1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.2 x 73.6 x 8.7 mm | 163.3 x 73.6 x 8.4 mm | ZTE is slightly thinner, but differences are negligible in hand. |
| Weight | 197g | 204g | OnePlus 9 Pro feels slightly lighter. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.8" | Minimal difference; both offer large screens. |
| Resolution | 1440x3216 | 1116x2480 | OnePlus 9 Pro offers much sharper visuals. Text and fine details will be clearer. |
| PPI | 525 | 400 | OnePlus 9 Pro display will appear significantly sharper. |
| Technology | Not Specified | AMOLED | ZTE has superior display tech with better blacks, contrast and efficiency |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1500 nits | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is brighter, offering better visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | ZTE offers better performance for demanding tasks and games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 877,600 | 1,061,300 | ZTE is noticeably faster in benchmarks. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 730 | ZTE provides better graphics for gaming and visually intensive applications. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 5000 mAh | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra likely provides longer battery life. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 65W Fast Charging | Both charge quickly, but battery size makes the difference. |
| Features | Wireless Charging, Reverse Charging | None | OnePlus 9 Pro offers more convenient charging options. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/1.43", Sony IMX789, 1.12µm | 64MP, f/1.6, 1/1.72", Sony IMX787, 0.70µm | ZTE has higher resolution and wider aperture, OnePlus has larger sensor. Real world difference varies based on lighting and conditions |
| Selfie Lens | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", Sony IMX471, 0.70µm | 16MP, f/2.0, Unspecified, 1.22µm | ZTE offers better low light performance due to wider aperture and larger pixel size. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4", OV08A10, 1.00µm | 64MP, f/3.5, 1/2", OV64B, 0.70µm | ZTE offers much higher zoom resolution and larger sensor, which will perform better in most zoom ranges despite its narrower aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56", Sony IMX766, 1.00µm | None | OnePlus 9 Pro offers a dedicated wide-angle lens. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | None | 0.3MP, Unspecified | ZTE has a Time-of-Flight sensor for depth information. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 64MP, f/2.3, 1/1.72", Sony IMX787, 0.70µm | ZTE offers a combined wide/macro camera, very versatile. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, Unspecified | None | OnePlus offers a dedicated black and white sensor, but it is low resolution. |
| Video Recording | 8K@30fps, 4K@120fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@120fps | Similar excellent video features. |
| DxOMark | 122 | Unspecified | OnePlus has been tested with great scores, while ZTE has not been reviewed by DxOMark. |
| Camera Features | OIS, EIS, PDAF, LAF, etc, Ultra stable video, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, CDAF, RAW 12 bits | OIS, EIS, PDAF, LAF, Under display camera, etc | Both have full camera feature sets, but each offers unique features. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 14) | Android 12 (up to 13) | ZTE comes with a newer Android out of the box, but OnePlus will have better software support in the long term. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Both support modern Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 (A2DP, LE, aptX, LDAC, SBC, AAC) | 5.2 (A2DP, LE) | OnePlus 9 Pro has better support for hi-res Bluetooth audio codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1) | OnePlus has more robust GPS capabilities. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both have dual SIM support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512/1024GB | ZTE has many more storage options and higher capacity. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 8/12/16/18 GB | ZTE offers better RAM options for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither support memory cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation microphone | DTS/DTS X, Stereo Speakers | OnePlus has better immersive audio while ZTE has enhanced audio quality. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Basic | Both offer basic fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | OnePlus 9 Pro has a well-known screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Hall | Both phones have comprehensive sets of sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Pro Advantages:
- Sharper Display: Significantly higher resolution and pixel density for clearer visuals. Practical for reading text, browsing images, and detailed graphics.
- Wireless Charging: Offers convenient 50W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, a very useful feature for those who appreciate wireless charging or wish to charge other devices.
- More Advanced Audio: Features Dolby Atmos, noise-cancellation microphone, and more Bluetooth audio codecs for higher-quality audio experience.
- Better GPS: More satellite bands for better positioning and accuracy in a wider variety of locations.
- Screen Protection: Known screen protection by a reputable brand, offering good screen durability.
- Wide-angle Camera: A dedicated wide-angle camera sensor, useful for capturing more in your shot and landscapes.
- Better Software Support: More updates planned, longer software support.
- Ultra stable video mode which is useful for handheld video recording.
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Advantages:
- Better Performance: A newer, more powerful processor and GPU lead to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming.
- Larger Battery: Bigger battery capacity for longer usage between charges.
- Brighter Display: Higher peak brightness provides better outdoor visibility.
- More Storage Options: Available in higher storage capacities (up to 1TB) and also more ram options.
- Stronger Telephoto Lens: Higher-resolution telephoto sensor for better zoom capabilities and a macro mode for versatility.
- Under Display Camera: Clean display without a punch hole.
- Combined Wide Angle and Macro Sensor: Provides an all-in-one lens for wider shots and macro detail.
- Time of Flight Sensor: Provides additional depth mapping capabilities.
Significant Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9 Pro sacrifices some performance for a sharper screen, better wireless charging, more audio codecs, and software support.
- ZTE Axon 40 Ultra trades some screen sharpness and wireless charging capabilities for better performance and camera flexibility, and better battery life.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 Pro Ideal Users:
- Visual Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize a crisp, sharp display for media consumption and detailed graphics.
- Wireless Charging Users: Those who value the convenience of wireless charging and the ability to charge other devices wirelessly.
- Audio Lovers: Users who prioritize better sound quality and want the enhanced audio experience that Dolby Atmos and more codecs provide.
- Frequent Travelers: Users who require the best possible GPS tracking.
- Users who value software support: Users who prefer a longer support from the manufacturer
Use Cases:
- Watching high-resolution videos and playing graphic-intensive games.
- Using wireless charging at home, work, or in the car.
- Listening to hi-res audio via Bluetooth headphones or speakers.
- Navigating new areas with accurate GPS.
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Ideal Users:
- Performance Seekers: Users who prioritize fast processing speeds for multitasking, gaming, and running demanding apps.
- Battery Life Prioritizers: Those who want a phone that lasts all day without worrying about charging.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want more camera versatility with combined wide/macro and telephoto options.
- Users who prefer a clean display: Users who want a truly all-screen experience.
Use Cases:
- Gaming, video editing, and other resource-intensive tasks.
- Using the phone for the entire day without needing to recharge.
- Capturing a wide variety of shots with multiple camera sensors.
- Enjoying an all-screen viewing experience.
Price-to-Value:
- The OnePlus 9 Pro will likely be cheaper due to its age.
- The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra offers more raw power and camera versatility for likely a higher price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Display Preference: How important is a sharper, higher-resolution display versus a brighter one?
- Performance Needs: Is top-tier performance a must, or is a slightly older, but good processor adequate?
- Camera Usage: Is a dedicated wide-angle lens more important, or is a powerful zoom lens more useful? 4. Wireless Charging and Software Support: Is the convenience of wireless charging necessary, or is longer support more beneficial?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: The Multimedia User
- If display sharpness, wireless charging, and audio quality are a priority, choose the OnePlus 9 Pro.
- Scenario 2: The Power User
- If performance and battery life are critical, go for the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra.
- Scenario 3: The Photography Enthusiast
- If you want all in one lens, with good macro capabilities, and great telephoto zoom, choose the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra.
- Scenario 4: The Budget-Conscious Buyer
- If you are on a budget, the OnePlus 9 Pro might provide a better price-to-value ratio, while still having excellent features.
What I would choose and why:
Personally, I would choose the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra. While the OnePlus 9 Pro has a sharper display and the convenience of wireless charging, my personal preference is the combination of better performance, superior telephoto lens, and a larger battery which the Axon 40 Ultra offers. The under-display camera is an added benefit I appreciate.
While the OnePlus 9 Pro's display is sharper, I believe that the difference in practical use is not as large as a more powerful and newer processor with superior performance. While I appreciate the wireless charging capabilities of the OnePlus, I would prefer the extra battery capacity that the Axon 40 Ultra provides, and combined with the superior battery life, that makes for a more convenient choice for me.
The versatile camera setup on the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra appeals to me more as well, specifically the combination of a wide-angle and macro lens and the more powerful zoom, which allows for a larger range of photography opportunities.
In short, while both phones have pros and cons, the trade offs that the Axon 40 Ultra makes is more suited to my needs.
