OnePlus 9 Pro vs Motorola Moto G31 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
OnePlus 9 Pro
OnePlus 9 Pro
Oneplus

General

Launch Date March 30, 2021 December 6, 2021
Release Year 2021 2021

Physical

Volume 104.5 cm³ 102.89 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.4 "/g 3.54 "/g
Weight 197 g 181 g
Height 163.2 mm 161.9 mm
Width 73.6 mm 73.9 mm
Thickness 8.7 mm 8.6 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Forest Green
  • Morning Mist
  • Stellar Black
  • Mineral Grey
  • Baby Blue

Display

Screen Size 6.7 " 6.4 "
Resolution 1440 x 3216 1080 x 2400
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 89.9 % 82.7 %
Pixel Density 525 PPI 411 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz N/A
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness 1300 nits N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 100.25 mAh/in² 122.07 mAh/in²
Battery Density 43.06 mAh/cm³ 48.59 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4500 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55 Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Adreno 660 Mali-G52 MC2

Connectivity

USB Version 3.1 2.0
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 3.1, OTG USB Type-C 2.0

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 11 11
Maximum OS Version 14

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureOnePlus 9 ProMotorola Moto G31Practical Impact
Design
Dimensions163.2 × 73.6 × 8.7 mm161.9 × 73.9 × 8.6 mmOnePlus 9 Pro is slightly taller; negligible difference in hand.
Weight197g181gMotorola Moto G31 is lighter, making it more comfortable for extended holding.
Display
Size6.7"6.4"OnePlus 9 Pro offers a slightly larger viewing area for media and games.
Resolution1440x32161080x2400OnePlus 9 Pro has a significantly sharper display with much more detail.
Pixel Density525 PPI411 PPIOnePlus 9 Pro provides noticeably clearer text and images.
TechnologyAMOLEDMotorola Moto G31 offers better blacks, contrast, and color vibrancy due to AMOLED technology.
Refresh Rate120Hz60HzOnePlus 9 Pro provides much smoother scrolling and animations.
Brightness1300 nits0 nitsOnePlus 9 Pro offers much better visibility in bright sunlight; Motorola G31's brightness is not specified, potentially causing issues with outdoor use.
Performance
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm)OnePlus 9 Pro offers significantly faster processing for demanding apps and games.
AnTuTu Score877,600225,154OnePlus 9 Pro provides a much faster and more responsive user experience.
GPUAdreno 660Mali-G52 MC2OnePlus 9 Pro offers significantly superior graphics performance.
Battery
Capacity4500 mAh5000 mAhMotorola Moto G31 likely offers slightly longer battery life due to higher capacity.
Charging65W Fast Charging10W Fast ChargingOnePlus 9 Pro charges much faster, reducing downtime.
FeaturesReverse, Wireless Charging, REverse WirelessNon-removableOnePlus 9 Pro offers more versatile charging options.
Camera
Standard Lens48MP, f/1.8, 1/1.43"50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76"Motorola Moto G31 has slightly higher resolution; OnePlus 9 Pro has larger sensor allowing more light capture.
Selfie Lens16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13"13MP, f/2.2OnePlus 9 Pro offers slightly higher resolution; Motorola Moto G31 has slightly wider aperture for better low light.
Telephoto Lens8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4"NoneOnePlus 9 Pro offers optical zoom capabilities for capturing distant subjects.
Wide-Angle Lens50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56"8MP, f/2.0OnePlus 9 Pro has much higher resolution wide angle lens for better ultrawide pictures.
Macro LensNone2MP, f/2.4Motorola Moto G31 offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography.
Black & White Lens2MP, f/2.4NoneOnePlus 9 Pro offers black and white lens for artistic monochrome photos
VideoUp to 8K@30fpsUp to 1080p@30fpsOnePlus 9 Pro allows professional-grade video recording with 8K support.
DxOMarkMobile: 122 (Photo: 124, Video: 118)Not testedOnePlus 9 Pro has a much higher camera rating from a professional source.
Camera FeaturesOIS, 8K/4K Video, RAW 12 bits, Optical ZoomNoneOnePlus 9 Pro offers more advanced camera features for better photos and videos.
Software
OSAndroid 11 (upgradable to 14)Android 11OnePlus 9 Pro will get updates until Android 14 while the future of Motorola Moto G31 is unknown.
Connectivity
WiFiWiFi 6, MiMO802.11acOnePlus 9 Pro has newer WiFi for faster speeds and better connectivity.
Bluetooth5.2, APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC5.0OnePlus 9 Pro offers better and newer Bluetooth options.
GPSDual-band GPSStandardOnePlus 9 Pro offers dual-band GPS for more precise location tracking.
SIMDual SIMDual SIMBoth phones offer dual SIM functionality.
Storage
Internal128/256 GB64/128 GBOnePlus 9 Pro offers higher storage options.
RAM8/12 GB4 GBOnePlus 9 Pro allows smoother multitasking and better gaming performance.
ExpandableNoNoNeither phone offers expandable storage, meaning you are limited to onboard storage.
Audio
QualityDolby Atmos, Stereo SpeakersDolby AtmosOnePlus 9 Pro offers better audio quality.
Microphones3 + Noise Cancellation2OnePlus 9 Pro provides clearer sound in noisy environments.
Security
FeaturesBasic fingerprint sensorSide-mounted fingerprint sensorMotorola Moto G31 has a more convenient fingerprint reader.
Build Quality
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5UnknownOnePlus 9 Pro has superior screen protection.
Sensors
SensorsBiometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, GravityBiometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, HallOnePlus 9 Pro offers additional sensor for specific apps, Motorola Moto G31 also offers a specific Hall sensor.

2. Key Differences Analysis

OnePlus 9 Pro Advantages:

  • Superior Performance: Significantly faster processor and GPU for demanding tasks, gaming, and a smoother experience.
  • High-Quality Display: Higher resolution, pixel density, faster refresh rate, higher brightness, providing a sharper, more fluid viewing experience.
  • Advanced Camera System: Versatile camera setup with more lenses, features like OIS, 8K video, and higher scores on DxOMark.
  • Faster Charging: 65W charging significantly reduces charging times, and includes wireless charging capabilities.
  • Connectivity: Newer WiFi and Bluetooth standards for faster and more reliable connections.
  • Software Support: Guaranteed software updates until Android 14
  • Audio Quality: Includes stereo speakers for more immersive audio.

Motorola Moto G31 Advantages:

  • Lighter Build: More comfortable for extended use due to its lower weight.
  • AMOLED Display: Offers superior contrast and black levels and power efficiency for dark themes, more vibrant colors.
  • Larger Battery: Potentially longer battery life due to the bigger capacity.
  • Side Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Slightly more convenient to use.
  • Macro Lens: Offers macro lens for close up photography.

Significant Trade-offs:

  • The OnePlus 9 Pro sacrifices some battery capacity and weight for vastly improved performance and features.
  • The Motorola Moto G31 compromises on performance, display quality and camera quality for better battery life and lower weight.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

OnePlus 9 Pro Ideal User:

  • Power Users: Those who need top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.
  • Multimedia Consumers: Users who value high-resolution, fluid displays for watching videos and browsing content.
  • Photography Enthusiasts: Users who desire a versatile camera system with advanced features for capturing high-quality photos and videos.
  • Tech Enthusiasts: Those who appreciate the latest technologies and fast charging options.

    Use Cases:

    • Mobile gaming with demanding 3D graphics.
    • Professional-grade photography and videography.
    • Heavy multitasking with multiple apps.
    • Watching high-resolution videos and streaming content.
    • Using augmented reality applications.

Motorola Moto G31 Ideal User:

  • Budget-Conscious Consumers: Those seeking a reliable smartphone at a lower price point.
  • Everyday Users: Individuals who prioritize basic functionality, battery life, and a comfortable design.
  • Casual Photographers: Users who take occasional pictures and don't need advanced camera features.

    Use Cases:

    • Basic browsing, social media, and messaging.
    • Streaming music and podcasts.
    • Casual photography with good detail and colors.
    • Day-to-day tasks where battery life is a primary concern.

Price-to-Value Ratio:

  • The OnePlus 9 Pro is a high-end device with a premium price tag, offering top-tier performance and features.
  • The Motorola Moto G31 is a budget-friendly device, offering good value for its price.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions to Consider:

  1. How important is performance for your needs? (Gaming, video editing vs. basic tasks)
  2. What is your budget, and are you willing to pay more for premium features?
  3. Do you prioritize display quality, camera capabilities or battery life and ease of use?

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: If you need a phone for gaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking with premium features, the OnePlus 9 Pro is the clear choice.
  • Scenario 2: If you need a good value phone for everyday tasks, you are not too demanding, you prioritize battery life, and want a lighter device, the Motorola Moto G31 is the better option.
  • Scenario 3: If camera quality, performance and a fluid display are your priority, but you are not too demanding, you can check for a used/refurbished OnePlus 9 Pro, to save some money on the initial investment

My Choice

If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the OnePlus 9 Pro. While the Motorola Moto G31 has its merits in terms of battery capacity and weight, the OnePlus 9 Pro offers a vastly superior experience in almost every other aspect that is important to me.

Here's why:

  • Performance is Key: I often use my phone for multitasking, demanding apps, and occasional gaming. The Snapdragon 888 chip in the OnePlus 9 Pro will handle these tasks with ease, while the Helio G85 in the Motorola would struggle and become slow after some time.
  • Display Matters: I value a sharp, fluid display. The high resolution, pixel density, and 120Hz refresh rate of the OnePlus 9 Pro's display would make a massive difference in my daily usage. Additionally, the brightness of 1300 nits makes it perfect for outdoor usage.
  • Camera is Important: While not a professional photographer, I like to take high-quality pictures. The camera system of the OnePlus 9 Pro, with its superior lenses, OIS, and high DxOMark rating, would offer much better results, making it more versatile for different scenarios.
  • Fast Charging is a Must: Having fast charging is important for me, so that I can top up my phone quickly and be ready to go again.

While I acknowledge the Motorola Moto G31's lighter build and potentially longer battery, I am willing to trade those for the superior performance and premium features of the OnePlus 9 Pro. For me, the overall experience is far better with the OnePlus 9 Pro, despite its higher price.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

Key Strengths:

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Digital media communication
  • Technical storytelling
  • User-centric technology insights

Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.