1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Nothing Phone (1) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.2 x 73.6 x 8.7 mm | 159.2 x 75.8 x 8.3 mm | OnePlus 9 Pro is taller and slightly thicker, while the Nothing Phone (1) is wider. May affect one-handed usability. |
| Weight | 197g | 193.5g | Negligible difference in hand feel. Both are relatively lightweight. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.55" | OnePlus 9 Pro offers a slightly larger viewing area, more immersive for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3216 | 1080 x 2400 | OnePlus 9 Pro has noticeably sharper text and images due to higher pixel density. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 525 | 402 | The OnePlus 9 Pro's higher PPI results in a more detailed and crisp display, better for reading small text. |
| Technology | OLED | Nothing Phone (1) features OLED for deeper blacks, vibrant colors and better energy efficiency. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, no practical difference here. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1200 nits | OnePlus 9 Pro screen is slightly easier to view in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6 nm) | OnePlus 9 Pro offers significantly faster processing for demanding games and apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 877,600 | 624,253 | OnePlus 9 Pro provides a snappier overall experience, faster app loading and smoother multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 642L | OnePlus 9 Pro's GPU provides better graphics performance, for games and graphical applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Resolution | 48MP | 50MP | Slightly higher resolution on the Nothing Phone (1), but OnePlus 9 Pro has a larger sensor and wider aperture. |
| Standard Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.88 | OnePlus 9 Pro captures more light, potentially better low light photos. |
| Standard Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.43" | 1/1.56" | OnePlus 9 Pro's larger sensor gathers more light, better for low-light performance. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP | N/A | OnePlus 9 Pro offers dedicated zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP | N/A | OnePlus 9 Pro has a dedicated wide angle lens for landscape shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | N/A | 50MP | Nothing Phone (1) offers a dedicated macro lens for close up shots. |
| Black and White Lens | 2MP | N/A | OnePlus 9 Pro has a dedicated monochrome lens for artistic black and white shots |
| Video Recording | 8K@30fps, 4K@120fps | 4K@30fps | OnePlus 9 Pro can record higher resolution video, suitable for professional use. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 16MP | 16MP | Identical resolution, differences in sensor performance might exist. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.4 | f/2.2 | Nothing Phone (1) captures slightly more light in selfies. |
| DXOMARK Score (Mobile) | 122 | N/A | OnePlus 9 Pro provides overall better image quality based on the DXOMARK score. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 4500 mAh | Both have similar capacity, expected to offer similar battery life. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | OnePlus 9 Pro charges much faster, convenient for quick top ups. |
| Wireless Charging | 50W | 15W | OnePlus 9 Pro charges much faster wirelessly. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 | Nothing Phone (1) ships with a newer version of Android. |
| Max Version | Android 14 | Android 15 | Nothing Phone (1) likely to receive longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both support the latest Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 | Both support the latest Bluetooth standard. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a), NavIC System | Nothing Phone (1) offers more GPS satellite systems, offering better location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB / 256GB | 128GB / 256GB | Both phones have identical storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB / 12GB | 8GB / 12GB | Both phones have identical RAM options for multitasking and app performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports additional storage via SD card. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | OnePlus 9 Pro offers more immersive audio experience thanks to Dolby Atmos support. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 offers significantly higher CPU and GPU performance, resulting in a snappier and smoother experience for demanding applications, games, and multitasking.
- Higher Resolution Display: The 1440p display is noticeably sharper and more detailed, enhancing the viewing experience, especially for text-heavy content and high-resolution media.
- Brighter display: Easier to use in sunny outdoors environments.
- Faster Charging: 65W wired and 50W wireless charging are significantly faster than the Nothing Phone's 33W wired and 15W wireless charging, reducing downtime.
- More versatile camera system: Dedicated telephoto lens and wide-angle lens allows more flexibility when taking photos.
- Better Audio: Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone offers clearer calls and enhanced audio.
Nothing Phone (1) Advantages:
- Newer Operating System: Ships with Android 12 (upgradable to 13 and beyond), likely to receive longer software support and security updates.
- More Advanced GPS: Supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy in various environments.
- OLED Display: Offers better image quality with higher contrast ratio, better power consumption and deeper blacks.
- Wider Selfie Camera Aperture: Slightly better low-light selfies.
- Unique Design: The transparent back with LED glyphs is a unique design element that some users might prefer.
- Dedicated Macro lens: Provides flexibility to take macro pictures.
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9 Pro: Sacrifices slightly on software update longevity compared to the Nothing Phone (1). Lacks a dedicated macro lens.
- Nothing Phone (1): Sacrifices on raw processing power, charging speeds, higher resolution screen, overall camera versatility and some audio features compared to the OnePlus 9 Pro.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 Pro Ideal User:
- Power Users: Individuals who demand top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value camera versatility, including telephoto and wide-angle lenses, and demand higher quality video recordings.
- Media Consumers: Individuals who appreciate a larger, sharper display for watching videos and reading.
- Users needing fast charging: Users that need faster wired or wireless charging.
Specific Use Cases for OnePlus 9 Pro:
- Playing graphics-intensive games like Genshin Impact.
- Editing 4K videos on the go.
- Professional photography using telephoto and wide-angle lenses.
- Frequent commuters who require fast charging.
Nothing Phone (1) Ideal User:
- Design-Conscious Users: Individuals who value unique aesthetics and a modern, minimalist look.
- Budget-Conscious Users: Users looking for a reliable phone with good performance, but without the premium price tag of a flagship.
- Casual Photographers: Users who prioritize ease-of-use and decent camera quality for social media.
- Users needing better location accuracy: Users that require accurate GPS.
Specific Use Cases for Nothing Phone (1):
- Social media photography and video content creation.
- Everyday use such as browsing, communication, and media consumption.
- Navigating in areas with poor GPS signals.
- Users who value newer software and long-term software support.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Performance Needs: Do you prioritize raw performance for gaming and demanding apps, or is general everyday use sufficient?
- Camera Versatility: Do you need a telephoto lens and more versatile camera system, or is a good quality main camera enough?
- Budget and Design: Are you willing to pay more for a flagship device, or is a unique design and price a higher priority?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High-Performance Gaming and Media Consumption: Choose the OnePlus 9 Pro. The faster processor, higher resolution display, and faster charging make it ideal for demanding gaming and media tasks.
- Scenario 2: Balanced Performance and Unique Design: Choose the Nothing Phone (1). It offers a balanced experience with a unique design, good camera, and modern software at a lower price.
- Scenario 3: Great photos, fast charging, and great audio: Choose the OnePlus 9 Pro. The better sensors, wide aperture, and higher resolution will deliver better photos with fast charging to top up.
My Choice and Why
If I were to choose between the two, I would personally pick the OnePlus 9 Pro. My main priorities for a smartphone are top-tier performance, a versatile camera system, and fast charging capabilities. The OnePlus 9 Pro edges out the Nothing Phone (1) in these crucial aspects. While I appreciate the unique design of the Nothing Phone (1), and its newer operating system, the performance difference is a significant factor in daily usability for me. The superior chipset, higher resolution display, faster charging, and more versatile camera setup on the OnePlus 9 Pro aligns more with my needs as a power user. The better audio performance for immersive media consumption and clearer calls would also enhance my user experience.
