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Want to improve your mobile snaps? Check out these eight photo editing apps

Alexandra Arici
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These days pretty much everyone uses their smartphone to take photos, and that subsequently means the market is flooded with photo editing apps.

Indeed, most social media apps like Instagram include editors in their interface. But if you want to add even more vivid customizations to your snaps, then you might want to install a few additional photo editing apps on your device.

But given that there are tons of such apps available in the Play Store, trying to find the best apps to enhance your snaps could seem a little intimidating.

That’s why we’ve put together a guide of some of the best photo editing apps you can try out on your Android phone right now. For this article, we’ve chosen to focus on lesser-known apps rather than re-list popular offerings such as Snapseed, Adobe Photoshop Express or Candy Cam.

Each of the apps in the list offers a few unique customization options on top of the standard. Most editing apps today let you adjust brightness, contrast, orientation and so on, but the apps in this article add a little something to make your photos look a lot catchier.

Glitchr

What it is:

Vintage photo editing is a growing trend, and retro photos are something many people aspire to take. And now you can, with apps such as Glitchr.

Why we like it:

  • It’s an extremely easy-to-use photo editor. Simply upload or take a photo and start applying retro filters including VSH, 3D, JPG or Triangulate. Tap on each multiple times to see variations of the effect.
  • Meet and interact with Glitchr fans all around the world. Use the #glitchr tag when you post to Instagram and get your work featured in the app itself. This way users will easily be able to check out your retro vision.
  • Lets you share edited images to any app.
  • There are no annoying ads.

Install Glitchr

Huji Cam

What it is:

Used to love taking pictures with an analog camera? Huji Cam is a modern app that helps enable us to recreate the same grainy and raw feel to our photos.

Why we like it:

  • The app lets you get the vintage 1998 vibe in your photos.
  • Super simple to use. Just snap a picture using the tiny viewfinder and the 1998 photo effect will be automatically applied to your images.
  • Either save the results to your gallery or instantly share them with friends on social media.

Install Huji Cam

Polarr

What it is:

Polarr is a more comprehensive photo-editing app with which you’ll be able to give a new dimension to your mobile photography.

Why we like it:

  • The app has everything you need to customize your shots. From filters and face editing tools to the ability to play with exposure, brightness or contrast.
  • Polarr even allows you to create, customize and share your own filters.
  • You can choose a Dark theme, Light theme or a custom color.
  • A Pro version is also available, which gives you access to a powerful set of adjustments on targeted areas including Radial, Gradient and Depth.

Install Polarr

LightX

What it is:

Want even more features? LightX takes mobile photo editing to the next level with a slew of advanced options.

Why we like it:

  • It’s among the few editing apps that have a Photo Background Changer option. It doesn’t always work 100%, but in most cases it gets the job done.
  • It includes Color Splash Photo Effects, which are very popular these days. Basically, you can selectively apply a different color, light or grey photo effect on different regions of your photos.
  • The app lets you create photo collages and frames. What’s more, users can apply numerous photo stickers, as well as use different doodle brushes to draw on photos.

Install LightX

Mirror Lab

What it is:

Mirror Lab is a unique photo-editing app which as the name suggests lets you create mirror photos, as well as kaleidoscope images and more.

Why we like it:

  • It includes creative effects you won’t find in most apps. Choose between 50+ filters including tiny planet effect, shape cut-outs, ripples, whirls and more.
  • You can also adjust standard parameters such as brightness, contrast and saturation.
  • All filters come with several parameters to modify like the intensity of effect, rotation angle or aspect ratio.

Install Mirror Lab

A Color Story

What it is:

A Color Story is an image editing app that focuses on providing fresh effects with bright whites and colors that pop.

Why we like it:

  • The app benefits from a clean-looking interface. It includes options for basic editing including brightness, saturation or vibrance, but also more advanced options.
  • It has a gallery of filters and movable effects (some like Light Leak are really neat).
  • A Color Story will create custom filters saved from your editing steps.

Install A Color Story

Portra

What it is:

Portra lets you take pictures (and selfies) that are more dramatic. The app automatically turns your snaps into real artwork.

Why we like it:

  • Ever wonder what you’d look like as a painting? Now you can find out with Portra. Use the app’s camera to snap an image or a selfie and then apply the dramatic filters for maximum effect.
  • More than 19 colorful filters are available including sketch, oil paintings and more.
  • Easily share your pics with friends and family from the app.

Install Portra

Hypocam

What it is:

A photo editing app developed especially for those who love black-and-white photography and aim at producing better B&W shots.

Why we like it:

  • The creators behind Hypocam have studied and tested a lot of creative tools developed for B&W photography, before creating a series of unique filters you won’t find in other apps.
  • You can discover beautiful photo blogs by talented B&W photographers via The Board section.
  • Edit your B&W snaps using editing tools such as Grain, Vignette or Fade.

Install Hypocam

Latest HTC U12 Plus reveals everything about the handset

Andrew Myrick
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Hot off the heels of the launch of the OnePlus 6, another OEM is gearing up for a device launch. Earlier this month, HTC announced that a new device would be coming on May 23rd, which will presumably be the HTC U12 Plus.

However, the fun part of what we do is that there is a new leak almost every day. And that brings us to today’s leak from Evan Blass (@evleaks).

Not only did Blass share a few press images of the U12 Plus, but he also shared the complete spec sheet. This sheet reveals all of the important specs but also shares some of the other features.

Spec Breakdown

  • Display: 6-inch QHD+ (2880 x1440), 18:9, Super LCD
  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 845
  • RAM: 6GB
  • Storage: 64GB/128GB, expandable via microSD
  • Front Camera: Dual 8MP w/ wide angle lens
  • Rear Camera: 12MP wide-angle, 16MP telephoto
  • Battery: 3,500mAh
  • Extras: Edge Sensor, Quick Charge 3.0, HTC BoomSound

It should come as no surprise that HTC will be packing the same specs that we have seen from OnePlus, LG, and Samsung. However, it’s a relief to see 6GB of RAM as the base model, along with a substantial 3,500mAh battery.

The U12 Plus will sport a total of four different cameras, with dual 8MP sensors on the front. On the rear, there will be a 12MP wide-angle lens and a 16MP telephoto option.

As for the extras, the U12 Plus will feature “always-on listening” support for both Assistant and Amazon Alexa. It seems that HTC is bringing high-quality audio to the U12 Plus with BoomSound, USonic, and Qualcomm aptX.

For those who loved HTC Edge Sense, this will make a return with the U12 Plus. This time around, HTC will be bringing the following:

  • Squeeze to access apps or control the phone
  • Hold for Smart Rotate and Smart Dim
  • Double tap for a mini screen for easy one-handed use, or as a back key or navigation bar
  • Customizable gestures to launch camera, voice assistant, turn on flashlight, and more

Unfortunately, there is no mention here about how much the U12 Plus will be priced at. Instead, we will just have to wait until May 23rd for the official launch event.

In the meantime, sound off in the comments below and let us know what you think about these specs. Are you excited to see what HTC is bringing? Or are you content with the OnePlus 6, G7 ThinQ, or Galaxy S9?

OnePlus 6 Avengers Edition goes live

Alexandra Arici
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One day after announcing the OnePlus 6 during an event in London, OnePlus introduced the OnePlus 6 Avengers Edition in China. And boy does it look gorgeous.

Spec-wise the new special edition mirrors the standard OnePlus 6 completely. It comes with the same 6.28-inch display with a notch on top, Snapdragon 845 and Android 8.1 Oreo out of the box. The Avenger Edition will also be available with the line’s most powerful configuration, which is 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.

But when it comes to looks, the OnePlus 6 Avengers: Infinity War version is a whole different story. The smartphone features a purple, Kevlar-style, fibre textured pattern on top of the glass back. There’s also a golden Avengers symbol on the back, while the OnePlus symbol and alert slider are also golden.

On top of that, the phone will ship out with an awesome-looking Iron Man case for the phone, as well as one of six collectable Avengers medals.

The new special edition is the priciest OnePlus phone yet

The OnePlus 6 Avengers edition costs approximately $660. In contrast, the regular OnePlus 6 model costs around $629, almost exactly the same as in the US.

What about availability? Well at the moment we know the phone will be sold in China and most likely in India too. But unfortunately, we don’t think it will be offered in the US.

Last year, OnePlus released a Star Wars version of its 5T flagship. The phone was originally launched in India but subsequently became available for purchase in Northern Europe in Finland, Denmark and Sweden. Hopefully, the OnePlus 6 Avengers edition will see a wider release.

Launched merely three weeks ago, Avengers: Infinity War is off to a heroic start. For example, the superhero tentpole took North America by storm, opening $250 million in 4,474 theaters. A now Avengers fans have something else to look forward to. Provided they live in China or India.

YouTube Music & YouTube Premium are Google’s latest streaming services

Andrew Myrick
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For the last few months, we have been hearing about a new streaming service called YouTube Remix. This service was expected to kill Google Play Music, and it has arrived under the moniker of YouTube Music.

New YouTube Music?

Yep, that’s right. The YouTube Music that has been around for quite some time is being revamped and comes with a new price tag. the application seems to largely be unchanged, as screenshots shared by Google show a three-tabbed interface.

However, the real question here is what this means for Google Play Music and YouTube Red. The reason that YouTube Red is thrown into the mix is that a new service called ‘YouTube Premium’ was also announced.

YouTube Premium

This new service will allow you to stream ad-free music, ad-free video, and give you access to YouTube Originals. It will be priced at $11.99 per month, while YouTube Music Premium will be priced at $9.99, the current price for YouTube Red.

On the YouTube Music front, Google claims “a reimagined mobile app and brand new desktop player” are on the way. And for those that are already subscribed to GPM, things will not be changed, for now.

Google Play Music

Instead, Google Play Music subscribers will automatically get access to YouTube Music Premium. However, if you want the complete ad-free YouTube experience, you’ll have to spring for the YouTube Premium subscription.

If this all seems like it is going in a bunch of circles, that’s because it is. Yet again, Google is trying to reinvent the wheel by introducing a slew of new services to replace existing options.

It makes sense to a certain extent thanks to the brand recognition that YouTube has. And if Google wants to take on Spotify and Apple Music, a rebrand of GPM may be in order.

Unfortunately, there is no specific mention of whether Google Play Music will go away, or be absorbed by YouTube Music Premium. Instead, we will just have to wait and see if Google wants to keep all of these different services available.

What about YouTube Red?

Don’t worry, we didn’t forget about the YouTube Red subscribers. Google states that Red members “will automatically” receive access to YouTube Premium when it launches.

The best part about that is that you will continue to pay the same amount for Premium as you were paying for Red. Although there is some nice fine print stating “if that price changes in the future, we will give plenty of notice”.

Both of these new services and apps will be launching next week, on May 22nd. Let us know what you think about these announcements and if you are interested in seeing what Google is doing.

Nokia X6, HTC Exodus, and new Galaxy S9 colors (Episode 4)

Matt Adams
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Welcome to In Brief, our periodic podcast which aims to provide you with all of the important things happening in the world of Android.

In this episode, we discuss the newly announced Nokia X6, HTC’s big bet on the blockchain, and some brand new colors coming for the Samsung Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9 Plus.

Topics

It’s our goal to keep these podcasts short but there’s a reason we call it “The 15-minute podcast that’s never 15 minutes”. We hope you enjoy the show!

Other news worth knowing

  • The highly-anticipated Miramar map is available PUBG Mobile, the hit mobile version of the original battle royale PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds.
  • Fortnite players can game anywhere and everywhere, but all that exploration, building, scavenging and combat can leave your phone battery dead. Consider myCharge’s HubPlus which up to 4x extra battery life and features built-in micro-USB and Apple Lightning cables along with wall prongs.
  • The BusyKid app, now available, teaches kids basic financial skills like earning, saving, investing and budgeting to spend, engaging them in math all summer long while teaching them the value of hard work. BusyKid recommends chores for kids based on their age and parents can customize tasks and money earned.

Heads up!

We’re currently beta testing this podcast and doing it in the real world. We’ll iterate and improve and be on track with the formal numbering convention in no time!

Subscribe to the AndroidGuys Audio Experience!

You can download or subscribe to the podcasts wherever you normally find your favorite shows. For your convenience, you can also click  the links below.

Google Play Music | Simplecast | iTunes | Spotify* | Stitcher | Pocket Cast

For questions, concerns, or general feedback about the podcast feel free to contact us at podcast [at] androidguys.com.

*Coming Soon

What’s the difference: OnePlus 6 versus Samsung Galaxy S9

Andrew Myrick
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The OnePlus 6 was announced earlier today at an event in London. We have been seeing leaks, rumors, and teasers for quite some time.

READ MORE: OnePlus 6 vs OnePlus 5T

However, now that the device has been unveiled, we’re going to compare the OnePlus 6 versus the Samsung Galaxy S9. Hopefully, this will help you to determine which device is best for you.

Design & Display

For the first time since 2015, OnePlus opted for an all-glass design. This is a trend that we have seen from other OEM’s, including LG, Apple, and Samsung.

The Gorilla Glass 5 covers both the front and rear of the OnePlus 6. When compared to the Galaxy S9, we find a stalemate as Samsung used the same glass.

Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+

The OnePlus 6 sports a 6.2-inch AMOLED display, which falls in line with what we find on the Galaxy S9 Plus. The difference here is that Samsung takes advantage of its own Super AMOLED display technology.

Another difference comes in the resolution, as the OnePlus 6 “only” sports a 1080p display and a 19:9 aspect ratio. Both Galaxy S9 handsets include a resolution of 2960 x 1440 with the Infinity Display and an 18.5:9 aspect ratio.

Power

Under the hood, both the OnePlus 6 and Galaxy S9 are powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 845 chipset. This has been coupled with up to 8GB of RAM on the OP6, and 6GB on the Galaxy S9 Plus.

On the storage front, Samsung was able to match up with OnePlus’ plans. If you opt for the 8GB OnePlus 6, then you will receive 256GB of storage. Just a few weeks ago, Samsung announced 128GB and 256GB storage options for both the S9 and S9 Plus.

In the battery department, we have to give the nod to Samsung. While the 3,300mAh battery in the OP6 is larger than the Galaxy S9, it falls short to the S9 Plus.

However, with the near-stock OnePlus software, we are expecting to see better overall battery life in the OnePlus 6. All of the aforementioned devices sport fast charging of some sort (Dash Charge vs Quick Charge).

Samsung gets another nod here though, as the Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus both sport wireless charging. Surpringsly OnePlus decided not to include this feature, despite making the move to an all-glass design.

Camera

With the release of the OnePlus 5 last year, OnePlus decided to make the move to a dual-camera setup. This new system is back with the OnePlus 6, with a primary 16MP sensor and secondary 20MP lens.

This is obviously better for those who want the standard S9, which only sports a single 12MP sensor. However, the S9 Plus also features a dual-camera system, with a “Super Speed” 12MP sensor and a 12MP telephoto lens.

Both devices are capable of shooting slow-motion 1080p videos, but Samsung gets another nod with its ability to shoot slo-mo at 960fps. The other advantage for the S9/S9 Plus comes via the mechanical aperture.

Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+
Main camera at f/1.5.

This technology allows you to manually adjust the aperture, and does not rely on software. As for the OnePlus 6, both camera sensors feature a fixed aperture of f/1.7.

On the front, OnePlus packed a 16MP sensor capable of HDR, Portrait Mode, and Face Unlock. In regards to Samsung, the company used an 8MP sensor with an f/1.7 aperture.

Obviously, Samsung’s face unlock features are much more secure and robust. However, this experience can be a bit slower than some would like.

Software & extras

Whenever it comes to software, I always get down on Samsung and this is for good reason. The company packs so many different “features” and gimmicks that the overall experience ends up slowing down.

OnePlus has definitely gotten this right with its OxygenOS software overlay. The OnePlus 6 will launch with Android 8.1 Oreo, with just a few added features to improve your experience without slowing down.

Additionally, at Google I/O 2018, it was announced that OnePlus was partnering for the Android P beta program. That means that as soon as the OnePlus 6 arrives at your doorstep, you can use Google’s latest software.

As for Samsung, the Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus are running Android 8.0 Oreo. There was also no mention of the company joining the Android P beta program at I/O.

Instead, Galaxy S9 owners will likely have to wait until early 2019 before seeing any mention of Android P. So, OnePlus definitely gets the nod here.

Value

To put in simplest terms, the OnePlus 6 is a much better value. The base model starts at just $529, which is almost $200 cheaper than the standard Galaxy S9.

If you want to spring for the 256GB model, then that will set you back just $629. The Galaxy S9 is priced at $819.99 and the S9 Plus costs $939.99 for the same amount of storage.

It’s an absolute no-brainer in this department, as the OnePlus 6 takes the category with flying colors.

What’s the best?

If you subscribed to a GSM carrier, want to save more than a few bucks and want a near-stock experience? Get the OnePlus 6. The handset won’t break the bank and features all of the flagship specs that you could possibly want.

If you are stuck on a CDMA network and can’t make the move, then the Galaxy S9 or S9 Plus would more than adequate. However, just remember that you’ll have to fork out almost $950 if you want 256GB of storage and “just” 6GB of RAM.

Sound off in the comments below and let us know what device you will be picking up!

Verizon Visible, A new unlimited service plan

AndroidGuys
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0

Verizon is regarded as the most expensive (or the second-most) carrier of the US’ big four carriers. It also usually has excellent service and coverage to pair with the high bill price. For the past few weeks though, Verizon has had a pseudo-secret service, Visible, available that only cost $40 and grants you unlimited everything. Of course, there are caveats.

So for $40 on Visible, you get unlimited calls, text, and data using Verizon’s LTE network. Now even though you’re on Verizon’s network, you won’t be utilizing it to it’s fullest. There’s no cap on data usage, but there’s a cap on speed.

Visible caps data speeds at 5mbps. What this affects mainly is video streaming, seeing that most audio streaming and website won’t require any higher of speeds. While on data, you can expect videos to stream at 480p, typically. If you’re one to stay on Wi-Fi mostly, data speed is mostly negligible.

The other MAJOR downside is that Visible is currently an invite-only service for iPhone only. The iPhone reach is broad though, with support for iPhone 6 through X. So if you have an iPhone form the past 4 years, you’ll still need an invite code. Thanks to CNET, we have one here: CFF48. Supposedly Android support is coming soon, but we have no hard date for that yet.

From there, the service is all handled within an app. You download the Visible app, enter the code, and complete sign-up. Then you’re mailed a SIM card, overnight, and can begin service shortly. This prepaid service also takes payment from not only credit cards but also PayPal and Venmo.

 

While Visible seems like an excellent way for Verizon to cover the next wave of consumers (especially Generation Z), there are many alternatives out there. If you want to stick with the big four carriers, they each have subsidiaries and official prepaid plans. AT&T has cricket, T-Mobile has MetroPCS, and Sprint has Boost.

I’m sure most of our readers won’t be getting Visible just yet, considering the iPhone buy-in, but what about the service itself. Do you like the idea of the more straightforward prepaid plan? Are you looking to try out Visible when it comes over to Android? Let us know in the comments.

Visible Sign-Up Link

 

Hot Take: OnePlus 6 (Episode 5)

Matt Adams
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0

Welcome to Hot Take, our podcast that focuses on one big news item. Today, we’re talking about the recently launched OnePlus 6.

It’s our goal to keep these podcasts short but there’s a reason we call it the 15-minute podcast that’s never 15 minutes. We hope you enjoy the show!

Heads up!

We’re currently beta testing this podcast and doing it in the real world. We’ll iterate and improve and be on track with the formal numbering convention in no time!

Subscribe to the AndroidGuys Audio Experience!

You can download or subscribe to the podcasts wherever you normally find your favorite shows. For your convenience, you can also click the links below.

Google Play Music | Simplecast | iTunes | Spotify* | Stitcher | Pocket Cast

For questions, concerns, or general feedback about the podcast feel free to contact us at podcast [at] androidguys.com.

*Coming Soon

Read more

WhatsApp introduces new features for Groups

AndroidGuys
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0

For one of the most significant communication apps for mobile, WhatsApp has always had a keen eye on its groups’ features. Families can come together to stay in touch. People with similar interest can talk to one another, without personally knowing each other. City official can even share news throughout groups. Now, WhatsApp is enhancing their groups even further with the announcement of new features.

Now every group can have a description to inform what that particular group is about. The description allows the admin to set the purpose, guides, or topics for that particular group. Admins can also prohibit who can change the group description along with subject and icon.

Speaking of admins, they now have other new features. They can remove admin and other permissions from group participants. The group creators can also no longer be removed from a group they’ve started.

A few more new features include the ability to find any participant in a group thanks to new search features. If you’ve been away from a group, you can catch up on any mentions or replies with the ‘@‘ symbol at the bottom right of the chat. Lastly, there’s a new protection feature that prohibits people from repeatedly joining groups they’ve left.

These features have already started rolling out to both iOS and Android apps. Do you use groups on WhatsApp? What about WhatsApp in general? Let us know how you like these new features.

WhatsApp Play Store Link

OnePlus 6 vs OnePlus 5T: What changed?

Alexandra Arici
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0

Critics greeted the iPhone X’s notch with overwhelming criticism, and yet, a growing number of rival smartphone makers are replicating it. Already, the likes of ASUS, Nokia, Huawei and Honor have launched phones with iPhone X-style notch display. And the latest company to do the same is OnePlus which during an event today in London unveiled its latest flagship, the OnePlus 6.

Coming seven months after the OnePlus 5T, the OnePlus 6 offers small but important improvements in key areas. So what changed and does it justify the price bump of this year’s model? Continue reading to form an idea.

On the outside

The OnePlus 6 features one of the largest displays ever seen on a OnePlus handset. It’s 6.28-inch in size with a 19:9 aspect ratio and of course, has the notch living on top. However, the screen cutout here is much less wide than on Apple’s iPhone X, thus leaving more room for information on either side of the camera and earpiece unit.

What’s more, if you really hate the notch, you’ll be able to hide it by coloring the bars to its left and right in black. Just like you can on the LG G7 ThinQ and Huawei P20. The option will be made available via a future update.

Notch aside, the OnePlus 6 looks extremely similar to the 5T. We have the same rounded edges and subtle curvatures, which are further highlighted on the Mirror Black edition. As a bonus, this version has a very convincing ceramic look. This was achieved by employing five-layer coating technique on the Gorilla Glass 5 back panel and applying extra polishing of the metallic frame.

The drawback here is that it’s going to be a fingerprint print magnet. So if you can’t stand those, you might want to consider the Midnight Black or Silk White versions. They come with a matte finish. And boy, you’re going to love those. Because OnePlus has added some visual tricks to spice things up.

The Midnight Black model rocks an S-shaped line along the back if viewed from a certain angle. The Silk White version is even more exciting, as it has pearl powder sprinkled on the back which gives it a gorgeous shimmering effect.

OnePlus hasn’t upgraded the screen resolution to QHD+ as some were hoping, keeping it at a more standard 2,280 x 1080, but it’s still plenty to go around.

Just like its predecessor, the OnePlus 6 uses an AMOLED panel which offers bright and punchy colors. Although the 5T features a smaller 6.01-inch display with 18:9 aspect ratio.

A major difference between the two phones is that the OnePlus 6 has adopted the glass-on-metal design that we often see in today’s flagships. Gorilla Glass 5 covers front and back, while a metal frame surrounds the handsets. In contrast, the OnePlus 5T has a metal body.

Buttons on the sides of the OnePlus 6 have been re-arranged too. The OnePlus 5T had the power button living on the right side, while the alert slider and volume rocker were placed on the left.  On the OnePlus 6 the alert slider has been moved on the left, above the power button.

The back of the OnePlus 6 is also quite different from its predecessor. The dual-camera arrangement has been moved centrally with the sensors sitting vertically, one below the other. Previously the two cameras resided in the top left corner and were positioned horizontally.

Furthermore, the fingerprint sensor is now candy bar-shaped instead of circular and resides under the cameras. The arrangement is quite similar to what we see on the Galaxy S9 Plus.

Performance

The OnePlus 6 is powered by the latest Snapdragon 845 and comes with 6GB/8GB of RAM and 64GB/128GB of storage. This year there’s a new 256GB storage variant. Just like with the OnePlus 5T, there’s no microSD card slot.

No upgrades were made in the battery department. You still get the same 3,300 mAh battery and the company’s well-known Dash fast-charging technology on board. And no, there’s no wireless charging under the glass back. In case you were wondering.

For the first time on a OnePlus phone, we have water resistance, although the company did not share the exact IP rating during the presentation.

Cameras

On top of moving the sensors’ position, the new camera configuration is now comprised of 16-megapixel and 20-megapixel cameras with f/1.7.

This might sound very similar to the OnePlus 5T, but the less obvious upgrade is the 16-megapixel f/1.7 main camera which now includes slightly larger pixels for better low-light photography. This is a very welcome addition since the OnePlus 5T struggled to produce high-quality photos in dark scenarios. On top of that, the OnePlus 6 also gets optical image stabilization which should help taking shoot more stable photos and smoother videos.

OnePlus also throws in a new slow-motion video mode that offer 720p at 480fps and 1080p at 240fps video capture. Last but not least, users can shoot in 4K at 60fps.

The front-facing camera is 16-megapixel, the same as on the 5T. However, the OnePlus 6 will offer a selfie portrait mode. It will become available via a software update after launch.

Software

The OnePlus 6 will ship with OxygenOS based on Android 8.1. But given that the new flagship is also part of the Android P Beta program, you won’t have to wait long to get it once Google officially starts rolling it out.

Obviously, there are some improvements over the OnePlus 5T in the software department. For starters, users can replace the on-screen navigation buttons with gestures, thus freeing up extra screen space.

OnePlus has also added a few useful features for gamers including a new Gaming Mode which prioritizes modem bandwidth for multiplayer games over background apps. A Gaming Battery Save option will also be available to lighten the resource load for games that use the Unity game engine.

Should you get OnePlus newest flagship?

The OnePlus 6 is going to be the most expensive OnePlus phone yet, hitting retail shelves for $529 and up. Comparatively, the OnePlus 5T started at $499.

Despite now being the previous-gen flagship, the OnePlus 5T remains a stellar device, although it’s no longer widely available. So if you’re looking to buy a new phone, the OnePlus 6 seems like a great choice right now.

However, if you’re coming from a OnePlus 5T, there’s little to justify the purchase of a new OnePlus 6. Unless you are a huge fan of the notch, then, by all means, mark the May 22 date in your calendar. That’s when the OnePlus 6 will go on sale in North America.

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