Smartphone Comparison: OnePlus 9 Pro vs. Google Pixel 7
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Google Pixel 7 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.2 x 73.6 x 8.7 mm | 155.6 x 73.2 x 8.7 mm | OnePlus 9 Pro is slightly taller, but both have similar width and thickness. Pixel 7 is more compact and easier to handle in one hand. |
| Weight | 197g | 197g | Both phones have the same weight. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.3" | OnePlus 9 Pro offers a larger screen for media consumption, gaming, and productivity. Pixel 7 is more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3216 | 1080 x 2400 | OnePlus 9 Pro has a sharper display with higher detail and clarity. Pixel 7 offers adequate clarity for everyday use. |
| Pixel Density | 525 PPI | 416 PPI | OnePlus 9 Pro will look noticeably sharper, especially for small text and detailed images. Pixel 7 is less sharp. |
| Technology | Not specified | AMOLED | Pixel 7 has AMOLED display technology offering deeper blacks, higher contrast, better power efficiency for dark themes and more vibrant colors. OnePlus 9 Pro has an unspecified panel type. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | OnePlus 9 Pro provides slightly smoother animations and scrolling. Pixel 7 is still fluid but less so. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1400 nits | Pixel 7 has a slightly brighter display, improving outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Google Tensor G2 (5 nm) | Different chipsets. OnePlus 9 Pro is better in synthetic benchmarks, while Pixel 7 focuses on AI and camera processing. |
| AnTuTu Score | 877,600 | 827,033 | OnePlus 9 Pro is marginally faster in benchmarks, but real-world performance differences may be minimal for daily use. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G710 MP7 | Different GPU architectures. Practical differences depend on specific game/app optimization. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 4355 mAh | Very similar battery capacities, leading to comparable battery life for most users. |
| Charging | 65W wired, 50W wireless | 20W wired, 23W wireless | OnePlus 9 Pro charges much faster with wired charging. Pixel 7 is slower with wired but has decent wireless charging capabilities. |
| Features | Reverse, Non-removable, 50W Wireless, Reverse Wireless | Reverse, Non-removable, No charger in box, 23W Wireless, Reverse Wireless | Pixel 7 does not include a charger in the box. OnePlus 9 Pro charges faster via wireless. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/1.43" | 50MP, f/1.85, 1/1.31" | Pixel 7 has a slightly larger sensor and slightly wider aperture, potentially better in low light. OnePlus has a slightly lower resolution sensor, slightly narrower aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" | 10.8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65" | Pixel 7 has a larger sensor, wider aperture that should capture better details and light. OnePlus has a higher resolution sensor with smaller aperture and sensor. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4" | None | OnePlus 9 Pro offers optical zoom, better for capturing distant subjects. Pixel 7 relies on digital zoom. |
| Ultrawide Lens | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56" | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.3" | OnePlus 9 Pro offers a higher resolution and larger sensor ultrawide lens. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | OnePlus 9 Pro has an additional black and white lens for artistic photos. |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps, HDR, EIS | Up to 4K@60fps, HDR, OIS, EIS | OnePlus 9 Pro supports higher video resolution (8K). Pixel 7 has OIS for better stabilization in video mode. |
| DXOMark Score | Main 122/124/118 | Main 140/145/143, Selfie 138/134/144 | Pixel 7 has significantly higher scores in main camera performance, particularly in video. Pixel 7 Selfie cam has been tested and scored above 130 in each tested category. |
| Features | 4K,8K Video, Optical, Digital zoom, Quad, OIS, EIS, | 4K, Digital zoom, Dual, OIS, EIS | OnePlus has optical zoom and dedicated black and white lens. Google Pixel 7 has a dual camera setup. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 13 (upgradable to 14) | Pixel 7 offers a more recent version of Android out-of-the-box. Both get the Android 14 update. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Both have the same WiFi standards, but OnePlus 9 Pro additionally supports: Wi-Fi MiMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.2 LE | Both have similar bluetooth versions, with identical features. |
| GPS | GPS L1+L5, GLONASS L1, Beidou B1, Galileo E1+E5a | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS L1, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | OnePlus 9 Pro supports more satellite bands for better location accuracy, Google Pixel 7 supports QZSS. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Pixel 7 has eSIM support for digital carrier switching, OnePlus 9 Pro offers dual Nano SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both phones have the same maximum storage options. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 8 GB | OnePlus 9 Pro has an option for 12 GB of RAM. Helpful for multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD card expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 3 mics | Stereo Speakers, 3 mics | OnePlus 9 Pro has a slight edge by offering Dolby Atmos. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Both offer basic biometric authentication using fingerprint technology. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass Victus | Pixel 7 offers superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Proximity, Barometer, Fingerprint | Pixel 7 has a more comprehensive suite of sensors (barometer, magnetometer) and is suited to more advanced use cases. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Pro Advantages:
- Larger, Sharper Display: Offers a more immersive viewing experience with a larger 6.7" screen and higher 1440x3216 resolution. This is good for media consumption and gaming.
- Faster Charging: 65W wired charging significantly reduces charging time. 50W Wireless charging is also more convenient.
- Telephoto and Black & White Lens: Provides optical zoom capabilities and unique artistic options for photography.
- Higher Benchmark Scores: Slightly better performance in synthetic benchmarks, which translates to good gaming potential.
- 12 GB RAM Option: The availability of 12 GB RAM variant enhances multitasking and app performance.
- Dolby Atmos: Better spatial audio experience for music and movies.
- More GPS Satellite Bands Provides better location accuracy.
Google Pixel 7 Advantages:
- Superior Camera Quality: Higher DXOMark scores for the main camera and selfie camera indicate better image and video quality with better processing.
- More compact design: Easier to handle with one hand.
- Brighter Display: Better visibility in direct sunlight.
- AMOLED Display Technology: Vibrant colors and power efficiency when using dark themes.
- Wireless Charging: Supports 23W wireless charging, adds convenience.
- eSIM Support: Digital carrier switching and more flexible options for mobile plans.
- Up-to-date Software: Ships with a more recent Android version out-of-the-box.
- Advanced Sensor Suite: Includes barometer and magnetometer, useful for more specialized applications.
- Better Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus provides superior protection against scratches and drops compared to Gorilla Glass 5.
Significant Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9 Pro: Lacks the refined camera performance and processing of Pixel 7; has an unspecified display panel, making it hard to be certain of its characteristics; lower DXOMark scores
- Google Pixel 7: Slower wired charging compared to OnePlus; no telephoto camera
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for OnePlus 9 Pro:
- Media Enthusiasts: Those who enjoy watching videos, movies, and playing games on a large, high-resolution screen.
- Power Users: Individuals who prioritize fast charging and multi-task heavily on their phones, who need an additional RAM boost.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who want more camera versatility including optical zoom and a dedicated black & white lens for creative photography.
- Gamers: Benefit from slightly better benchmarks, higher refresh rate, and slightly larger screen.
- Users who rely heavily on GPS: Users requiring greater location accuracy can leverage more satellite bands.
Ideal User for Google Pixel 7:
- Photography and Videography Focused Users: Those who prioritize top-notch image and video quality from their smartphone camera.
- Users who prefer a more compact design: Users with smaller hands or preference for easier one-hand operation.
- Users who like newer software and regular updates: The latest Android version, and software updates being pushed by Google.
- Users who prefer wireless charging: Wireless charging lovers will appreciate the added convenience of this feature.
- Users who need advanced sensors: Barometer and magnetometer are valuable for specific applications, making it better for outdoor or specialized use cases.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Do you prioritize camera performance or display quality and size? (Pixel 7 is camera-focused, OnePlus 9 Pro is display-focused)
- How important is fast wired charging vs wireless charging? (OnePlus excels in wired charging, Pixel excels at wireless)
- Is a large display, better for media, or a compact design, better for handling, more important? (OnePlus has a larger display, Pixel is more compact)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Photography is Key: Choose the Google Pixel 7 for its superior image quality, processing, and excellent low-light performance.
- Scenario 2: Heavy Media Consumption/Gaming: Opt for the OnePlus 9 Pro for its larger display, higher resolution, 120Hz refresh rate and faster charging.
- Scenario 3: Balancing Camera and Other Features: If a large display, fast charging and zoom are essential, the OnePlus 9 Pro is better, but if pure camera quality is critical, choose the Pixel 7.
- Scenario 4: Users Needing Advanced Sensor Data: Pixel 7 provides barometer and magnetometer data for specific use cases.
My Choice
Based on my personal preferences and analysis, I would choose the Google Pixel 7.
Reasoning:
While the OnePlus 9 Pro has a larger screen, faster wired charging, and slightly better benchmark scores, the Pixel 7 excels in the areas that matter most to me:
- Camera Quality: The Pixel 7's superior camera performance, as evidenced by its higher DXOMark scores, is a key deciding factor. I prioritize camera capabilities, especially in low light situations, for everyday photography.
- Display Quality: Although smaller, the AMOLED technology on the Pixel 7 ensures better color vibrancy, deeper blacks, and better contrast, especially when viewing images or watching videos.
- Software Experience: I prefer the more recent version of Android offered by the Pixel 7, and enjoy the promise of timely updates straight from Google.
- Compact Design: As someone who prefers using my phone one-handed, the Pixel 7's more compact design is more appealing to me.
While I appreciate the OnePlus 9 Pro's larger screen and fast wired charging, the Pixel 7's camera quality and software updates tip the scales in its favor for my specific needs.
