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Verdict
The OnePlus 6 is the brand's most well-rounded and grown-up phone to date, and placed alongside the likes of the iPhone X, Samsung Galaxy S9, Sony Xperia XZ2 and LG G7 ThinQ it certainly doesn’t look or feel out of place.
It may not be quite as accomplished an all-round package as the Galaxy S9, or carry the same cool appeal as the iPhone X, but when you consider the OnePlus 6 price it’s difficult not to be impressed by what’s on offer.
Performance is fluid, the screen is bright and colorful, the design is appealing, and there’s a solid camera experience to be had.
If you can overlook the screen resolution and the lack of expandable storage, an official IP rating, microSD slot and stereo speakers, the OnePlus 6 is a fantastic Android flagship at an eye-catching price.
Who’s it for?
Anyone who’s looking for a flagship smartphone without making a huge outlay should definitely consider the OnePlus 6. It hits all the key points for a top-tier phone, and delivers them in a clean and clever way.
There are a few small compromises, but unless you’re determined to have the very latest cutting-edge tech in your pocket they’re easily overlooked.
Should I buy it?
You won’t be disappointed with what you get for the money here.
Sure, this is the most expensive OnePlus phone to date, and it’s a shame the price couldn’t be kept to the same level as its predecessor; but the increase is minimal, and the price difference between the 6 and the flagship handsets from the established players is still considerable.
The OnePlus 6 is pitted against the top flagships smartphones around, ensuring fierce competition, and we’ve rounded up some of its key competitors below.
Samsung Galaxy S9
The Samsung Galaxy S9 is currently our best phone in the world, and while it does offer more than the OnePlus 6 (such as a better display and rear camera) it’s also considerably more expensive.
If you’re looking for the ultimate smartphone experience, and your budget can stretch to it, we’d still recommend the Galaxy S9; but if your finances are a little tighter the OnePlus 6 is a decent alternative.
- Read our Samsung Galaxy S9 review
iPhone X
Notch? Check. Face unlock? Check. Dual rear cameras? Check. Glass body? Check. There are a lot of similarities between the iPhone X and the OnePlus 6, but there’s also one big difference: the price.
The iPhone X may have the looks, the cool appeal and the smarter Face ID tech, but it’s also double the price of the OnePlus 6.
It also runs iOS, the arch-enemy of Android, and for many people it’s either one OS or the other. Apple also offers the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus if the X is a little rich for your blood, but they’re both still more expensive than the OnePlus 6.
- Read our iPhone X review
Honor 10
The OnePlus 6 isn’t the only affordable flagship around, and the Honor 10 presents some equally stiff competition, and an even lower price tag.
It has a smaller 5.8-inch display, making it a little easier to hold in one hand, plenty of power under the hood, and its own attractive glass design.
The OnePlus 6 looks and feels a little classier, and its cameras are a touch better than the Honor 10’s AI-enabled snappers, but when it comes to bang for your buck both handsets offer it by the bucketload.
- Read our Honor 10 review
