1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | OnePlus 9RT 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.2 × 73.6 × 8.7 mm | 162.2 × 74.6 × 8.3 mm | 9 Pro slightly taller and thicker, 9RT slightly wider. Differences are minor; both comfortable to hold. |
| Weight | 197g | 198.5g | Virtually identical weights, both feel similarly substantial in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.62" | Negligible difference, both offer immersive screen experiences. |
| Resolution | 1440x3216 | 1080x2400 | 9 Pro's higher resolution results in significantly sharper text and images, especially noticeable when viewing detailed content. |
| PPI | 525 | 397 | 9 Pro has much higher pixel density, resulting in a noticeably sharper display. |
| Technology | Missing | AMOLED | 9RT offers better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors thanks to AMOLED; 9 Pro display tech is unknown |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and fluid animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | 9 Pro's higher peak brightness results in better outdoor visibility, especially under direct sunlight. 9RT brightness is unknown |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Identical performance levels for demanding tasks such as gaming and video editing. |
| AnTuTu Score | 877,600 | 881,700 | Negligible difference in benchmark scores, suggesting virtually identical real-world performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 660 | Identical graphics processing power for gaming and GPU intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Similar battery life expected for average daily usage. |
| Charging | 65W fast charging | 65W fast charging | Both phones charge rapidly, minimizing downtime. |
| Features | Wireless charging 50W, Reverse charging | 2*2250mAh double battery cells | 9 Pro offers wireless charging and reverse charging; 9RT has faster internal charging due to double battery setup |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/1.43" Sony IMX789 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" Sony IMX766 | 9RT has slightly higher MP count; 9 Pro's larger sensor generally captures more light, better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" Sony IMX471 | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" Sony IMX471 | Both cameras are similar, providing good quality selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4" | Missing | 9 Pro offers optical zoom capabilities for distant subjects; 9RT lacks dedicated telephoto. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56" Sony IMX766 | 16MP, f/2.2, 1/3.09" Sony IMX481 | 9 Pro captures significantly more detail with its higher-resolution wide-angle lens; 9 Pro sensor is also bigger |
| Macro Lens | Missing | 2MP, f/2.4 | 9RT allows for close-up macro shots; 9 Pro lacks dedicated macro lens. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | Missing | 9 Pro has a dedicated B&W lens for artistic shots; 9RT lacks a dedicated B&W lens |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 4K@60fps | 9 Pro supports higher video resolution, better for professional use; Both have great stabilization |
| DXOMark Score | 122 (Mobile), 124 (Photo), 118 (Video) | Missing | 9 Pro's camera has been officially tested and rated; 9RT is not. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Max version: 14 | Android 11, Max version: 13 | 9 Pro will get updates up to Android 14, while 9RT is capped at 13. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax | Both support Wi-Fi 6, offering fast and stable wireless connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE, AptX, LDAC, SBC, AAC | 5.2 LE, AptX, LDAC, AAC | Both offer great Bluetooth audio, with 9 Pro offering a slightly wider range of codec options. |
| GPS | Dual-band GPS (L1+L5) & More | Dual-band GPS (L1+L5) & Less | 9 Pro supports more satellite systems (including GLONASS (L1), which can result in slightly better location accuracy |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128 GB or 256 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | Same storage options, plenty of space for most users. |
| RAM | 8 GB or 12 GB | 8 GB or 12 GB | Both come with ample RAM for multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, 3 mics, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | 9 Pro offers a slightly more enhanced audio experience thanks to the 3 microphones which allows for better voice clarity |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both phones offer standard fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | 9 Pro offers a superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | Biometric, Proximity, Motion & Gravity | Biometric, Proximity, Motion | 9 Pro offers Gravity sensor for enhanced motion detection. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: Significantly higher resolution and pixel density, making the display sharper. It also has much higher peak brightness for better visibility outdoors. While the technology is unknown, its higher brightness is a significant advantage.
- Better Camera System:
- Higher resolution wide-angle lens for more detailed landscape shots.
- Dedicated Telephoto lens for optical zoom, better image quality when zooming.
- 8K video recording for higher quality video content.
- Has a dedicated Black and White lens.
- Has the DXOMark score, indicating quality results.
- Wireless Charging & Reverse Charging: Convenient wireless charging options plus ability to charge other devices.
- More Satellite Systems: Better location accuracy with GLONASS (L1) added on GPS.
- More OS support One more Android version update.
- Better Audio: Offers a better experience thanks to 3 microphones.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5.
- More sensors: Gravity sensors
OnePlus 9RT 5G Advantages:
- AMOLED Display: Superior display technology with deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colours, which can improve viewing experiences, especially with dark themes and media content.
- Macro Lens: Dedicated macro lens for capturing detailed close-up shots.
- Double Battery Cell: Faster internal charging due to the 2 battery cells.
- Newer: Newer phone, launched 6 months after the 9 Pro, which can mean small improvements.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Display: The 9RT has a lower resolution, lower pixel density, lower brightness and potentially inferior screen protection compared to the 9 Pro, making the 9 Pro screen appear noticeably sharper and better for outdoor use.
- Camera: The 9RT lacks telephoto lens and black and white lens, and also has a lower resolution wide-angle lens and lower video recording capabilities compared to the 9 Pro, making it less versatile for varied photography.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 Pro Ideal User:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize versatile camera setups with a dedicated telephoto lens, higher quality wide angle lens, and want 8K video recording capabilities.
- Display Quality Lovers: Users who need sharpest screen resolution and highest brightness for comfortable viewing, whether for detailed images, reading or outdoor use.
- Power Users: Users who need wireless charging and reverse charging to keep their devices and accessories charged up throughout the day.
- Performance Enthusiasts: Users who desire maximum GPS accuracy for navigation, as well as the most powerful audio capabilities.
- Those who want long term software updates.
OnePlus 9RT 5G Ideal User:
- Casual Photographers: Users who take occasional photos and are more interested in standard shots and macro photography.
- Media Consumers: Users who appreciate the vibrant colours and deep blacks of an AMOLED display for streaming and watching videos.
- Value-Conscious Buyers: Users seeking good overall performance and a great screen, and willing to sacrifice some camera and display quality in exchange for a better price.
- Users who need faster internal charging
- Users who need a newer device
Specific Use Cases:
- OnePlus 9 Pro: Professional photography and videography, gaming, outdoor use in bright sunlight, users who need accurate GPS for navigation, users who require all the connectivity features and the latest software support.
- OnePlus 9RT 5G: Everyday use, social media browsing, streaming videos, macro photography, and users who value AMOLED display quality over ultimate camera versatility and resolution.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display sharpness and outdoor visibility? If you need the sharpest and brightest screen, the 9 Pro is the clear winner.
- How often will you use the zoom and ultra-wide lenses, and do you need 8k video? If you prioritize telephoto zoom, wide-angle detail, and 8K video, then the 9 Pro offers better versatility for varied shooting scenarios.
- Do you value wireless charging and reverse wireless charging or prefer faster internal charging? If you want to charge wirelessly or charge other devices, the 9 Pro is the clear choice. If you want to charge your phone internally faster, then the 9RT is better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Professional Photographer/Videographer: Choose the OnePlus 9 Pro for its superior camera system, 8k video recording capabilities and a wider array of options
- For the Casual User: If you value screen quality and need the most updated device, but are not concerned with all of the camera features, then the 9RT might be suitable as a budget option.
- For the Power User who values wireless charging: The OnePlus 9 Pro offers wireless charging and reverse wireless charging capabilities that the 9RT does not.
- For the Power User who values faster internal charging: The OnePlus 9RT offers faster internal charging thanks to the double battery cell setup.
My Choice
I would choose the OnePlus 9 Pro. While the OnePlus 9RT offers an AMOLED screen which is beneficial for many users, for me the superior display resolution and brightness of the 9 Pro are crucial. I frequently use my phone outdoors in bright sunlight and need a sharp display for reading and detailed images. Also, the significantly better camera system with the telephoto lens, higher resolution wide-angle, and 8K video recording capabilities aligns with my needs, as I frequently use my phone for varied photography, and I value the additional connectivity features and longer software support. The wireless charging and reverse charging capabilities are also extremely useful for my daily usage. While the 9RT offers a macro lens, the overall photographic versatility of the 9 Pro is the main draw.
