The OnePlus 6, launched as a true “flagship killer,” remains one of the most iconic devices from the brand. Even years after its release, it continues to attract buyers in the pre-owned and mid-range markets thanks to its premium build, smooth performance, and clean software experience. If you are considering buying a used OnePlus 6 or simply want to know how it performs today, this detailed 900-word review covers everything from design and display to camera, battery, and overall value.
Why the OnePlus 6 Still Matters
When the OnePlus 6 launched, it set new standards for affordable premium smartphones. Backed by the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 845, a sleek glass design, and the refined OxygenOS, it delivered a flagship-level experience at a lower price point.
Today, the OnePlus 6 still holds relevance because:
- It offers smooth performance for everyday tasks.
- Its premium design competes with many modern mid-range phones.
- The 16MP + 20MP dual camera setup still produces respectable results.
- It receives strong community support with custom ROMs and security patches.
Design & Build Quality:
The OnePlus 6 was the first in the series to embrace a glass-back design, giving it a more premium aesthetic. It features:
- Corning Gorilla Glass 5 on front and back
- A curved back for a comfortable hand grip
- A metal frame for structural strength
- Physical alert slider for quick sound profile changes
Even today, the build quality feels solid, and the device looks elegant. However, the glass back attracts fingerprints, and using a protective case is recommended.
Display:
The smartphone features a large 6.28-inch Optic AMOLED display with:
- 1080 × 2280 pixels resolution
- 19:9 aspect ratio
- Full-screen notch design
- Excellent color accuracy and contrast
Whether you’re streaming Netflix, playing games, or browsing social media, the display still feels immersive and vibrant. The outdoor visibility is decent, and the AMOLED panel ensures deep blacks and vivid visuals.
Performance:
Under the hood, the OnePlus 6 packs the powerful Snapdragon 845 chipset, paired with:
- 6GB / 8GB RAM
- 64GB / 128GB / 256GB storage options
Games like BGMI, Asphalt 9, and COD Mobile run smoothly at medium-high settings. The OxygenOS optimization ensures the UI feels fluid and responsive, making the device enjoyable for daily use.
Software Experience:
OnePlus 6 initially shipped with Android 8.1 Oreo and was later updated to Android 11. It continues to receive community-driven custom ROM updates, which makes it appealing to tech enthusiasts.
Key software benefits include:
- Clean, bloat-free interface
- Fast animations and gestures
- Regular community updates
- Excellent customization options
Although official updates have stopped, the software still runs smoothly and enhances the phone’s performance.
Camera Performance:
The OnePlus 6 comes with a dual rear camera setup:
- 16MP primary (Sony IMX519)
- 20MP secondary sensor
Camera Features:
- OIS + EIS for stable photos
- 4K recording at 60 fps
- Portrait mode
- Slow-motion support
The front camera is a 16MP Sony IMX371 shooter, delivering crisp selfies with natural skin tones.
Camera Performance:
In daylight, the OnePlus 6 captures vibrant, detailed photos. Colors appear natural, and dynamic range is respectable. In low light, noise is more noticeable, but using night mode significantly improves the output.
While newer phones offer better computational photography, the OnePlus 6 camera still holds up well for casual photography and social media usage.
Battery Life & Charging:
The device is powered by a 3300mAh battery, which may feel modest by today’s standards but performs well thanks to software optimization.
Battery Highlights:
- Easily lasts a full day with moderate use
- Supports Fast Charge (Dash Charge)
- Charges from 0–60% in about 30 minutes
Even after years, battery performance remains reliable, although a battery replacement can restore peak endurance for heavy users.
Connectivity & Additional Features
The OnePlus 6 includes:
- Dual SIM support
- Bluetooth 5.0
- USB Type-C
- 3.5mm headphone jack (a big plus for many users!)
- Rear-mounted fast fingerprint sensor
- Face unlock
Connectivity remains strong, and features like the headphone jack add extra value compared to newer flagships that have removed it.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Smooth performance even today
- Premium glass design
- Vibrant AMOLED display
- Clean OxygenOS interface
- Stable camera performance
- Fast charging support
- Headphone jack included
Cons
- Battery capacity is modest
- No official software updates
- No wireless charging
- The camera struggles slightly in low light
Is the OnePlus 6 Still Worth Buying Today?
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, premium-feel smartphone in the pre-owned market, the OnePlus 6 remains a strong option. It’s great for:
- Students
- Office users
- Multimedia consumers
- Light to moderate gamers
- Anyone who prefers a clean UI
With its balanced performance, AMOLED screen, and timeless design, the OnePlus 6 still delivers a satisfying user experience in 2025.
Conclusion:
The OnePlus 6 stands as one of the most iconic devices created by OnePlus. It combines power, elegance, speed, and reliability even years after launch. Whether you’re considering a used device or just want to revisit this legendary flagship, the OnePlus 6 proves that good engineering truly stands the test of time.
