Introduction
Do we have a good one for you today – the OnePlus X takes on a six month newer LG G5. An entry-level goes after one of the newest flagships on the market – can the OnePlus X compete in any category other than price? Both devices are premium looking and well-built – even with their entry-level device, OnePlus made sure of that with the X’s baked ceramic shell, while the LG G5 is made entirely of metal with a baked on finish. Our comparisons are supposed to be based entirely on specifications, but when it comes down to a basic, solid, smartphone that costs hundreds of dollars less, certain other factors must be considered. Is the flagship phone worth that much more? Let’s take a look and see just what these two devices have in common, and then we will delve into more detail.
The LG G5 and OnePlus X do not have very many common factors; in fact, their displays are different in screen size, technology, and resolution. While they both use a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, one is 32-bit and four cores and one is 64-bit and four cores. They both have a microSD card slot to expand their internal memory – 128GB in the OnePlus X and 2TB in the LG G5. Both devices use an 8MP front-facing camera (FFC) for selfies and video chatting. They have most of the usual suspects – WiFi, Bluetooth (v4.0 on the OnePlus X vs v4.2 on the LG G5), GPS, FM radio and a microUSB v2.0 port (Type-C on the LG G5) for charging and data transfer.
Please take a deliberate look at the detailed Specifications Comparison chart below and here you will see just how these two great devices stack up against one another – click on the “View Full Comparison” link at the end of the chart to expand the details. After that, we will look at each individual device in greater detail and point out some of its pros and cons. From all of this information, we will try to determine the winner based on specs and execution of design and functions.
Specifications
OnePlus X
Shortly after OnePlus’ new “flagship killer” the OnePlus 2 came out, they announced the new OnePlus X. OnePlus already had their flagship in circulation and wanted a true entry-level device in the sub-$250 category – and for its price the OnePlus X does offer great value. It sports a nice FHD display, a decent camera, 3GB of RAM, although no NFC or fingerprint sensor. It has a great build quality and premium look and feel for a $250 device.
The OnePlus X sports a 5.0-inch AMOLED FHD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and 441 PPI. OnePlus went back to the ‘old parts’ bin and picked the 32-bit Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 quad-core processor clocked at 2.3GHz – a true workhorse in its day. The OnePlus X has one option when it comes to RAM/Memory – 3GB/16GB, although it comes with a microSD card slot for expansion.
The camera in the OnePlus X retains the 13MP sensor as the previous model OnePlus 2, adds phase detection autofocus (PDAF) and an LED flash. For the FFC, OnePlus included a large 8MP camera for selfies and/or video chatting. The OnePlus X uses a 2525mAh non-removable battery that has no quick charge option.
The OnePlus X runs OnePlus’ own OS called OxygenOS 2.2.1 over Android Lollipop 5.1, although testing for Marshmallow has begun. LTE works on several bands on AT&T and T-Mobile. The OnePlus X measures 140 x 69 x 6.9mm, weighs in at 138 grams, and will cost you $249 for the 16GB model and comes in Onyx, Ceramic, and Champagne.
LG G5
The LG G5 is a total redesign from last year and is the first smartphone to use ‘slide-in’ modules. The user must push a button on the lower side of the device, slide out the bottom ‘chin’ along with its battery. That slot serves as a receptacle to slide in a replacement battery or different modules that add more functionality to your LG G5. These modules are an exciting concept; however, they raise just as many questions. Will developers jump onboard and make modules, how expensive will they be, and will those modules be usable in future devices (LG G6)? LG put some intense thought into designing its LG G5 – not only did they go from plastic to a metal body – they kept those essential features that users relish like memory expansion and a removable battery. Let’s take a closer look at the new LG G5 and see just how the specs and design hold up to the OnePlus X.
LG was one of the first manufacturers to use a QHD display – so naturally, the LG G5 sports a 5.3-inch IPS LCD QHD display to which they added the ‘always-on’ display feature. It packs a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels and 554 PPI. The processor is the newest Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 quad-core processor with a dual-core clocked at 1.6GHz and a dual-core clocked at 2.15GHz with an Adreno 530 GPU to handle the most demanding graphics any gamer can throw at it. The G5 packs in 4GB of DDR4 RAM and 32GB of internal memory that is expandable to 2TB via a microUSB card.
LG, like Samsung, took a chance by redesigning their camera area on the LG G5 by going from a single 16MP sensor, as found on the LG G4, and then added another 8MP sensor, along with new software on the new LG G5. The 8MP is a wide-angle lens, allowing the user to capture more in the photo. The G5 retained the excellent 8MP FFC from the G4 for selfies and video chatting. LG dropped the battery size to 2800mAh, but it is still removable and has quick charge capabilities.
LG had to make a few design changes, but retained its built-in IR Blaster and FM radio, but they removed the rear controls to provide the fingerprint sensor. The fingerprint sensor does click inward to act as an on/off switch, but the volume controls are relocated to the side of the device. The LG G5 measures 149.4 x 73.9 x 7.7 mm, weighs in at 159 grams and comes in Silver, Titan, Gold, and Pink. The LG G5 is available on all the leading US carriers, and it will cost you about $625.
…And The Winner Is…
Summary
I can hear all of the OnePlus fanboys crying, “but the OnePlus X will save you $375 over the LG G5,” and if that is the case, then go buy your $250 entry-level OnePlus X. This is a specifications comparison and while the OnePlus X offers a great value, I just cannot select it over the fully loaded LG G5.
The OnePlus X may indeed be one of the best sub $250 smartphones on the market – but you get what you pay for. Yes, it has a great build, FHD display, 3GB of RAM, memory expansion, and a good camera. However, the OnePlus X has no NFC for mobile purchases, no fingerprint sensor, and a two-year-old processor. If simply answering calls, texting and emailing are all you want your smartphone to do, then buy the OnePlus X and enjoy your savings.
If you want cutting edge performance, a QHD display, fantastic graphics, the security and mobile payment abilities of a fingerprint sensor, one of the best cameras on the market, an IR Blaster, Quick Charge, Hi-Fi sound, a removable battery and the ability to use modules, then the LG G5 is the clear choice.
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