1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Oppo Reno8 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.2 x 73.6 x 8.7 mm | 161.2 x 74.2 x 7.3 mm | OnePlus 9 Pro is slightly taller and thicker, potentially feeling more substantial but less sleek than the thinner Reno8 Pro. |
| Weight | 197g | 183g | Reno8 Pro is 14g lighter, which might make it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Both have the same screen size providing similar viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1440x3216 | 1080x2412 | OnePlus 9 Pro offers significantly sharper text and images, more detail in photos and videos; Reno8 Pro may appear less sharp, especially for detailed content. |
| PPI | 525 | 394 | OnePlus 9 Pro's higher pixel density results in noticeably clearer and more refined visuals, while Reno8 Pro is less sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Reno8 Pro has better blacks, contrast, and power efficiency (for dark mode). The OnePlus 9 Pro display technology is not specified. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, good for gaming and general use. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 900 nits | OnePlus 9 Pro is significantly more visible in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G | Mediatek Dimensity 8100 Max | Different chipsets. OnePlus 9 Pro scores slightly higher in benchmarks, though real-world performance depends on optimization. |
| Antutu Score | 877,600 | 837,000 | OnePlus 9 Pro has slightly higher benchmark score, which might translate to slightly faster speeds in demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G610 MC6 | Different GPU configurations. Performance depends on the application. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/1.43", Sony IMX789 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56", Sony IMX766 | Reno8 Pro has slightly higher resolution; OnePlus 9 Pro has larger sensor, generally better low-light performance and dynamic range. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", Sony IMX471 | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/2.74", Sony IMX709 | Reno8 Pro has higher resolution and a slightly larger sensor for better selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4" | None | OnePlus 9 Pro has a telephoto lens for optical zoom. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56" | 5MP, f/2.2 | OnePlus 9 Pro has much higher resolution for wider shots. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | Reno8 Pro has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | OnePlus 9 Pro can take monochrome photos. |
| Video | 8K@30fps, 4K@120fps, EIS, HDR | 4K@30fps, EIS | OnePlus 9 Pro supports higher video resolutions with more frame rates options and HDR |
| DXOMark Score (Mobile) | 122 | 114 | OnePlus 9 Pro scored higher overall in DXOMark, better video performance, while Reno8 Pro has better photo score. |
| Camera Features | More: 8K Video, Optical zoom, OIS, RAW | More: Triple camera | OnePlus 9 Pro offers more comprehensive features for serious photography and videography. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Both offer comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 65W fast charging | 80W fast charging | Reno8 Pro charges faster. |
| Features | Wireless charging 50W, Reverse charging | None | OnePlus 9 Pro offers wireless charging and reverse charging, which the Reno8 Pro lacks. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 | Reno8 Pro comes with a newer OS out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | Both support the latest WiFi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.3 LE | Reno8 Pro has a slightly newer version of Bluetooth. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Reno8 Pro supports more satellite systems, potentially better location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer similar storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 8GB/12GB | Both offer similar RAM options. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 3 Mics | Stereo Speakers | OnePlus 9 Pro has better audio features such as Dolby Atmos. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Both have a similar basic fingerprint sensor |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Both use the same screen protection technology |
| Sensors | |||
| Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Compass | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Geomagnetic | OnePlus 9 Pro has a Compass sensor; Oppo Reno8 Pro has Geomagnetic Sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Pro Advantages:
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and pixel density for crisper visuals. This is especially noticeable when reading text or viewing high-resolution photos and videos.
- Brighter Display: Significantly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight.
- Telephoto Lens: Offers optical zoom for better close-up photos without losing quality.
- Advanced Camera Features: Includes 8K video, optical zoom, OIS, and RAW support, ideal for professional-grade photography and videography.
- Wireless Charging: Offers convenient wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, a feature not present in the Reno8 Pro.
- Better Audio: Enhanced audio features with Dolby Atmos and three microphones offering clearer and immersive audio experience.
- More comprehensive Sensor Suite: Includes a Compass sensor.
- Higher DXOMark overall score: indicates slightly better overall camera performance.
- Larger main camera sensor: Better low-light photos and more dynamic range.
Oppo Reno8 Pro Advantages:
- Sleeker Design: Thinner and lighter, making it more comfortable to hold and carry.
- Newer Software: Comes with a newer version of Android out of the box.
- Faster Charging: 80W charging significantly reduces charging time.
- Macro Lens: Allows for close-up photography of small objects.
- Newer Bluetooth: 5.3 version for better audio and connectivity performance.
- Selfie Camera: Higher resolution front camera for detailed selfies.
- More Satellites Support: Supports more satellite systems which may lead to more accurate locations.
- Better Main Camera Photo Score: Slightly better at taking pictures.
- Better Display Technology: Offers better blacks and vibrant colors due to the use of AMOLED technology.
- Geomagnetic sensor: which could be helpful for certain apps and functionalities.
Significant Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9 Pro: Lacks a dedicated macro lens and has a thicker, heavier design compared to the Reno8 Pro. It also has slower charging speeds and a slightly older operating system out of the box.
- Oppo Reno8 Pro: Lacks optical zoom, wireless charging, and has a less sharp display. The camera also doesn't record in 8K.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 Pro Ideal User:
- Photography and Videography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize a versatile camera system with optical zoom, 8K video, and RAW support.
- Outdoor Users: Those who frequently use their phone in bright sunlight and need a high-brightness display.
- Power Users: Individuals who need a high-resolution display and prefer features like wireless charging and reverse charging.
- Users that prioritize Audio: People who want enhanced audio with spatial audio, noise reduction and better voice capture.
- Gamers and Media Consumers: People who want a sharper and brighter display.
- Users who prefer better low-light performance: Due to the larger main camera sensor.
Oppo Reno8 Pro Ideal User:
- Style-Conscious Users: Those who prefer a sleek, lightweight, and modern design.
- Social Media Enthusiasts: Users who take a lot of selfies and want a high-resolution front camera.
- Users who prioritize fast charging: Individuals who value fast charging for on-the-go use.
- Casual Photographers: Users who want a capable camera with a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots.
- Users who prefer a newer OS out of the box: Those who want the latest software and features.
- Users who prefer a better color display: Due to the use of AMOLED technology
Use Cases:
- OnePlus 9 Pro:
- Professional video recording and editing.
- Outdoor photography in bright environments.
- Detailed document viewing and reading.
- Gaming where detail and brightness are important.
- High Fidelity Audio experience
- Oppo Reno8 Pro:
- Capturing detailed selfies and social media content.
- Fast charging during busy days.
- Taking close-up shots of small objects and nature.
- Daily use where lightweight and sleek design are a priority.
- Good performance for multimedia consumption.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Display Preference: Do you prioritize display sharpness and brightness (OnePlus 9 Pro) or AMOLED technology with a slightly less sharp display (Oppo Reno8 Pro)?
- Camera Needs: Do you need advanced camera features like optical zoom and 8K video (OnePlus 9 Pro), or is a good selfie camera and macro lens more important (Oppo Reno8 Pro)?
- Charging and Features: Is faster charging a priority (Oppo Reno8 Pro), or do you value wireless charging and reverse charging (OnePlus 9 Pro)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Photography Enthusiast:
- Recommendation: OnePlus 9 Pro. Its advanced camera system, telephoto lens, 8K video, and RAW support make it the better choice for serious photography.
- Scenario 2: Social Media User:
- Recommendation: Oppo Reno8 Pro. The higher-resolution selfie camera, sleek design, and fast charging make it ideal for social media enthusiasts.
- Scenario 3: Everyday User:
- Recommendation: This depends on what they value more. If they prioritize better display and camera performance, they should choose the Oneplus 9 Pro. If they value sleek design and fast charging, they should pick the Oppo Reno8 Pro.
What I would choose and why
My Choice: OnePlus 9 Pro
Personally, I would choose the OnePlus 9 Pro, despite it being the older phone. My reasoning is primarily based on the following:
Superior Display: The higher resolution and pixel density make a tangible difference in daily usage. I appreciate the sharper text and more detailed images, particularly when reading or viewing high-resolution content. The higher brightness also means that I can use the phone even under bright sunlight with ease.
Advanced Camera System: I am a photography enthusiast, and the telephoto lens and 8K video recording capabilities of the OnePlus 9 Pro are incredibly valuable. While the Reno8 Pro has a better selfie camera and macro lens, the overall camera system of the OnePlus 9 Pro, with its larger sensor, OIS, and RAW capture, offers more versatility.
Wireless Charging: The convenience of wireless charging and reverse charging outweighs the faster charging of the Reno8 Pro.
Audio Experience: The addition of Dolby Atmos and three microphones make a big difference to the audio quality.
While the Reno8 Pro has a sleek design, faster charging, a better selfie camera, a slightly better main camera photo score, and a newer operating system, I value the sharper display, better audio, and more versatile camera capabilities of the OnePlus 9 Pro more, making it my preferred choice for my particular use case.
