OnePlus 9 Pro vs Oppo A96 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
OnePlus 9 Pro
OnePlus 9 Pro
Oneplus
Oppo A96
Oppo A96
Oppo

General

Launch Date March 30, 2021 March 16, 2022
Release Year 2021 2022

Physical

Volume 104.5 cm³ 104.54 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.4 "/g 3.45 "/g
Weight 197 g 191 g
Height 163.2 mm 164.4 mm
Width 73.6 mm 75.7 mm
Thickness 8.7 mm 8.4 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Forest Green
  • Morning Mist
  • Stellar Black
  • Starry Black
  • Sunset Blue

Display

Screen Size 6.7 " 6.59 "
Resolution 1440 x 3216 1080 x 2412
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 89.9 % 84 %
Pixel Density 525 PPI 401 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 90 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A 480 nits
HBM Brightness N/A 600 nits
Peak Brightness 1300 nits N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 100.25 mAh/in² 115.13 mAh/in²
Battery Density 43.06 mAh/cm³ 47.83 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4500 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55 Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver)
GPU Adreno 660 Adreno 610

Connectivity

USB Version 3.1 2.0
OTG Support 1 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 3.1, OTG USB Type-C 2.0, OTG

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 11 11
Maximum OS Version 14

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

Here's a detailed comparison of the OnePlus 9 Pro and Oppo A96, focusing on practical implications:

FeatureOnePlus 9 ProOppo A96Practical Impact
Design
Dimensions163.2 x 73.6 x 8.7 mm164.4 x 75.7 x 8.4 mmOnePlus 9 Pro is slightly more compact, Oppo A96 is a bit taller and wider. Minimal difference in hand feel.
Weight197g191gOppo A96 is 6g lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use.
Display
Size6.7"6.59"OnePlus 9 Pro has a slightly larger screen, beneficial for media consumption and multitasking.
Resolution1440 x 32161080 x 2412OnePlus 9 Pro offers noticeably sharper text and images, enhancing overall visual clarity.
Pixel Density (PPI)525401OnePlus 9 Pro has a much sharper display, resulting in more detailed content.
TechnologyIPS LCDOppo A96 has IPS LCD display technology. The OnePlus 9 Pro's technology is not specified, making direct comparison difficult.
Refresh Rate120Hz90HzOnePlus 9 Pro provides smoother scrolling and animations, making user interactions feel more fluid.
Brightness1300 nits0 nitsOnePlus 9 Pro is significantly brighter, offering better visibility in outdoor and sunny conditions. The Oppo A96 brightness is not specified, limiting comparison.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm)OnePlus 9 Pro has a flagship-level processor, enabling faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming performance. Oppo A96 is in a lower performance tier.
AnTuTu Score877,600218,000OnePlus 9 Pro offers significantly faster performance, suitable for demanding apps and games, while Oppo A96 is limited to basic tasks.
GPUAdreno 660Adreno 610OnePlus 9 Pro has a much more powerful GPU, crucial for graphics-intensive tasks and gaming.
Camera
Standard Camera48MP, f/1.8, 1/1.43", Sony IMX78950MP, f/1.8Oppo A96 has a slightly higher resolution, but sensor size and specific model are missing. OnePlus 9 Pro has a larger sensor, likely resulting in better low-light performance.
Selfie Camera16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", Sony IMX47116MP, f/2.0Oppo A96 has a wider aperture, potentially capturing slightly brighter selfies in low light.
Telephoto Lens8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4", Omnivision OV08A10N/AOnePlus 9 Pro offers optical zoom capabilities for greater shooting versatility.
Wide Angle Lens50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56", Sony IMX766N/AOnePlus 9 Pro offers an ultra-wide lens, allowing for more creative and expansive shots.
Depth SensorN/A2MP, f/2.4Oppo A96 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode effects.
Black & White Lens2MP, f/2.4N/AOnePlus 9 Pro offers a dedicated monochrome lens for artistic black and white photos.
Video Recording8K@30fps, 4K@120fps, HDR, EIS1080p@30fpsOnePlus 9 Pro supports significantly higher video resolution and frame rates, making it better for video creators.
DxOMark Score122 (Mobile), 124 (Photo), 118 (Video)N/AOnePlus 9 Pro has undergone professional camera testing. No data available for the Oppo A96.
Camera FeaturesQuad, OIS, 8K video, RAW, Night ModeDual, basic featuresOnePlus 9 Pro provides advanced features for more creative control, while Oppo A96 has a more basic set of features.
Battery
Capacity4500mAh5000mAhOppo A96 has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life.
Charging65W Fast Charging33W Fast ChargingOnePlus 9 Pro has significantly faster charging, reducing downtime for power replenishment.
Features50W wireless charging, reverse wireless chargingNon-removableOnePlus 9 Pro offers superior charging versatility including wireless and reverse wireless charging.
Software
OSAndroid 11, Upgradable to 14Android 11OnePlus 9 Pro is guaranteed to have newer versions of Android. Oppo A96's future updates are unknown.
Connectivity
WiFiWiFi 6WiFi 5OnePlus 9 Pro supports the latest WiFi standard, potentially offering faster and more stable network connections.
BluetoothBluetooth 5.2Bluetooth 5.0OnePlus 9 Pro supports a newer version of Bluetooth.
GPSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a)GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GalileoOnePlus 9 Pro provides greater accuracy with its diverse satellite support.
Storage
Internal128 GB or 256 GB128 GBOnePlus 9 Pro offers more storage options, better suited for large media libraries.
RAM8 GB or 12 GB6 GB or 8 GBOnePlus 9 Pro has more RAM options, leading to improved multitasking performance.
ExpandableNoNoNeither device supports expandable storage.
Audio
Audio QualityDolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation mic, 3 micsBasic audio featuresOnePlus 9 Pro provides a much better audio experience.
Security
Fingerprint Sensorbasic fingerprint sensorside-mounted fingerprint sensorOppo A96 offers a more convenient and accessible side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
Build Quality
Screen ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5UnknownOnePlus 9 Pro has superior screen protection
Sensors
SensorsFingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, GyroscopeFingerprint, Proximity, AccelerometerOnePlus 9 Pro has additional sensors for advanced functionality (e.g., gaming and AR applications).

2. Key Differences Analysis

Here's a breakdown of the major advantages and trade-offs:

OnePlus 9 Pro Advantages:

  • Superior Performance: Flagship Snapdragon 888 chipset, much higher AnTuTu score, and more powerful GPU. This translates to snappier performance, smoother multitasking, and better gaming.
  • Significantly Better Display: Higher resolution, pixel density, refresh rate, and much higher brightness, providing a significantly improved viewing experience, especially outdoors.
  • Advanced Camera System: Versatile quad-camera setup with telephoto, wide-angle lenses, and superior video capabilities (8K, 4K@120fps), offering more creative options and better image quality.
  • Faster Charging & Advanced Battery Features: 65W fast charging and additional features including wireless charging, making it convenient to recharge and manage power.
  • Better Connectivity: Newer WiFi and Bluetooth standards, along with more comprehensive GPS support, ensures better wireless performance.
  • Superior Audio: Features like Dolby Atmos, stereo speakers, and noise cancellation microphone offer an enhanced audio experience.

Oppo A96 Advantages:

  • Slightly Larger Battery: 5000mAh capacity, may offer longer battery life under moderate use conditions.
  • Newer Design: Launched a year after the OnePlus 9 Pro, design may be more aesthetically pleasing to some.
  • Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Conveniently placed for quick access.
  • Wider Aperture Selfie Camera: Can potentially capture better selfies in low-light conditions.
  • Lower Price: Likely available at a lower price point, targeting the budget-conscious consumer.

Trade-offs:

  • OnePlus 9 Pro: Higher cost, may be unnecessary for basic users.
  • Oppo A96: Lower performance, lacks advanced features like telephoto lens and higher video resolution, weaker display.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Ideal Users for OnePlus 9 Pro:

  • Power Users: Those who need top-tier performance for multitasking, gaming, and demanding applications.
  • Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value a versatile and high-quality camera system, including telephoto and wide-angle lenses.
  • Media Consumers: Individuals who want a superior display for watching videos and browsing content, especially in bright environments.
  • Tech-Savvy Individuals: Those who appreciate cutting-edge features and want a future-proof device.
  • Video Content Creators: People who need a phone capable of shooting high-quality videos.

Use Cases:

  • Gaming (high frame rate, graphics intensive games)
  • Professional photography and videography
  • Media consumption (high-resolution, HDR content)
  • Heavy multitasking and productivity tasks

Ideal Users for Oppo A96:

  • Budget-Conscious Users: Individuals who need a reliable smartphone without the high price tag.
  • Casual Users: People who mostly use their phone for social media, browsing, and basic communication.
  • Battery-Focused Users: Those who prioritize long battery life and can live without high performance or advanced features.
  • Users needing basic functionality: People who don't need all the bells and whistles of a high-end smartphone.

Use Cases:

  • Everyday social media browsing
  • Basic photography and video recording
  • Light gaming
  • Long battery life for extended use
  • General everyday smartphone use

Price-to-Value Ratio:

  • OnePlus 9 Pro: Offers significantly higher performance, better camera, and display, justifying the higher price.
  • Oppo A96: Provides a more affordable option but at the expense of performance and high-end features.

4. Decision Framework

Here are 3 key questions for buyers to consider:

  1. What is your budget? If you have a limited budget, the Oppo A96 is the clear choice. If you are willing to pay more, the OnePlus 9 Pro provides exceptional value for the price.
  2. What are your primary use cases? If you are a heavy user, gaming enthusiast, or content creator, the OnePlus 9 Pro is the better option. If you mainly use your phone for browsing, social media, and basic tasks, the Oppo A96 may be sufficient.
  3. How important is display and camera quality? If you need a high-resolution, high-brightness screen, and a versatile camera with advanced features, the OnePlus 9 Pro is much better. If you have more modest needs, the Oppo A96's basic setup will suffice.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1 (High-Performance): If you need top-tier performance and features for gaming, content creation, and demanding apps, choose the OnePlus 9 Pro.
  • Scenario 2 (Budget-Conscious): If you need a reliable smartphone for basic tasks and long battery life, and want to save money, choose the Oppo A96.
  • Scenario 3 (Balanced User): If you want an all-round good phone without the premium price, the OnePlus 9 Pro is a better option, but the cost should be factored in.
  • Scenario 4 (Photography Enthusiast): If you prioritize camera versatility and want to capture high-quality images and videos, the OnePlus 9 Pro is the better choice.

My Choice

If I were choosing, I would pick the OnePlus 9 Pro. While it's older, its superior performance, exceptional display, and more versatile camera system outweigh the benefits of the Oppo A96. For my typical use case—which includes productivity, media consumption, and photography—the OnePlus 9 Pro offers a better experience with its advanced features, significantly better display and faster performance, despite the Oppo A96's larger battery capacity. The additional features like wireless charging, telephoto lens and 8k video recording are very valuable for my needs.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

Key Strengths:

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Digital media communication
  • Technical storytelling
  • User-centric technology insights

Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.