1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the OnePlus 9 Pro and Motorola Moto G35, focusing on practical implications:
Design
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Motorola Moto G35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 163.2 × 73.6 × 8.7 mm | 166.3 × 76 × 7.8 mm | OnePlus 9 Pro is slightly shorter and narrower, but thicker. The Moto G35 is taller and wider, feeling slightly larger in hand. The Moto G35 is thinner. |
| Weight | 197g | 188g | The Moto G35 is 9g lighter, which may be noticeable during extended use, making it slightly more comfortable to hold for long periods. |
| Build Material | Not specified | Not specified | Unable to compare due to missing information. |
Display
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Motorola Moto G35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.72" | Virtually identical screen sizes, offering very similar viewing experiences. |
| Resolution | 1440x3216 | 1080x2400 | OnePlus 9 Pro has a much sharper display. Text and images are significantly clearer, resulting in better viewing experience. |
| PPI | 525 | 392 | The higher pixel density on the OnePlus 9 Pro means more detail and less pixelation, which translates to a clearer and sharper image. |
| Technology | Not specified | IPS LCD | The Moto G35's IPS LCD technology ensures accurate colours and wide viewing angles. The OnePlus 9 Pro's technology is not specified. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both have a 120Hz refresh rate resulting in very smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1000 nits | OnePlus 9 Pro has significantly better screen visibility in bright sunlight, making it easier to use outdoors. |
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Motorola Moto G35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Unisoc T760 (6 nm) | The Snapdragon 888 is a high-end processor offering faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance, compared to the mid-range Unisoc chip. |
| AnTuTu Score | 877,600 | 423,297 | OnePlus 9 Pro has more than double the performance in benchmarks, meaning it handles demanding tasks and games much more easily. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G57 | The Adreno 660 in the OnePlus 9 Pro provides better graphics performance, resulting in higher frame rates and better overall gaming experiences than the Mali-G57. |
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Motorola Moto G35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/1.43" Sony IMX789 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" Samsung S5KJN1 | The OnePlus 9 Pro has a larger sensor, enabling better low-light performance and more dynamic range. The Moto G35 has slightly higher resolution, potentially resulting in more detail in good lighting conditions. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" Sony IMX471 | 16MP, f/2.45 | Both offer a similar megapixel count and aperture, though sensor information for the Moto G35 is incomplete, so comparing quality is hard. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4" Omnivision OV08A10 | None | OnePlus 9 Pro offers optical zoom capabilities, for detailed photos from distance. The Moto G35 lacks this feature. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56" Sony IMX766 | 8MP, f/2.2 | OnePlus 9 Pro provides a higher resolution wide angle photo with a bigger sensor for better details and low-light performance compared to Moto G35. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | The OnePlus 9 Pro offers dedicated monochrome photography with a black and white lens for creative shots. The Moto G35 lacks this feature. |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps | OnePlus 9 Pro supports higher video resolution, offering professional-grade video capability. Both offer different video stabilization methods. |
| DxOMark Score | 122 (Mobile), 124 (Photo), 118 (Video) | Not Available | The OnePlus 9 Pro is rated as better in camera performance compared to the Moto G35. |
| Features | 4K Video, 8K Video, OIS, Optical Zoom, more | 4K Video, Digital Zoom | OnePlus 9 Pro provides more features such as optical image stabilization, RAW capture and manual focus resulting in more flexibility and control. Moto G35 features a simpler camera. |
Battery
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Motorola Moto G35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | The Moto G35 has a larger battery, which likely translates to longer battery life per charge. |
| Charging | 65W fast charging | 18W fast charging | The OnePlus 9 Pro charges much faster, allowing for quick top-ups and less time tethered to the charger. |
| Features | Wireless Charging (50W), Reverse Charging, Reverse wireless charging | None | OnePlus 9 Pro can charge wirelessly and share power with other devices, which is a significant convenience advantage. |
Software and Connectivity
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Motorola Moto G35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 14 | Android 14 | Moto G35 has a more recent operating system out of the box, meaning it has the latest features and security updates, although the OnePlus 9 Pro can also be upgraded to Android 14. |
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | OnePlus 9 Pro supports the latest WiFi standard providing faster network speeds, while Moto G35 supports older wifi standard. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE, APT-x, LDAC | 5.0 LE | OnePlus 9 Pro has a newer Bluetooth version offering a more stable connection and better audio codecs (APT-x, LDAC) than Moto G35. |
| GPS | Multiple Systems | Multiple Systems | Both support various GPS systems but OnePlus 9 Pro supports more systems, providing better accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Moto G35 supports eSIM, for better digital carrier switching compared to OnePlus 9 Pro using two physical SIMs. |
Other Features
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Motorola Moto G35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both phones offer similar storage options with no expandable options. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 4GB/8GB | OnePlus 9 Pro offers significantly more RAM, allowing for better multitasking performance, and less app reloading. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise Cancelling Microphones, 3 mics | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 mics | OnePlus 9 Pro provides better audio recording quality with noise cancellation, and an extra microphone improving quality in calls and recordings, for better voice capture. |
| Security | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | The side-mounted sensor is a more modern approach than the basic sensor. |
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass 3 | OnePlus 9 Pro has better screen protection, being less prone to scratches and damage. |
| Sensors | Full set | Full set | OnePlus 9 Pro includes gravity sensor offering a more comprehensive suite of sensors, potentially better for advanced apps and gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Pro Advantages:
- Significantly Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset offers more than double the performance, ensuring smoother multitasking, faster app loading and better gaming.
- Higher Quality Display: Much sharper display with higher resolution, and greater brightness, making it better for media consumption and outdoor use.
- Superior Camera System: Features more versatile camera system with higher resolution wide-angle camera, telephoto lens for optical zoom, a black & white lens and 8K video recording and more features such as OIS, and RAW recording.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: Offers much faster wired charging and includes wireless charging and reverse wireless charging for more convenience.
- Better Audio Features: Offers noise cancellation microphones and 3 mics for better audio quality.
- Superior Connectivity: Offers newer WiFi and Bluetooth standards.
Motorola Moto G35 Advantages:
- Newer Operating System: Ships with Android 14, offering the latest features.
- Larger Battery: 500 mAh larger battery, offering potentially longer battery life per charge.
- Lighter and Thinner: Slightly lighter and thinner, potentially more comfortable in hand for extended use.
- eSIM Support: Offers eSIM capability, for digital carrier switching.
- Lower Price: The G35 will likely be more affordable than the OnePlus 9 Pro, making it a more budget friendly option.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Performance: The OnePlus 9 Pro sacrifices battery life and bulk for performance, whereas the Moto G35 compromises on performance for better battery.
- Camera: The OnePlus 9 Pro has a much more capable camera setup, but the Moto G35 provides a reasonable camera for basic use.
- Charging: The Moto G35 sacrifices charging speed for battery capacity, whereas the OnePlus 9 Pro prioritizes fast charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 Pro:
- Ideal User: Power users who prioritize performance, display quality, and camera capabilities. Gamers, photographers, and those who frequently multitask will benefit most.
- Use Cases: High-end mobile gaming, professional photography and videography, demanding productivity tasks, extensive media consumption.
- Price-to-Value: Higher price tag, but it justifies its cost for users who need a flagship experience.
Motorola Moto G35:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious consumers who prioritize battery life and a good general user experience with a newer OS. Casual users who don't require high performance for games or intense tasks.
- Use Cases: Everyday communication, social media browsing, basic photography, long battery life for travel, users preferring a more modern software.
- Price-to-Value: Excellent value for its price point, offering a more affordable option with a good balance of features.
4. Decision Framework
Consider these key questions before making a purchase:
- What is your primary use case? (e.g., Gaming, photography, casual use, work)
- How important is performance to you? (e.g., smooth multitasking, demanding games)
- What is your budget? (Are you willing to pay for top-tier features, or are you looking for the best value?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For gamers or power users: The OnePlus 9 Pro is the clear choice due to its superior chipset and screen.
- For budget-conscious consumers needing long battery life: The Moto G35 is the better option, offering a more affordable price with solid battery performance and a newer OS.
- For those focused on camera quality: The OnePlus 9 Pro provides a far superior camera system, with additional features for enhanced photography and video.
- For everyday users: If you want a more modern experience, the Motorola will give you that, or if you want a more premium feel, and better display the OnePlus would be the pick.
My choice and why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the OnePlus 9 Pro. My primary use case involves a lot of multitasking, demanding applications, photography, and watching videos. The significantly superior performance, higher-quality display, and versatile camera system of the OnePlus 9 Pro align perfectly with my needs. While the Moto G35 offers a newer operating system and potentially longer battery life, the performance trade-offs are too significant for my use case. I’m willing to sacrifice a little battery and pay a bit extra for a significantly better overall experience and to be able to perform all tasks that I need efficiently, without limitations.
