Then again, we said the same about the OnePlus 3T. The upgraded version of the already excellent OnePlus 3 is a serious powerhouse, and cheaper than most. But which should you get if you’re considering a new Android flagship purchase? We’re here to help. Check out our LG G6 vs OnePlus 3T comparison review.
LG G6 vs OnePlus 3T: UK price and availability
At the time of writing the LG G6’s price hasn’t been officially announced, but it is available to pre-order from Mobile Fun for £699. That is a fair price for a high-end phone like the G6, but it is significantly higher than the original £529 asking price for the G5. On the other hand, the OnePlus 3T is available directly from OnePlus from £399. This is insanely good value for the specs, as we will discuss. The 128GB version is slightly more at £439. You can also get the OnePlus 3T on contract exclusively with O2 here. The G6 is not yet available and the OnePlus 3T is a full £300 less. At the moment, the 3T wins out. Winner: OnePlus 3T
LG G6 vs OnePlus 3T: Design and build
Let’s all agree that these two smartphones are both stunning, with excellent metal and glass constructions with generous screens and pleasing weight in the hand. The G6 made headlines at Mobile World Congress 2017 with it’s unusually tall 18:9 screen – most phones, including the OnePlus 3T, use the standard 16:9. This means the G6’s bezels are attractively narrow on the top and bottom as well the edges. The corners of the screen are rounded, which is aesthetic not functional, but it still an excellent design point. It has a metal rim and Gorilla Glass front and rear and despite its tall screen is very easy to hold in one hand for scrolling and reading, unlike some other phablets. It’s available in Black, Platinum and White, though the latter in selected retailers. The OnePlus 3T goes for a matte metal rear to great effect. It recalls phones like the HTC One M8 (great phone) in the grey metal and aerial line positioned with a central camera. It’s also available in Soft Gold with a white face, but only in the 64GB version not 128GB. The looks department is very hard to call. If you want an interesting tall screen that doesn’t compromise on functionality, the G6 is the best choice. But it’s also a fingerprint magnet, and the OnePlus 3T is just as attractive and good to hold. Those fingerprints on the G6 are also near the fingerprint sensor, which is on the rear and is a physically clicking button. The 3T opts for a front mounted, non-moving sensor, which we prefer. Winner: LG G6
LG G6 vs OnePlus 3T: Features and specifications
Hold on tight.
Processor and RAM
The LG G6 has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 processor – as does the OnePlus 3T. The two are very, very similar in terms of benchmarks. Geekbench 4 multicore scores LG G6: 4251 OnePlus 3T: 4257 6 points on the Geekbench app is nothing. These are two of the fastest phones in the world. Those scores are even faster than the Google Pixel. In terms of real world use though, the 4GB RAM on the G6 and the 6GB RAM on the 3T isn’t noticeable. The latter is great to have, and a year or two down the line we might notice the benefit, but for now, having 6GB RAM on a phone is showboating. I know we all love a fight, but this is a draw.
Storage
LG G6: 32GB (64GB in Korea) OnePlus 3T: 64GB/128GB The G6 has storage of 32GB as standard in the UK, but with expandable microSd storage up to 256GB. The OnePlus 3T on the other hand is only available in set storage options – slightly odd for an Android phone these days. However, at 64GB and 128GB, the 3T is pretty generous with its storage. You can’t have complaints about either, and each will suit certain people.
Display
LG G6: 5.7in IPS LCD, 2880 x 1440 pixels (564 ppi) OnePlus 3T: 5.5in optic AMOLED, 1920 x 1080 pixels (401 ppi) The main difference here is actually the aspect ratio. Most phones have 16:9 displays in line with standard practice and video formats. The OnePlus 3T sticks to this, but the G6 has an 18:9 display that is a tad taller. It doesn’t interefere with the functionality of the phone, so it’s down to personal taste if you want the stretched screen. Bear in mind the G6’s screen is also slightly narrower to accommodate the extra height. The LG’s screen is phenomenal, and reproduces colours slightly more real to life than the OnePlus’. It has a fresh, uncluttered feel. The 3T’s AMOLED screen is still outstanding, but clearly accentuates bold, block colours within the OS. It’ll be down to personal taste as to which you prefer. Both are top notch but the G6 wins for us here, as the colour reproduction is more true to life, and the 18:9 ratio is a clever move.
Camera
LG G6: Dual 13Mp lenses, dual LED flash, 5Mp front facing OnePlus 3T: 16Mp, LED flash, 16Mp front facing Only the most passionate photographer would have many qualms with either of the cameras here. The OnePlus 3T’s front facing 16Mp lens is a real treat for selfie fans and video calling, but the dual lenses on the G6 are amazing – the 125 degree wide angle lets you capture a huge field of vision in comparison to the regular lens. That said, we’ve used the 3T for longer, and captured entire holidays through its camera and have been just as pleased with the results. Technically speaking the G6 edges it, but only the most picky of photo connoisseurs will complain about the 3T.
Waterproofing
OK, so this is a clear win for the G6. It has IP68 water and dust resistance, which means it can be fully submerged for 30 minutes. The OnePlus has none. Sorry OnePlus. Battery LG G6: 3,300mAh OnePlus 3T: 3,400mAh This will obviously vary massively depending on oersonal settings and usage, but in daily use we have found these phones relatively comparable. We have never run out of juice before bed having taken the G6 and the 3T off charge at 8am. And that is what you should expect from a flagship smartphone in 2017. With moderate use, both can comfortably take you into a second day. Plus, LG’s Fast Charge and OnePlus’ Dash Charge are brilliant charging systems, giving you tons of top up in about 30 minutes. Both use USB-C, too. Winner: Draw
LG G6 vs OnePlus 3T: Software
The two Android skins are based on Nougat, and differ quite a lot in look and feel. OnePlus’ Oxygen OS skin is fairly close to stock Android in its menus and app tray set-up, but manage to feel unique in its uncluttered, bold coloured nature. Cool feautres like Shelf (swipe right from the homescreen for memo writing, recent contacts, apps and weather) are neat additions, while the calendar, messaghing and phone apps are thoughtfully reimagined and give OnePlus a strong brand identity. Plus the 3T runs it at lightning speeds. It’s hard to not be impressed by the G6 too though. The LG UX skin is clear, clean and well adjusted to the new 18:9 screen. Smart bulletin is like OnePlus’ Shelf (and Samsung’s Briefing, while we’re at it). It’s further from stock Android, but has quietly become one of our favourites in its menu redesign and app layout, all based around squares (in a good way – an 18:9 screen can be split into two squares. Presenting information clearly and effectively). It too runs snappily on the 821 processor, and customisation of app icons and homescreen is great – but it is the same on the 3T. You can really make these phones your own. Winner: Draw
Henry is Tech Advisor’s Phones Editor, ensuring he and the team covers and reviews every smartphone worth knowing about for readers and viewers all over the world. He spends a lot of time moving between different handsets and shouting at WhatsApp to support multiple devices at once.
