Oneplus 9 vs 9 Pro: Which Oneplus Phone Reigns Supreme?
Torn between the OnePlus 9 and the OnePlus 9 Pro? You’re not alone. Both phones offer flagship features, stunning designs, and the promise of a seamless Android experience. But with a price difference and a few key distinctions, choosing the right one can be tricky.
This in-depth comparison of the OnePlus 9 vs 9 Pro will break down everything you need to know. We’ll explore their displays, performance, camera capabilities, battery life, and more. This will help you make an informed decision that perfectly matches your needs and budget.
Get ready to dive deep into the specifications, design choices, and real-world performance of these two impressive smartphones. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which OnePlus device is the better fit for you, the OnePlus 9 or its Pro sibling.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | 9 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.55 inches | 6.7 inches |
| Display Technology | Fluid AMOLED | LTPO AMOLED |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Processor | Snapdragon 888 | Snapdragon 888 |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 8GB/12GB |
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB |
| Main Camera | 48MP + 50MP + 2MP | 48MP + 50MP + 8MP + 2MP |
| Front Camera | 16MP | 16MP |
| Battery | 4500 mAh | 4500 mAh |
| Charging | 65W Wired, 15W Wireless | 65W Wired, 50W Wireless |
| Water Resistance | No official rating | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 160 x 74.2 x 8.7 mm | 163.2 x 73.6 x 8.7 mm |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Oneplus 9: Features a 6.55-inch Fluid AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It offers vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. However, it lacks some of the advanced features of the Pro model.
- 9 Pro: Boasts a 6.7-inch Fluid AMOLED display with LTPO technology, enabling a dynamic refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz for better power efficiency. It also offers a sharper resolution and more advanced color accuracy.
- Winner: 9 Pro
Camera System
- Oneplus 9: Equipped with a triple-camera system, including a 48MP main sensor, a 50MP ultrawide, and a monochrome lens. It offers excellent image quality in various conditions, but lacks some of the advanced features of the Pro.
- 9 Pro: Features a Hasselblad-tuned quad-camera system with a 48MP main sensor, a 50MP ultrawide, an 8MP telephoto lens, and a 2MP monochrome lens. It provides superior image quality, particularly in zoom capabilities and color accuracy, thanks to Hasselblad.
- Winner: 9 Pro
Processor
- Oneplus 9: Powered by the Snapdragon 888 processor, offering excellent performance for gaming and multitasking. It handles demanding tasks with ease.
- 9 Pro: Also powered by the Snapdragon 888 processor, providing identical performance to the OnePlus 9.
- Winner: Tie
Battery and Charging
- Oneplus 9: Has a 4500mAh battery with 65W wired charging and 15W wireless charging. Offers fast charging speeds, but not as fast as the Pro.
- 9 Pro: Features a 4500mAh battery with 65W wired charging and 50W wireless charging. Provides incredibly fast wireless charging capabilities.
- Winner: 9 Pro
Design and Build Quality
- Oneplus 9: Features a glass back with a plastic frame. It’s a sleek and modern design.
- 9 Pro: Boasts a more premium design with a glass back and an aluminum frame. It also has an IP68 water and dust resistance rating, making it more durable.
- Winner: 9 Pro
Software
- Oneplus 9: Runs on OxygenOS based on Android, offering a smooth and customizable user experience.
- 9 Pro: Runs on OxygenOS based on Android, offering a smooth and customizable user experience.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- Oneplus 9: Generally more affordable than the 9 Pro.
- 9 Pro: Typically has a higher price tag due to its premium features.
- Winner: oneplus 9
Water Resistance
- Oneplus 9: Lacks an official IP rating.
- 9 Pro: Features an IP68 water and dust resistance rating.
- Winner: 9 Pro
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Quality | 9 Pro |
| Camera | 9 Pro |
| Performance | Tie |
| Battery Life | Tie |
| Charging Speed (Wireless) | 9 Pro |
| Build Quality | 9 Pro |
| Value | OnePlus 9 |
What They Have in Common
- Processor: Both phones are powered by the Snapdragon 888 processor, ensuring smooth performance for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Display Refresh Rate: Both the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro feature a 120Hz refresh rate, providing a fluid and responsive user experience.
- Battery Capacity: Both phones have a 4500 mAh battery, offering a solid battery life for daily usage.
- Fast Charging: Both devices support 65W wired charging, allowing for rapid charging speeds.
- 5g Connectivity: Both phones offer 5G connectivity for fast download and upload speeds.
- Oxygenos: Both phones run on OnePlus’s OxygenOS, known for its clean interface and customization options.
OnePlus 9 vs 9 Pro Buying Guide
Design and Build Quality
Both the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro boast premium designs, but they differ in materials and build. The OnePlus 9 features a glass back with a plastic frame, offering a comfortable feel and a stylish look. The 9 Pro, on the other hand, steps up the game with a glass back and an aluminum frame, providing a more luxurious and durable feel. The 9 Pro also features an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, a feature missing from the OnePlus 9. The overall aesthetic is similar, but the 9 Pro clearly has the edge in terms of premium feel and protection.
Display Quality
The display is a key differentiator. The OnePlus 9 features a 6.55-inch Fluid AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering smooth scrolling and animations. The 9 Pro takes it further with a 6.7-inch LTPO AMOLED display. The LTPO technology allows for a variable refresh rate, optimizing power consumption. It also offers a higher peak brightness and a sharper resolution. This results in a superior viewing experience with richer colors, deeper blacks, and greater clarity.
Camera Performance
Both phones pack impressive camera systems, but the 9 Pro pulls ahead with its Hasselblad partnership. Both phones share the same main sensor, but the 9 Pro’s Hasselblad color calibration and software enhancements result in more natural and accurate color reproduction. The 9 Pro also features a telephoto lens, enabling optical zoom and improved portrait shots. The ultrawide lens on both devices offer good performance, but the 9 Pro’s is slightly better. Overall, the 9 Pro offers a more versatile and refined camera experience.
Performance and Software
Both devices are powered by the same Snapdragon 888 processor, ensuring blazing-fast performance for gaming and demanding tasks. They both run OxygenOS, known for its clean, fast, and feature-rich interface. However, slight optimizations and the potential for a more stable software experience sometimes give the 9 Pro a slight edge. Both phones are future proof regarding software updates. The overall user experience is similar, with both phones delivering a smooth and responsive performance.
Battery Life and Charging
Both phones have similar battery capacities, but the 9 Pro’s more efficient display technology can sometimes lead to slightly better battery life. Both support Warp Charge 65T, providing incredibly fast wired charging. However, the 9 Pro also supports fast wireless charging, a feature absent on the OnePlus 9. This convenience makes the 9 Pro a more versatile option for charging. Both phones can easily last a day of moderate to heavy use.
Price and Value
The OnePlus 9 is typically offered at a lower price point than the 9 Pro. This makes it a great option for users seeking a premium experience without breaking the bank. The 9 Pro, though more expensive, justifies its price with its enhanced features, superior build quality, and improved camera system. The choice between the two depends on your budget and your priorities. If you are looking for the best performance and features, 9 Pro is a better value.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy oneplus 9 If…
- You want a flagship-level phone at a slightly more affordable price.
- You prioritize a comfortable in-hand feel due to a smaller size.
- Wireless charging is a nice-to-have feature, but not essential.
- You value a great display and performance without needing the absolute best camera system.
Buy 9 pro If…
- You want the best possible camera experience with Hasselblad color calibration.
- You want a phone with a more premium build and features like IP68 water resistance.
- You prioritize the best display technology available with LTPO for adaptive refresh rates.
- You want the fastest wireless charging speeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro?
The primary differences lie in the display, build materials, and camera system. The 9 Pro has a more advanced LTPO AMOLED display, a more premium build with an aluminum frame and an IP68 rating, and a more sophisticated camera system with a telephoto lens and Hasselblad color calibration. These advancements contribute to a better overall user experience compared to the OnePlus 9.
Does the OnePlus 9 Pro have a better display?
Yes, the OnePlus 9 Pro has a superior display compared to the OnePlus 9. It features a larger 6.7-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a variable refresh rate, leading to better power efficiency and a smoother experience. The 9 Pro also offers higher peak brightness and resolution, resulting in a more vivid and detailed viewing experience for the user.
Which phone has a better camera?
The OnePlus 9 Pro boasts a better camera system. While they share the main sensor, the 9 Pro benefits from Hasselblad color calibration, a telephoto lens for optical zoom, and other software enhancements. This allows the 9 Pro to capture more accurate colors, perform better in low light, and offer more versatile shooting options, making it the superior camera phone.
Does the OnePlus 9 Pro support wireless charging?
Yes, the OnePlus 9 Pro supports fast wireless charging, a feature that is not available on the OnePlus 9. This is a convenient advantage, allowing users to charge their phone wirelessly using compatible charging pads. This adds to the overall convenience of the 9 Pro for the user, especially when at home or at the office.
Are both phones waterproof?
No, only the OnePlus 9 Pro has an official IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. This means it can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. The OnePlus 9 does not have an official IP rating, so it’s best to avoid exposing it to excessive water.
Do both phones have the same processor?
Yes, both the OnePlus 9 and the OnePlus 9 Pro are powered by the same Snapdragon 888 processor. This ensures that both phones deliver powerful and seamless performance for all tasks, including gaming and multitasking. Both phones provide a fast and responsive user experience, with the same level of speed.
Which phone is a better value for money?
The OnePlus 9 offers a better value for money if you prioritize affordability. It delivers a premium experience with a great display, powerful performance, and capable cameras at a lower price point than the 9 Pro. However, the 9 Pro justifies its higher price with its superior features and overall user experience.
Final Verdict
The OnePlus 9 offers a compelling flagship experience with its impressive display, powerful performance, and fast charging. However, the OnePlus 9 Pro stands out with its more premium build, superior display technology, enhanced camera capabilities, and added features like wireless charging and IP68 water resistance. Although the 9 offers a great value, the 9 Pro’s added features and refinements make it the better overall phone.
Winner: OnePlus 9 Pro