1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.2 × 73.6 × 8.7 mm | 169.5 × 77.5 × 9.4 mm | OnePlus 9 Pro is more compact and easier to handle, especially for smaller hands. The Moto G Stylus 5G is bulkier. |
| Weight | 197g | 217.5g | OnePlus 9 Pro is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable to hold for longer periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.8" | Negligible difference; both offer similar viewing areas. |
| Resolution | 1440x3216 | 1080x2400 | OnePlus 9 Pro offers significantly sharper visuals, making text and images look crisper. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 525 | 387 | The OnePlus 9 Pro's higher pixel density provides a more detailed and refined image, especially noticeable in detailed photos and small text. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | The OnePlus 9 Pro display technology is not specified, so the practical impact here cannot be determined based on the given data. IPS LCD usually provides good color accuracy and viewing angles. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | OnePlus 9 Pro provides a smoother scrolling and animation experience, which is more responsive and enjoyable. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | OnePlus 9 Pro is significantly more viewable in bright outdoor conditions, which is crucial for usability. The Moto G stylus 5G is not specified. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm) | OnePlus 9 Pro provides much faster processing speeds, better multitasking, and more demanding gaming performance. The Moto G Stylus is significantly less powerful. |
| AnTuTu Score | 877,600 | 171,000 | OnePlus 9 Pro provides significantly better performance across all tasks including app loading, multitasking and gaming, and it will likely be more future proof as well. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 619 | The OnePlus 9 Pro's GPU offers significantly better graphics performance, providing smoother gaming and better handling of graphically intensive apps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4000mAh | The OnePlus 9 Pro's larger battery should provide longer battery life, but real world battery life can vary based on usage. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 10W Fast Charging | The OnePlus 9 Pro charges significantly faster, saving a lot of time waiting for the device to charge. |
| Features | Wireless charging 50W, Reverse charging, Reverse Wireless Charging | None specified | OnePlus 9 Pro offers extra charging options and can even charge other devices wirelessly. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/1.43" sensor, 1.12 µm pixels | 48MP, f/1.7, 0.80 µm pixels | Both have 48MP main cameras. The OnePlus 9 Pro has a larger sensor and pixel size, which usually results in better low-light performance. Moto G Stylus 5G has a slightly wider aperture |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" sensor, 0.70 µm pixels | 20MP, f/2.0 | The Moto G Stylus has higher resolution and a wider aperture for better selfies, particularly in low light. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4", 1.00 µm pixels | None | OnePlus 9 Pro has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, which the Moto G Stylus lacks. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56", 1.00 µm pixels | 16MP, f/2.2 | OnePlus 9 Pro has a significantly higher resolution ultrawide camera, resulting in more detailed wide shots. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | None | Yes | The ToF sensor in the Moto G Stylus can improve depth detection for portrait mode photos. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.2, 1.75 µm pixels | Moto G Stylus 5G has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Black & White | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | OnePlus 9 Pro has a dedicated black and white sensor for unique shots. |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 1080p@60fps | OnePlus 9 Pro has significantly better video recording capabilities, supporting up to 8K and multiple frame rates. |
| DXOMark | Mobile: 122, Photo: 124, Video: 118 | Not tested | OnePlus 9 Pro’s camera performs significantly better. |
| Features | OIS, RAW, Night Mode, 4K/8K Video, Optical zoom | Digital zoom, PDAF, LAF | OnePlus 9 Pro has a broader range of camera features with OIS, RAW, and Night mode support that improves photo and video quality. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Max Android 14 | Android 11, Max Android 12 | OnePlus 9 Pro will receive more software updates, and it has more features and UI customization than the Motorola. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | OnePlus 9 Pro has the faster and more stable Wi-Fi 6 standard. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | 5.0, A2DP, EDR, LE | OnePlus 9 Pro supports newer Bluetooth technologies, offering better audio quality and lower latency, as well as broader range of supported codecs. |
| GPS | More systems | Less Systems | OnePlus 9 Pro provides more accurate location tracking due to supporting a broader range of satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both support dual SIM functionality, which allows the user to use two lines simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128 GB | OnePlus 9 Pro offers up to 256GB of storage, which is good for storing lots of photos and videos, plus more apps. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 4 GB | OnePlus 9 Pro offers much more RAM, providing smoother multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Basic | OnePlus 9 Pro offers superior sound quality with features for immersive and clearer audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both feature fingerprint sensors, though the specific location and type differ, but both offer basic biometric authentication. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | OnePlus 9 Pro provides better screen protection against scratches and damages. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Compass, Gyroscope, Accelerometer, Proximity, Fingerprint | Gyroscope, Accelerometer, Proximity, Fingerprint | OnePlus 9 Pro has a more comprehensive sensor suite which might allow for better navigation and more advanced features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Pro Advantages:
- Significantly Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset provides much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and significantly better gaming performance compared to the Snapdragon 480.
- Higher Quality Display: The higher resolution, pixel density, 120Hz refresh rate, and higher brightness leads to a much clearer, smoother, and more enjoyable viewing experience, especially outdoors.
- Superior Camera System: The OnePlus 9 Pro offers a much more versatile camera setup with dedicated telephoto, wide-angle, and black and white lens, along with better video capabilities, resulting in higher quality photos and videos. It also has advanced photo/video features like OIS, RAW, and Night mode support.
- Faster Charging and Wireless Capabilities: The 65W fast charging and 50W wireless charging options allow for faster charging and more flexibility, plus the ability to charge other devices wirelessly.
- Better Audio: The Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, and Noise cancellation microphone result in significantly better audio experience for calls, gaming, music and video.
- Future-Proof Software: Android 14 support indicates longer support and access to more future features.
- Better Build Quality and Screen Protection: It uses Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection to help with durability of the display.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G Advantages:
- Dedicated Stylus: The built-in stylus allows for note-taking, drawing, and precise navigation, which could be useful for specific use-cases. This is the key differentiator between these two phones.
- ToF 3D Sensor: Adds depth of field to enhance portrait-mode photographs.
- Macro Lens: Provides a dedicated macro lens, which makes it possible to take detailed close-up shots.
- Lower Price: Motorola phones are usually more affordable than OnePlus, however this was not listed as a specification above.
Trade-offs:
- The OnePlus 9 Pro sacrifices the stylus and macro capabilities for significant gains in performance, display quality, and camera performance.
- The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G offers a stylus and macro lens but compromises heavily on overall performance, display quality, charging speeds and camera performance.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 Pro Ideal User:
- Power Users: Users who need top-tier performance for demanding tasks such as gaming, video editing, and multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value high-quality images, versatility, and advanced camera features.
- Media Consumers: Users who enjoy watching videos and want the best display experience and audio capabilities.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who want the latest technology and a phone that will stay relevant for longer.
- Users Who Want a Faster Charging Experience: Users who prioritize fast charging for daily use.
- Users Who value build quality: Users who want better protection for the screen of their device.
OnePlus 9 Pro Use Cases:
- Playing graphics-intensive mobile games at high frame rates.
- Capturing high-resolution photos and 8K videos.
- Editing photos and videos on the go.
- Watching movies and TV shows with excellent visual and audio clarity.
- Demanding multitasking with many apps open simultaneously.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G Ideal User:
- Stylus-centric Users: Users who want the ability to take handwritten notes, draw, or navigate with a stylus on their device.
- Casual Users: Users who prioritize basic smartphone functions and don't need top-tier performance.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users who are looking for a more affordable phone that includes a stylus.
- Users Who Want a Macro Lens: Users who value close up photography.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G Use Cases:
- Taking quick notes with the stylus.
- Casual photo and video capture.
- Basic app usage and social media browsing.
- Everyday tasks that don't require a lot of processing power.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The OnePlus 9 Pro offers a high price-to-value ratio for users needing high performance, a great camera, and a premium display experience. However, this can also be considered a more premium priced device.
- The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G provides a decent price-to-value ratio for stylus users who are on a budget, however, it makes significant tradeoffs in performance and other areas.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is performance for you? If you need a phone for demanding tasks like gaming, the OnePlus 9 Pro is the better option. However, if you use your phone for basic tasks like social media and basic browsing, the Motorola will be adequate.
- Do you value the stylus and macro lens? If those features are important to you, the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G might be worth the compromises elsewhere. If not, the OnePlus 9 Pro is a more capable device.
- What is your budget? While not specified, the OnePlus 9 Pro typically costs significantly more than the Moto G Stylus 5G. If price is the biggest concern, the Moto G Stylus is the more economical option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: The Power User: If you are a power user who needs the best possible performance and camera, then the OnePlus 9 Pro is the obvious choice.
- Scenario 2: The Casual Stylus User: If you need a stylus for note-taking, drawing, and precise navigation, and if you prioritize cost, the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G is a suitable choice.
- Scenario 3: The Balance Seeker: If you want great performance, a premium camera, a great display, and fast charging without paying an extreme price, the OnePlus 9 Pro is a great choice. It comes with a higher price tag than the Motorola, but the performance differences will be significant.
- Scenario 4: The Photographer: If you value a more versatile camera setup with optical zoom and better low light performance, then the OnePlus 9 Pro is the best option. However, if you value close up macro shots, the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G is the better option.
My Choice
Based on the analysis, I would choose the OnePlus 9 Pro. While the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G has a few unique features like the stylus, the OnePlus 9 Pro is a much better all-around smartphone. It has significantly better performance, a higher quality display, a more versatile camera, much faster charging, and a more premium experience overall. While it might cost more, the investment is worth it for those who want a powerful and capable smartphone.
The stylus and macro lens of the Motorola are niche features, while the benefits of the OnePlus 9 Pro are noticeable in daily usage by anyone. The higher refresh rate, brighter display, faster charging, better overall performance, and more versatile camera system of the OnePlus 9 Pro are worth the extra expense, as it enhances the general experience of a smartphone user.
