Xiaomi has finally launched the much-awaited flagship smartphone, the Mi 6, in China. The device comes in two variants – 6GB RAM with 64 GB internal storage and 6GB RAM with 128 GB internal storage which is priced at 2,499 Yuan (approximately Rs 23,436) and 2,899 Yuan (approximately Rs 27,172) respectively.
However, there is no official information about the Indian availability of the device but it is expected to be launched in May in India. Judging by its expected price point, one contender that clearly emerges is none other than OnePlus 3T. The smartphone has proved its mettle in almost all the department to be one of the best smartphones available in the market right now. So, if you want to choose between one, which will it be? Xiaomi Mi 6 or OnePlus 3T? Let’s try and argue.
Design and Display
Speaking of the design part, both the smartphones are designed marvel in their own right. One hand other Xiaomi Mi 6 comes loaded with four-sided 3D glass design. On the other, OnePlus 3T is made from metal, which surely looks sturdy and compact. Though Xiaomi Mi 6 looks beautiful with glass on the front and back with a stainless steel frame, but since it is a glass body, we assume that it will be a fingerprint magnet. And god forbid, if it falls, then it might be completely shattered. Coming to the OnePlus 3T, the device resembles HTC smartphones, though still, it manages to sport a compact look.
The Mi 6 is 70.5mm tall and 7.5mm thick, while the 3T is 74.7mm tall and 7.4mm thick. The latter is lighter with 158 grams as compared to the former with 168 grams. Overall, if you ask us, then we will opt for OnePlus 3T, simply because in spite featuring a 5.5-inch display, it still feels more compact and premium as compared to Xiaomi Mi 6.
On the display, the OnePlus 3T sports a 5.5-inch Full HD Optic AMOLED display, while on the other hand, Xiaomi Mi 6 has a 5.15-inch Full HD display. This is where it gets interesting. For those who are looking for a small screen smartphone, would opt for Xiaomi Mi 6, while those who are comfortable with the big display could opt for OnePlus 3T.
Hardware and Software
This is where Xiaomi Mi 6 beats the OnePlus 3T. The former comes loaded with the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 64 bit octa-core Processor clocked at 2.45GHz, which is clubbed with Adreno 540 GPU, 6GB of RAM, and 64GB/128GB of internal storage. The OnePlus 3T is loaded with an older Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 processor coupled with 6GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage. But mind you, for Xiaomi Mi 6, you need to wait for a longer period as the brand does not have a good reputation when it comes to bringing the latest device to India. On the other hand, OnePlus 3T is readily available on Amazon for purchase (without any flash sale). But comparing the sheer specs, Xiaomi Mi 6 beats OnePlus 3T in the hardware department.
On the software front, the Mi 6 runs Android 7.1.1 Nougat operating system with MIUI 8 on top of it. The OnePlus 3T also runs on the latest Android 7.1.1 and according to a new report, soon it might be updated to the latest Android 7.1.2. However, it boils down to the consumer’s preference as both the smartphones offers different flavours of Android.
Camera
On the camera front, the Xiaomi Mi 6 comes with the dual camera set up two 12-megapixel rear cameras. One camera has a Wide-Angle lens with 4-axis Optical Image stabilisation and another 12-megapixel telephoto camera for 2x lossless zoom. On its front, it has an 8-megapixel snapper for selfies and video calling. The OnePlus 3T sports the 16-megapixel sensor on its back as well as on its front panel.
On one hand, the Mi 6 has an advantage of dual-camera setup at the back, while the OnePlus 3T shines when it comes to selfie camera, as it has a better one. But overall, with dual camera setup and some interesting features in the camera department, Xiaomi Mi 6 takes a lead here. But that doesn’t mean that OnePlus 3T has a bad camera, it delivers some good image and video output as well.
Battery and Connectivity
OnePlus 3T comes loaded with a 3400 mAh non-removable battery with Dash Charge support. Mi 6 get its strength from a 3350mAh battery which is coupled with MIUI optimisations which enable the Mi 6 to last up to a full day. The former delivered some good battery performance during our review period and it would be interesting to see, whether Xiaomi delivers on its promise or not. For now, OnePlus 3T wins this round with slightly larger battery coupled with Dash charging, which works perfectly fine.
On the connectivity front, the Xiaomi Mi 6 supports 4G network with VoLTE and offers Dual SIM, Dual speakers, WiFi (802.11 a/b/g/n), Bluetooth 4.2, GPS/ A-GLONASS, NFC and USB-Type C. Xiaomi has ditched the 3.5mm Headphone jack on the Mi 6. The Mi 6 comes with 2.2 dual WiFi technology which allows for better and wider connectivity. While, the OnePlus 3T, offers Dual SM, 4G VoLTE, WiFi, Bluetooth 4.2, NFC, and GPS/Glonass. The 3T also comes with 3.5mm headphone jack, which makes still make sense.
Wrapping Up
To conclude, both the devices have a neck-on-neck competition. On one hand, the Xiaomi Mi 6 sports latest hardware coupled with some interesting camera and a new design language. OnePlus 3T, on the other, has a better battery backup, gives a sturdy and compact look and sports a better front-facing camera. At the end, the Xiaomi Mi 6 is still yet to make its Indian debut, while the OnePlus 3T is still available for purchase, which brings us to the conclude point—the Force is Strong with OnePlus at the moment.