OnePlus 6T vs OnePlus 6: The many differences (and many similarities)

The “T” line of OnePlus devices usually represents an incremental upgrade to the previous model in that it only offers a handful of new specs and features. On October 29, 2018, OnePlus officially launched the latest entry in its incremental series, the OnePlus 6T.

In many ways, the OnePlus 6T is very similar to the previous OnePlus 6. But even more so than in years past, the OnePlus 6T also packs a ton of new features, design changes, and upgrades which almost make it feel like a OnePlus 7 rather than just an incremental entry.

But what exactly is different? What’s the same? Check out our OnePlus 6T vs OnePlus 6 comparison below to find out.

OnePlus 6T vs OnePlus 6: Similarities

Processor: The OnePlus 6 launched in March this year and came with the latest-and-greatest mobile processor, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845. Since Qualcomm hasn’t released a follow-up to the Snapdragon 845, the OnePlus 6T doesn’t feature an upgrade in the processing department.

RAM: The OnePlus 6 came with either 6GB or 8GB of RAM — both of which represent plenty (or maybe even too much) memory. Since there’s no real need to offer more than 8GB of RAM right now, the OnePlus 6T also comes in either 6GB or 8GB variants.

Software: Although the OnePlus 6 didn’t ship with Android 9 Pie, it was one of the first devices to receive the upgrade. As such, most OnePlus 6 owners are using Pie right now and have been for weeks. While the OnePlus 6T will ship with a slightly modified version of Pie as compared to the OnePlus 6 (more on that below), the operating systems are, at their core, the same.

Cameras: The notch is a lot smaller on the front of the OnePlus 6T (more on that in a minute), but it still houses the same camera. Similarly, the dual camera setup on the rear of the device is the same as on the OnePlus 6.

Colors: You’ll have two of the same color options as with the OnePlus 6: Mirror Black and Midnight Black (a.k.a. matte black). There is no Silk White variant this time around, but we do eventually expect the traditional red variant.

Buttons: On the outside, the same button configuration of the OnePlus 6 is here, with the volume rocker on the left, and the power button on the right. Above the power button is the beloved alert slider.

If upgrades to the features above are what you were hoping for most with the OnePlus 6T, unfortunately, we’re going to have to recommend you stick with the OnePlus 6. But read on to find out what’s changing this time around…

OnePlus 6T vs OnePlus 6: Differences

Now that you know the aspects of the OnePlus 6T which are the same as its predecessor, let’s get into the fun stuff: the new updates!

Design: One of the biggest updates is the design of the phone itself. On the front, you’ll see the display notch is now much, much smaller, with the front-facing camera encased in what’s referred to as a waterdrop notch. This new design gives you more screen real estate with a resolution of 2,340 x 1,080 (the OnePlus 6 had a resolution of 2,280 x 1,080). You’ll also notice the chin (the bottom bezel on the front) is a little slimmer as well, once again giving you a few more pixels.

Glass: The OnePlus 6 featured the then-latest iteration of Gorilla Glass 5. However, since then there’s been an upgrade to that line of smartphone glass, so the OnePlus 6T comes with the now-latest Gorilla Glass 6.

Security: On the back of the device, something is missing: the rear fingerprint sensor. That’s because the OnePlus 6T has an in-display fingerprint sensor, so the back has a much more unibody look to it.

Ports: On the bottom of the device, you’ll notice something else is missing: the headphone jack. Unfortunately, OnePlus did away with the beloved port for the first time ever, much to the dismay of OnePlus fans. As a consolation, there is a free 3.5mm adapter dongle included in the OnePlus 6T box.

Size: Physically, the OnePlus 6T is a little heftier than the OnePlus 6. Its dimensions are 157.5 x 74.8 x 8.2mm, while the OnePlus 6 measured in at 155.7 x 75.4 x 7.75mm. The 6T also weighs a bit more at 185g as compared to the 6’s 177g.

Software: On the software side, the OnePlus 6T comes with a new version of OxygenOS, the OnePlus skin of Android. Although its based on the same Android 9 Pie as what’s available for the OnePlus 6, it has some new gestures and some new UI elements. These features will make their way to the OnePlus 6 eventually, but for now, they are exclusive to the OnePlus 6T.

Battery: The OnePlus 6T is powered by a 3,700mAh battery, which is larger than the 3,300mAh battery inside the OnePlus 6.

Storage: The internal storage options for the 6T differ from the 6. With the OnePlus 6, your starting configuration was 64GB, but with the 6T you start at 128GB. In other words, there is no 64GB option.

Network: Because the OnePlus 6T is certified to work with Verizon and will be sold exclusively by T-Mobile in the U.S., there are a few extra bands for cellular connectivity as compared to the OnePlus 6. Refer to the table below to find out more.

Price: The OnePlus 6T is a bit more expensive than the OnePlus 6, but not by much. The starting price for the 6T is $549 (the 6 started at $529). It should be noted that the base model 6T has twice the internal storage of the OnePlus 6, so you’re essentially paying $20 more for double the storage space. It should also be noted that the other two configurations — 8GB/128GB and 8GB/256GB — are the exact same prices as were on the OnePlus 6 ($579 and $629 respectively).

Here is a side-by-side spec comparison sheet for the OnePlus 6 and the OnePlus 6T. Check them out, then hit up the comments to let us know if you are making the upgrade…or if you are sticking with your OnePlus 6.

We’ll have much more OnePlus 6T coverage for you in the coming weeks. For now, check out some more articles below:

• OnePlus 6T hands-on: All about trade-offs
• OnePlus 6T is here: Everything you need to know
• OnePlus 6T: Where to buy, when, and how much
• OnePlus 6T specs: Everything you wish the OnePlus 6 was (but the headphone jack)