1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Realme 9 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.2 x 73.6 x 8.7 mm | 160.2 x 73.3 x 8 mm | OnePlus 9 Pro is slightly larger and thicker, potentially less comfortable in hand for some users. |
| Weight | 197g | 182g | Realme 9 Pro+ is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.4" | OnePlus 9 Pro offers a more immersive experience for media consumption and gaming due to its larger screen. |
| Resolution | 1440x3216 | 1080x2400 | OnePlus 9 Pro provides a significantly sharper and more detailed display. |
| Pixel Density | 525 PPI | 411 PPI | OnePlus 9 Pro displays sharper text and images, less pixelation. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Realme 9 Pro+ has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and better power efficiency, especially for dark themes. The OnePlus 9 Pro's panel tech is unknown. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | OnePlus 9 Pro has smoother animations and scrolling. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | OnePlus 9 Pro offers much better outdoor visibility under bright sunlight. Brightness for the Realme is not specified. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 920 (6 nm) | OnePlus 9 Pro has a much more powerful chipset, providing superior performance for demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 877,600 | 496,970 | OnePlus 9 Pro is significantly faster in benchmarks, better for gaming and heavy multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G68 MC4 | OnePlus 9 Pro offers superior graphics performance, especially in gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens | 48MP, 1/1.43" sensor | 50MP, 1/1.56" sensor | Realme 9 Pro+ has slightly higher resolution, but OnePlus has a physically larger sensor which should capture more light and detail. |
| Selfie Lens | 16MP, 1/3.13" sensor | 16MP, 1/3.13" sensor | Similar selfie camera specs. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP | None | OnePlus 9 Pro offers optical zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, 1/1.56" sensor | 8MP, 1/2.8" sensor | OnePlus 9 Pro has a significantly higher resolution and larger sensor for its wide-angle shots. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, 1/5" sensor | Realme 9 Pro+ allows for macro photography. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP | None | OnePlus 9 Pro provides monochrome photography options. |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps | OnePlus 9 Pro has higher resolution and video features for professional video recording. |
| DxOMark | Mobile: 122 | Not Available | OnePlus 9 Pro has a tested camera with good scores, Realme camera is untested |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Both phones have similar battery life. |
| Charging | 65W fast charging | 60W fast charging | OnePlus 9 Pro charges slightly faster. |
| Features | Reverse, Wireless Charging | None | OnePlus 9 Pro offers wireless charging and reverse charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Realme 9 Pro+ ships with a newer Android version initially, but OnePlus has a higher potential OS update. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Similar Wi-Fi capabilities |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.2 | Similar Bluetooth capabilities. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS | OnePlus 9 Pro has support for more satellite systems, for better positioning. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both offer dual SIM capabilities. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both offer identical storage options. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 6/8 GB | OnePlus 9 Pro offers more RAM for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 3 Microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 Microphones | Both have stereo speakers; OnePlus has 3 microphones, Realme has Hi-Res Audio and 2 microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both offer standard fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Both offer the same level of screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Heart Rate, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | OnePlus has Compass, Realme has a Heart Rate sensor |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Pro Advantages:
- Significantly Higher Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset provides superior processing power, especially for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing.
- Superior Display: The higher resolution, pixel density, and brightness offer a crisper and more vibrant viewing experience, especially outdoors.
- More Versatile Camera System: Includes a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, a higher resolution wide-angle lens, and a black & white sensor, offering more creative options.
- Faster Charging and Wireless Charging: 65W wired charging and 50W wireless charging are faster and offer more charging options.
- Higher RAM Options: Up to 12GB of RAM allows for smoother multitasking and better performance when using multiple apps.
- More Satellites for Positioning: Provides better GPS positioning through increased satellite support.
Realme 9 Pro+ Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: The smaller size and lighter weight make it more comfortable to hold and use for longer periods.
- AMOLED Display: Offers better contrast, deeper blacks, and power efficiency for dark themes.
- Macro Lens: Dedicated macro lens enables close-up photography.
- Newer Android Version at Launch: Ships with Android 12 compared to Android 11 on the OnePlus 9 Pro, however it will receive one less system update than the OnePlus.
- Hi-Res Audio: Enhanced audio playback quality with high resolution audio support.
- Heart Rate Sensor: A built-in heart rate sensor for monitoring fitness.
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9 Pro: Sacrifices some comfort due to its larger size and weight, has a less advanced screen panel, has a older OS at launch.
- Realme 9 Pro+: Offers lower performance, a less versatile camera system, and no wireless charging, for a more comfortable device.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 Pro Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Individuals who demand top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, and running intensive applications.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera system with optical zoom, great wide-angle shots, and professional-grade video capabilities.
- Outdoor Users: Individuals who need a bright display that is easily visible under direct sunlight.
- Multitaskers: Users who require a lot of RAM to run many apps simultaneously without slowdowns.
Use Cases:
- Mobile Gaming: Provides the best frame rates and graphics performance.
- Professional Photography and Videography: Superior camera setup for detailed and high quality shots, with higher quality video recording.
- Outdoor Navigation and Use: The bright screen and extra GPS capabilities make this ideal for navigation in demanding situations.
Realme 9 Pro+ Ideal Users:
- Casual Users: Those who prioritize comfort and ease of use over raw power, still wanting a good display.
- Photography Hobbyists: Users who enjoy casual photography, especially macro, with good image quality.
- Media Consumers: Individuals who watch a lot of videos and want a screen with excellent contrast and colors.
- Fitness Trackers: Those who want a heart rate sensor built into their phone.
Use Cases:
- Everyday Use: Ideal for browsing, social media, and general daily tasks.
- Casual Photography: Captures good quality photos in various conditions, especially close ups.
- Media Consumption: The AMOLED display enhances the viewing experience for movies and TV shows.
- Fitness Monitoring: Useful for basic heart rate monitoring during workouts.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance Needs: Do I require top-tier performance for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing, or is everyday performance sufficient?
- Camera Priorities: Do I need a versatile camera system with optical zoom and the highest possible video resolutions, or is a good general camera enough?
- Form Factor and Comfort: Do I prioritize a large, bright display and advanced functionality, or a lighter, more comfortable phone with a compact design?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Gaming and Heavy Usage: If you frequently play demanding mobile games and require the best performance possible, the OnePlus 9 Pro is the clear choice.
- Scenario 2: Casual Use with a Focus on Camera: If you are a casual user with less need for gaming, and want a very good camera with the ability to take good macro photos, the Realme 9 Pro+ will be more than suitable.
- Scenario 3: Battery and Display are Crucial: If the best screen experience with great outdoor visibility and a good battery is the priority, the OnePlus 9 Pro is the best option.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the OnePlus 9 Pro. While the Realme 9 Pro+ has a few nice features like the AMOLED screen and heart rate sensor, the OnePlus 9 Pro wins on almost all fronts that are important to me. I value having the best possible performance, a great camera with versatility, and a bright display that works well outdoors. The larger form factor doesn't bother me, and the extra weight is something I could live with. While the Realme is a great value phone, I am willing to pay a bit more for the extra performance and features of the OnePlus 9 Pro. The 8K video capability, telephoto lens, wireless charging, and increased RAM are all features that I would use frequently. Ultimately, the OnePlus 9 Pro better suits my needs for performance and photography.
