LG recently unveiled its newest flagship, the G6, at the Mobile World Congress. The OnePlus 3 and 3T are budget-minded 2016 flagships that pack in some premium specs and features. Here's a spec-by-spec look at how they compare.
Size
The LG G6 has a smaller, more compact body than either of the (same-sized) OnePlus options. The G6 is about 4 mm shorter and 3 mm wider, though it is just a tiny bit (0.5 mm) thicker.
Weight
The LG is also slightly weightier.
Build
LG opted for a glass front and back, similar to the Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 edge. Its curved glass edges are rimmed by an aluminum frame. Meanwhile, OnePlus sticks with an aluminum unibody.
Colors
The LG G6 is available in three colors, though LG has not yet confirmed which colors will be available in the US. The OnePlus 3 comes in gold or gray, while the 3T switches the gray option to a darker gunmetal variant.
Water resistance
IP water resistance ratings are increasingly common in smartphones and wearables, but OnePlus has yet to join the party. The G6 should be able to withstand splashes and brief, shallow immersion.
Display size
The G6 is able to fit a slightly larger display on a smaller device. The One Plus 3, 3T and most other smartphones have a 16:9 aspect ratio.
Display resolution
Display is another area where OnePlus makes some concessions. Its 1080p screen is passably attractive, but it doesn't beat out premium, pixel-dense options like the LG G6.
Display type
In the display type decision, LG chooses IPS; OnePlus opts for AMOLED.
Camera megapixels
OnePlus cameras win this pixel war. Their 16 MP front cameras are some of the highest resolution seen on smartphone cameras; the OnePlus 3T has a 16 MP selfie camera as well. But keep in mind that resolution is far from the only indicator of smartphone camera quality.
Dual-lens camera
The LG G6 has a dual-lens rear camera. Instead of using it for optical zoom like the iPhone 7 Plus, or for monochrome and color photos like the Huawei Honor 8, the G6 pairs a standard lens with a wide angle lens. This allows you to capture more or less of the scene within the camera frame as you toggle back and forth between shooting modes.
Camera aperture (rear)
The lens in the G6 has a slightly larger aperture, one indication of ability to take good low-light photos.
Optical image stabilization
Both are equipped with blur-minimizing optical image stabilization.
Battery
In order of descending battery size, the OnePlus 3T comes first, trailed by the LG G6 then the OnePlus 3. There are many factors in overall battery life – we will run a benchmark on the G6 once it becomes available.
Fast charging
Both LG and OnePlus offer the convenience of quick charging. The G6 supports Qualcomm's Quick Charge 3.0 while the 3 and 3T use OnePlus' Dash Charge standard. Because Dash Charge causes the charger (and not the phone) to heat up during charging, it could be the better option if you want to use your phone while you fuel up.
Wireless charging
The LG G6 will support wireless charging, but only in the US.
Network compatibility
US customers take note: OnePlus phones only work with GSM networks. That means no CDMA networks like Sprint or Verizon.
Processor
The G6 and 3T have the same processor, while the OnePlus 3 has a slightly older, slower Snapdragon chip.
RAM
Both include an ample helping of RAM. OnePlus includes a notably generous 6 GB.
Storage
When it comes to built-in storage, OnePlus tops the charts again. The OnePlus 3 is available in a substantial 64 GB (twice the size of the LG G6), while the 3T adds an additional 128 GB option.
microSD
However, the LG G6 offers expandable storage via microSD, so you do have options if you run out of space.
Headphone jack
Neither maker chose to follow in the steps of the iPhone 7 and axe the standard audio jack.
Fingerprint sensor
Both have a fingerprint sensor for easy, secure access.
NFC
They also contain NFC technology, which powers mobile payments using Android Pay.
Software
All of these flagships run Android Nougat. The OnePlus 3 was not launched with it, but it received a software update earlier this year.
While OnePlus' "OxygenOS" version of Android is almost completely stock (Google's standard UI with a few extra features but no major customizations), the G6 has a thick layer of LG's custom UI on top.
Release
OnePlus released their 2016 flagships within a few months of each other, toward the end of the year. The LG G6 is going to start hitting shelves in Korea later this month; it's expected to roll out to other markets shortly thereafter.
Starting price (full retail)
We are still waiting for LG to confirm US pricing, but since the G6 is a premium flagship, expect a price tag to match. A price point rivaling the budget-friendly OnePlus options is highly unlikely.
However, OnePlus phones are not available through US carriers, so you may be able to cop a more favorable payment plan for the G6.
We'll post a full-length review of the LG G6 in due course, but for more info, refer to our hands-on impressions from MWC. See also our reviews of the OnePlus 3 and OnePlus 3T.
