The smartphone arena is a battleground of innovation, and two titans once stood tall: the OnePlus Two and the Samsung Galaxy S6. Both devices aimed to capture the premium market, offering distinct approaches to design, performance, and user experience. For consumers weighing their options, the choice between these two powerhouses was far from simple.
The OnePlus Two, with its ‘flagship killer’ ambition, promised top-tier specs at a more accessible price point, challenging the established order. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S6 represented Samsung’s bold leap into premium materials and cutting-edge features, setting new benchmarks for Android flagships.
This comparison delves deep into what made each of these phones unique. We’ll explore their strengths, weaknesses, and ultimately, help you understand which device might have been the better fit for your needs back in their heyday.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | oneplus two | galaxy s6 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 5.5-inch | 5.1-inch |
| Display Resolution | 1080 x 1920 pixels | 1440 x 2560 pixels |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 | Exynos 7420 |
| RAM | 3GB / 4GB | 3GB |
| Rear Camera | 13MP | 16MP |
| Front Camera | 5MP | 5MP |
| Battery Capacity | 3300 mAh | 2550 mAh |
| Storage Options | 16GB / 64GB | 32GB / 64GB / 128GB |
| Operating System | Android (OxygenOS) | Android (TouchWiz) |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Yes | Yes |
| USB Port | USB Type-C | MicroUSB 2.0 |
| Water Resistance | No | No |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Oneplus Two: Features a 5.5-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels. This offers a sharp and vibrant viewing experience for everyday tasks and media consumption. While good, it doesn’t quite reach the pixel density or brightness of some competitors.
- Galaxy S6: Boasts a stunning 5.1-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1440 x 2560 pixels. This translates to incredibly deep blacks, vibrant colors, and exceptional sharpness. The higher pixel density and AMOLED technology provide a more immersive and visually superior experience.
- Winner: galaxy s6
Processor & Performance
- Oneplus Two: Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor, paired with either 3GB or 4GB of RAM. This chipset was a flagship contender, offering excellent performance for multitasking and demanding applications. However, some users reported thermal throttling issues under heavy load.
- Galaxy S6: Equipped with Samsung’s own Exynos 7420 octa-core processor, coupled with 3GB of RAM. This chipset was renowned for its raw power and efficiency, outperforming many competitors in benchmarks and real-world usage. It offered a consistently smooth and fast user experience.
- Winner: galaxy s6
Camera
- Oneplus Two: Features a 13MP rear camera with optical image stabilization (OIS) and a 5MP front-facing camera. The rear camera is capable of taking good photos in well-lit conditions, but can struggle in low light. The front camera is decent for selfies.
- Galaxy S6: Sports a 16MP rear camera with OIS and a 5MP front-facing camera. The Galaxy S6’s camera is a standout, delivering exceptional image quality with great detail, color accuracy, and impressive low-light performance. It’s widely considered one of the best smartphone cameras of its time.
- Winner: galaxy s6
Battery & Charging
- Oneplus Two: Comes with a non-removable 3300 mAh battery. This provides solid all-day battery life for most users. It supports fast charging, though the charger was often sold separately.
- Galaxy S6: Packs a 2550 mAh battery, which is smaller than the OnePlus Two. While it supports fast charging and wireless charging, the smaller capacity means it might not last a full day for heavy users. The lack of a removable battery is also a downside for some.
- Winner: oneplus two
Build Quality & Design
- Oneplus Two: Features a premium build with a metal frame and interchangeable back panels (like sandstone or bamboo). It has a solid feel in hand, but some found its design a bit bland compared to other flagships.
- Galaxy S6: Showcases a sleek and premium design with a glass front and back, and a metal frame. It feels incredibly refined and modern, though the glass back is prone to fingerprints and potential breakage.
- Winner: galaxy s6
Software & User Experience
- Oneplus Two: Runs on OxygenOS, a near-stock Android experience with subtle customizations. It’s generally clean and smooth, offering a good balance between stock Android and useful features. Updates were generally timely.
- Galaxy S6: Runs on Samsung’s TouchWiz UI over Android. While TouchWiz has improved, it can still feel a bit bloated with pre-installed apps for some users. However, it offers a wealth of features and customization options.
- Winner: oneplus two
Storage Options
- Oneplus Two: Available in 16GB and 64GB internal storage variants. It does not support expandable storage via microSD card, which can be a limitation for users who store a lot of media.
- Galaxy S6: Offered in 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB internal storage options. Similar to the OnePlus Two, it lacks microSD card support, but the higher maximum capacity mitigates this for many.
- Winner: galaxy s6
Biometric Security
- Oneplus Two: Features a fingerprint scanner located on the front home button. It is generally fast and accurate, offering a convenient way to unlock the device.
- Galaxy S6: Also includes a fingerprint scanner integrated into the home button. Samsung’s implementation is typically very reliable and quick, providing a secure and seamless unlocking experience.
- Winner: galaxy s6
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Quality | Galaxy S6 |
| Performance | Galaxy S6 |
| Camera | Galaxy S6 |
| Battery Life | oneplus two |
| Build Quality | Galaxy S6 |
| Software Experience | oneplus two |
| Value | oneplus two |
What They Have in Common
- Display Technology: Both devices feature vibrant LCD displays that offer good color reproduction and viewing angles, making for an enjoyable media consumption experience.
- Premium Build Materials: You’ll find a focus on quality construction with both the OnePlus Two and Galaxy S6, utilizing materials like metal frames to provide a solid and premium feel in hand.
- High-Resolution Displays: Both phones deliver sharp and detailed visuals with their high-resolution screens, ensuring that text is crisp and images are clear for everyday use.
- Fingerprint Security: Security and convenience are prioritized with the inclusion of fingerprint sensors on both the OnePlus Two and the Galaxy S6, allowing for quick and secure unlocking of the devices.
- Generous RAM: With 3GB of RAM in both devices, you can expect smooth multitasking and the ability to keep multiple applications open without significant performance degradation.
Oneplus Two Vs Galaxy S6 Buying Guide
Performance and Everyday Use
For raw processing power and smooth multitasking, the OnePlus Two generally holds its own. Its Snapdragon 810 chip, while known for some thermal issues, still offers a potent experience for most users. The Galaxy S6, with its Exynos 7420, provides incredibly snappy performance and excellent app loading times. If you prioritize seamless daily operation and gaming without compromise, both are strong contenders, but the S6 often feels a touch more refined in its fluidity. (See Also: Iphone 12 Vs 13 )
Camera Capabilities
When it comes to photography, the Galaxy S6 is the clear frontrunner. Its 16MP rear camera, featuring optical image stabilization and a wide aperture, consistently produces stunning photos with excellent detail, vibrant colors, and impressive low-light performance. The OnePlus Two’s 13MP sensor is capable, but it struggles to match the S6’s dynamic range and sharpness, especially in challenging lighting conditions. For mobile photography enthusiasts, the S6 offers a superior shooting experience.
Design and Build Quality
The design philosophy of these two devices is vastly different. The Galaxy S6 boasts a premium, all-glass and metal construction that feels incredibly sleek and high-end in hand. Its slim profile and curved edges are a testament to Samsung’s design prowess. The OnePlus Two offers a more utilitarian approach with its magnesium-aluminum alloy frame and interchangeable back covers, providing a unique customization option. While the S6 feels more luxurious, the OnePlus Two offers a sturdy and customizable build.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is a crucial factor for many users. The OnePlus Two, with its larger 3300mAh battery, generally offers better longevity, often lasting a full day of moderate to heavy use. The Galaxy S6’s 2550mAh battery is more modest, and while it supports fast charging and wireless charging, it may require more frequent top-ups for power users. If all-day endurance is your top priority, the OnePlus Two has a slight edge, though the S6’s charging options offer convenience. (See Also: Vvs Moissanite Vs Diamond )
Who Should Buy What?
Buy oneplus two If…
- You prioritize a larger display for media consumption and gaming.
- You want a removable back cover for customization (though not a removable battery).
- You’re looking for a clean Android experience with OxygenOS.
- You appreciate the convenience of USB Type-C.
Buy galaxy s6 If…
- You desire a sharper, higher-resolution display for incredibly detailed visuals.
- You value a more compact device that’s easier to handle with one hand.
- You want access to Samsung’s ecosystem and features within TouchWiz.
- You need more internal storage options, including higher capacities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone has a better display?
The Samsung Galaxy S6 features a stunning 5.1-inch Super AMOLED display with a QHD (1440 x 2560) resolution. This translates to incredibly vibrant colors, deep blacks, and exceptional sharpness, making it ideal for media consumption and gaming. The OnePlus Two sports a 5.5-inch IPS LCD display with a Full HD (1080 x 1920) resolution. While still a good display, it doesn’t quite reach the same level of pixel density or color vibrancy as the S6’s AMOLED panel.
How do the cameras compare in low light?
In low-light conditions, the Galaxy S6 significantly outperforms the OnePlus Two. The S6’s larger aperture (f/1.9) and advanced image processing allow it to capture more light, resulting in brighter, clearer, and less noisy photos. The OnePlus Two’s camera can produce usable shots in dim environments, but images often appear softer, with more noticeable grain and less detail compared to the S6’s superior low-light capabilities.
Which phone offers a better user experience out of the box?
Both phones offer distinct software experiences. The Galaxy S6 runs Samsung’s TouchWiz UI on top of Android, which is feature-rich but can feel a bit heavy for some. The OnePlus Two runs OxygenOS, a cleaner, near-stock Android experience with subtle customizations. Many users find OxygenOS to be more streamlined and less bloated, leading to a smoother and more intuitive user experience right from the start. However, TouchWiz offers a wider array of built-in features. (See Also: Dell Inspiron Vs Xps Desktop )
Is the battery on either phone removable?
Neither the OnePlus Two nor the Samsung Galaxy S6 features a removable battery. Both devices have sealed unibody designs to achieve their premium build quality and slim profiles. This means that if you experience battery degradation, you would need to have the battery professionally replaced by a service center rather than being able to swap it out yourself with a spare.
Which phone is better for gaming?
For gaming, both phones offer strong performance, but the Galaxy S6 generally provides a slightly smoother and more consistent experience. Its Exynos 7420 processor is highly optimized for gaming, and the QHD display offers incredible visual fidelity. While the OnePlus Two’s Snapdragon 810 is powerful, it can sometimes experience thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions, leading to occasional frame rate drops. The S6’s display also benefits from faster touch response.
Final Verdict
The OnePlus Two offers a compelling package with its robust build and excellent battery life, making it a solid choice for those prioritizing endurance and a cleaner software experience. However, the Samsung Galaxy S6 truly shines with its superior display, exceptional camera performance, and premium design. For users who value cutting-edge technology and a refined user experience, the Galaxy S6 stands out as the more accomplished device in this comparison.
Winner: Galaxy S6