Smartphone Comparison: OnePlus 9 vs. Apple iPhone SE (2022)
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Apple iPhone SE (2022) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-26 | 2022-03-18 | iPhone SE (2022) is newer, potentially offering longer software support. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones, no foldable designs. |
| Dimensions | 160 × 74.2 × 8.7 mm | 138.4 × 67.3 × 7.3 mm | OnePlus 9 is larger, bulkier, less pocketable, while iPhone SE is more compact and easier for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 192g | 144g | iPhone SE is significantly lighter, more comfortable for extended holding and carrying. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 4.7" | OnePlus 9 has a much larger screen, better for media consumption, gaming, and multi-tasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 750x1334 | OnePlus 9 has a noticeably sharper display with more detail. |
| Pixel Density | 402 PPI | 326 PPI | OnePlus 9 has higher clarity with sharper images and text. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | OnePlus 9 offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and superior contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | OnePlus 9 has smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits (Unspecified) | OnePlus 9 has much higher brightness, better visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) | Different architectures: Apple A15 is generally more powerful in benchmarks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 880,900 | 1,225,939 | iPhone SE (2022) has higher benchmark scores suggesting faster overall performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Apple GPU (4-core) | Different GPU architectures, iPhone SE likely has a higher graphical performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 2018mAh | OnePlus 9 has much larger capacity, likely much better battery life. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging, 15W Wireless Charging | 18W Fast Charging | OnePlus 9 charges much faster, with the added convenience of wireless charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP (f/1.79), 1/1.4", Sony IMX689 | 12.2MP (f/1.8) | OnePlus 9 has a higher resolution sensor for more detailed photos. |
| Front Camera | 16MP (f/2.4), 1/3.13", Sony IMX471 | 7MP (f/2.2) | OnePlus 9 has higher resolution for sharper selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP (f/2.2), 1/1.56", Sony IMX766 | None | OnePlus 9 offers more versatile photography with a dedicated wide-angle lens. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | None | OnePlus 9 has a dedicated lens for artistic black and white photos. |
| Video | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps, EIS | 4K@60fps, OIS | OnePlus 9 records at higher 8K resolution, while iPhone SE has Optical Image Stabilization. |
| DXOMark | Not Tested | Main Score: 100, Photo: 126, Video: 106 | iPhone SE is better in photo quality (DXOMark score), while OnePlus 9 wasn't tested |
| Camera Features | Triple camera, Manual, PDAF, CDAF, Night Mode, 8K Video | OIS, RAW | OnePlus 9 offers more advanced shooting modes and manual controls. iPhone SE offers RAW capture for better edits. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | iOS 15.4 (upgradable to 18) | Different ecosystems: Android vs iOS. iPhone SE offers longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, Dual band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 6, Dual band | OnePlus 9 supports Wi-Fi Direct for peer-to-peer connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, aptX, LDAC, SBC, AAC | 5.0 | OnePlus 9 supports higher quality audio codecs for wireless headphones. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a), Beidou (B2) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Wi-Fi, Cell ID | OnePlus 9 has more accurate location tracking due to more satellite system support. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | iPhone SE offers eSIM for flexibility with carriers. OnePlus 9 uses two physical SIMs. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 64/128/256 GB | Both offer up to 256GB storage. iPhone SE also has a 64GB variant. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 4 GB | OnePlus 9 offers much more RAM for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage via SD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation | Basic | OnePlus 9 offers better audio quality and features. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both use a fingerprint sensor for security. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | OnePlus 9 has better screen protection from scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Compass | Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Compass, Barometer | Apple iPhone SE (2022) has an additional Barometer sensor for measuring air pressure. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Advantages:
- Superior Display: Larger, higher resolution, AMOLED with 120Hz refresh rate provides a significantly better visual experience.
- More Powerful Battery: Much larger battery capacity and faster charging speeds offer better battery life and quick recharge.
- Advanced Camera System: Offers a more versatile camera setup with a wide-angle lens, higher resolution sensors, and 8K video recording.
- Enhanced Audio: Features Dolby Atmos, stereo speakers, and a noise-canceling microphone for a better audio experience.
- More RAM: Offers 8GB or 12GB RAM, enabling smoother multitasking and improved performance in demanding applications.
- Bluetooth 5.2 & Wi-Fi Direct: Supports newer Bluetooth and Wi-Fi direct for wireless audio and network features
- Additional GPS Systems: Improved location accuracy and more reliable navigation
Apple iPhone SE (2022) Advantages:
- More Powerful Processor: The A15 Bionic chip provides better benchmark performance, making apps load faster.
- Compact Design: The smaller size and lighter weight make it more pocketable and comfortable for one-handed use.
- Longer Software Support: Apple provides longer-term software support, typically longer than that of Android devices.
- Higher Photo Quality: better in photo quality (DXOMark score)
- eSIM Support: Offers eSIM capability, allowing for greater flexibility with mobile carriers.
- Barometer: An additional sensor for measuring air pressure
Significant Trade-offs:
- The OnePlus 9 has a much larger display and battery, but it is also bulkier and less pocketable. The iPhone SE has a more compact form factor but smaller display and weaker battery.
- The iPhone SE (2022) has better processor performance and a better photo quality, while the OnePlus 9 has a more advanced camera system.
- The OnePlus 9 offers a more immersive display experience, while the iPhone SE offers longer-term software support.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for OnePlus 9:
- Multimedia Consumers: Those who watch videos, play games, and browse the web frequently will appreciate the larger, vibrant display.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a more versatile camera system with high resolution sensors, a wide-angle lens, and advanced video capabilities.
- Power Users: Individuals who need a phone with a large battery that will last through the day, and fast charging to quickly replenish the battery
- Multitaskers: Users who often use several apps at the same time will appreciate the larger RAM amount.
- Users who prioritize immersive experience: Users who want to have an immersive and fluid experience when using the phone, and appreciate a higher refresh rate.
Ideal User for Apple iPhone SE (2022):
- Users Prioritizing Compact Design: Those who prefer a small, lightweight phone that is easy to use with one hand and carry in their pocket.
- iOS Ecosystem Users: Individuals already invested in the Apple ecosystem and prefer the iOS operating system.
- Users Wanting Long-Term Software Support: Those who prioritize receiving software and security updates for many years.
- Users who care about having higher photo quality.
- Budget Conscious Apple users: Those looking for the most affordable option within the Apple lineup.
Specific Use Cases:
- OnePlus 9: Ideal for mobile gaming, watching movies, and capturing high-quality photos and videos.
- Apple iPhone SE (2022): Ideal for everyday communication, browsing social media, and light photography in a compact device with long-term software support.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The OnePlus 9 offers more features and a better display for the money, but lacks the same level of benchmark performance of the SE.
- The iPhone SE (2022) offers top-tier performance in a compact package, but might seem expensive for a phone with limited features compared to others in its price range.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Display Size Preference: Do you prefer a larger display for immersive multimedia, or a smaller, more pocketable phone?
- Ecosystem Preference: Are you more comfortable in the Android or iOS ecosystem?
- Longevity and Performance Balance: Do you prioritize the latest features and fastest battery charging, or long-term software support and optimized benchmark performance?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy Multimedia Consumption and Photography: Choose the OnePlus 9 for its superior display, larger battery, faster charging, and versatile camera.
- Scenario 2: Compact Phone and iOS Ecosystem: Choose the Apple iPhone SE (2022) if you want a smaller phone, prefer iOS, and desire the latest Apple chip with better benchmark performance.
- Scenario 3: Balanced User: If you value balanced features and don't need extreme performance or camera versatility, then the OnePlus 9 is preferable as it has a better price-to-value ratio, superior display quality, and battery life compared to the SE.
My Choice
If I were to choose, I would lean towards the OnePlus 9. My reasoning is as follows:
- Display: I prioritize a high-quality visual experience, and the OnePlus 9's larger AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate would make a noticeable difference in daily use, particularly for media consumption and gaming.
- Battery and Charging: I value longer battery life and faster charging speeds, as I don't like the idea of my phone dying during the day. The OnePlus 9's battery and charging capabilities significantly beat those of the iPhone SE.
- Camera Versatility: I appreciate the flexibility of having multiple lenses, including the wide-angle lens for landscape shots.
- Value: While the SE has a powerful chip, I feel the OnePlus 9 provides a better overall value with its display, battery, charging, and camera for the same price range.
While the iPhone SE has its appeal with the compact size, top performance, and long-term support, I value the immersive experience and camera versatility more, which the OnePlus 9 provides, at a very competitive price point, therefore, I would select the OnePlus 9 as my personal choice.
