprint reader, and the removal of the headphone jack.
Now, if you're a user who likes the a smooth and fast near-stock Android experienceAnd if you're looking for a new high-end phone without focusing too much on the previous model, the OnePlus 6T positions itself as one of the best balanced optionsIt offers power, autonomy, a modern design and a price that, while not as aggressive as the first OnePlus phones, is still more affordable than many direct rivals.
Regarding the cost, while the OnePlus 6 was around figures close to 519 Euros In its base version, the OnePlus 6T doesn't increase exorbitantly in price, and part of the 549 Euros approximately, maintaining a good balance between performance and price. The key question is whether you value the in-display fingerprint reader, the new front design, and the improved battery enough to justify the upgrade, especially if you already own a fully functional OnePlus 6.
Looking at the whole, the OnePlus 6 and OnePlus 6T family demonstrates how the brand has gone refining their philosophy generation after generationFrom its early days as a "flagship killer," OnePlus has established itself as a manufacturer that prioritizes both performance and user experience. For new buyers, the OnePlus 6T remains a very well-rounded option; for OnePlus 6 owners, in most cases the wisest course of action is to continue using their current device before considering an upgrade.