Smartphone Comparison: OnePlus 9 Pro vs. Realme Note 50
1. Specifications Comparison
Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Realme Note 50 | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Design | |||
Dimensions | 163.2 x 73.6 x 8.7 mm | 167.2 x 76.7 x 8 mm | Realme Note 50 is slightly taller and wider, OnePlus 9 Pro is thicker; may affect one-handed use and pocketability. |
Weight | 197g | 186g | Realme Note 50 is lighter, might feel more comfortable for extended use. |
Display | |||
Size | 6.7" | 6.74" | Negligible size difference. |
Resolution | 1440 x 3216 | 720 x 1600 | OnePlus 9 Pro has a significantly sharper display with much more detail. Text and images will be noticeably clearer. |
Pixel Density | 525 ppi | 260 ppi | OnePlus 9 Pro’s display is much sharper and clearer due to the higher pixel density. |
Technology | IPS LCD | Realme Note 50's IPS LCD offers good viewing angles and colors. The OnePlus 9 Pro's display technology is unknown but assumed to be OLED or AMOLED, which would give it an advantage in color reproduction and contrast. | |
Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | OnePlus 9 Pro offers smoother scrolling and animations; more responsive for gaming. |
Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | OnePlus 9 Pro's display is vastly superior in outdoor visibility in bright conditions. Realme Note 50's brightness is unknown. |
Performance | |||
Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12nm) | OnePlus 9 Pro has a much more powerful processor; Significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, better gaming performance. |
AnTuTu Score | 877,600 | 248,000 | OnePlus 9 Pro offers vastly superior performance. Real-world difference is significant. |
GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G57 MP1 | OnePlus 9 Pro's GPU delivers much higher graphics performance, crucial for gaming. |
Battery | |||
Capacity | 4500 mAh | 5000 mAh | Realme Note 50 has a larger battery, which could translate to longer battery life on a single charge. |
Charging | 65W fast charging | 10W fast charging | OnePlus 9 Pro charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
Features | Reverse, Wireless, Reverse Wireless | Non-removable | OnePlus 9 Pro offers more convenient charging options such as wireless charging, which is missing on the Realme Note 50. |
Camera | |||
Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/1.43" | 13MP, f/2.2 | OnePlus 9 Pro captures much more detailed images with superior low-light performance due to larger sensor and wider aperture. |
Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" | 5MP, f/2.2 | OnePlus 9 Pro takes higher-resolution selfies. |
Telephoto Lens | 8MP, f/2.4 | None | OnePlus 9 Pro offers optical zoom capability for better zoomed-in shots; Realme Note 50 lacks this feature. |
Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2 | None | OnePlus 9 Pro captures much wider scenes; Realme Note 50 lacks this feature. |
Black & White Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both have similar capabilities for black and white shots. |
Video | Up to 8K@30fps | 1080p@30fps | OnePlus 9 Pro can record at much higher resolutions, suitable for professional use; includes HDR and EIS |
DXOMark Score | 122 | N/A | OnePlus 9 Pro's camera quality is rated as significantly better by DXOMark . |
Features | Advanced features, OIS, EIS, etc. | Basic Features | OnePlus 9 Pro offers a wider range of camera features, such as OIS, manual control, RAW capture, that are missing from the Realme Note 50. |
Software | |||
OS | Android 11, up to 14 | Android 13 | Realme Note 50 comes with a newer version of android out of the box. |
Connectivity | |||
WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | WiFi 5 (802.11ac) | OnePlus 9 Pro has faster and more efficient Wi-Fi. |
Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 | OnePlus 9 Pro has the newer standard |
GPS | More Systems | Less Systems | OnePlus 9 Pro supports more satellite systems for more accurate location. |
SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support two SIM cards. |
Storage | |||
Internal | 128/256 GB | 64/128/256 GB | Both come in the same maximum capacity, but the Realme has a base storage of 64 GB. |
RAM | 8/12 GB | 3/4 GB | OnePlus 9 Pro allows for more intensive multitasking due to significantly more RAM. |
Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers external storage. |
Audio | |||
Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio Features | OnePlus 9 Pro provides a superior audio experience with better quality and immersive sound. |
Security | |||
Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint sensor | Realme Note 50 offers a more convenient fingerprint scanner location. |
Build Quality | |||
Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | OnePlus 9 Pro is more durable with better screen protection. |
Sensors | |||
Sensors | Compass, Gyroscope, etc. | Accelerometer | OnePlus 9 Pro includes additional sensors making it better for gaming and AR apps. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Pro Advantages:
- Significantly Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset is much faster than the Unisoc T612, resulting in a smoother and more responsive experience, especially for gaming and demanding apps.
- High-Resolution Display: The 1440p display offers dramatically sharper visuals compared to the 720p screen of the Realme Note 50.
- Superior Camera System: A much more capable camera setup with a telephoto lens, wide-angle lens, higher resolution sensors, and better video recording capabilities.
- Faster Charging and Wireless Charging: 65W fast charging is much faster, plus it supports wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
- Advanced Audio Features: Dolby Atmos, stereo speakers, and noise cancellation offer a better audio experience.
- Advanced Connectivity: Faster Wi-Fi 6 standard and newer Bluetooth 5.2 provide better connectivity.
- More RAM: 8 or 12 GB of RAM enables smoother multitasking.
- Better build quality: Gorilla Glass 5 offers superior screen protection compared to the unknown protection of the Realme Note 50.
- More sensors: Compass and Gyroscope allows for gaming and AR features.
Realme Note 50 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery offers potentially longer battery life than the OnePlus 9 Pro's 4500 mAh.
- Newer OS: Comes with android 13 out of the box.
- Potentially Lower Cost: Typically, phones with these specs are more budget-friendly.
Trade-offs:
- The OnePlus 9 Pro trades a larger battery for significantly superior performance, camera capabilities, display, and faster charging.
- The Realme Note 50 offers better battery life but at the cost of overall performance, camera quality, display and build quality
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 Pro Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Those who need top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize image quality and want versatile camera features like zoom and wide-angle lenses.
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who enjoy high-resolution videos and high-fidelity audio.
- Users Who Value Premium Features: Those who want advanced features like wireless charging, a high refresh rate screen, and fast charging capabilities.
Specific Use Cases for OnePlus 9 Pro:
- Gaming: Smooth frame rates and high detail in demanding games.
- Professional Photography/Videography: Capturing detailed photos and 8K videos.
- Mobile Workstation: Running multiple apps and documents efficiently.
- Media Consumption: Watching high-resolution movies and videos with rich audio.
Realme Note 50 Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who need a basic smartphone for everyday tasks at a lower price point.
- Users Prioritizing Battery Life: Those who need a phone that can last through a full day of moderate usage.
- Light Users: Those who primarily browse the web, check emails, and use social media.
Specific Use Cases for Realme Note 50:
- Basic Communication: Calls, texts, and messaging apps.
- Social Media Browsing: Casual scrolling through feeds and basic social interactions.
- Everyday Tasks: Checking emails, browsing the web, and using simple apps.
- Long battery life: Users who need long battery life on a budget.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The OnePlus 9 Pro was a flagship phone when it was released, so although the price may have come down, it will still be significantly more expensive than the Realme Note 50 which is an entry level phone. If your budget is tight, the Realme Note 50 is a great pick. However, if you have the budget, the OnePlus 9 Pro is a much better phone all around.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? The OnePlus 9 Pro will likely be a more premium choice, while the Realme Note 50 aims for budget-friendliness.
- What are my primary use cases? Do you need powerful performance, a great camera, or are basic everyday tasks enough?
- What do I prioritize most? Performance, display quality, camera, or battery life?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You are a gamer/power user. Choose the OnePlus 9 Pro for its superior processing power, high refresh rate screen and better RAM.
- Scenario 2: You need a phone for everyday tasks and long battery life on a tight budget. Choose the Realme Note 50 for its basic functionality and lower price point.
- Scenario 3: You want a great camera. Choose the OnePlus 9 Pro for its more versatile and capable camera system.
- Scenario 4: You consume media heavily. Choose the OnePlus 9 Pro for it's superior display quality and better audio features.
My Choice and Why
I would choose the OnePlus 9 Pro.
Even though the Realme Note 50 has a larger battery, the overall user experience of the OnePlus 9 Pro is vastly superior. The combination of a significantly more powerful processor, a much higher resolution display, a better camera system with more versatile features, faster charging, and superior audio far outweighs the advantage of a slightly larger battery on the Realme Note 50.
I value smooth performance for everyday tasks, better quality for media consumption, and the flexibility of a good camera system. The OnePlus 9 Pro provides an overall premium experience that fits these needs better than the Realme Note 50. The 12 GB of RAM would be important for future proofing the device for me. The inclusion of wireless charging is also a great benefit.
While the Realme Note 50 may be appealing for users on a tight budget, I would personally prefer the better display and performance of the OnePlus 9 Pro.