1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Apple iPhone 14 Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160 × 74.2 × 8.7 mm | 160.8 × 78.1 × 7.8 mm | iPhone 14 Plus is slightly wider but thinner, OnePlus 9 is more compact. |
| Weight | 192g | 203g | OnePlus 9 is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 (screen) | Unknown (screen) | OnePlus 9 offers known screen scratch resistance. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.7" | iPhone 14 Plus provides slightly more screen real estate for content consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1284x2778 | iPhone 14 Plus has a sharper display with finer details. |
| Pixel Density | 402 PPI | 458 PPI | iPhone 14 Plus screen looks crisper and more defined. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both provide vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | OnePlus 9 offers smoother animations and scrolling experience. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1200 nits | iPhone 14 Plus is easier to view in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) | iPhone 14 Plus offers faster app loading and smoother gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 880,900 | 1,330,312 | iPhone 14 Plus has significantly better performance in synthetic benchmarks. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Apple GPU (5-core) | iPhone 14 Plus has a more powerful GPU for demanding graphics. |
| RAM | 8 GB or 12 GB | 6 GB | OnePlus 9 has more RAM which can help with running more apps in the background. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 12MP | OnePlus 9 has higher resolution for more detail in photos. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.5 | iPhone 14 Plus performs better in low-light situations. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.4" | 1/1.66" | OnePlus 9 sensor can capture more light, potentially resulting in better dynamic range. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 1.12µm | 1.90µm | iPhone 14 Plus has larger pixels, which can capture more light, potentially resulting in better low light photos. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 16MP | 12MP | OnePlus 9 captures slightly higher detail in selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.4 | f/1.9 | iPhone 14 Plus has better low light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Camera Resolution | 50MP | 12MP | OnePlus 9 captures more details in wide-angle shots |
| Wide Angle Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.4 | OnePlus 9 performs better in low-light situations with wide angle lens. |
| Wide Angle Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.56" | 1/2.55" | OnePlus 9 wide angle sensor captures more light. |
| Black & White Camera | 2MP | No | OnePlus 9 has a dedicated B&W sensor for artistic shots |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 4K@60fps | OnePlus 9 offers higher resolution for video. |
| Video Stabilisation | EIS | OIS | iPhone 14 Plus has optical image stabilization for better, stable videos |
| Slow-Motion | 480fps | 240fps | OnePlus 9 offers more slow-motion capability. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | Not Available | 133 (overall) | iPhone 14 Plus has a well-regarded mobile camera. |
| DxOMark (Selfie) | Not Available | 144 (overall) | iPhone 14 Plus has a very high-rated selfie camera. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4325mAh | Similar battery life overall. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 20W Fast Charging (Approx) | OnePlus 9 charges much faster. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | MagSafe 15W, Qi 7.5W | Both offer wireless charging, but iPhone 14 Plus has MagSafe compatibility. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 13) | iOS 16 (Upgradable to 18) | Different operating systems with distinct user interfaces and ecosystems. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both support the latest Wi-Fi standards |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | iPhone 14 Plus has newer version of bluetooth |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | OnePlus 9 supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | iPhone 14 Plus offers flexibility with eSIM |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512 GB | iPhone 14 Plus offers a higher storage option. |
| Expandable | No | No | No expandable storage on either device. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers | iPhone 14 Plus has a slight edge in audio features (by a small margin) offering enhanced spatial audio |
| Security | |||
| Biometrics | Fingerprint sensor | Basic security features | OnePlus 9 includes a fingerprint sensor |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | iPhone 14 Plus has an additional barometer, while OnePlus 9 has an additional fingerprint sensor and compass |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Advantages:
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate provides a visibly smoother experience when scrolling, gaming and navigating the user interface.
- Faster Charging: 65W charging significantly reduces charging time, crucial for users always on the move.
- Higher Video Resolution: Capable of recording 8K video, suitable for videographers and users wanting the highest possible resolution.
- More RAM: With 8GB or 12GB variants available, the OnePlus 9 is able to run multiple apps at the same time smoothly.
- More Camera Features: The OnePlus 9 has more camera features (digital image stabilization, CDAF, RAW 12bits) which may improve the image processing.
- Extra Biometric Sensor: The OnePlus 9 includes a fingerprint sensor, improving the overall security of the device.
- More Satellite System Support: The OnePlus 9 supports more satellite systems allowing for better location accuracy.
Apple iPhone 14 Plus Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The A15 Bionic chip delivers significantly better performance, faster app loading, and a smoother overall user experience.
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and pixel density provide a crisper, more detailed screen.
- Better Main Camera Pixel Size: Larger pixels on the main camera result in better low-light performance with less noise.
- Better Selfie Camera Aperture: Wider aperture results in better low light performance when using the selfie camera.
- More Storage Options: The iPhone 14 Plus provides an option for 512 GB of internal storage which the One Plus 9 does not provide.
- Better Stabilisation: The inclusion of optical image stabilisation gives the iPhone 14 Plus a clear advantage in capturing steady videos.
- Better Audio Quality: The iPhone 14 Plus boasts enhanced spatial audio, enhanced surround sound, and better clarity when making calls.
- eSIM support: The inclusion of eSIM allows for digital carrier switching.
- Better DxOMark scores: The iPhone 14 Plus has better DxOMark scores for both mobile and selfie cameras.
- More Software Updates: The iPhone 14 Plus has 2 more software updates.
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9: Sacrifices some camera quality and processing power for a smoother display and faster charging.
- iPhone 14 Plus: Lacks the super fast charging and 120Hz display of the OnePlus 9 but compensates with superior performance and better overall camera performance.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 Ideal Users:
- Gamers: Benefit from the smooth 120Hz display and higher ram.
- Power Users: Need super-fast charging for a busy schedule.
- Video Enthusiasts: Want high-resolution video recording and lots of manual controls.
- Cost-Conscious Buyers: Looking for great value for price.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming at higher frame rates.
- Rapid charging during short breaks.
- High-resolution video production.
- Users wanting extra security with a fingerprint sensor.
- Users who rely on highly accurate location data.
Apple iPhone 14 Plus Ideal Users:
- General Consumers: Want a user-friendly phone with great performance.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Value excellent image quality and reliable performance in a range of scenarios.
- iOS Ecosystem Users: Already invested in Apple services and hardware.
- Users who prefer a smoother, more intuitive user experience
Use Cases:
- Everyday photography and videography.
- Smooth and seamless performance with iOS apps.
- Seamless integration with Apple products such as AirPods and Mac.
- Users requiring more storage space.
- Users who use the device in areas with poor signal and want to switch carriers easily.
- Users that require superior audio quality for multimedia consumption.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- What is your priority: performance or display smoothness? If you are a heavy gamer or value visual smoothness, the OnePlus 9 might be more appealing. If you prefer performance, the iPhone 14 Plus is a better choice.
- Is charging speed a significant factor for you? If you are always on the go and need your phone to charge quickly, the OnePlus 9 with its super fast charging wins.
- Do you prefer Android or iOS? Your existing ecosystem and preferences in user interface should influence your choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gamer/Tech Enthusiast: If you want smooth animations and fast charging, the OnePlus 9 is a good choice.
- Scenario 2: Photo Enthusiast: If you prioritize superior camera performance and audio quality, choose the iPhone 14 Plus.
- Scenario 3: Apple Ecosystem User: If you're already invested in the Apple ecosystem, the iPhone 14 Plus provides the best seamless experience.
- Scenario 4: Budget Conscious Buyer: If you want high performance and features at a lower price, the OnePlus 9 is the better choice.
What I would choose and why
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Apple iPhone 14 Plus.
While the OnePlus 9 offers a smoother display with its 120Hz refresh rate and faster charging speeds which I appreciate, the superior performance and overall camera capabilities of the iPhone 14 Plus are more important for my needs. As a heavy smartphone user, I would be using the device for photography/videography, multitasking and other processing-intensive tasks. The iPhone 14 Plus's A15 Bionic chip significantly outperforms the Snapdragon 888 in the OnePlus 9, which means that I can expect a more seamless user experience across all applications. Additionally, the more refined audio on the iPhone is something that I value as I spend a lot of time consuming multimedia content. Finally, the higher DxOMark scores on the iPhone 14 Plus indicate that it has a superior camera system, further solidifying my choice. The longer software support on the iPhone is also a significant factor. Even though it costs more and has a 60Hz display, the additional cost and the slightly less smooth display is worth the gains in performance and camera quality.
