1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Apple iPhone 14 Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 163.2 × 73.6 × 8.7 mm | 160.8 × 78.1 × 7.8 mm | OnePlus 9 Pro is taller and thicker, while the iPhone 14 Plus is wider. The iPhone 14 Plus is generally more pocketable due to reduced thickness, while the OnePlus 9 Pro might feel more substantial. |
| Weight | 197g | 203g | The OnePlus 9 Pro is slightly lighter, which might be noticeable during extended holding. |
| Build | | | We lack specific build material details; therefore, material comparison is impossible |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | OnePlus 9 Pro offers superior screen protection, suggesting better resistance against scratches and minor impacts. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones; no foldable tech. |
Display
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Apple iPhone 14 Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Both phones have identical screen sizes, offering similar viewing areas. |
| Resolution | 1440x3216 | 1284x2778 | OnePlus 9 Pro has a significantly sharper display, resulting in clearer text and finer details. |
| PPI | 525 | 458 | The OnePlus 9 Pro's higher pixel density results in a noticeably sharper display, with less pixelation. |
| Technology | | OLED | iPhone 14 Plus features OLED, which typically has richer colors, better contrast and deeper blacks vs the OnePlus 9 Pro which's technology is not mentioned. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | OnePlus 9 Pro provides much smoother scrolling and animations, ideal for gaming and fast-paced content. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1200 nits | OnePlus 9 Pro is slightly brighter, offering better visibility in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Apple iPhone 14 Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) | The iPhone 14 Plus's A15 chip offers significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better overall performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 877,600 | 1,330,312 | The iPhone 14 Plus shows superior performance in benchmarks, making it more suitable for demanding applications and games. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Apple GPU (5-core graphics) | The iPhone 14 Plus generally provides superior graphic performance, leading to smoother gaming experiences and better app performance. |
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Apple iPhone 14 Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/1.43" sensor, Sony IMX789 | 12MP, f/1.5, 1/1.66" sensor, Sony IMX703 | While OnePlus 9 Pro has higher resolution, the iPhone 14 Plus has a wider aperture and larger pixels, potentially allowing for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" sensor, Sony IMX471 | 12MP, f/1.9, Sony IMX714 | The iPhone 14 Plus with wider aperture provides better low-light selfies; the OnePlus 9 Pro offers higher resolution but smaller pixels. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP, f/2.4 | Not available | OnePlus 9 Pro has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, which is missing on the iPhone 14 Plus. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56" sensor, Sony IMX766 | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/2.55" sensor, Sony IMX372 | OnePlus 9 Pro has a higher-resolution wide-angle camera with a wider aperture and larger sensor, allowing for more detail, wider field of view, and better low-light performance. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | Not available | OnePlus 9 Pro has a dedicated B&W lens, potentially enhancing black and white photography. |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 4K@60fps | OnePlus 9 Pro offers higher video resolution and frame rates; the iPhone 14 Plus has excellent video quality and stabilization with stereo sound. |
| DxOMark Score | Mobile: 122/124/118 | Mobile: 133/135/146; Selfie: 144/138/153 | The iPhone 14 Plus has significantly better overall camera performance, especially for video and selfies, as per the DxOMark scores. |
Battery
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Apple iPhone 14 Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4325mAh | Both have comparable battery capacities, suggesting similar battery life, although real-world use varies. |
| Charging | 65W fast charging, Li-Polymer | Li-Ion | OnePlus 9 Pro offers substantially faster charging, significantly reducing downtime. |
| Features | Reverse charging, 50W wireless charging, REverse wireless charging | 15W MagSafe wireless charging, 7.5W Qi wireless charging | OnePlus 9 Pro has fast wireless charging and reverse charging, while the iPhone 14 Plus offers MagSafe, which offers magnetic alignment and convenient accessory ecosystem and Qi charging. |
Software
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Apple iPhone 14 Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | iOS 16 (upgradable to 18) | Different operating systems cater to different user preferences; iOS provides a more closed ecosystem, while Android allows more customization. The iPhone 14 Plus will receive longer software support. |
Connectivity
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Apple iPhone 14 Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Both support Wi-Fi 6; OnePlus 9 Pro offers additional Wi-Fi Direct and Display features. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 (LE, A2DP, APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC) | 5.3 (LE, A2DP, AAC) | iPhone 14 Plus has the latest version of Bluetooth for potentially better connection stability and efficiency; OnePlus 9 Pro has more audio codec options. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | OnePlus 9 Pro supports more satellite systems for potentially more accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | iPhone 14 Plus supports eSIM for digital carrier flexibility; OnePlus 9 Pro supports two physical SIMs. |
Storage and Audio
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Apple iPhone 14 Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Internal Storage | 128 GB or 256 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB, or 512 GB | The iPhone 14 Plus offers more storage options, up to 512 GB for heavy users. |
| RAM | 8 GB or 12 GB | 6 GB | OnePlus 9 Pro, with its 12 GB RAM, is better for demanding multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, so users must rely on internal storage. |
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 3 mics | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers | The iPhone 14 Plus offers more spatial audio features with Dolby Digital Plus and DTS, but OnePlus 9 Pro has 3 microphones for better call clarity. |
Security and Sensors
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Apple iPhone 14 Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Security Features | Fingerprint sensor | Basic security | OnePlus 9 Pro offers biometric security through fingerprint sensor, while the iPhone 14 Plus relies on other forms of security (unspecified). |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Fingerprint, Proximity | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer, Proximity | iPhone 14 Plus has an environmental barometer, while the OnePlus 9 Pro includes a compass and fingerprint sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Pro Advantages
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and pixel density for a clearer visual experience.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate provides more fluid animations and scrolling.
- Faster Charging: 65W wired and 50W wireless charging is significantly faster, reducing downtime.
- More Camera Features: Additional telephoto and black & white lens for more versatility, better wide angle lens.
- More RAM (Optional): Option for 12GB RAM for heavy multitasking and demanding games.
- More Audio Codecs: APT-x and LDAC support offers higher quality Bluetooth audio options.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Provides a physical fingerprint sensor for convenient unlocking.
- Dual Physical SIM Support: Allows for two physical SIM cards simultaneously.
- More Satellite Support: Provides greater location accuracy
Apple iPhone 14 Plus Advantages
- Superior Performance: The A15 Bionic chip provides a much faster experience with more processing power.
- Better Camera Quality: Higher DxOMark scores indicate superior overall camera quality, especially for videos and selfies.
- Better Display Technology: OLED display for better contrast, deeper blacks and vivid colors.
- Longer Software Support: Greater OS upgrade support.
- Enhanced Audio Features: Dolby Digital Plus and DTS support for enhanced spatial audio.
- MagSafe: Convenient wireless charging and accessory ecosystem via MagSafe.
- eSIM Support: Supports eSIM for flexible carrier switching.
- Newer Bluetooth version: The new bluetooth 5.3 version provides better stability, efficiency and range
Significant Trade-offs
- OnePlus 9 Pro: Loses in overall performance, camera quality and display tech compared to the iPhone 14 Plus. Lacks MagSafe and is less future-proof with less software support.
- Apple iPhone 14 Plus: Lacks faster refresh rate, faster charging speed, expandable storage, and a telephoto lens. Its fingerprint sensor is not available in favour of other biometric solutions (not specified).
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 Pro
- Ideal User: Android enthusiasts who prioritize a smooth display, fast charging, and more camera features for a lower price point.
- Use Cases: Gaming, media consumption, photography and videography.
- Strengths: Offers a very fast and responsive experience with smooth animations and faster charging times.
Apple iPhone 14 Plus
- Ideal User: Users within the Apple ecosystem who prioritize consistent performance, a high-quality camera, and longer software support.
- Use Cases: Professional photography and videography, demanding applications, and those who prefer the ease and security of the Apple ecosystem.
- Strengths: Superior performance, excellent photo and video capabilities, longer OS update cycle and seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem.
Price-to-Value Ratio
- The OnePlus 9 Pro likely has a better price-to-value ratio given its age and the fact that is a previous gen flagship.
- The iPhone 14 Plus will be more expensive but offers a more powerful chipset, better camera quality and better software support.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers
- Which ecosystem do you prefer? Do you prefer Android with customization or Apple's more closed ecosystem with seamless integration?
- What is your priority - performance, camera quality or smooth display? Do you need the absolute best performance, or will a slightly less powerful but smoother phone satisfy you?
- How important is fast charging? Do you need the fastest charging possible, or is moderate charging adequate?
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- For Gamers and Media Consumption: If you value smooth gameplay and fast charging, the OnePlus 9 Pro's 120Hz display and 65W charging are very appealing, but the iPhone 14 Plus' superior performance may offer a better overall gaming experience.
- For Photographers/Videographers: The iPhone 14 Plus provides superior camera quality (as backed by DxOMark) and advanced video recording features, however, the OnePlus 9 Pro provides additional lenses and higher video resolution.
- For Long-Term Usage: The iPhone 14 Plus has a better processor and will receive longer software support, so it offers the better "future proofing".
- For Battery Focused Use: OnePlus 9 Pro offers more options for fast wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally choose the Apple iPhone 14 Plus. While the OnePlus 9 Pro does offer some appealing features like a smoother display and faster charging, the iPhone 14 Plus's significant performance advantage, superior camera capabilities, and longer software support are more important to me. The A15 Bionic chip provides a consistently smoother experience and the high-quality camera allows more flexibility for photography and videography. Furthermore, the integration within the Apple ecosystem is crucial for me. Although it's a matter of preference, the iPhone offers a more refined experience for demanding tasks and also a much more polished and future-proof platform. Despite the higher price point, the value it delivers in terms of consistent performance and software longevity, makes it my preferred choice.
