Is the OnePlus 5T a Serious Contender to the Google Pixel 2 XL and the iPhone X?
When it comes to the battle of the flagships, OnePlus 5T, Google Pixel 2 XL, and iPhone X stand at the top of the charts. However, is the OnePlus 5T truly a serious contender to these revered smartphones? Let's break down the key factors.
Comparing Apple’s iPhone X
The internal hardware of the iPhone X features the A11 Bionic chip, which is one of the most advanced mobile processors ever made. This chip provides a significant advantage in terms of performance and efficiency. Additionally, the dual camera setup on the iPhone X offers Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), ensuring smooth and stable photos. The front facing camera utilizes the TrueDepth camera for portrait mode, enabling users to capture stunning and professional-looking photos. The iPhone X also boasts an OLED Super Retina Display with accurate, vibrant colors, true blacks, high brightness, and an impressive 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio. Furthermore, the Touch ID has been replaced with a highly secure 3D Face ID, which works in various lighting conditions, including low light and complete darkness. The build quality of the iPhone X exudes a premium feel, with a glass back that supports wireless charging. Additionally, it excels in Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) functionalities, making it a leader in these areas.
Why OnePlus 5T is Not Groundbreaking
OnePlus 5T has its merits, including an 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage (no SD card required), dual SIM, a dual camera system with portrait mode, a 16:9 aspect ratio, a premium build, and competitive camera quality. However, when compared to the iPhone X and the Google Pixel 2 XL, OnePlus 5T lacks in several key areas:
Design and Build Quality
While OnePlus 5T looks different due to its 18:9 display, it falls short in terms of design and build quality. Top-tier brands like Apple and Samsung invest heavily in their design teams to create aesthetically pleasing and functional devices. For instance, the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge from two years ago has a superior design compared to the latest OnePlus models. Additionally, Samsung and Apple integrate water resistance into their devices, while OnePlus has never had an IP rating.
Camera Quality
The OnePlus 5T’s camera is commendable, but it is not the standout feature that iPhone and Pixel devices offer. In terms of low-light photography, OnePlus 5T cannot match the Pixel 2 XL’s Super_slow_photography capabilities or the iPhone X’s TrueDepth camera. Apple and Samsung’s flagship models continue to lead in camera technology.
Display Technology
The display on the OnePlus 5T, although good, is not as exceptional as those found in the iPhone X or the Pixel 2 XL. While OnePlus uses Samsung displays, the impact on overall display quality is not as pronounced. Samsung has been recognized as the world's best mobile display manufacturer, and their OLED screens are a step ahead in terms of brightness and overall experience.
Marketing and Branding
While OnePlus is known for its search engine optimisation (SEO) and avid marketing, Apple and Samsung still dominate the advertising landscape. Their massive ad campaigns and placements can have a psychological effect on consumers, making people feel that they are getting the best value. Tales of affordable flagship alternatives like Honor 9 Lite and Moto G5 Plus may not resonate as strongly.
Conclusion
While OnePlus 5T is undoubtedly a solid phone with impressive features, it is not a credible competitor to the iPhone X and Google Pixel 2 XL. For OnePlus 5T, it is a great budget-friendly option, but for those with more money to spend, choosing between the iPhone X or other premium devices would be a smarter decision. If you're on a tight budget, Honor View 10 or similar models may offer better value.