Smartphone Comparison: OnePlus 9 Pro vs. Sony Xperia 5 III
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Sony Xperia 5 III | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.2 × 73.6 × 8.7 mm | 157 × 68 × 8.2 mm | OnePlus 9 Pro is larger and slightly thicker, making the Sony Xperia 5 III more pocketable. |
| Weight | 197g | 168g | Sony Xperia 5 III is significantly lighter, more comfortable for extended one-handed use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.1" | OnePlus 9 Pro offers more screen real estate for media consumption and multitasking. Sony Xperia 5 III is more compact and easier to handle. |
| Resolution | 1440x3216 | 1080x2520 | OnePlus 9 Pro's higher resolution results in sharper, more detailed images and text. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 525 | 449 | OnePlus 9 Pro has noticeably sharper display than Sony Xperia 5 III. |
| Technology | OLED | Sony Xperia 5 III’s OLED panel has superior contrast, deeper blacks and overall better viewing experience. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both phones offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | OnePlus 9 Pro's higher brightness makes the screen more visible in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Both phones offer flagship-level performance for demanding apps and games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 877,600 | 880,000 | Both have comparable performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 660 | Similar graphics performance for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/1.43" sensor, 1.12µm pixels | 12MP, f/1.7, Sony Exmor RS sensor, 1.80µm pixels | OnePlus 9 Pro has a higher resolution sensor, while Sony Xperia 5 III has larger individual pixels for better low light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" sensor, 0.70µm pixels | 8MP, f/2.0, 1/4" sensor, 1.12µm pixels | OnePlus 9 Pro has a higher resolution selfie camera, while Sony Xperia 5 III has a wider aperture and larger pixels. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4" sensor, 1.00µm pixels | 12MP, f/2.2, Sony Exmor RS sensor | Sony Xperia 5 III has higher telephoto lens resolution and a wider aperture. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56" sensor, 1.00µm pixels | 12MP, f/2.3, Sony Exmor RS sensor | OnePlus 9 Pro has much higher resolution wide-angle lens with a slightly wider aperture. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | OnePlus 9 Pro offers an additional monochrome sensor. |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 4K@120fps | OnePlus 9 Pro supports higher 8K resolution recording. Sony Xperia 5 III offers more advanced 4K stabilization. |
| DxOMark Mobile Score | 122 (Photo: 124, Video: 118) | N/A | OnePlus 9 Pro has an assessed camera quality advantage over the Sony phone, but actual real-world experiences may vary. |
| Camera Features | Extensive, including 8K video, manual focus, RAW 12 bits | Extensive, including 4K video | Both offer extensive features for photography enthusiasts, with OnePlus offering additional features in video and file format |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Both phones have the same battery capacity and will have similar all-day battery life. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | OnePlus 9 Pro charges much faster, providing quicker top-ups. |
| Features | 50W Wireless, Reverse Charging, Reverse Wireless | Bypass Charging | OnePlus 9 Pro offers more convenient charging options with wireless charging and reverse charging capabilities, while Sony has charging bypass. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Upgradable to 14 | Android 11, Upgradable to 13 | OnePlus 9 Pro will receive one more Android OS update. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6, MIMO | Wi-Fi 6 | Both offer similar WiFi connectivity but OnePlus has MIMO for potential faster speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, Extensive Audio Codecs | 5.2, Extensive Audio Codecs | Sony has a much more feature-rich Bluetooth feature set. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Both offer comprehensive satellite navigation with minor differences in supported systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM, Dual Standby | Dual SIM, Dual Standby | Both phones have dual sim capabilities. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both offer similar storage options. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 8 GB | OnePlus 9 Pro offers a 12GB option for heavier multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation microphone, 3 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | OnePlus 9 Pro edges slightly with a noise-canceling microphone and additional microphones; Sony has Hi-Res audio for audiophiles |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Sony Xperia 5 III features a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 | Sony Xperia 5 III has better screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Hall | Sony has a Barometer sensor and hall sensor that OnePlus doesn't. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Pro Advantages:
- Larger, Sharper Display: The 6.7" 1440p display offers a more immersive viewing experience, significantly higher resolution and brightness.
- Faster Charging: 65W wired charging and 50W wireless charging significantly reduce downtime.
- More RAM: 12GB RAM option provides superior multitasking capabilities.
- Higher Resolution Cameras: Higher resolution sensors for main and wide-angle cameras capturing more detail.
- 8K Video Recording: Supports 8K video, which is useful for prosumer videographers.
- More Features: Includes wireless charging, reverse charging, and a black & white lens.
- One more OS Update: Android 14 compatibility compared to Android 13.
Practical Implications: Better for media consumption, content creation, and users who want the latest features with a faster charging experience.
Sony Xperia 5 III Advantages:
- Compact Design: Smaller and lighter, making it more comfortable for one-handed use.
- OLED Display: Superior contrast and color reproduction for more vibrant media consumption.
- Better Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass 6 offers more scratch and damage resistance.
- More Feature-Rich Bluetooth: More Bluetooth features for enhanced connectivity.
- Hi-Res Audio Support: Appealing to audiophiles who prioritize high-fidelity music.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More ergonomic and reliable fingerprint sensor.
- Environmental Sensors: Barometer and Hall Sensor provide more data for specific use cases.
- Potentially better low-light camera performance due to larger pixels on the main sensor
- Bypass charging helps preserve battery health
Practical Implications: Ideal for users who prefer a compact phone with an excellent display and audio experience, with a more feature-rich Bluetooth and camera experience that is great in low light.
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9 Pro: Larger size, heavier build, missing OLED display, basic fingerprint sensor.
- Sony Xperia 5 III: Smaller screen, lower resolution, no wireless charging, slower charging speed, lower resolution cameras.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 Pro:
- Ideal User: Power users, content creators, gamers, and anyone who values the latest features, fast charging, and a large, high-resolution display.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, video editing, watching high-resolution media, professional photography/videography, heavy multitasking.
- Price-to-Value: Offers top-tier performance and features at a competitive price.
Sony Xperia 5 III:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize a compact phone, excellent multimedia experience (display & audio), and a quality camera system, along with a more robust Bluetooth and environmental sensors.
- Use Cases: On-the-go media consumption, music listening (Hi-Res), photography (especially in low light), and users who prefer a comfortable, pocketable phone.
- Price-to-Value: Delivers a premium experience with excellent display and audio in a compact form factor, but might be perceived as less feature rich overall compared to the OnePlus.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Screen Size Preference: Do you prefer a large, immersive screen or a more compact, pocketable phone?
- Charging Needs: How important is fast charging and wireless charging for your daily use?
- Audio Quality: Do you need Hi-Res audio? Or is a noise canceling mic more important?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Multimedia Enthusiast: Choose the Sony Xperia 5 III if you prioritize display quality, audio, and a compact size.
- For the Power User: Choose the OnePlus 9 Pro if you need the fastest performance, charging speeds, and a large, high-resolution display.
- For the Photographer: Choose the OnePlus 9 Pro for the higher resolution main and wide-angle cameras, and 8K video capture; the Sony Xperia 5 III for potentially better low-light shots and its more refined autofocus.
- For the Gamer: The OnePlus 9 Pro will be preferred due to its higher resolution screen and faster charging.
My Choice and Explanation
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally choose the Sony Xperia 5 III.
Here's why:
- Compactness: I value portability and one-handed usability. The Xperia 5 III’s smaller size and lighter weight make it far more comfortable to use throughout the day, and it's much easier to slip into a pocket.
- Display Quality: The OLED display on the Xperia 5 III is a key factor for me. The superior contrast and color accuracy enhance my viewing experience for videos and photos.
- Audio Focus: The inclusion of Hi-Res Audio support appeals to my audiophile tendencies and means I can take full advantage of my high quality audio files.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: I find the side-mounted sensor more intuitive and convenient than in-display sensors.
- Bluetooth: I frequently use Bluetooth peripherals, and prefer the feature-rich set of the Xperia 5 III for enhanced control and compatibility.
While the OnePlus 9 Pro boasts a larger, sharper display, faster charging, and 8K video, these are features I don't prioritize as much. I'm not a heavy gamer, and the differences in charging speeds are not as important to me as the comfortable form factor and higher-quality display of the Sony. I find the practical advantages of a comfortable, compact phone with a superior display and audio to be more compelling for my specific needs. The inclusion of a Barometer and Hall sensor is also a plus. Finally, the potential for better low-light photos is another bonus.
