1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.2 × 73.6 × 8.7 mm | 161.7 × 76.3 × 8.5 mm | OnePlus 9 Pro is slightly taller but narrower, while Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is wider and a hair thinner. Feels different in hand. |
| Weight | 197g | 190g | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is slightly lighter, which might be more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Both have the same large display size, great for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1440x3216 | 1080x2412 | OnePlus 9 Pro has a much sharper display; text and images will appear noticeably crisper. |
| PPI | 525 | 395 | OnePlus 9 Pro offers superior clarity due to the higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus delivers superior contrast, deeper blacks and more vibrant colors. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1300 nits | Both are bright enough for outdoor use in most conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Dimensity 7350 Pro (4 nm) | Snapdragon 888 is slightly more powerful, but the difference in real-world use is usually small. |
| AnTuTu Score | 877,600 | 805,721 | OnePlus 9 Pro benchmarks higher, suggesting better performance in demanding tasks and games. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G610 MC4 | Different GPUs will handle graphics processing differently, but both are capable for gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus will likely last longer on a single charge. |
| Charging | 65W fast charging | 50W fast charging | OnePlus 9 Pro charges faster than Nothing Phone (2a) Plus. |
| Features | Wireless, reverse charging | No charger in box | OnePlus 9 Pro offers wireless and reverse wireless charging. Nothing Phone (2a) Plus does not come with a charger. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/1.43", Sony IMX789 | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56", Samsung GN9 | OnePlus 9 Pro has a slightly larger sensor for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", Sony IMX471 | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1 | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has a significantly higher resolution and wider aperture for better selfie quality. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP | N/A | OnePlus 9 Pro has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, while the Nothing Phone 2a Plus relies on digital zoom |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP | N/A | OnePlus 9 Pro provides dedicated ultrawide captures |
| Wide Angle + Macro | N/A | 50MP | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus provides a wide-angle macro captures |
| Black & White | 2MP | N/A | OnePlus 9 Pro allows capturing of black and white photos |
| Video | Up to 8K/30fps | Up to 4K/30fps | OnePlus 9 Pro offers significantly higher video resolution. Both have good stabilization. |
| Features | OIS, EIS, 8K video, Optical Zoom, Quadruple Camera, RAW 12 bits | OIS, EIS, Dual Camera, Timelapse, RAW | OnePlus 9 Pro excels in video features and zoom capabilities. Nothing Phone 2a Plus has time lapse. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, max 14 | Android 14, max 17 | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has a newer OS with longer update support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both support the latest Wi-Fi standards |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.3 | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has a newer version of Bluetooth. |
| GPS | GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, NavIC | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus supports more navigation systems for improved location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 256 GB | Both offer ample storage but Nothing Phone 2a Plus comes in one variant. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 12 GB | Both phones offer plenty of RAM for smooth multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation | Hi-Res Audio | OnePlus 9 Pro provides better spatial audio, while Nothing Phone (2a) Plus offers Hi-Res audio certification. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Both phones offer basic fingerprint sensor security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass 5 | Both phones use the same generation of screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Fingerprint, Proximity | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Fingerprint, Proximity | Both phones provide common sensors for day-to-day tasks and gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display Sharpness: Higher resolution and pixel density result in a noticeably crisper and more detailed display.
- More Powerful Processing: Slightly better benchmarks indicate potentially smoother performance in demanding tasks and games.
- More Versatile Camera System: Telephoto lens for optical zoom, dedicated ultrawide lens, and 8K video capabilities offer more creative options.
- Faster Charging and Wireless Charging: 65W wired charging and 50W wireless charging are convenient for those who need to quickly power up or prefer wireless charging.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos and noise-cancellation microphone for a better audio experience.
Nothing Phone (2a) Plus Advantages:
- Longer Battery Life: The larger battery capacity means it will likely last longer on a single charge.
- Newer Operating System: Ships with a more recent Android version, ensuring longer software support and the latest features.
- Better Selfie Camera: Higher resolution front camera for better-looking selfies.
- Better GPS: Supports more satellite systems for potentially more accurate GPS.
- Lighter Design: Weighing 190g, it is slightly more comfortable for extended handling.
- Hi-Res Audio: For improved audio quality.
- Time-Lapse: Offers more variety in terms of video recordings
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9 Pro: Older OS, lower battery life, and heavier, lacking a dedicated macro mode compared to Nothing Phone 2a Plus.
- Nothing Phone (2a) Plus: Lower display resolution, less versatile rear camera system, no wireless charging, and slower charging compared to OnePlus 9 Pro.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for OnePlus 9 Pro:
- Power Users: Those who demand top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value versatile camera systems, optical zoom, and high-resolution video recording capabilities.
- Media Consumers: Individuals who want the best possible display quality for watching videos and browsing the web.
- Users of Wireless Charging: People who need or prefer to have the option to charge wirelessly
- Audiophiles: Users who are looking for enhanced audio and microphone recording
Ideal User for Nothing Phone (2a) Plus:
- Everyday Users: Individuals who prioritize battery life and a clean Android experience.
- Selfie Lovers: Those who prioritize a higher-resolution front-facing camera for selfies and video calls.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users looking for a phone that provides great value for the money with a balanced set of features.
- Long-term users: People that prioritize having a newer OS and longer software support.
- Users who value simplicity: People that don't need a telephoto lens or other less essential features.
Specific Use Cases:
- OnePlus 9 Pro:
- Gaming: Smoother graphics and faster loading times.
- Professional Photography/Videography: More control over image and video capture.
- Mobile Workstation: Smooth multitasking between apps.
- On the go wireless charging: Quickly charge up wirelessly on the go.
- Nothing Phone (2a) Plus:
- All-Day Usage: Reliably lasts an entire day of moderate to heavy usage.
- Social Media Sharing: Takes high-quality selfies for social platforms.
- Navigation and travel: Accurate GPS that works in any terrain
- Simple user experience: Easy to use OS and easy-to-learn features.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus generally provides more value for the money, offering a balanced set of features and a newer OS at a potentially lower price point.
- The OnePlus 9 Pro, although it has better specs, may be more expensive, but offers a premium experience that justifies its higher price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
What is your priority - top-tier performance or longer battery life?
- If you need top-tier performance, and a more versatile camera the OnePlus 9 Pro is better suited.
- If longer battery life and a more recent OS are your focus, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is the better choice.
How important is display quality and video to you?
- If a crisp, high-resolution display and 8K video are essential, go for the OnePlus 9 Pro.
- If an AMOLED display with vivid colours is important to you, and high res selfies are, go for the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus.
What kind of charging experience do you prefer?
- If you prefer the ability to charge faster with wireless charging, consider the OnePlus 9 Pro.
- If you don't mind slower charging times for a longer lasting battery, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus will be fine.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Performance and Photography - If you prioritize gaming, video, and high-quality photos, the OnePlus 9 Pro is a more suitable choice because it provides a more versatile camera setup and better video quality and overall more performance.
Scenario 2: Daily Use and Battery Life - If you need a reliable phone that can last all day without needing a charge and you do a lot of GPS navigating, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is the better option for you.
- Scenario 3: Budget-Conscious - If you want the best value for your money while having a great phone for daily use and the latest OS, then the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is the best fit.
My Choice and Why
Given my priorities, I would personally choose the OnePlus 9 Pro. I value a high-resolution display and more versatile camera capabilities including optical zoom and higher video quality, as I often use my phone for media consumption and photography. The faster charging speeds are also a bonus. Although the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has a longer lasting battery and more recent OS, the marginal advantage of the newer OS does not outweigh the advantages of the better camera system and the crispness of the display on the OnePlus 9 Pro for my specific use case. The extra performance is also something I'd prefer.
