1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the OnePlus 9 Pro and OnePlus Nord 3, focusing on practical implications:
Design
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | OnePlus Nord 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 163.2 × 73.6 × 8.7 mm | 162 × 75.1 × 8.2 mm | OnePlus 9 Pro is slightly taller and thicker; Nord 3 is wider. The differences are small but might affect hand feel. |
| Weight | 197g | 193.5g | Both are relatively similar in weight, making them comparable in terms of portability and handheld comfort. |
| Build | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 (Screen) | Unknown (Screen) | OnePlus 9 Pro has known screen protection. Nord 3's protection is not specified. |
Display
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | OnePlus Nord 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.74" | Negligibly different screen sizes. Unnoticeable difference in daily use. |
| Resolution | 1440x3216 | 1240x2772 | OnePlus 9 Pro has a much sharper display, resulting in crisper text and images. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 525 | 451 | Noticeably sharper image on the 9 Pro, with finer detail visible to the eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OnePlus Nord 3 has AMOLED for better blacks, contrast, and power efficiency when using dark mode. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, with identical visual experience in this regard. |
| Brightness (nits) | 1300 | 1450 | OnePlus Nord 3 is more visible outdoors in direct sunlight thanks to higher peak brightness. |
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | OnePlus Nord 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | MediaTek Dimensity 9000 (4 nm) | Nord 3's newer chipset generally offers better performance and power efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 877,600 | 1,103,441 | Nord 3 scores higher in benchmarks indicating better performance in demanding tasks and games. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G710 MC10 | Different GPUs; Nord 3's GPU generally delivers better graphics performance than the OnePlus 9 Pro. |
| RAM | 8GB or 12GB | 8GB or 16GB | Nord 3 offers more RAM for smoother multitasking and heavy app usage. |
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | OnePlus Nord 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP (Sony IMX789) | 50MP (Sony IMX890) | Slightly higher resolution on Nord 3, but sensor size may impact image quality. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.43" | 1/1.56" | OnePlus 9 Pro has a larger sensor, which can capture more light, potentially improving low-light photography. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP (Sony IMX471) | 16MP (Sony IMX471) | Comparable selfie camera performance, although the Nord 3 has a larger pixel size. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP (Omnivision OV08A10) | None | OnePlus 9 Pro offers optical zoom capabilities, while Nord 3 relies on digital zoom. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP (Sony IMX766) | 8MP (Sony IMX355) | Significantly superior wide angle lens on the OnePlus 9 Pro in terms of resolution and sensor size. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP (GalaxyCore GC02M1) | Nord 3 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP | None | OnePlus 9 Pro offers a B&W camera for creative shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 4K@60fps | OnePlus 9 Pro offers higher resolution video recording. Both phones have electronic image stabilization (EIS). |
| DxOMark Score | 122 (Mobile) | Not Tested | The 9 Pro has a proven camera system according to the DxOMark testing, Nord 3 does not have a score, but is still likely capable. |
Battery
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | OnePlus Nord 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 5000 mAh | OnePlus Nord 3 has a larger battery, providing longer battery life. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 80W Fast Charging | OnePlus Nord 3 charges faster, reducing charging times. |
| Features | Wireless charging 50W, Reverse Charging | None | OnePlus 9 Pro offers wireless charging and reverse charging functionality. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Pro Advantages:
- Sharper Display: Significantly higher resolution and pixel density for a crisper viewing experience.
- Better Camera System: Offers more versatile photography with telephoto, wide-angle and B&W lenses. Larger sensors generally mean better image quality, especially in low light. It also features 8K video recording.
- Wireless Charging and Reverse Charging: Added convenience for users who appreciate wireless charging capabilities and the ability to charge other devices.
- More GPS systems: Potentially better location accuracy thanks to more satellite systems supported.
OnePlus Nord 3 Advantages:
- Newer Chipset: More powerful and efficient processor leads to better performance, app loading, and gaming.
- Larger Battery & Faster Charging: Longer battery life and faster charging times for improved convenience.
- AMOLED Display: Superior color reproduction and contrast, as well as better efficiency with dark modes.
- More RAM: 16 GB variant available for very heavy multitaskers.
- Macro Lens: Provides the ability for close-up shots.
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9 Pro: Older chipset and lower battery capacity compared to the Nord 3. Less RAM than top Nord 3 variant.
- OnePlus Nord 3: Lacks the telephoto lens and the 8K video recording capabilities of the OnePlus 9 Pro. The main camera sensor is also smaller on the Nord 3. Nord 3 also lacks wireless charging and screen protection specification.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 Pro:
- Ideal User: Photography enthusiasts, users who prioritize display quality and users who utilize wireless charging frequently.
- Use Cases:
- Professional photography and videography.
- Frequent media consumption where display sharpness is paramount.
- Power users who like to charge wirelessly.
- Price-to-Value: May be available at a reduced price, but the technology is older and therefore might not be the best overall value in 2024.
OnePlus Nord 3:
- Ideal User: Gamers, heavy multitaskers, and users who want a device that can keep up with them throughout the day with long lasting battery.
- Use Cases:
- Demanding mobile gaming and intensive multitasking.
- All day use with the large battery capacity.
- Users who value fast charging.
- Price-to-Value: Offers the latest mid-range technology and great value for the price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is camera quality? If you frequently take photos and videos, the OnePlus 9 Pro’s versatile camera system may be a better choice, but for less demanding users, the Nord 3 is still a good option.
- Do you need a sharp, high-resolution display or prefer battery life? The OnePlus 9 Pro has a superior screen, while the Nord 3 will offer better battery life.
- Do you prefer wireless charging and is 8k video recording important? If yes, the OnePlus 9 Pro is the better option, otherwise the Nord 3 offers more value and better performance.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Photography Enthusiast: The OnePlus 9 Pro, with its superior camera system (including telephoto and wide-angle lenses) and 8K video capabilities, is the better option.
- For the Performance Seeker: The OnePlus Nord 3, with its newer chipset and larger RAM, is the better option for gaming and multitasking.
- For the Everyday User: The OnePlus Nord 3, with its more modern chipset, larger battery, and faster charging is more suitable for average daily use.
What I Would Choose and Why
For my personal needs, I would choose the OnePlus Nord 3. While the OnePlus 9 Pro has a more sophisticated camera system and sharper screen, I prioritize the following:
- Performance: The newer Dimensity 9000 chipset in the Nord 3 will offer a snappier and more responsive experience for daily use and gaming. The benchmarks show a noticeable difference.
- Battery Life: The larger battery and fast charging is key to my long days and for when I am on the go.
- Value: As the 9 Pro is an older device now, its price point may not be as competitive as the Nord 3. I will sacrifice some of the camera capabilities and the sharper screen for a lower price and better processor.
- Future Updates: The Nord 3's newer android and update schedule ensures I will receive more android version updates.
While I appreciate the 9 Pro's camera advantages, the overall user experience and the better value proposition of the Nord 3 makes it the more logical choice for me.
