Lenovo Z6 vs. OnePlus 7T Pro 5G McLaren: A Deep Dive into Snapdragon Performance

The Lenovo Z6 and OnePlus 7T Pro 5G McLaren represent different approaches to the 5G smartphone market. The Z6 aimed for affordability with a capable mid-range chipset, while the 7T Pro 5G McLaren targeted a more premium experience with a flagship processor. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing raw performance and faster charging, the OnePlus 7T Pro 5G McLaren is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 855+ offers a significant performance uplift over the Z6’s Snapdragon 730, and the 30W charging dramatically reduces downtime. However, the Z6 remains a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers.

PHONES
Phone Names Lenovo Z6 OnePlus 7T Pro 5G McLaren
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66, 71
5G bands-71 SA
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G (2+ Gbps DL)
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMACDMA 800 / 1900 & TD-SCDMA
Launch
Announced2019, July 04. Released 2019, July 092019, October 23. Released 2019, November 05
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass), glass back, aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 6), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame
Dimensions157 x 74.5 x 8 mm (6.18 x 2.93 x 0.31 in)162.6 x 75.9 x 8.8 mm (6.40 x 2.99 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight159 g (5.61 oz)206 g (7.27 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass (unspecified)Corning Gorilla Glass 6
Resolution1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density)1440 x 3120 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~516 ppi density)
Size6.39 inches, 100.2 cm2 (~85.7% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 108.8 cm2 (~88.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeSuper AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10Fluid AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 470 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver)Octa-core (1x2.96 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485)
ChipsetQualcomm SDM730 Snapdragon 730 (8 nm)Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855+ (7 nm)
GPUAdreno 618Adreno 640 (700 MHz)
OSAndroid 9.0 (Pie), ZUI 11Android 10, OxygenOS 10.0
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)No
Internal64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM256GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 2.1UFS 3.0
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED flash, panorama, HDRLaser AF, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple24 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.9µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.4, (telephoto), PDAF, 2x optical zoom Auxiliary lens48 MP, f/1.6, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.4, (telephoto), 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 16 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), AF
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 720p@960fps, Auto HDR, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µmMotorized pop-up 16 MP, f/2.0, 25mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack YesNo
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, EDR, LE, aptX HD5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 3.1, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass
 -Virtual proximity sensing
Battery
Charging15W wired30W wired
TypeLi-Po 4000 mAh, non-removableLi-Po 4085 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsBluePapaya Orange
ModelsL78121HD1925
PriceAbout 250 EURAbout 800 EUR

Lenovo Z6

  • More affordable price point
  • Potentially longer battery life due to less power-hungry chipset
  • 5G connectivity at a lower cost

  • Significantly slower performance compared to the 7T Pro 5G McLaren
  • Slower 15W charging
  • Likely inferior camera quality

OnePlus 7T Pro 5G McLaren

  • Superior performance with Snapdragon 855+
  • Much faster 30W charging
  • Likely better camera system

  • Higher price tag
  • Potentially shorter battery life under heavy load
  • May run warmer during intensive tasks

Display Comparison

While display specifications aren't provided, the OnePlus 7T Pro 5G McLaren, being a flagship, likely features a higher-quality panel with potentially higher peak brightness and color accuracy compared to the Lenovo Z6. The 7T Pro 5G McLaren’s likely higher refresh rate (based on OnePlus’s typical offerings) would contribute to smoother scrolling and animations. The Z6, positioned as a budget device, likely utilizes a more cost-effective display solution.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specs, it’s difficult to make a precise comparison. However, the OnePlus 7T Pro 5G McLaren, as a flagship, likely incorporates a more sophisticated camera system with a larger sensor and optical image stabilization (OIS). The Z6 likely relies on a more basic camera setup. Image processing algorithms on the OnePlus are also likely more advanced, resulting in better dynamic range and low-light performance. The absence of specific sensor details necessitates focusing on the overall tier difference; the 7T Pro 5G McLaren is expected to deliver superior image quality.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The OnePlus 7T Pro 5G McLaren’s Snapdragon 855+ (7nm) is a significant step up from the Lenovo Z6’s Snapdragon 730 (8nm). The 855+ boasts a prime core clocked at 2.96 GHz versus the 730’s 2.2 GHz, and a more powerful GPU. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming performance on the OnePlus. The 7nm process node of the 855+ also contributes to better thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during sustained workloads. The Z6’s 730 is still capable, but will struggle with graphically intensive tasks compared to the 7T Pro 5G McLaren.

Battery Life

The Lenovo Z6’s 15W wired charging is considerably slower than the OnePlus 7T Pro 5G McLaren’s 30W wired charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging on the OnePlus significantly reduces the time spent tethered to a wall outlet. This is a crucial advantage for users who prioritize convenience and minimal downtime. Even if the Z6 had a slightly larger battery, the 7T Pro 5G McLaren’s charging speed would likely offset that difference in real-world usage.

Buying Guide

Buy the Lenovo Z6 if you need a functional 5G smartphone on a tight budget and prioritize battery life over peak performance. It’s ideal for everyday tasks, social media, and light gaming. Buy the OnePlus 7T Pro 5G McLaren if you demand a smoother, more responsive experience for demanding applications like gaming, video editing, or multitasking, and are willing to pay a premium for faster charging and a more powerful processor.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Snapdragon 730 in the Lenovo Z6 struggle with demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
The Snapdragon 730 is capable of running these games, but you’ll likely need to lower graphics settings to achieve a smooth frame rate. The OnePlus 7T Pro 5G McLaren’s Snapdragon 855+ will provide a significantly better gaming experience with higher frame rates and more detailed graphics.
❓ How much faster is the 30W charging on the OnePlus 7T Pro 5G McLaren compared to the 15W charging on the Lenovo Z6?
The 30W charging on the OnePlus can potentially charge the device from 0-100% in around 60-70 minutes, while the Lenovo Z6’s 15W charging could take over two hours. This difference is substantial for users who frequently need to top up their battery quickly.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on the Lenovo Z6 as reliable as on the OnePlus 7T Pro 5G McLaren?
Both phones support 5G, but the OnePlus 7T Pro 5G McLaren, being a flagship, likely has a more robust 5G modem and antenna design, potentially resulting in a more stable and faster 5G connection in areas with weaker signal strength.