1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the OnePlus 9 Pro and Motorola Edge 50 Ultra, focusing on practical implications:
Design
Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Motorola Edge 50 Ultra | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Dimensions | 163.2 x 73.6 x 8.7 mm | 161.1 x 72.4 x 8.6 mm | Edge 50 Ultra is slightly more compact, might be more comfortable for smaller hands. Both have similar thickness making them comfortable to hold. |
Weight | 197g | 197g | Both feel equally substantial in hand; won't feel significantly different weight-wise. |
Display
Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Motorola Edge 50 Ultra | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Both have identical screen sizes; similar viewing experience for media consumption. |
Resolution | 1440x3216 | 1220x2712 | OnePlus 9 Pro's higher resolution is noticeably sharper for text and detailed images. |
Pixel Density | 525 PPI | 446 PPI | OnePlus 9 Pro offers crisper visuals; fine text and intricate images appear more detailed. |
Technology | P-OLED | Motorola Edge 50 Ultra uses more advanced P-OLED offering vibrant colors and deep blacks | |
Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Motorola Edge 50 Ultra provides slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
Brightness | 1300 nits | 2500 nits | Motorola Edge 50 Ultra has much better outdoor visibility in direct sunlight, significantly better for outdoor use. |
Performance
Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Motorola Edge 50 Ultra | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (5nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (4nm) | Edge 50 Ultra's newer chipset provides faster app loading, better multitasking, and improved gaming performance. |
AnTuTu Score | 877,600 | 1,523,879 | Edge 50 Ultra is significantly faster overall, will handle demanding apps and games smoothly. |
GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 735 | Edge 50 Ultra has a better GPU for graphics-intensive tasks, leading to smoother gameplay and better image processing. |
Camera
Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Motorola Edge 50 Ultra | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/1.43", 1.12µm | 50MP, f/1.6, 1/1.3", 2.00µm | Edge 50 Ultra has a wider aperture & larger sensor for better low-light performance, with larger pixels for better light capture. |
Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", 0.70µm | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | Edge 50 Ultra captures significantly more detailed selfies with better low-light performance due to a wider aperture |
Telephoto | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4", 1.00µm | 64MP, f/2.4, 1/2", 0.70µm | Edge 50 Ultra's telephoto lens captures much more detailed zoomed-in photos, providing superior optical zoom capabilities. |
Wide Angle | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56", 1.00µm | 50MP, f/2.0, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | OnePlus 9 Pro has a larger sensor for its wide-angle lens for better image quality |
Black & White | 2MP, f/2.4 | Not Available | OnePlus 9 Pro offers a dedicated B&W lens for artistic photos. |
Video | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 4K@60fps | OnePlus 9 Pro captures higher-resolution videos, ideal for professional use. Both support excellent video stabilization. Motorola offers higher slow-motion. |
DxOMark Score | Main: 122, Photo: 124, Video: 118 | Main: 146, Photo: 150, Video: 134 | Edge 50 Ultra consistently outperforms the OnePlus 9 Pro in all camera tests; superior overall photo and video quality. |
Battery
Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Motorola Edge 50 Ultra | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Both phones have similar battery life for daily usage. |
Charging | 65W wired, 50W wireless | 125W wired, 50W wireless | Edge 50 Ultra charges much faster; significantly reduces charging time. |
Features | Reverse charging, Non-removable, Wireless charging 50W, REverse wireless charging | Reverse charging, Non-removable, 50W wireless charging, 10W reverse wireless charging | Both offer wireless and reverse wireless charging. OnePlus offers reverse wireless charging at a higher wattage. |
Other
Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Motorola Edge 50 Ultra | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
OS | Android 11, max version 14 | Android 14, max version 17 | Edge 50 Ultra has a newer OS and longer software update lifespan. |
WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 7 | Edge 50 Ultra has the latest WiFi standard for faster speeds. |
Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.4 | Edge 50 Ultra has the latest Bluetooth version |
GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo, NavIC System | OnePlus 9 Pro utilizes a wider range of satellite systems for better accuracy. Motorola has NavIC System for Indian users |
SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Edge 50 Ultra offers eSIM for more flexibility. |
Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 512 GB/ 1024 GB | Edge 50 Ultra has significantly more storage capacity. |
RAM | 8/12 GB | 12/16 GB | Edge 50 Ultra has more RAM for smoother multitasking. |
Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither offer external storage. |
Audio | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | OnePlus 9 Pro has slightly better audio with its noise cancellation microphone |
Build Quality | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass Victus | Edge 50 Ultra has better screen protection against scratches and drops |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Pro Advantages:
- Higher Display Resolution: Sharper screen for text and detailed images.
- Wider Satellite System Support: Slight edge in location accuracy.
- Higher Reverse Wireless Charging: Faster reverse charging of other devices.
Noise cancellation microphone: Offers a clearer audio and better voice capture
Black and White lens: Dedicated B&W lens for artistic photos.
- 8K video recording: Professional grade video content creation.
Motorola Edge 50 Ultra Advantages:
- Newer and Faster Chipset: Significantly better performance for all tasks.
- Higher AnTuTu Score: Noticeably faster overall performance.
- Superior Display Technology: P-OLED offers vibrant colors and deep blacks.
- Higher Brightness Display: Superior outdoor visibility.
- Faster Charging: Significantly quicker battery top-ups.
- Significantly Better Cameras: Outperforms the OnePlus 9 Pro in all camera tests.
- Newer OS: Longer software support with latest Android.
- Latest WiFi: Faster speed with less latency.
- Bluetooth 5.4: Latest bluetooth for better connections.
- Significantly More Storage: Larger built-in storage capacity.
- More RAM: Smoother multitasking and better performance.
- eSIM support: More flexibility with digital carrier switching.
- Superior Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus provides better durability.
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9 Pro trades newer tech and superior camera performance for a slightly sharper screen. It's an older model, reflected in the lower processor benchmark and overall older technology.
- Motorola Edge 50 Ultra is a newer phone with significant advancements but lacks 8k recording and the B&W lens.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 Pro Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize a very sharp display.
- Users who need 8k video recording.
- Users who appreciate a dedicated B&W camera.
- Users who prioritize higher reverse wireless charging.
- Users who prefer an older flagship device with lower cost.
Use Cases:
- Professional video recording, editing, and viewing.
- Detailed reading and graphic design tasks
- Creative photography, utilizing black and white effects.
- User who likes to charge other devices with their phone.
Motorola Edge 50 Ultra Ideal User:
- Users who want the best possible performance.
- Users who need excellent camera performance in all lighting conditions.
- Users who want the fastest charging speeds.
- Users who need a phone that will last for years.
- Users who use their phone outdoors frequently.
- Users who need ample storage for high-res media.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming and demanding app usage.
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos, especially in low-light settings.
- Frequent travelers and outdoor enthusiasts needing long-lasting battery life and visibility
- Multitaskers who require seamless performance across numerous applications.
- Heavy media consumers who need plenty of storage.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The OnePlus 9 Pro, being an older flagship, may offer a better value on the used market and is more budget-friendly.
- The Motorola Edge 50 Ultra is a higher-end device with premium features but will be more expensive.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions buyers should consider:
Performance and Longevity: How important is the latest performance for gaming and daily tasks? If you require top-end speed and long-term use, the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra is superior.
Camera Needs: What are your camera priorities? For all-around camera performance, the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra significantly outperforms the OnePlus 9 Pro. If you are not interested in professional-grade video, it's the clear winner. However, if you need 8k or a B&W lens, the OnePlus is the better option.
Budget and Value: What is your budget, and how long do you plan on using the phone? The OnePlus 9 Pro may be a better value pick for those on a budget, while the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra is a premium choice with higher cost.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget Conscious User: If you are on a tighter budget and need a decent smartphone for everyday use, the OnePlus 9 Pro is a good option, especially if you want a sharper display.
- Performance & Camera Focused User: For those who need a high-performance phone with the best camera quality, the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra is the better choice.
- Traveler: For frequent travelers, the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra offers superior battery, charging speeds, and visibility, and has eSIM support.
- Photographer: The Motorola Edge 50 Ultra is a better choice for general photography due to its vastly superior performance. However, if you need the dedicated B&W sensor, the OnePlus 9 Pro is the better option.
My Choice
Given these specifications and my preference for newer technology and top-end camera performance, I would choose the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra. While the OnePlus 9 Pro has a slightly sharper screen and 8k recording, the Edge 50 Ultra's vastly superior processing power, greatly improved camera capabilities (especially in low light), much faster charging, significantly better display brightness, and latest connectivity options (WiFi 7 & Bluetooth 5.4), offer a much more compelling and future-proof package. The difference in overall performance and camera quality is significant enough to justify choosing the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra. For someone who wants a phone that will handle everything I throw at it for years to come with the best camera performance, this is the clear choice.