1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Huawei nova 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.2 × 73.6 × 8.7 mm | 160 × 73.7 × 7.8 mm | OnePlus 9 Pro is slightly taller and thicker; Huawei nova 9 is slimmer and more compact. |
| Weight | 197g | 175g | Huawei nova 9 is significantly lighter, more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.57" | OnePlus 9 Pro offers a slightly larger viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1440x3216 | 1080x2340 | OnePlus 9 Pro's display is significantly sharper with finer details. |
| PPI | 525 | 392 | OnePlus 9 Pro will have much crisper text, graphics, and images |
| Technology | Unknown | OLED | Huawei nova 9 has vibrant colors, deep blacks, and better contrast |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | OnePlus 9 Pro has superior outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. The Huawei Nova 9 brightness is unknown and its performance in sunlight can't be determined. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 4G (6 nm) | OnePlus 9 Pro has a significantly faster and more powerful chipset for demanding tasks and gaming, also supports 5G network. Huawei is only 4G. |
| AnTuTu Score | 877,600 | 578,555 | OnePlus 9 Pro is notably faster in benchmarks, resulting in smoother overall usage, better multitasking, and higher performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 642L | OnePlus 9 Pro is better suited for graphically intense games. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/1.43", 1.12µm | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.56", 1.00µm | OnePlus 9 Pro has a larger sensor for better low-light performance; Huawei has a higher resolution, and a slightly narrower aperture. |
| Selfie Lens | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", 0.70µm | 32MP, f/2.0, Unknown size, Unknown pixel size | Huawei nova 9 offers higher resolution selfies and performs better in lower light. Sensor size and pixel size for the Huawei nova 9 front camera are unknown. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4", 1.00µm | None | OnePlus 9 Pro has optical zoom capabilities for better close-up shots at a distance. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56", 1.00µm | 8MP, f/2.2, Unknown size, Unknown pixel size | OnePlus 9 Pro has significantly higher resolution wide-angle images, captures more detail, while Huawei's lens has significantly lower resolution. |
| Portrait Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4, Unknown size, Unknown pixel size | Huawei nova 9 has a dedicated portrait lens for enhanced depth-of-field effects, while the OnePlus 9 Pro relies on software for portrait. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4, Unknown size, Unknown pixel size | Huawei nova 9 includes a dedicated macro camera for close-up shots of very small objects. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, Unknown size, Unknown pixel size | None | OnePlus 9 Pro allows for monochrome shots, a rare feature. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 720p@960fps | OnePlus 9 Pro offers higher resolutions, frame rates, and more slow-motion options. |
| DxOMark Score | 122 (Mobile) | Not Tested | OnePlus 9 Pro has a professional camera rating. Huawei Nova 9 has no DxOMark rating available. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4300mAh | OnePlus 9 Pro has a slightly larger battery, potentially longer usage time. |
| Charging | 65W | 66W | Both charge quickly; Huawei nova 9 is negligibly faster. |
| Features | Wireless 50W, Reverse & Reverse Wireless, Non-removable | Non-removable | OnePlus 9 Pro offers more convenient wireless and reverse charging options. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Unknown | OnePlus 9 Pro offers a modern Android experience. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6, Dual-band, MiMO | WiFi 6, Dual-band | Both support modern WiFi; OnePlus 9 Pro supports MiMO for more stable connections in some networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 (LE, Apt-X, LDAC, AAC) | 5.2 (A2DP, EDR, SBC) | OnePlus 9 Pro offers a richer set of bluetooth audio codecs. |
| GPS | L1+L5, L1, B1, E1+E5a | GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | OnePlus 9 Pro has access to more satellite signals, providing greater location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Micro + Nano SIM | Huawei nova 9 supports an older micro SIM alongside a nano SIM, where OnePlus supports 2 nano SIMS. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB or 256GB | Both offer similar storage options, with 256GB being the maximum. |
| RAM | 8GB or 12GB | 8GB | OnePlus 9 Pro can have 12GB, providing better multitasking and performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 3 mics, Noise Cancellation | Basic | OnePlus 9 Pro offers superior audio experience with immersive sound and noise cancellation features. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both phones have standard fingerprint sensor for security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | OnePlus 9 Pro has known scratch protection on the screen. Huawei screen protection is unknown. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Both have the same suite of sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 5G offers significantly better processing and graphics performance, ideal for demanding games and multitasking, and 5G network capabilities.
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and pixel density results in a much sharper and more detailed screen, plus has a higher brightness for use in direct sunlight
- Versatile Camera System: Offers a telephoto lens for optical zoom, better wide-angle resolution, 8K video recording, OIS, and a rare black & white camera sensor.
- Advanced Battery Features: Includes wireless charging, reverse wireless charging and a larger battery capacity.
- Enhanced Audio: Features Dolby Atmos, stereo speakers, and noise cancellation microphone for superior audio.
- Better GPS: Supports more satellite navigation systems for more accurate location tracking.
- More RAM Option: Can have up to 12GB of RAM, which enhances multitasking and gaming.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 provides better screen scratch protection.
- More advanced Bluetooth Codecs: Supports Apt-X and LDAC
Practical Implications:
- OnePlus 9 Pro is designed for users who prioritize performance, display quality, and camera versatility. It is suitable for heavy gamers, content creators, and those who want the best overall experience and is future-proofed due to its 5G capability.
- Huawei nova 9 is more suitable for users who value a lighter, slimmer phone with a great selfie camera and more basic functionality. The Huawei also features dedicated macro and depth cameras for portrait effects.
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9 Pro is heavier and slightly thicker, which some users may find less comfortable.
- Huawei nova 9 has a weaker processor, limited camera capabilities, and unknown screen protection compared to the OnePlus 9 Pro.
- Huawei nova 9 has an unknown Operating system, which could mean the user experience will be different depending on the software.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 Pro:
- Ideal User: Power users, mobile gamers, photography enthusiasts, individuals who want a high-end performance device and those wanting 5G connectivity.
- Use Cases:
- Playing graphics-intensive mobile games at high settings.
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos in various scenarios (telephoto, wide angle, low light).
- Multitasking between demanding apps smoothly.
- Enjoying high-fidelity audio through stereo speakers and headphones.
- Using GPS navigation with high accuracy.
- Price-to-Value: Higher price point justified by top-tier performance, camera, and features.
Huawei nova 9:
- Ideal User: Casual users, selfie enthusiasts, individuals who prioritize a light and compact device with an OLED display and good selfie capability.
- Use Cases:
- Taking social media-ready photos with a high-resolution front camera.
- Everyday phone tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging.
- Enjoying media consumption on the OLED screen.
- Capturing close up photos with a dedicated macro lens.
- Want a lightweight, compact phone.
- Price-to-Value: Lower price point, making it a more accessible option for basic and casual needs but it doesn't have the same capabilities as the OnePlus 9 Pro.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Performance Needs: Do you need a high-performance phone for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps, or will a more basic one suffice?
- Camera Priorities: Do you require a versatile camera system with optical zoom, high-resolution wide-angle, and advanced video features, or are good selfies and basic shots adequate?
- 5G Network Support: Do you need 5G network support, or is 4G sufficient for your needs?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gamer/Power User: Choose the OnePlus 9 Pro. Its superior processor, graphics, display, and RAM will provide the best gaming and multitasking experience.
- Scenario 2: Casual User/Selfie Enthusiast: The Huawei nova 9 would be suitable. It's lighter, compact, has a great selfie camera, and offers all basic smartphone functionality at a more affordable price.
- Scenario 3: Photography Lover: The OnePlus 9 Pro would be the best choice due to its versatile and powerful camera system and it's professional features like 8k video, OIS, and RAW format.
- Scenario 4: Limited Budget: The Huawei nova 9 is a more budget friendly option, but will make sacrifices in processing power, camera quality, and advanced battery features.
My Choice:
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would choose the OnePlus 9 Pro.
Reasoning:
As a tech analyst, I prioritize a phone with high-performance capabilities, a top-tier camera system and modern connectivity capabilities. The OnePlus 9 Pro offers significantly better performance thanks to its Snapdragon 888 5G chipset, making it future-proof for demanding tasks, 5G networking, and gaming. Its display is significantly sharper and brighter, making content consumption much more enjoyable. I also value the versatility and quality of its camera system, including its telephoto lens, 8K video recording, and advanced features. The presence of wireless charging, reverse charging, and a larger battery adds to the overall user experience. While it's slightly larger and heavier, the advantages in performance, display quality, and camera capabilities outweigh the drawbacks for my use case. Lastly, the fact that the Huawei Nova 9 does not have any information regarding its screen protection is also a reason to pick the OnePlus over the Nova.
