1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Motorola Edge 50 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.2 × 73.6 × 8.7 mm | 161.2 × 72.4 × 8.2 mm | Motorola is slightly smaller and thinner; OnePlus may feel slightly bulkier. |
| Weight | 197g | 186g | Motorola is noticeably lighter, which can be more comfortable during long use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Both have the same screen size. |
| Resolution | 1440x3216 | 1220x2712 | OnePlus has significantly sharper text and images due to higher pixel density. |
| PPI | 525 | 446 | OnePlus offers a more detailed and crisper visual experience. |
| Technology | P-OLED | Motorola has superior display technology, offering better blacks and contrast compared to the unspecified tech of OnePlus. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Motorola provides slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 2000 nits | Motorola has superior screen visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (4 nm) | OnePlus uses a previous generation high-end chip. Motorola uses a newer, but mid-range chip. |
| AnTuTu Score | 877,600 | 866,863 | Real-world performance between the phones is very similar. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 720 | Motorola's newer GPU should provide slightly improved gaming performance, but the difference is not drastic. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/1.43", 1.12µm | 50MP, f/1.4, 2.0µm | Motorola's larger aperture lets in more light, potentially better in low light; Larger pixel size should have better light capturing |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", 0.70µm | 50MP, f/1.9, 0.64µm | Motorola has a higher resolution selfie camera with a wider aperture, potentially capturing more light. |
| Telephoto | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4", 1.00µm | 10MP, f/2.0, 1.00µm | Motorola has a slightly wider aperture and higher resolution telephoto lens |
| Wide Angle | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56", 1.00µm | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | OnePlus offers a far higher-resolution wide-angle lens. |
| Black & White | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | OnePlus has a dedicated black and white sensor for artistic shots. |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps | OnePlus offers 8k video for high-resolution recording, while both have stabilization. |
| DxOMark Score | 122 (Mobile) | Not Tested | OnePlus has a rated mobile camera score. Motorola has no DxOMark rating. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Both phones have similar battery sizes suggesting comparable battery life |
| Charging | 65W | 125W | Motorola charges significantly faster; Less time plugged in means more time using the phone. |
| Wireless Charging | 50W | 50W | Both phones offer fast wireless charging. |
| Reverse Wireless Charging | Yes | 10W | OnePlus has higher reverse wireless charging. Motorola's reverse wireless charging is 10W. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 14 (upgradable to 17) | Motorola has a newer Android version and will likely receive updates for longer. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | WiFi 7 (802.11be) | Motorola has the latest WiFi standard, leading to faster speeds, lower latency, and better performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.4 | Motorola has newer Bluetooth for potentially better connections with devices and energy efficiency. |
| GPS | Multiple systems | Multiple systems, NavIC | Both offer accurate location tracking, but Motorola has NavIC |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Motorola supports eSIM, offering digital carrier switching convenience. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 256GB/512GB/1024GB | Motorola offers more storage options (including 1TB) and a higher maximum. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 12GB/16GB | Motorola offers more RAM for better multitasking, especially with demanding apps. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for external memory cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise Cancellation Microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | OnePlus has an additional noise cancellation microphone, which should provide clearer calls. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both devices use standard fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Motorola has better screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | OnePlus has an additional gravity sensor. Both have similar motion and proximity sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Pro Advantages:
- Higher Resolution Display: The 1440x3216 resolution offers significantly sharper visuals and a higher pixel density for crisper text and images.
- 8K Video Recording: Can record video at 8K resolution, which is ideal for capturing the highest quality videos.
- Dedicated B&W Sensor: Provides a unique camera option for artistic shots.
- Slightly Better Reverse Wireless Charging: 50W reverse charging compared to 10W.
- Slightly Better Audio: Noise cancellation microphone for clearer calls.
Motorola Edge 50 Pro Advantages:
- Newer Display Technology: P-OLED screen for better blacks and contrast, enhancing visual experience, particularly in HDR content.
- Faster Refresh Rate: The 144Hz refresh rate offers smoother animations and a slightly more fluid visual experience.
- Higher Brightness: Significantly better display visibility in bright sunlight due to 2000 nits peak brightness.
- Significantly Faster Charging: 125W wired charging is much faster than 65W.
- Newer Processor: Newer gen chipset, but similar performance to the Snapdragon 888
- Newer Software: Ships with Android 14 and is expected to get more updates.
- Better WiFi: WiFi 7 for better connectivity.
- eSIM Support: Digital SIM card support.
- More Storage Options: Up to 1TB of internal storage, more options
- More RAM Options: Up to 16GB of RAM.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus vs Corning Gorilla Glass 5.
- Better Main Camera: Wider aperture and larger pixel size should result in better low-light photos.
- Better Selfie Camera: Significantly higher resolution selfie camera with a wider aperture.
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9 Pro: Older software and chipset, lacks expandable storage, heavier and bulkier.
- Motorola Edge 50 Pro: Lower resolution display, but improved display technology, lacks 8K recording, lacks dedicated B&W sensor, slower reverse wireless charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 Pro:
- Ideal User: A user who prioritizes the sharpest possible display and has a need for 8K video recording or a black and white camera sensor. This phone is better for users who need the highest resolution for content creation and consumption.
- Use Cases:
- Professional photographers and videographers needing high-resolution video and detailed images with the unique B&W sensor.
- Users who heavily consume high-resolution content and value display sharpness.
- Users who need wireless charging and reverse wireless charging capabilities.
Motorola Edge 50 Pro:
- Ideal User: A user who wants a modern smartphone with a fast refresh rate, bright display, long software support, and is always on the go, needing quick charging and the latest wireless connectivity. This phone is better for the average user who consumes media, games, and prioritizes overall everyday performance.
- Use Cases:
- Users who value a very responsive and smooth UI experience with the 144Hz refresh rate display.
- Frequent travelers who need reliable connectivity (WiFi 7) and benefit from fast charging.
- Users who take a lot of selfies and want to maximize the photo quality.
- Gamers and heavy multitaskers who can benefit from the 16GB of RAM.
- Those who would appreciate long software support.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Display Preference: Do you value display sharpness (OnePlus) or display quality/brightness (Motorola)?
- Camera Requirements: Do you need 8K video or a B&W sensor (OnePlus), or better selfie/low light performance (Motorola)?
- Charging & Daily Use: Do you prefer faster charging (Motorola), or a balance between charging and better reverse wireless charging (OnePlus)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- High-Res Media & Content Creation: Choose the OnePlus 9 Pro if you need 8K video, and the highest possible display sharpness, and the unique B&W sensor.
- Daily Performance and All-Around Experience: Choose the Motorola Edge 50 Pro if you want a smooth UI, great outdoor visibility, the latest connectivity, and fast charging along with a newer operating system, and are less concerned with 8K and having the highest resolution display.
- Long-Term Software Support: Choose the Motorola Edge 50 Pro if you want better long-term software updates.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Motorola Edge 50 Pro. While the higher resolution of the OnePlus 9 Pro is appealing, the Motorola Edge 50 Pro offers a better overall user experience for my needs. The combination of a P-OLED display, a faster 144Hz refresh rate, significantly faster charging, and the latest WiFi technology are significant advantages for daily use. I value the better low-light camera performance and selfie capabilities of the Motorola as well as the added screen protection. The newer software version and its long-term update support also tip the scales in its favor. While I may miss the 8k recording on the OnePlus 9 Pro, it's a feature I would rarely use, thus I am not going to give it a lot of weight in my decision. Overall, the Motorola Edge 50 Pro is a more well-rounded phone that would better fit my daily needs.
