Soon after the OnePlus 3T was launched in India, smartphone enthusiasts in the country started to compare it with Google Pixel and iPhone 7 handsets. And the verdict was out- OnePlus 3T offers more for the price and definitely is a better value for money choice.
So, why don't we compare any BMW car with the latest Hyundai model to say that the Hyundai's option is way better than what BMW has to offer. This is particularly because someone eyeing a Hyundai will not look at a BMW and vice-versa.
The deal with smartphones is that a person looking for OnePlus 3T is also capable of buying the Google Pixel XL, if he wants to stretch a bit on EMIs . Let's attribute the rest of the story to clickbaits. Also read: OnePlus 3T Launched at Rs 29,999: All You Need to Know
Another aspect of this discussion can be the fact that premium Android smartphones are not able to differentiate much from mid-range handsets. This is something clearly defined in the auto industry. You can't expect a cheaper BMW replica from Hyundai, mastering all aspects.
The improved OnePlus 3T might make prospective buyers of Google Pixel XL to think again. Given the high starting price of the Google Pixel and Pixel XL, the only real competitor should ideally be the Apple iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus.
But for someone wanting an Android smartphone and eyeing the high-end Pixel phones, the new OnePlus 3T is quite luring for half the price of Rs 29,999.
While the comparison between OnePlus 3T and Google Pixel XL might sound unfair to many. Especially, when smartphone enthusiasts have come to terms with the fact that more hardware doesn't necessarily translate into a better experience.
However, for most Indian consumers there is one precise psychological barrier which Google will have to battle out- Why should someone buy a pure Android smartphone for the price of the latest iPhone given the aspirational value attached to iPhones in the country?
At the same time, this doesn't mean that all Android phones should be cheap and only iPhones have got the right to command prices above Rs 50,000.
Competitive mid-range Android phones have made it difficult for brands to make premium Android handsets stand apart. Samsung in the past have cracked the code by offering innovations on design, hardware and software front in its flagship S and Note series.
This comparison between OnePlus 3T and Google Pixel XL doesn't end at a mere spec sheet shootout. It tries to suggest who should buy what. Both are good smartphones for its respective price segment. Google Pixel XL
Google's first smartphone focuses on providing a superior Android experience and is meant for someone active in Google's ecosystem of apps. If you use Google Photos to store pictures, an active user of Maps, Gmail, News and other Google apps and want a simple yet powerful 'Google experience' then the Pixel XL is definitely for you.
This means that you should be connected to the Internet always to get the real Pixel fire power. Note that the Pixel phones do not support Reliance Jio connection by default.
Of course, these services are available on the OnePlus 3T as well or in fact in every Android phone but the convenience is exclusive to the Pixel series only.
The device offers a best-in-class camera. Timely software upgrades and an overall smooth software experience are some of the key mentions. Overall performance and battery life adds to the comfort. OnePlus 3T
It is simply the older OnePlus 3 with bumped up hardware. Within Rs 30,000, the OnePlus 3T makes a great value for money option. The smartphone comes with a droolworthy spec sheet and a design that easily impresses.
OnePlus had a reputation of providing unreliable software in previous instances which has been greatly improved in the OnePlus 3. However, the Oxygen OS delivers an almost stock Android experience. With the kind of the hardware the OnePlus 3T offers there should not be any issue with performance.
The camera quality is good but the Google Pixel XL is better. While OnePlus boast of its Dash Charge, Google has its own version of Quick Charge.
The OnePlus 3T runs older Android Marshmallow out-of-box and is expected to get the Android 7.0 Nougat update soon.Who should buy what?
Of course, it boils down to budget. For someone with a tight budget of up to Rs 30,000, the OnePlus 3T is a no brainer. However, for someone looking at buying the Google Pixel XL, should he consider buying the OnePlus 3T instead? It depends on the usage. For an experienced Android user relying heavily on the Google ecosystem, the OnePlus 3T will definitely be a compromise.