Nexus 6 vs. OnePlus One: does pricing matter?
The OnePlus One hasn’t been an easy device to get your hands on due the companies invite-only marketing scheme, but we must admit that despite the barrier to owning the device, the quality to price ratio on this smartphone is superb. The OnePlus One is able to incorporate incredible hardware specs, design, and user experience at an affordable price. Comparatively, the Nexus 6 comes equipped with most of the same, including the new Android Lollipop, but at a much higher price than we’ve come accustomed to with Nexus devices. Is the extra price worth the new Nexus 6? Or is it worth jumping through hurdles to get your hands on a OnePlus One? We’ll find out!
Design
The Nexus 6 provides a quite elegant design, drawing inspiration from the Moto X, and it features a curved back panel and metallic finish. Otherwise, it comes equipped with two speakers, and a power button and volume control on the side of the device, near the center. The Nexus 6 is a well-assembled device that comes with a 5.95 inch display that will appeal to those who were looking for a little bit more real estate space on the screen.
The OnePlus One is very distinct when you take a look at it. The back of the device is marked with a removable back housing that can be swapped out with different colored back plates, but comes standard with a sandstone black one. The elegant metal finish that is placed around the device also enriches the overall quality of it Not only is this device aesthetically pleasing, but also is very ergonomic when held in your hands.
Display
Both smartphones offer displays coming in over 5 inches: the Nexus 6 with 5.95 inches and 5.5 inches on the OnePlus One. According to the numbers, the newcomer has a higher resolution (2560 x 1440 pixels and 493 ppi) compared to the OnePlus one (1920 x 1080 pixels and 401 ppi). While we wait for the Nexus 6 in hands to provide a better comparison, we know that the OnePlus One provides crisp, natural colors and offers good brightness. However, this is compromised when taken out in full sunlight as the display turns almost into a mirror that makes it near impossible to read the display.
- The Nexus 6 is not too big. But only just
Operating System
The Nexus 6 will be the device that will showcase Google’s latest operating system, Android 5.0 Lollipop. This update will include the new Material Design which will overhaul the UI of the Android system and also include improvements for a more fluid user experience.
The OnePlus One is running a specialized version of CyanogenMod 11, dubbed 11S. This version offers the same advantages those normal versions of CyanogenMod get without having to root your device. With CyanogenMod, you get a close pure Android experience with a number of customizable features not available via the stock version.
Performance
The Nexus 6 runs a quad-core Snapdragon 805 processor that clocks in at 2.7GHz while the OnePlus One has a quad-core Snapdragon 801 processor at 2.5 GHz. Both devices come equipped with 3 GB on RAM.
Camera
Hopefully this time around, the Nexus 6 will overcome some of the issues that Google has had with cameras in their Nexus devices. By looking at the device and its 13MP camera with HDR technology, it seems promising that this device will finally break the mold of Nexus devices being subpar in the camera department.
The OnePlus One offers a 13MP rear camera that in our tests tended to provide photos that were pale in comparison to what they should be. In short, despite having a sensor supplied by Sony that is known for their camera quality, the OnePlus One falls short in this department.
Battery
The OnePlus One is kept alive by a 3100 mAh battery and definitely held up to our tests: after 14 hours of use, the charge was still at 50%. The Nexus 6 incorporates a 3220 mAh battery that hasn’t been put to any tests, but should be sufficiently large enough to keep this larger Nexus alive. Combined with the expected results from Android 5.0 and Project Volta, we are looking forward to testing how the battery in this device holds up.
Technical Specifications
| Nexus 6 | OnePlus One | |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 5.0 | Android 4.4 / CyanogenMod Cm 11s |
| Display | 5.95 inches, AMOLED, 2560 x 1440 (493 ppi) | 5.5 inches, LCD, 1920 x 1080 pixel, 401 ppi |
| Processor | Snapdragon 805, 2.7 GHz, Quad-Core | Qualcomm Snapdragon 801, quad core, 2.5 GHz |
| RAM | 3 GB | 3 GB |
| Internal Memory | 32 / 64 GB | 16/64 GB |
| Battery | 3,220 mAh | 3100 mAh |
| Camera | 13 MP (rear), 2,1 MP (front) | 13 MP (rear), flash LED / 5 MP (front) |
| Connectivity | WLAN, NFC, Bluetooth 4.1, LTE | 4G, WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0 |
| Dimensions | 82.98 x 159.26 mm x 10.06 mm | 152.9 x 75.9 x 8.9 mm |
| Weight | 184 g | 162 g |
| Price | 649 USD | 299 USD (16 GB) / 349 USD (64 GB) |
Price
As you most likely already know, the OnePlus One is already available for purchase, as long as you have an invite. While there are a ton of sites that are offering the phone for resale, the official pricing for the OnePlus One is 299 USD for the 16GB version of 349 USD for the 64 GB version. The nexus 6 has already made headlines for its unexpectedly high price: 649 USD.
- Nexus 6 will cost $649 - Nexus 5 becomes the ''cheap'' Nexus
Conclusion
Asides from a few areas where we need the device for a hands-on test, such as battery life and the display, the Nexus 6 does seem promising and offers some of the latest hardware. The OnePlus one is up to snuff with everything it seems, except for its subpar camera performance. Each device has its own downfall: the OnePlus One is priced fantastically but requires and invite to even consider buying it. The Nexus 6 packs a ton behind it, but also has the highest price tag to date for a Nexus device.
(originally by Jessica Murgia of AndroidPIT.it)
Seems money ain't an issue for you. You should join the iSheeps for the price range you going. But for more than what you can imagine, go for Cynogen phone which worth the hype and better than Nexus any day.
One Plus One - nice effort ... come back with a 2nd Gen that fixes problems (ie camera, catching on fire in your back pocket, etc) and I will think about it
Nexus 6 - impressive, but I wonder if there should be a 2nd Gen Nexus 5 for those of us who don't want a 5.5 - 5.6 screen (aka Phablet)
Moto X 2014 - <3 my 2013 version and will probably upgrade (so long as Motorola is guaranteed quick updates from Google, I am sold)
It's a pity that you need a invite to buy the one plus one.
The one plus one also allows lte connectivity .... Just sayin
And Nexus doesn't?