The OnePlus 6T, released on November 6, 2018, was OnePlus’s flagship smartphone, succeeding the OnePlus 6. Priced at $549 for the base model, it offered premium performance, a sleek design, and a competitive feature set at a significantly lower price than other 2018 flagships like the iPhone XS and Samsung Galaxy S9+. With a 6.41-inch AMOLED display, in-display fingerprint sensor, and OxygenOS, it aimed to deliver a “flagship killer” experience. This review provides a detailed analysis of the OnePlus 6T’s hardware and software specifications, evaluates its performance, and compares it with other 2018 smartphones in a similar price range to assess its market position.
Hardware Specifications
Physical Design and Build
The OnePlus 6T features an aluminum frame with Gorilla Glass 6 on the front and back, supporting a premium look and feel without wireless charging. Measuring 157.5 x 74.8 x 8.2 mm and weighing 185 grams, it’s lighter than the Galaxy Note 9 (201g) and iPhone XS Max (208g), offering a comfortable grip. The glass back is prone to fingerprints and scratches, and durability tests (e.g., JerryRigEverything) showed typical glass vulnerabilities, with scratches at level 6 Mohs hardness and a cracked back after heavy stress, suggesting a case is advisable. Repairs, such as screen replacements, cost ~$150 without warranty.
Available in Midnight Black, Mirror Black, and Thunder Purple, the design is sleek with a teardrop notch, maximizing the screen-to-body ratio (85.6%). Unlike competitors, it lacks an IP rating for water and dust resistance, though OnePlus claimed splash resistance (not officially certified).
Display
The OnePlus 6T sports a 6.41-inch Optic AMOLED display (2340 x 1080 resolution, 402 ppi), supporting HDR10 for vibrant colors and deep blacks. With a peak brightness of 430 nits, it’s less bright than the Galaxy Note 9 (710 nits) or iPhone XS Max (625 nits), but adequate for most conditions. The 19.5:9 aspect ratio and small teardrop notch provide an immersive experience, outperforming the Pixel 3 XL’s larger notch. The display covers DCI-P3 and sRGB gamuts, offering good color accuracy, though some noted slight oversaturation compared to the iPhone XS.
Processor and Performance
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 (10nm, 8-core, 2.8 GHz Kryo 385), identical to the Galaxy Note 9 and Pixel 3 XL, the 6T delivers flagship performance. Available with 6GB or 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM, it handles multitasking, gaming (e.g., PUBG, Asphalt 9), and heavy apps with ease. Benchmarks like AnTuTu (620,000) and Geekbench (Single-core: ~3,700, Multi-core: ~8,900) show it trailing the iPhone XS Max’s A12 Bionic (690,000) but matching Android peers. The 10nm process is less efficient than the A12’s 7nm, but performance remains smooth with minimal thermal throttling.
Storage
Available in 128GB (6GB or 8GB RAM) and 256GB (8GB RAM) variants (UFS 2.1), the 6T offers ample storage but lacks a microSD slot, unlike the Galaxy Note 9. The 128GB base model was generous for the price, accommodating apps, photos, and 4K videos.
Battery
The 3,700mAh battery supports up to 16 hours of video playback or 70 hours of audio. Real-world tests show 6–7 hours of screen-on time, outlasting the Pixel 3 XL (3,430mAh) and iPhone XS Max (3,174mAh) but trailing the Galaxy Note 9 (4,000mAh). It supports 20W Dash Charge (50% in ~30 minutes with included charger), among the fastest in 2018, but lacks wireless charging. Battery life is strong, handling a full day of heavy use, though 4K recording or gaming may require a top-up.
Cameras
The 6T features a dual rear camera: a 16MP main sensor (f/1.7, 1.22μm pixels, OIS) and a 20MP secondary sensor (f/1.7, depth sensing). It supports Nightscape (low-light mode, introduced via update), Portrait Mode, and 4K video at 60fps with EIS. The 16MP front camera (f/2.0) delivers sharp selfies with Portrait Mode. Camera performance is good, with vibrant colors and decent low-light shots, but it trails the Pixel 3 XL’s Night Sight and iPhone XS Max’s Smart HDR in dynamic range and night photography. The secondary camera’s depth role adds little value, and video stabilization is average compared to the iPhone.
Connectivity
The 6T supports dual SIM, LTE Cat.16 (up to 1,024 Mbps), Wi-Fi 802.11ac (2×2 MIMO), Bluetooth 5.0, and NFC. It includes USB-C 2.0, GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BDS. Connectivity is reliable, matching competitors like the Note 9. The removal of the 3.5mm headphone jack (present in the OnePlus 6) was controversial, though a USB-C adapter is included.
Sensors
Features an in-display optical fingerprint sensor (a first for OnePlus), accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity, ambient light, and compass. The fingerprint sensor is slower than traditional sensors but innovative for 2018. Face unlock is fast but less secure than iPhone’s Face ID.
Audio
The single bottom-firing speaker is loud but lacks the stereo depth of the Pixel 3 XL or Note 9. No 3.5mm jack, but bundled USB-C earbuds offer decent quality. Audio performance is functional but not a strength.
Software Specifications
Operating System
The 6T shipped with Android 9.0 Pie and OxygenOS 9, known for its near-stock Android experience with useful tweaks. Key features included:
- Navigation Gestures: Intuitive swipe-based navigation.
- Nightscape: Enhanced low-light photography (post-launch update).
- Gaming Mode: Optimizes performance and minimizes notifications.
- Reading Mode: Monochrome display for comfortable reading.
- Parallel Apps: Run two instances of apps like WhatsApp.
It received updates to Android 10 and Android 11, with support ending in 2021 (three years of major updates, four years of security patches until 2022), shorter than the iPhone XS Max’s seven years (up to iOS 18) but competitive for 2018 Android devices. OxygenOS is fast, clean, and customizable, with minimal bloatware compared to Samsung’s One UI.
Software Issues
Early OxygenOS builds had minor bugs like notification delays and battery optimization issues, fixed in updates. Some users reported inconsistent Nightscape performance, but later patches improved camera output. OxygenOS’s simplicity was a strength, though it lacked advanced features like Samsung’s DeX or Google’s Call Screen.
Performance and User Experience
The OnePlus 6T delivers a snappy experience, with fast app launches, smooth animations, and robust multitasking, especially with 8GB RAM. The Snapdragon 845 handles demanding tasks like gaming and video editing without overheating, matching the Note 9 and Pixel 3 XL. The AMOLED display is vibrant for media and gaming, though its lower resolution and brightness are noticeable next to the Note 9. The in-display fingerprint sensor is innovative but slower than physical sensors, and face unlock is convenient but less secure.
Battery life is excellent, and Dash Charge is a standout, offering faster charging than most competitors. The camera performs well for the price but falls short of the Pixel 3 XL’s low-light prowess and iPhone XS Max’s consistency. OxygenOS is fluid and user-friendly, offering a near-stock Android experience with practical additions, though it lacks the ecosystem polish of iOS or feature depth of One UI.
Comparison with Smartphones in the Same Range
The OnePlus 6T launched at $549 (128GB), positioning it as a value flagship below the premium segment. Below is a comparison with 2018 competitors in a broader price range, reflecting its “flagship killer” positioning: Samsung Galaxy S9 ($719), Google Pixel 3 ($799), iPhone XR ($749), and Huawei P20 Pro (~$900, included for context). Prices reflect 2018 MSRP for base models.
| Feature | OnePlus 6T | Samsung Galaxy S9 | Google Pixel 3 | iPhone XR | Huawei P20 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (Base) | $549 (128GB) | $719 (64GB) | $799 (64GB) | $749 (64GB) | ~$900 (128GB) |
| Display | 6.41″ AMOLED, 2340×1080, 402 ppi, HDR | 5.8″ AMOLED, 2960×1440, 570 ppi, HDR10 | 5.5″ OLED, 2160×1080, 443 ppi, HDR | 6.1″ LCD, 1792×828, 326 ppi | 6.1″ OLED, 2240×1080, 408 ppi, HDR |
| Processor | Snapdragon 845 (10nm, 8-core) | Snapdragon 845 (10nm, 8-core) | Snapdragon 845 (10nm, 8-core) | A12 Bionic (7nm, 6-core) | Kirin 970 (10nm, 8-core) |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 4GB | 4GB | 3GB | 6GB |
| Storage | 128/256GB | 64/128/256GB + microSD | 64/128GB | 64/128/256GB | 128/256GB |
| Battery | 3,700mAh, 20W fast, no wireless | 3,000mAh, 15W fast, 9W wireless | 2,915mAh, 18W fast, 10W wireless | 2,942mAh, 15W fast, 7.5W wireless | 4,000mAh, 22.5W fast, no wireless |
| Rear Camera | Dual 16MP (f/1.7 wide) + 20MP (f/1.7) | Single 12MP (f/1.5-2.4 wide, OIS) | Single 12.2MP (f/1.8 wide) | Single 12MP (f/1.8 wide, OIS) | Triple 40MP (f/1.8) + 20MP + 8MP (3x zoom) |
| Front Camera | 16MP (f/2.0) | 8MP (f/1.7) | Dual 8MP (f/1.8 wide, f/2.2 ultra-wide) | 7MP (f/2.2) | 24MP (f/2.0) |
| OS | Android 9.0 (up to Android 11) | Android 8.0 (up to Android 10) | Android 9.0 (up to Android 12) | iOS 12 (up to iOS 18) | Android 8.1 (up to Android 10) |
| Water Resistance | None (splash resistant) | IP68 (1.5m, 30 min) | IP68 (1.5m, 30 min) | IP67 (1m, 30 min) | IP67 (1m, 30 min) |
| Connectivity | Dual SIM, LTE Cat.16, Wi-Fi ac, BT 5.0 | Dual SIM, LTE Cat.18, Wi-Fi ac, BT 5.0, 3.5mm | Single SIM (eSIM), LTE Cat.16, Wi-Fi ac, BT 5.0 | Dual SIM (eSIM), LTE Cat.12, Wi-Fi ac, BT 5.0 | Dual SIM, LTE Cat.18, Wi-Fi ac, BT 4.2 |
| Dimensions | 157.5 x 74.8 x 8.2mm, 185g | 147.7 x 68.7 x 8.5mm, 163g | 145.6 x 68.2 x 7.9mm, 148g | 150.9 x 75.7 x 8.3mm, 194g | 155 x 73.9 x 7.8mm, 180g |
| Additional Features | In-display fingerprint, face unlock, no 3.5mm jack | Fingerprint, iris scanner, 3.5mm jack | Active Edge, stereo speakers, no 3.5mm jack | Face ID, stereo speakers, no 3.5mm jack | Fingerprint, IR blaster, no 3.5mm jack |
Analysis
- OnePlus 6T: Offers flagship performance, fast charging, and a clean Android experience at a budget-friendly price. Its AMOLED display and battery life are strong, but the lack of IP rating, wireless charging, and weaker cameras are trade-offs.
- Galaxy S9: Features a sharper AMOLED display, IP68 rating, and 3.5mm jack. Its smaller battery and 4GB RAM are less competitive, and updates stopped at Android 10.
- Pixel 3: Excels in computational photography, especially low-light shots, and stock Android. Its 4GB RAM, smaller battery, and higher price are drawbacks, with updates to Android 12.
- iPhone XR: Offers superior A12 Bionic performance and seven-year software support. Its LCD display and single camera are compromises, and it’s pricier than the 6T.
- Huawei P20 Pro: Boasts a triple camera and 4,000mAh battery. The Kirin 970 is less powerful, and US availability was limited. Updates capped at Android 10.
The OnePlus 6T’s value proposition was unmatched, delivering near-flagship performance for significantly less than competitors, though it sacrificed features like IP rating and top-tier cameras.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Flagship Snapdragon 845 performance at $549.
- Vibrant 6.41-inch AMOLED display with teardrop notch.
- Excellent 3,700mAh battery with 20W Dash Charge.
- Clean, fast OxygenOS with minimal bloatware.
- Generous 128GB base storage.
- In-display fingerprint sensor and sleek design.
- Included fast charger.
Cons
- No IP rating for water/dust resistance.
- No wireless charging or 3.5mm headphone jack.
- Camera performance trails Pixel 3 and iPhone XR.
- Software support limited to Android 11 (three years).
- Single speaker lacks stereo audio.
- No microSD slot.
Conclusion
The OnePlus 6T was a standout value flagship in 2018, offering premium performance, a vibrant AMOLED display, and fast charging at a fraction of the cost of competitors like the iPhone XR, Galaxy S9, Pixel 3, and Huawei P20 Pro. Its Snapdragon 845, OxygenOS, and generous storage made it a compelling choice, though compromises like the lack of IP rating, wireless charging, and top-tier cameras were notable. Compared to peers, it delivered unmatched value but lagged in camera quality and software longevity.
For budget-conscious buyers seeking flagship performance, the OnePlus 6T was a top pick in 2018. In 2025, its lack of further updates and dated hardware make newer models like the OnePlus 13 or Pixel 9 more appealing, though its value legacy endures.