Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Motorola Edge 20 Pro and the OnePlus 9RT 5G. Both phones were released in late 2021 and aimed to deliver premium experiences without the absolute top-tier price tag. We'll break down the specs, talk about what they actually mean for you, and help you figure out which one might be the better fit.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these phones stack up, with a focus on real-world impact:
| Feature | Motorola Edge 20 Pro | OnePlus 9RT 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163 × 76 × 8 mm | 162.2 × 74.6 × 8.3 mm | The Motorola is a tad taller and wider, the OnePlus a hair thicker. Minor differences, likely unnoticeable in daily use. |
| Weight | 190g | 198.5g | The Motorola Edge 20 Pro is slightly lighter. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.62" | Virtually identical viewing experiences. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Sharp, clear visuals on both. |
| PPI | 385 | 397 | Pixel density very similar. Text and images will look sharp on both. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. Minimal practical difference. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | Motorola's 144Hz offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Need real world values to compare. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 5G | Snapdragon 888 5G | The 888 in the OnePlus is faster, noticeable in demanding games and heavy multitasking. |
| Antutu Score | 813,800 | 881,700 | ~8% performance edge to the OnePlus, translates to slightly snappier responsiveness. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 660 | The Adreno 660 in the OnePlus handles graphics-intensive tasks better. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP (f/1.9) | 50MP (f/1.8) | Motorola: Higher resolution for detailed shots. OnePlus: Wider aperture and larger pixel size for better low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (f/2.3) | 16MP (f/2.4) | Motorola has higher resolution. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP | None | Motorola offers optical zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 16MP | OnePlus captures wider scenes. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP | OnePlus can take close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 8K@24fps | 4K@60fps | Motorola can record in higher resolution, OnePlus may offer more features like HDR. |
| Stabilization | EIS | OIS+EIS | OnePlus with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) will offer more stable videos and clearer low-light photos. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Expect similar battery life. |
| Charging | 30W | 65W | OnePlus charges much faster, a significant convenience. |
| Reverse Charging | Yes | No | Motorola can charge other devices wirelessly. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11 (Upgradable to 13) | OnePlus has better long-term software support. |
| Other | |||
| Storage | 128/256GB | 128/256GB | Plenty of space for most users. |
| RAM | 12GB | 8/12GB | Both offer smooth multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | No room for extra storage if you need it. |
| Audio | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | OnePlus provides a more immersive audio experience. |
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | Motorola screen is more resistant to scratches and damage. |
2. Key Insights
OnePlus 9RT 5G - The Performer: The Snapdragon 888 chipset gives the OnePlus 9RT a clear performance advantage, noticeable in demanding games, heavy apps, and overall responsiveness. The faster 65W charging is also a huge plus for those who hate waiting for their phone to charge. The addition of OIS will give you a much better picture quality.
Motorola Edge 20 Pro - The Camera and Display Champion: Motorola is bringing the heat with its 144Hz display that provides fluid scrolling and animations. Also, the phone features higher resolution of 108MP, though, bigger isn't always better. It will take great pictures in great lighting but suffers in lower light compared to Oneplus. It also has that telephoto lens!
Software Support: The OnePlus 9RT offers a clear advantage in software support. Getting the latest Android updates and security patches keeps your phone running smoothly and securely for longer.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
For the Mobile Gamer/Power User (OnePlus 9RT): If you prioritize performance and responsiveness, the OnePlus 9RT is the clear winner. The Snapdragon 888 and Adreno 660 handle demanding games and apps with ease. The fast charging ensures you're never left waiting.
For the Photography Enthusiast (Motorola Edge 20 Pro): If you value having a telephoto lens, and are interested in trying 8k video, the Motorola Edge 20 Pro may be the better choice for you.
For the Everyday User (It Depends): If you're a casual user who values a smooth display and good battery life, either phone will likely serve you well. However, the OnePlus 9RT's faster charging and guaranteed software updates make it a more future-proof choice.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- How important is gaming performance to you? If gaming is a top priority, the OnePlus 9RT's Snapdragon 888 is the better choice.
- Do you value fast charging above all else? If so, the OnePlus 9RT's 65W charging is a game-changer.
- How important is long-term software support? If you want a phone that will receive updates for years to come, the OnePlus 9RT has the edge.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Road Warrior: Frequent traveler who needs a phone that can handle long days and charge quickly. Recommendation: OnePlus 9RT for its superior charging speed.
- Scenario 2: Budget Conscious: Looking for the best value for money. Recommendation: OnePlus 9RT offers a slightly better performance, better camera, and software support.
- Scenario 3: Social Media Maven: Someone who loves taking photos and videos for social media. Recommendation: Depends on use case If you need that telephoto lens or want to record videos in 8k, go for Motorola. If not, go for Oneplus because OIS is something that will give you better picture quality
My Choice
If I had to pick one, I'd personally lean towards the OnePlus 9RT. While the Motorola has that cool 144Hz display and the telephoto lens, the combination of the Snapdragon 888, OIS, faster charging, and longer software support on the OnePlus makes it a more well-rounded and future-proof device. I value performance and responsiveness, and I absolutely hate waiting for my phone to charge. The OnePlus 9RT ticks all those boxes. Plus, the inclusion of Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers is a nice bonus for enjoying music and videos. In the end, both are solid phones, but the OnePlus 9RT simply offers a more compelling overall package for my needs.
