1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | HTC U23 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-30 | 2023-05-18 | HTC U23 Pro is significantly newer, likely with longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 163.2 × 73.6 × 8.7 mm | 166.6 × 77.1 × 8.9 mm | HTC U23 Pro is noticeably larger and slightly thicker, impacting single-handed use and pocketability. |
| Weight | 197g | 205g | OnePlus 9 Pro is lighter, which may be more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Both have the same screen size, providing similar viewing experiences. |
| Resolution | 1440x3216 | 1080x2400 | OnePlus 9 Pro has a significantly sharper display, resulting in clearer text and images. |
| PPI | 525 | 393 | OnePlus 9 Pro's higher pixel density provides noticeably better detail and clarity. |
| Technology | OLED | HTC U23 Pro uses OLED, offering potentially richer colors and deeper blacks. OnePlus 9 Pro display technology is not specified. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer a smooth visual experience with fluid animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | OnePlus 9 Pro provides much better visibility in bright sunlight, while HTC U23 Pro's screen brightness information is missing. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (4 nm) | OnePlus 9 Pro’s chipset is more powerful, leading to faster app loading and overall performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 877,600 | 699,600 | OnePlus 9 Pro scores higher, which is a strong indicator of better overall performance for heavy tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 644 | OnePlus 9 Pro's GPU provides better graphics performance, beneficial for gaming and demanding apps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4600mAh | Both have similar battery capacity, providing comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | OnePlus 9 Pro charges much faster, significantly reducing downtime. |
| Features | Reverse charging, 50W wireless charging, reverse wireless charging | 15W wireless charging, 5W reverse wireless charging | OnePlus 9 Pro offers significantly more advanced wireless charging options and reverse charging capabilities. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard | 48MP, f/1.8 | 108MP, f/1.7 | HTC U23 Pro has a higher resolution sensor and wider aperture, potentially better for low light and detail. |
| Selfie | 16MP, f/2.4 | 32MP, f/2.45 | HTC U23 Pro offers higher resolution selfies, while aperture difference is negligible |
| Telephoto | 8MP, f/2.4 | None | OnePlus 9 Pro has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, while HTC U23 Pro lacks this feature. |
| Wide Angle | 50MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.4 | OnePlus 9 Pro has a significantly higher resolution wide-angle lens with a wider aperture. |
| Portrait (depth) | None | 5MP, f/2.2 | HTC U23 Pro includes a depth sensor for improved portrait mode effects. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | HTC U23 Pro has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, which OnePlus 9 Pro lacks. |
| Black & White | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | OnePlus 9 Pro includes a dedicated B&W sensor for monochrome photography. |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps | OnePlus 9 Pro supports higher resolution video recording, better for professional video use cases. |
| DxoMark | 122 (Mobile) | Not tested | Only OnePlus 9 Pro has DxoMark results, indicating better overall camera quality based on this benchmark. |
| Camera Features | Extensive, including RAW & 8K video | Good selection | OnePlus 9 Pro has more advanced features for photo and video enthusiasts, including RAW capture and more video resolution options. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 13 | HTC U23 Pro comes with a newer version of Android out of the box, although OnePlus 9 pro is upgradable to android 14. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) with MIMO | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | OnePlus 9 Pro includes WiFi MIMO technology for potentially better WiFi performance, especially in crowded environments. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, Advanced Audio Codecs | 5.2, Basic Audio Codecs | OnePlus 9 Pro supports more advanced Bluetooth codecs, potentially leading to better audio quality with compatible headphones. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), More satellites | GPS, Standard | OnePlus 9 Pro has more precise GPS capabilities with dual-band GPS and support for more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM, Dual Standby | Dual SIM, Dual Standby | Both offer the convenience of dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 256GB | HTC U23 Pro only comes in the larger 256 GB variant while the OnePlus 9 Pro offers a more budget option with 128GB. |
| RAM | 8/12GB | 8/12GB | Both phones offer similar options, suitable for multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither device offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 3 Mics | Basic | OnePlus 9 Pro has better audio with Dolby Atmos, and better audio pickup with 3 microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Basic | Side-mounted | HTC U23 Pro has more advanced side-mounted fingerprint scanner. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass Victus | HTC U23 Pro uses superior Gorilla Glass Victus, offering better screen scratch protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Comprehensive | Comprehensive | Both offer comprehensive sensor suites suitable for various features and gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution (1440p vs 1080p) and pixel density resulting in sharper visuals. Also significantly brighter with 1300 nits, making it great for outdoor use.
- Better Performance: A more powerful Snapdragon 888 chipset and Adreno 660 GPU, translating to smoother performance in demanding tasks.
- Faster Charging: Significantly faster 65W wired charging and more advanced wireless charging options (50W wireless, reverse wireless), greatly reducing charge times.
- Advanced Camera: Includes a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, a higher resolution ultra-wide lens, 8K video recording, and more advanced photography features such as RAW capture. Better video quality thanks to the 8k resolution.
- Enhanced Audio: Features Dolby Atmos, stereo speakers, and 3 microphones for better audio output and voice capture.
- More precise GPS: Supports Dual band GPS and multiple constellations.
Practical Implications of OnePlus 9 Pro Advantages:
- Visually clearer and brighter screen suitable for detailed tasks and outdoor use.
- Smoother multitasking and better gaming experience due to faster CPU and GPU.
- Reduced downtime thanks to the faster charging capabilities.
- More versatility in camera use with better zoom capabilities, higher resolution ultrawide and 8K video.
- Enhanced audio and clearer voice pickup.
- Better positioning accuracy when using navigation.
HTC U23 Pro Advantages:
- Newer Device: Launched significantly later (2023 vs 2021) which translates to potentially longer software support.
- OLED Display: Potentially richer colors and deeper blacks.
- Higher Resolution Standard Camera: 108MP main sensor, which can capture more detail.
- Additional Camera Features: Dedicated macro and depth sensors, useful for different types of photography.
- Superior Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus offers enhanced protection against scratches and damage.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: Arguably more ergonomic than traditional fingerprint scanners.
Practical Implications of HTC U23 Pro Advantages:
- Likely longer software and security updates.
- Vibrant display with great color reproduction.
- More detail in standard photos thanks to the 108MP sensor, potentially better low light performance because of the wider aperture.
- Macro lens enables closer focus for detailed shots.
- Better protection against everyday scratches and drops.
- Easier unlocking method.
Significant Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9 Pro: Sacrifices some camera versatility (macro, portrait) for better all-around performance and optical zoom.
- HTC U23 Pro: Sacrifices performance, display sharpness, and charging speed for a slightly newer operating system, more camera features and superior screen protection.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for OnePlus 9 Pro:
- Power Users: People who demand top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and intensive apps.
- Photography and Videography Enthusiasts: Those who need versatile camera capabilities with optical zoom, RAW capabilities and higher resolution video recording options.
- Frequent Travelers: Users that would benefit from the better battery and more precise GPS capabilities.
- Users Who Value Screen Quality: Those who prioritize a sharper, brighter display for detailed visual experiences and outdoor visibility.
- Users who require fast charging: Those who would benefit from fast charging and advanced wireless charging options.
Specific Use Cases for OnePlus 9 Pro:
- Mobile gaming with smooth frame rates and responsive controls.
- Professional photography and videography, using advanced camera features for creative projects.
- Navigation with more precise positioning and dual-band GPS for accurate directions.
- Streaming and media consumption with a sharp, high-resolution screen.
- Quick battery top-ups using super-fast wired and wireless charging.
Ideal User for HTC U23 Pro:
- Casual Photographers: People who want versatile camera options, particularly for macro and portrait photography, without the need for professional level video.
- Users Prioritizing Durability: Those who want the added peace of mind of superior screen protection.
- Users on the move: Those who would benefit from an easy to reach side mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Users Seeking Newer Software: Users wanting a newer Android version and potentially longer software support.
- Users who don't need the best performance: Users who aren't pushing their phone to the limit.
Specific Use Cases for HTC U23 Pro:
- Everyday photography, with the added macro and portrait features.
- Users who desire a durable screen for daily use.
- Those looking for a newer operating system and potentially longer software updates.
- General media consumption and web browsing.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance vs. Camera Versatility? Do you prioritize raw speed and power, or do you prefer versatile camera features such as macro and depth sensors?
- Display Quality vs. Durability? Do you value a sharper, brighter display, or is the added durability of Gorilla Glass Victus more important to you?
- Charging Speed vs. Newer Software? Do you need super-fast charging, or is having the latest Android version out-of-the-box a bigger factor?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Gamer or Power User: Choose the OnePlus 9 Pro for its superior performance and graphics capabilities.
- Scenario 2: Photography Enthusiast (with focus on detail and zoom): Choose the OnePlus 9 Pro for its more versatile camera system, especially with the addition of optical zoom and 8K video.
- Scenario 3: Casual User: The HTC U23 Pro would be fine if you prefer the newer software, more basic camera options, and superior screen protection.
- Scenario 4: Outdoor Enthusiast: The OnePlus 9 Pro would be better with it's significantly brighter display.
My Choice and Explanation
Personally, I would choose the OnePlus 9 Pro. Although the HTC U23 Pro has a more recent operating system and potentially longer software support, the OnePlus 9 Pro's advantages in key areas such as:
- Display Quality: The significantly higher resolution, pixel density and higher brightness are huge advantages for my daily usage which heavily involves reading and media consumption.
- Performance: The more powerful chipset and GPU provide a noticeably smoother experience, which is very noticeable in demanding tasks.
- Charging Speed: The 65W wired and 50W wireless charging significantly reduces downtime, which is a must for me.
- Camera System: The telephoto lens, higher resolution ultra-wide sensor, and 8K video capabilities are essential for my photography and videography needs.
- Audio Quality: The Dolby Atmos, stereo speakers and the 3 microphones are a welcome addition.
- GPS: More precise GPS capabilities.
While the HTC U23 Pro offers advantages in screen protection, newer software and camera versatility, the OnePlus 9 Pro's superior core experience aligns more with my needs. The performance, display, and camera advantages of the OnePlus 9 Pro outweigh the newer software and screen protection of the HTC U23 Pro for my specific use case.
