Introduction
Do we have a good one for you today – the new OnePlus 6 takes on the new Sony Xperia XZ2. The OnePlus 6 is pretty much the same as the OP5T with a solid build and offering up a great value. It has a modern look with its 19:9 aspect ratio, but still uses a FHD+ resolution. Sony has finally updated their design to compete with the other flagships, activated the fingerprint sensor for the US market, as well as improving their single lens camera. This has to be one of Sony’s biggest improvement/upgrade in years as it has finally dropped the large bezel look and increased the display size.
The OnePlus 6 and the Sony Xperia XZ2 have a few things in common. We could start with their physical dimensions, although the Xperia XZ2 does weigh in at 21 grams heavier. They both use Gorilla Glass 5 for their front and back protection, but only the Xperia XZ2 offers wireless charging for their non-removable batteries. Their displays are similar in the sense that they both offer an 18:9/19:9 aspect and that they both use a FHD-based resolution. They both use a Snapdragon 845 processor and Adreno 630 GPU for smooth and fast experience with outstanding graphics. Both come with a base 64GB of memory, but only the Xperia XZ2 offers the means to expand via a microSD card. The OnePlus 6 and Xperia XZ2 have a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor and NFC allowing for mobile purchases via Android Pay. They both offer WiFi, Bluetooth 5.0, and a USB Type-C reversible port for fast charging and data transfer.
Please take a careful look at the detailed specifications comparison chart below and you will see just how these two high-end smartphones stack up against each other. After that, we will look at each mobile offering in more detail and point out some of its pros and cons. From all of this information, we will try to determine the winner based on overall specs, as well as the execution of design and functions.
Specifications
OnePlus 6
OnePlus devices deceive many people as their low prices might lead to some thinking they are cheaper phones in general, and nothing could be further from the truth – what you are getting is great value for your hard earned dollars. These devices are well built and look like a true flagship, especially with its 19:9 aspect ratio. OnePlus improves on its camera and software with each rendition. Just as in the Sony XZ2, there will only be a FHD level resolution, but the OnePlus 6 does use the AMOLED display technology. It too, uses Gorilla Glass 5 on both the front and back, although OnePlus has still not included wireless charging.
The OnePlus 6 sports a 6.28-inch Optic AMOLED display, due to the inclusion of an ‘Apple notch.’ In fact, the OnePlus 6 looks as though it has borrowed a number of design points with the front resembling an iPhone, and the back a Galaxy S9 Plus. OnePlus selected to use the latest 19:9 aspect ratio giving it a modern look, and better entertainment and multitasking experience. The FHD+ resolution gives offers up 2280 x 1080 pixels with a 402 pixels-per-inch (PPI). The Sunlight Display provides better outdoor viewing. Those less interested in the notch can hide it, although it’s still there.
The OnePlus 6 is using the latest processor from Qualcomm, the Snapdragon 845 – the same one used in the Xperia XZ2. The Snapdragon 845 is an octa-core processor clocked at 2.48 GHz and is paired with the Adreno 630 GPU to handle the most intensive graphics. The main OnePlus 6 comes with 6GB of RAM and 64GB of non-expandable internal memory. For $50 more, OnePlus will give you 8GB of RAM with 128GB, and for another $50 on top you can a 256GB of non-expandable internal memory. A non-removable 3,300 mAh battery powers the OnePlus 6 and is compatible with the company’s Dash Charge solution.
The OnePlus 6’s dual camera setup, along with better software and menus will not let you down when it comes to taking pictures. The main camera sports a 16-megapixel sensor with a large aperture of f/1.7, and uses both EIS and OIS for stability. The secondary camera packs a 20-megapixel sensor with the same f/1.7 aperture. Both cameras use PDAF with a dual LED flash. The front-facing camera (FFC) sports a huge 16-megapixel sensor with an aperture of f/2.0 and comes with its own EIS and Auto HDR for wonderful selfies and video chatting. OnePlus also redesigned the interface with better menus, as well as allowing the user to use the Alert Slider to zoom in/out on subject matter when using the camera.
The days of a $350 flagship smartphone sailed off long ago, and this is evident in OnePlus’ pricing, but this device still offers great value compared to other smartphones. It may not never have a QHD display or expandable memory, and who knows how long it will carry its notch into the night. OnePlus does give you 6GB or 8GB of RAM, it comes with an excellent dual camera setup and a 16-megapixel FFC. Including NFC now allows one to use Android Pay for mobile purchases. The OnePlus 6 uses its own light user interface, OxygenOS, on top of Android 8.1 (Oreo), making it easier/faster to receive Android updates. The device measures 155.7 x 75.4 x 7.8 mm and weighs in at 177 grams. It comes in Midnight Black, Mirror Black, or Silk White. It will cost you $529 for the 6GB/64GB version, $579 for the 8GB/128GB version, and $629 for the 8GB/256GB version.
Sony Xperia XZ2
The new Sony Xperia XZ2 must be given kudos as Sony has finally changed the design of its flagship and updated it to be a modern-looking smartphone. Gone are the large bezels and in with the 18:9 aspect ratio, adding the slimmer, taller look to the device. Its rounded edges add an extra touch of elegance. Gorilla Glass 5 make up the front and back of the device with a larger display and wireless charging. It sports the latest Snapdragon chipset and Adreno GPU, along with expandable memory. Fortunately, the XZ2 retains its front-facing stereo speakers, but loses its 3.5 mm headphone jack. The FFC has been reduced in size from a whopping 13-megapixels to only 5-megapixels. The fingerprint sensor is now located on the rear of the device rather on the side and is functional for the US market.
The Sony Xperia XZ5 sports a 5.7-inch IPS LCD display with, no notch – one of the perks of being behind a new design trend. Speaking of being behind the times…Sony still refuses to jump to a QHD display, while keeping the FHD+ resolution as its standard with 2160 x 1080 pixels that work out to 424 PPI. Sony did select to use the latest 18:9 aspect ratio for a more modern look, as well as being better for enjoying entertainment and multitasking. Sony protects their display with Gorilla Glass 5.
This Sony phone is using the latest processor from Qualcomm, the Snapdragon 845 – the same one used in the OnePlus 6 and most other flagship devices in 2018. The SD845 is an octa-core processor clocked at 2.47 GHz and it is paired with the Adreno 630 GPU to handle the most demanding graphics. The standard XZ2 comes with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of non-expandable internal memory – although there is a 6GB model as well and both offer expandable memory. A non-removable 3,180 mAh-capacity battery powers the Xperia XZ2 and uses Quick Charge 3.0, and also offers wireless charging.
While Sony makes almost all of the camera sensors used on most flagships, the cameras used on its own models are not the best on the market – that is not to say they are bad, as they can be top-notch under certain circumstances. The main camera on the Xperia XZ2 sports a single 19-megapixel sensor with a rather pedestrian aperture of f/2.0, with its own gyro EIS for stability. It uses both laser and PDAF for focusing and comes with an LED flash. The FFC dropped from a 13-megapixel sensor to a small 5-megapixel sensor. It comes with a gyro EIS for stability for selfies and video chats.
It’s also good to see that Sony has finally caught up to the 2018 in designing their new phones, but the company still make some questionable decisions. Sony made the right moves by having an excellent vibration motor, included a PS4 ecosystem (if you use a PS4), stereo speakers, and providing suburb battery life. However, the company took away the 3.5 mm headphone jack in a phone that is 11.1 mm at its thickest point, and does not support VoLTE or WiFi Calling. The Xperia XZ2 uses a very light user interface on top of Android 8.0 (Oreo), making it run fast and smooth and is easier/faster to receive Android updates – when they are sent by Sony. The device measures 153 x 72 x 11.1 mm and weighs in at a hefty 198 grams. It comes in Liquid Black, Liquid Silver, Deep Green, or Ash Pink. It will cost you about $670 for the 4GB/64GB version and $699 for the 6GB/64GB version.
…And The Winner Is…
The Final Word
Even with all of the improvements that Sony has made, I just do not see $100+ more in price, therefore the OnePlus 6 is crowned the winner of this comparison. The OnePlus 6 has a larger display, uses AMOLED technology, has the same processor/GPU, more RAM, dual cameras, a much better FFC, a greater capacity battery, a 3.5 mm headphone jack, face detection, and sunlight display.
No, the OnePlus 6 does not have expandable memory, wireless charging, stereo speakers, and PS4 Remote Play like the Sony Xperia XZ2, but the OnePlus 6 simply offers so much for your $529 – and for $629 (still less than the price of the Xperia XZ2) you can get an 8GB/256GB model. It’s just too much to pass up the OnePlus 6 and even with its notch, it’s a notch above the Xperia XZ2.