1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.2 × 73.6 × 8.7 mm | 165 × 71 × 8.2 mm | Sony is taller and thinner; OnePlus wider and thicker. Volume is slightly larger on the OnePlus, making it feel marginally larger in hand. |
| Weight | 197g | 185g | Sony is lighter, which can be noticeable during prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.5" | OnePlus has a slightly larger screen, which could be better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1440x3216 | 1644x3840 | Sony has a much sharper display with significantly more pixels, offering clearer visuals and text. |
| PPI | 525 | 643 | Sony offers a visibly sharper image due to the higher pixel density. |
| Technology | Not specified | OLED | Sony's OLED screen offers superior contrast, color accuracy and deep blacks compared to an unspecified screen technology in the OnePlus. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | OnePlus screen will be more legible in bright sunlight. Sony screen details are not available so performance in sunlight can't be inferred. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Sony's newer chip offers higher performance and better efficiency. It translates to faster app loading, smoother operation, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 877,600 | 1,076,100 | Sony offers noticeably better overall performance based on benchmarks. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 730 | Sony's newer GPU offers better gaming performance and graphics processing. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Sony's larger battery should offer better battery life and potentially last longer during heavy use. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | OnePlus charges much faster allowing for quicker top-ups. |
| Features | 50W Wireless, Reverse, Reverse Wireless Charging | Bypass Charging | OnePlus has more versatile charging options. Sony offers features to reduce battery heat during charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/1.43", 1.12µm | 12MP, f/1.7, 1.80µm | OnePlus offers higher resolution but Sony has larger pixels and slightly wider aperture for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", 0.70µm | 12MP, f/2.0, unspecified | OnePlus has higher resolution; Sony's selfie camera has wider aperture for potentially better low-light shots. Sony Pixel size is unknown. |
| Telephoto | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4", 1.00µm | 12MP, f/2.3, 1/3.5", 1.00µm | Sony offers slightly better telephoto performance with higher resolution, a wider aperture and slightly larger sensor. |
| Wide Angle | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56", 1.00µm | 12MP, f/2.2, unspecified | OnePlus's wide angle has a much higher resolution. Sony pixel size is unknown. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | None | Present | Sony offers enhanced depth sensing for photography and AR applications. |
| Black & White | 2MP | None | OnePlus has a dedicated black and white sensor which can provide artistic monochromatic images. |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 4K@120fps | OnePlus supports higher resolution video recording, but both offer comprehensive stabilization features. Sony has a higher slow motion. |
| DxOMark | Main: 122, Photo: 124, Video: 118 | Main: 105, Photo: 107, Video: 92 | OnePlus has a better overall camera rating. In particular, video is a significant advantage. |
| Camera Features | Numerous | Numerous | OnePlus has additional manual control and 8K recording options. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Max 14 | Android 12, Max 13 | Sony is newer out of the box but OnePlus has a higher max version. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (MiMO) | Wi-Fi 6 | Both have similar capabilities, OnePlus has Wi-Fi MiMO, for potentially better signal stability. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.2 LE | Sony has more Bluetooth profiles which offer greater compatibility with devices. |
| GPS | Full GPS capabilities | Full GPS capabilities | Both have robust location services. Sony has QZSS, while OnePlus has GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1). |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Sony allows for greater flexibility with an eSIM, while OnePlus allows for simultaneous use of 2 SIMs. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 256GB/512GB | Sony offers more storage. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 12GB/16GB | Sony offers more RAM for heavier multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports additional storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise Cancel, 3 mics | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res | OnePlus has superior mic setup for calls and recording. Sony provides Hi-Res audio for higher quality music listening. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Sony has a more convenient fingerprint scanner placement. |
| Build | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass Victus | Sony has superior screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | Numerous | Numerous + Barometer | Sony has additional environmental sensors for specific applications, while OnePlus has a gravity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Pro Advantages:
- Faster Charging: 65W wired charging and 50W wireless are significantly faster than the Sony's 30W.
- Brighter Display: 1300 nits brightness, making it much better for outdoor visibility.
- Superior Main Camera Resolution: 48MP main sensor versus 12MP on the Sony.
- Better Overall Camera Performance: Higher DxOMark score suggests a better performing camera, especially video.
- More Charging Features: Offers a range of wireless charging capabilities.
- Enhanced Audio Features: Noise Cancellation and a 3 microphone array for improved audio.
Sony Xperia 1 IV Advantages:
- Newer and Faster Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 offers superior performance compared to the Snapdragon 888.
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and PPI provide a noticeably clearer and more detailed screen.
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery provides longer battery life.
- More RAM and Storage: Higher max RAM (16GB vs 12GB) and higher internal storage options (up to 512GB).
- eSIM Support: Provides flexibility for digital carrier switching.
- More Advanced Bluetooth Profiles: Wider compatibility for audio accessories.
- Better Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus offers improved drop resistance and scratch resistance compared to Gorilla Glass 5.
- ToF 3D sensor: Enhanced depth sensing.
Significant Trade-offs:
- OnePlus has a better display brightness, faster charging, camera and audio for better general usage, but its chipset is older and may fall behind in intensive tasks.
- Sony excels in display sharpness, performance, battery, but has a dimmer display, slower charging and a less robust camera setup according to DxOMark scores.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 Pro Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize fast charging: For those who need quick battery top-ups throughout the day.
- Photography enthusiasts: Who want better camera quality, especially video and more modes.
- Users frequently in bright sunlight: Those needing a display that's easily readable in outdoor settings.
- Users who want additional charging features: Those who need reverse wireless charging.
- Users who value microphone quality: Those making calls frequently.
Specific Use Cases for OnePlus 9 Pro:
- Quickly charging up the device during a lunch break.
- Capturing high-quality 8k videos for professional use.
- Viewing content outdoors in bright conditions.
- Recording audio for content creation.
Sony Xperia 1 IV Ideal User:
- Power users: Those who need the highest level of performance for demanding tasks.
- Users who prioritize display quality: For those who need the sharpest and most detailed screen.
- Users who need extended battery life: Those who are often away from power outlets.
- Users needing greater storage: Those who have a large media library.
- Users interested in high resolution audio.
Specific Use Cases for Sony Xperia 1 IV:
- Playing graphic-intensive games and apps.
- Viewing high-resolution images and videos.
- Extended use on long trips or work days.
- Listening to High Resolution audio.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your priority – performance or features? If high performance is paramount, the Sony is the better choice. If you want better camera performance and faster charging, then OnePlus would be better.
- How important is display sharpness vs display brightness? If you need a super sharp display, the Sony has that covered. If you need a display with maximum brightness, the OnePlus would be better.
- Do you need the latest software or are you okay with slightly older versions? If you need the latest version of Android out of the box, then the Sony would be better. However, the OnePlus is planned to have a higher upgrade version.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the casual user who likes to take photos and has a habit of charging the phone overnight: OnePlus 9 Pro offers a better camera and fast charging for day use, even though its chipset is slightly older.
- For the professional gamer or user who needs the most performance and screen sharpness: Sony Xperia 1 IV is the better choice with its newer processor and superior screen resolution, even though it lacks superior camera performance.
- For the on-the-go professional who needs a device with a versatile camera, fast charging, and doesn't mind missing out on superior sharpness,: OnePlus 9 Pro is the better choice with its all-round capabilities.
- For the media consumer who needs a sharp screen, but also good battery life for long trips: Sony Xperia 1 IV offers the best in this scenario, as it provides a great display, long battery life, and ample storage.
Personal Choice
My Choice:
If I had to choose between these two phones for myself, I would pick the OnePlus 9 Pro.
Explanation:
While the Sony Xperia 1 IV has a more advanced chipset and a sharper display, my daily usage leans more towards the practical advantages offered by the OnePlus 9 Pro. I value the faster charging capabilities, both wired and wireless, as I often need quick top-ups throughout the day. Additionally, the brighter display of the OnePlus is crucial for my outdoor usage, where I often find myself needing to view content in direct sunlight. The superior camera performance, particularly in video, makes it a more versatile option for my creative needs. While the Sony has its strengths in performance and display sharpness, the OnePlus 9 Pro aligns better with my daily practical use cases. The trade-off in chipset performance is less significant for me than the convenience of faster charging and the benefit of a brighter screen.
