OnePlus 5T vs. OnePlus 5: The Ultimate Comparison of Features and Differences

OnePlus surprised the phone market with a new strategy, launching two flagship models per cycle instead of just one. Following the successful launch of the OnePlus 5, the Chinese manufacturer decided to renew its high-end proposal with the arrival of the OnePlus 5TThis device retains much of the original model's hardware, but introduces significant improvements in design, display, and other key features to compete with the big players, offering an outstanding balance between performance and reasonable price.

The OnePlus 5T is a clear example of how to incorporate high-end trends—such as bezel-less displays and advanced facial recognition—without raising prices. So, if you're looking for a powerful, modern smartphone with quality features but don't want to pay exorbitant amounts, this exhaustive comparison will help you decide if the upgrade from the OnePlus 5 to the 5T is worth it.

Renewed design: fewer frames and more usable surface area

One of the most notable changes that distinguishes the OnePlus 5T vs OnePlus 5 is its aesthetic section. The OnePlus 5T adopts a frameless display with an 18:9 aspect ratio, a trend most high-end manufacturers have followed to make the most of the device's front end. The screen-to-body ratio reaches nearly 80%, allowing you to enjoy a 6,01-inch panel in a compact size that's still very comfortable in your hand.

El side frame practically disappears, which together with the anodized aluminum finish maintains the robustness and lightness of the terminal. The rear part changes little in its overall design, except for the notable fact that the fingerprint sensor It's been moved to the center of the rear, just below the OnePlus logo, instead of the front. This decision, necessitated by the larger screen and the reduced bottom bezels, also means the disappearance of capacitive buttons and the use of on-screen navigation.

Both models maintain the premium build quality that characterizes OnePlus, with high-strength materials and a solid feel, although neither model includes official certification of water or dust resistance.

El OnePlus 5T It also feels somewhat larger and heavier (156,1 x 75 x 7,3 mm and 162 grams) compared to its predecessor (154.2 x 74.1 x 7.3 mm and 153 grams), although the difference is minimal and is compensated by the increase in screen surface area.

Display: evolution to 6,01” FHD+ Optic AMOLED panel

The jump in screen size is probably the most attractive aspect when comparing these two models. The OnePlus 5T has a 6,01-inch Optic AMOLED panel with Full HD+ resolution (2160 x 1080 pixels) and 18:9 panoramic ratio, compared to the 5,5-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) and classic 16:9 format of the OnePlus 5. Both panels offer a 401 pixels per inch density, vivid colors, deep blacks, and great contrast thanks to AMOLED technology and OnePlus Optic refinement.

This larger diagonal in the OnePlus 5T allows you to fully enjoy multimedia content, games, browsing and multitasking Thanks to the extra vertical resolution and an immersive experience enhanced by the ultra-narrow bezels. Both models are coated with Gorilla Glass 5, offering additional protection against bumps and scratches.

The panel supports HDR playback, offering an enhanced viewing experience for compatible movies, TV shows, or games, and allows you to adjust the color temperature and reading mode from the settings. Touch sensitivity and maximum brightness rival displays on much more expensive models, positioning both smartphones as excellent options for those seeking high-end display quality.

Detailed technical specifications comparison: OnePlus 5T vs OnePlus 5

Dual cameras: improved low-light photography and detail

Both models incorporate a dual camera setup, but the OnePlus 5T takes an interesting leap forward in optimizing its sensors. The OnePlus 5 uses two lenses: a 16 MP main lens and a secondary 20 MP telephoto lens with an f/2.6 aperture, which allows for 1.6x optical zoom and helps with portrait mode. However, the OnePlus 5T, although it does not use optical zoom (the secondary lens is no longer telephoto), opts for a second 20 MP sensor with f/1.7 aperture, same as the main oneThis allows the sensors to be combined and dramatically improves quality in low-light situations thanks to Intelligent Pixel technology (merging four pixels into one), reducing noise and producing much brighter, more detailed images.

Portrait mode is still present with a bokeh effect, although it is now based on advanced software and depth information obtained by both cameras. The OnePlus 5T also records video in up to 4K resolution at 30fps and has electronic stabilization (EIS) to keep shots smoother. Regarding the frontal cameraBoth models use the same 16MP Sony sensor, ideal for high-quality selfies and with HDR support.

A notable innovation of the 5T is the Advanced Facial Recognition Mode, which allows you to unlock your phone in just 0,2 seconds by detecting more than 100 facial points. While it doesn't reach the biometric level of Apple's Face ID, it's fast, reliable, and very practical for everyday unlocking.

Unchanged power: Snapdragon 835 and large memory figures

In relation to hardware and performanceBoth the OnePlus 5 and 5T share the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 835, an octa-core processor capable of running any game or app smoothly and energy-efficiently. This chip, along with the Adreno 540 GPU, delivers high-end performance that, combined with the software optimization of OxygenOS, provides a smooth and fast experience.

The RAM part of 6GB in the standard version and goes to 8GB on the top, figures that even leave many laptops behind. Added to this are the 64GB or 128GB of UFS 2.1 storage Ultra-fast, although without a microSD slot for expansion. The RAM memory system is based on App Priority: A OnePlus-exclusive feature that prioritizes frequently used apps to ensure they're always immediately available, improving multitasking and efficiency.

Battery 3300 mAh It is maintained in both models, with the famous Dash Charge fast charging technology, which allows the device to be almost fully charged in just 30 minutes. Battery life easily lasts a full day, and under normal use, it can easily last a full day, although the 5T's larger screen may slightly increase consumption compared to the 5.

Software and user experience: OxygenOS with guaranteed updates

Both devices were launched with OxygenOS based on Android 7.1.1 Nougat, a practically stock layer with smart additions such as control gestures, reading mode, dark theme, and icon and status bar customization. Although these smartphones didn't hit the market with Android 8.0 Oreo pre-installed, OnePlus quickly confirmed the update to higher versions, officially reaching Android 10. This means that, in practice, both the OnePlus 5 and 5T offer a modern, fast, and optimized experience for years to come, with access to security patches and all the new features of the operating system.

The integration of software facial recognition On the OnePlus 5T, while not as advanced as dedicated biometric systems, it adds a touch of convenience. In addition, both devices feature an ultra-fast fingerprint sensor (on the front of the 5; on the back of the 5T), ensuring a variety of secure unlocking options.

Connectivity, autonomy, sound and interesting extras

• Connectivity: Both models include dual-band Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, GPS with support for multiple satellites (GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou), a USB Type-C port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. They also support dual SIM, making them ideal for users who combine personal and business use.
• Audio: They have mono speaker with Dirac HD sound and dual noise-cancelling microphones. Does not include FM radio or Type-C headphone jack.
• Standard: Gyroscope, accelerometer, proximity sensor, ambient light, compass and Hall effect.
• Extras: RGB notification LED, factory screen protector and 2.5D protective layer, support for features like on-screen gestures and face unlock.

One point worth highlighting is that, while none of these models include wireless charging or water resistance, the attention to detail and robustness of the overall design are still evident, placing them on par with the best competitors of their time.

Availability, versions, and price: which option should you choose?

The OnePlus 5T came to market in two main configurations: 6GB RAM/64GB internal storage for 499 euros and the edition of 8GB RAM/128GB for 559 euros. The same prices as the OnePlus 5 at launch, providing added value for those looking to upgrade without spending more.

Initial availability was global, spanning Europe, North America, and Asia, and the strategy allowed the device to be in stores just before major campaigns such as Black Friday and Christmas, increasing its commercial appeal.

Currently, both models are still available on the secondhand market and have an active community for development, customization, and technical support, ensuring longevity for advanced users.

Video analysis and user reviews

To facilitate comparison, many media outlets and users have published video reviews showing the real-life experience with each model, emphasizing the visual and functional improvement of the 5T over the 5. Forums and reviews highlight the screen quality, fast face unlock, excellent battery life, and clean, customizable user experience thanks to OxygenOS.

{youtube}tT-valfcjgg|640|480|0{/youtube}

Frequently asked questions and common doubts about the OnePlus 5T vs. the OnePlus 5

• Do I lose photo quality by removing the optical zoom? The elimination of the telephoto lens improves low-light photography, and portrait mode remains just as effective thanks to software optimizations and the dual f/1.7 aperture.
• Is the fingerprint reader on the back comfortable? Most users adapt quickly, making it ergonomic for unlocking on the table or in everyday use.
• Does the difference in screen make up for the change? For multimedia content, gaming, and multitasking users, the jump to 6,01” and 18:9 aspect ratio is very noticeable and satisfying compared to the classic design of the OnePlus 5.
• Which model is updated the most? Both receive official support up to Android 10, with security patches and new OxygenOS features.
• What are the differences in autonomy? Although the battery is identical, the larger screen may slightly penalize the 5T in certain scenarios, but the efficiency of the Snapdragon 835 and software optimization maintain excellent battery life in both cases.

<-p>

Related article:

The best deals and in-depth analysis of the OnePlus 2: Features, comparison, and where to buy it at the best price.