Smartphone Comparison: OnePlus 9 vs. Asus ROG Phone 5
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the OnePlus 9 and Asus ROG Phone 5, highlighting practical implications of their specifications:
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Asus ROG Phone 5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160 × 74.2 × 8.7 mm | 172.8 × 77.3 × 10.3 mm | ROG Phone 5 is larger and bulkier; OnePlus 9 is more pocketable and comfortable for single-handed use. |
| Weight | 192g | 238g | OnePlus 9 is significantly lighter, making it easier to hold for long periods. ROG Phone 5's weight is noticeable during extended use, especially while gaming. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.78" | ROG Phone 5 has a slightly larger screen, which can be more immersive for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2448 | Both offer sharp visuals; differences are negligible in daily use. |
| Pixel Density | 402 PPI | 395 PPI | Both offer very similar sharpness. Differences are negligible for everyday use. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | ROG Phone 5 offers slightly smoother animations and scrolling, particularly noticeable in gaming and fast-paced content. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | OnePlus 9 will be significantly easier to see in bright sunlight; ROG Phone 5 brightness is not provided, making it difficult to know how it performs in outdoor conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Both phones provide flagship-level performance; handle all tasks smoothly, including heavy gaming and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 880,900 | 883,000 | Performance is virtually identical; both phones are extremely fast. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 660 | Both phones handle graphically intensive tasks (e.g. demanding games) with ease. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 6000mAh | ROG Phone 5 has a significantly larger battery, likely providing considerably longer battery life, especially for gamers and heavy users. |
| Charging | 65W fast charging | 65W fast charging | Both phones charge rapidly, reducing downtime. |
| Features | 15W Wireless Charging | Bypass Charging, Reverse Charging | OnePlus 9 has wireless charging, while ROG Phone 5 allows gaming while charging, minimizing heat and battery strain, plus it can charge other devices. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/1.4" | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7" | OnePlus 9 has a larger sensor, potentially better low light performance. ROG Phone 5 has a higher resolution for more detailed images in good light. |
| Selfie Lens | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" | 24MP, f/2.45, 1/2.8" | ROG Phone 5 offers higher resolution for detailed selfies. Sensor sizes are relatively similar, implying similar selfie quality. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56" | 13MP, f/2.5 | OnePlus 9's wide-angle lens is significantly better, with much higher resolution and wider aperture for improved clarity and low-light performance. |
| Macro Lens | None | 5MP, f/2.0 | ROG Phone 5 offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots; OnePlus 9 lacks a dedicated macro lens. |
| Black & White | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | OnePlus 9 has a dedicated monochrome sensor for black and white photography; ROG Phone 5 lacks a dedicated monochrome sensor. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@30fps with HDR & EIS | Up to 8K@30fps with EIS | Both record high-quality video up to 8k but Asus can record 4K@120fps while OnePlus can not, both have stabilization. |
| Features | RAW 12 bit, Ultra Stable Video | Optical Zoom | OnePlus 9 offers RAW capture and stabilization, while the ROG has Optical Zoom, which is great for far-away photos |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 13 | Android 11, upgradable to 12 | OnePlus 9 will have one extra version upgrade compared to the ROG Phone 5 |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both support the latest Wi-Fi standards for fast wireless connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 with LE, aptX, LDAC, SBC, AAC | 5.2 with aptX, LDAC and more | Both support high-quality audio codecs, while ROG Phone 5 offers slightly more bluetooth profiles. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, NavIC | ROG Phone 5 offers more satellite system support for more accurate location tracking, with additional features. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512 GB | ROG Phone 5 has more storage option, great for storing large game and media files. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 8/12/16/18 GB | ROG Phone 5 is available with up to 18 GB of RAM, ensuring smoother multitasking and more headroom for intensive tasks. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage; Users must choose appropriate storage configuration at purchase. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 3 mics | DTS/DTS:X, Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers, 4 mics | ROG Phone 5 offers better audio immersion and clarity with enhanced DTS/DTS:X technology and Hi-Res Audio while OnePlus has Dolby Atmos, both have stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic biometric security present on both devices |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass 6 | Asus offers superior screen protection with the newer Gorilla Glass 6. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint, Hall | ROG Phone 5 features Hall sensor, while both share other similar sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Advantages:
- Lighter and more compact: Easier to handle and more pocketable for everyday use.
- Brighter display: Much better visibility in outdoor sunlight.
- Superior Wide Angle Lens: The 50MP sensor offers much higher quality photos and videos.
- Wireless Charging: Convenient way to charge.
- Android 13 Upgrade: Guaranteed software upgrades to Android 13 for a better experience.
- Ultra Stable Video: This will offer smoother video capturing for moving subjects.
- RAW 12 Bit: This will provide more editing options with more details for photography
Asus ROG Phone 5 Advantages:
- Significantly Larger Battery: Longer battery life, essential for gamers and heavy users.
- Higher Refresh Rate: 144Hz display provides a slightly smoother experience.
- More RAM: Up to 18GB for better multitasking and gaming performance.
- More Storage Options: Available with up to 512GB of internal storage.
- Macro Lens: Dedicated lens for close-up photography.
- Bypass Charging: Allows gaming while charging without overheating.
- Reverse Charging: Can charge other devices.
- More Audio Options: Provides DTS:X audio, Hi-Res Audio, and an extra microphone.
- More GPS options: Offers more satellite support for more accurate location tracking.
- Optical Zoom: This will enable the phone to take higher quality photos at a distance.
- Hall sensor: This offers an additional sensor for different functionalities.
- Superior Screen protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 6 offers improved durability.
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9: Smaller battery and lacks a dedicated macro lens.
- Asus ROG Phone 5: Bulkier and heavier, and not confirmed brightness.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for OnePlus 9:
- General users who prioritize a balance of features: Those wanting a lightweight phone with strong performance, great screen, good cameras and a good software support will be happy with this phone.
- Users who need excellent daylight visibility: Users that are outdoors often will benefit from the better brightness.
- Users who appreciate wireless charging: Convenient charging option is a plus for some.
Ideal User for Asus ROG Phone 5:
- Mobile Gamers: The larger battery, high refresh rate, and specialized features (bypass charging) cater specifically to gamers.
- Heavy Users: Those who need extended battery life for demanding tasks, and heavy multitasking will enjoy the high memory and storage options.
- Users who consume a lot of media: A larger screen with high refresh rates will be appreciated.
- Users who are looking for more advanced Audio features: The DTS:X and Hi-Res audio capabilities make this phone great for audiophiles.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Battery Life: How important is long battery life for your daily usage?
- Physical Size and Weight: Do you prefer a pocketable phone or are you okay with a larger device?
- Camera Preference: Are you looking for a great wide angle camera or a macro camera?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Everyday Use: If you need a good all-rounder with a sleek design, a great display, and excellent camera, choose the OnePlus 9.
- Scenario 2: Mobile Gaming: If gaming is your primary use case, the superior battery life and gaming features of the Asus ROG Phone 5 are the clear winners.
- Scenario 3: Heavy Media Consumption & Advanced Audio: If you enjoy watching videos and listening to music, the larger screen, higher refresh rate, enhanced audio, and greater memory and storage options of the Asus ROG Phone 5 are better suited for this.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the OnePlus 9. While the Asus ROG Phone 5 has a bigger battery and is better suited for gaming, I don't game much on my phone. The OnePlus 9's brighter display for outdoor use, lighter and more comfortable design, superior wide angle camera, and wireless charging options align more with my priorities as a general user.
