1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Realme 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 163.2 × 73.6 × 8.7 mm | 164.3 × 75.6 × 8.5 mm | Realme 9 Pro is slightly taller and wider, potentially feeling less comfortable in one hand for some users. |
| Weight | 197g | 195g | Both are similar in weight; negligible difference in hand feel. |
Display
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Realme 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.6" | OnePlus 9 Pro offers a slightly larger screen, beneficial for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1440x3216 | 1080x2412 | OnePlus 9 Pro has a much sharper display, resulting in crisper text and images, especially noticeable for detail-oriented tasks. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 525 | 400 | OnePlus 9 Pro offers a significantly sharper display with more detail. |
| Technology | Missing | IPS LCD | Realme 9 Pro uses IPS LCD; OnePlus 9 Pro display technology is unknown, making comparisons challenging. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | OnePlus 9 Pro is significantly brighter, providing much better visibility in direct sunlight; Realme 9 Pro's brightness is unknown. |
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Realme 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | OnePlus 9 Pro's chipset is significantly more powerful, providing faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 877,600 | 402,916 | OnePlus 9 Pro demonstrates significantly higher performance, better for demanding applications and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 619 | OnePlus 9 Pro's GPU is more powerful, offering better graphics in games and other graphically intensive tasks. |
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Realme 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/1.43" Sony IMX789 | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2" Omnivision OV64B | Realme 9 Pro has higher resolution, but OnePlus 9 Pro's larger sensor captures more light, potentially resulting in better low-light photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" Sony IMX471 | 16MP, f/2.0, 1/3.13" Sony IMX471 | Realme 9 Pro has wider aperture, capturing brighter selfies, especially in low light. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4" Omnivision OV08A10 | None | OnePlus 9 Pro offers optical zoom capabilities, useful for capturing distant subjects. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56" Sony IMX766 | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" Omnivision OV08D10 | OnePlus 9 Pro has a vastly superior wide-angle camera, capturing much more detail and better low-light performance. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" GalaxyCore GC02M1 | Realme 9 Pro has a dedicated macro lens for extreme close-up shots, which the OnePlus lacks. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | OnePlus 9 Pro offers an additional black & white sensor for creative monochrome images. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@30fps, multiple HDR and EIS modes | Up to 1080p@30fps | OnePlus 9 Pro offers superior video quality and features, suitable for more serious videography. |
| Video Stabilization | Yes | No | OnePlus 9 Pro has better video stabilization, resulting in smoother videos, especially when moving. |
| DXOMark Score | Mobile: 122, Photo: 124, Video: 118 | None | OnePlus 9 Pro's camera is rated significantly higher according to DXOMark. |
| Camera Features | Extensive features including OIS, continuous autofocus, RAW 12 bits | Less extensive, but offers Night Mode | OnePlus 9 Pro offers more advanced camera features, providing greater control and flexibility to photographers. |
Battery
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Realme 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Realme 9 Pro has a larger battery and is likely to offer longer battery life. |
| Charging | 65W fast charging | 33W fast charging | OnePlus 9 Pro charges much faster, reducing downtime and is more convenient for users on the go. |
| Features | 50W Wireless charging, Reverse charging, Reverse wireless charging | None | OnePlus 9 Pro offers wireless charging and the ability to charge other devices wirelessly, making it more versatile. |
Software
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Realme 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11, upgradeable to 14 | Android 12, upgradeable to 13 | Realme 9 Pro ships with a newer OS out of the box, but the OnePlus 9 Pro will receive a higher max update version. |
Connectivity
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Realme 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | OnePlus 9 Pro supports newer WiFi standard, offering faster speeds, lower latency, and better performance in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.1 | OnePlus 9 Pro features a more recent Bluetooth version, potentially offering more efficient connections and new features. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | OnePlus 9 Pro offers more precise location tracking with more satellite systems. |
Storage
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Realme 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 128 GB | OnePlus 9 Pro offers more storage options, and provides more space for apps, photos, and videos. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 6/8 GB | OnePlus 9 Pro offers more RAM, resulting in smoother multitasking and better gaming performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage; users are limited to internal storage options. |
Audio
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Realme 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Hi-Res Audio, 2 microphones | OnePlus 9 Pro is likely to offer superior audio for media consumption and calls, while Realme 9 Pro may appeal to audiophiles with Hi-Res support. |
Security
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Realme 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Realme 9 Pro features a more convenient and accessible fingerprint scanner, and offers faster unlocking. |
Build Quality
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Realme 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | OnePlus 9 Pro offers superior screen protection; durability of Realme 9 Pro is unknown. |
Sensors
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Realme 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Geomagnetic, Proximity, Fingerprint | OnePlus 9 Pro includes additional sensors, enhancing its suitability for advanced applications like AR and gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: Much higher resolution and brightness, making it better for content viewing, outdoor use, and tasks requiring sharp visuals.
- Higher Performance: Significantly more powerful chipset and GPU, offering smoother multitasking, better gaming, and faster app loading.
- Better Camera System: Superior main sensor, wide-angle camera, telephoto lens, and significantly better video capabilities.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Options: Significantly faster wired charging and includes wireless charging capabilities (including reverse wireless charging).
- Better WiFi and GPS: Support for more satellite systems and the latest Wi-Fi standard provides a better user experience.
- Higher quality audio: Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers.
- More Robust Build Quality: Better screen protection with Gorilla Glass 5.
- More Sensors: Includes Compass, Gravity Sensor which offer enhanced usage for AR and gaming
Realme 9 Pro Advantages:
- Newer OS out of the box: Ships with a newer version of Android (12).
- Larger Battery: Offers potentially longer battery life.
- Macro Lens: Has a dedicated macro lens which allows for detailed close-up photography.
- Side Mounted Fingerprint Scanner: Provides more convenient and accessible biometric authentication.
- Potentially more affordable: Designed as mid range phone.
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9 Pro: Sacrifices battery life and macro lens, side mounted scanner for more powerful hardware, better display, superior camera.
- Realme 9 Pro: Offers a larger battery and dedicated macro lens, but has a less powerful chipset, lower-resolution display, and less advanced camera system and features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 Pro Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Individuals who demand top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and resource-intensive applications.
- Content Creators: Users who need high-quality video recording, excellent photography, and advanced camera features.
- Media Enthusiasts: People who value a vibrant, high-resolution display for watching videos and enjoying visual content.
- Professional Users: Individuals who need the latest Wi-Fi standard and precise GPS for work.
- Those who want a premium feel and features: Individuals who value faster charging speeds, wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
Realme 9 Pro Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Consumers: Those seeking a mid-range phone with a good feature set at a more affordable price.
- Everyday Users: Individuals who need a phone for regular tasks like calling, texting, browsing, and social media.
- Users focused on battery: Those who prioritize long battery life.
- Macro Photographers: Users who appreciate a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography.
- Users who prefer side mounted fingerprint scanner: Those who prefer side mounted sensors as a more convenient way to unlock their phone.
Specific Use Cases:
- OnePlus 9 Pro:
- Playing demanding mobile games at high settings.
- Recording 4K and 8K videos for professional or creative projects.
- Watching high-resolution movies and shows on the go.
- Using GPS for precise navigation in complex environments.
- Using wireless charging and reverse charging for convenience.
- Realme 9 Pro:
- Daily tasks like web browsing, social media, and email.
- Taking everyday photos and occasional close-up shots with the macro lens.
- Streaming media for a decent amount of time with the large battery.
- Navigating using basic GPS functionalities.
Price-to-Value:
- The OnePlus 9 Pro justifies its higher cost with its superior display, performance, camera, and features like wireless charging.
- The Realme 9 Pro offers a more affordable option for users who do not require top-tier performance but prioritize battery life and value.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my primary use case for this phone? (e.g., gaming, content creation, everyday use, media consumption).
- How important is camera quality, display sharpness, and fast performance? (Consider if top-tier specifications are essential or if a mid-range phone is sufficient).
- What is my budget? (Determine if the significantly higher price of the OnePlus 9 Pro is justifiable based on needs).
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- If you are a power user or content creator who wants the best performance and camera available: Choose the OnePlus 9 Pro. Its higher performance, superior display, and significantly better camera system will cater to your needs.
- If you prioritize longer battery life and convenience over other specifications, and want a side mounted fingerprint scanner: The Realme 9 Pro will be a better fit, as the larger battery will help with the longer use and convenient side-mounted fingerprint scanner.
- If you are looking for the best value and prioritize battery and an affordable price: Choose the Realme 9 Pro.
- If you are looking for a balance of performance and camera features at a lower price: Choose the OnePlus 9 Pro. Although older, its value will still surpass the Realme 9 Pro in many ways.
My Choice
If I had to choose between the OnePlus 9 Pro and the Realme 9 Pro, I would personally choose the OnePlus 9 Pro.
Here's why:
- Superior Performance: As someone who uses their phone for a variety of tasks, including gaming, media editing, and heavy multitasking, the Snapdragon 888 chipset and Adreno 660 GPU in the OnePlus 9 Pro would provide a much smoother experience. The AnTuTu score difference clearly shows how big of a jump the OnePlus is.
- Better Display: I would greatly appreciate the sharper, brighter display of the OnePlus 9 Pro for both content consumption and general usage. The difference in pixel density is significant.
- Significantly Improved Camera System: The primary camera, wide-angle and telephoto camera are significantly better in the OnePlus 9 Pro, allowing me to capture great quality photos and videos.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: As someone who is always on the go, the faster wired charging and wireless charging capabilities are a huge convenience.
- More sensors and better build quality: The added features of the OnePlus 9 Pro offer a more robust experience than the Realme 9 Pro.
While the Realme 9 Pro offers a larger battery, which is compelling, the trade-offs in performance, display quality, and camera capabilities are not worth it for my particular use case. I prioritize top-tier performance and a great camera over a larger battery, and I'm happy to charge my device more often to get these features. Although it's an older device, its value will still surpass the Realme 9 Pro in many ways, and its hardware is still great to this day.
