1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Asus ROG Phone 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 160 × 74.2 × 8.7 mm | 163.8 × 76.8 × 8.9 mm | Asus ROG Phone 8 is slightly larger and thicker; may feel less comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 192g | 225g | OnePlus 9 is significantly lighter, more comfortable for extended use and pocketability. |
Display
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Asus ROG Phone 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.55" | 6.78" | Asus ROG Phone 8 has a slightly larger screen, potentially more immersive for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer similar sharpness for everyday use. |
| PPI | 402 | 388 | Negligible difference in pixel density; both offer very sharp images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 165Hz | Asus ROG Phone 8's higher refresh rate results in smoother animations and a more fluid feel, especially for gaming and scrolling. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 2500 nits | Asus ROG Phone 8 is dramatically brighter, offering better outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Asus ROG Phone 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | Asus ROG Phone 8 has a much newer and more powerful chip, leading to significant improvements in app loading, multitasking, and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 880,900 | 2,020,000 | Asus ROG Phone 8 performs significantly better in benchmarks, indicative of superior overall performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 750 | Asus ROG Phone 8's GPU provides substantially better graphics performance, crucial for gaming and demanding applications. |
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Asus ROG Phone 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 50MP | Asus ROG Phone 8 has a slight edge in resolution, which could translate to slightly more detail in photos. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.9 | OnePlus 9 has slightly better light gathering ability, which may result in better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.4" | 1/1.56" | OnePlus 9 has a larger sensor, potentially capturing more light and details in images. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 16MP | 32MP | Asus ROG Phone 8's higher resolution should result in more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP | None | OnePlus 9 includes a dedicated ultra-wide lens for capturing expansive scenes. |
| Macro Lens | None | 5MP | Asus ROG Phone 8 includes a dedicated macro camera for close up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 13MP | Asus ROG Phone 8 includes this camera lens. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP | None | OnePlus 9 offers a dedicated black and white lens. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Both offer high resolution video capabilities. |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes | Asus ROG Phone 8 has superior video stabilization with it's video stabilization feature. |
| Camera Features | Ultra stable video, PDAF, CDAF, RAW 12 bits | Optical zoom, OIS, Gimbal, Continuous autofocus, LAF | Each phone features unique camera capabilities to enhance user experience. |
Battery
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Asus ROG Phone 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5500mAh | Asus ROG Phone 8 offers significantly better battery life due to the larger battery capacity, likely lasting longer on a single charge. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging, 15W Wireless Charging | 65W Fast Charging | Both phones charge rapidly but only OnePlus 9 has wireless charging capabilities. |
Software
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Asus ROG Phone 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (upgradeable to 13) | Android 14 (upgradeable to 16) | Asus ROG Phone 8 is newer and has a more up to date version of Android, likely resulting in a longer support duration with more updates and the latest features. |
Connectivity
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Asus ROG Phone 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | Asus ROG Phone 8 supports the latest Wi-Fi standard, providing faster speeds, better performance, and improved connection stability |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | Asus ROG Phone 8 has the newer version of Bluetooth, potentially offering more efficient connections and slightly better audio codec support. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2) | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | Asus ROG Phone 8 has a more comprehensive GPS system, leading to better accuracy. |
Storage
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Asus ROG Phone 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Storage | 128GB or 256GB | 256 GB | Both provide ample internal storage for apps, media, and files but OnePlus 9 has a 128GB variant if you'd like a lower price point. |
| RAM | 8GB or 12GB | 12GB or 16GB | Asus ROG Phone 8 offers more RAM options, which is better for multitasking and handling demanding apps and games. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, so the built-in storage should suffice. |
Audio
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Asus ROG Phone 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone | DTS/ DTS X | Both offer quality audio, OnePlus 9 focuses on a broader immersive sound and clearer calls whereas Asus ROG Phone 8 focuses on a more clear sound quality. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: Significantly lighter (192g vs 225g) and smaller dimensions, making it more pocketable and comfortable for extended single-handed use.
- Wireless Charging: Offers 15W wireless charging, convenient for users who prefer cable-free charging options.
- Wider Aperture Camera: Has a slightly wider aperture on the main camera for potentially better low-light performance.
- Ultra-Wide Lens: Includes a dedicated ultra-wide lens for expansive shots.
- Black & White Lens: Offers a dedicated black and white camera for artistic photography.
- Lower Price Point: Due to being an older phone, it will be cheaper than the Asus ROG Phone 8.
Asus ROG Phone 8 Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Performance: Uses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset with dramatically higher benchmark scores, leading to much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
- Superior Display: Has a higher 165Hz refresh rate for incredibly fluid visuals and significantly higher brightness (2500 nits) for great outdoor visibility.
- Much Longer Battery Life: A larger 5500mAh battery capacity, providing significantly longer usage time on a single charge.
- More Advanced Camera Features: Optical Zoom, Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), Gimbal, Continuous Autofocus and Laser Autofocus for more flexible photography options.
- Superior Video Stabilization: Has superior video stabilization.
- More Up-to-Date Software: Comes with Android 14 and is guaranteed to be supported for longer.
- Advanced Wi-Fi: Uses the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard for significantly improved network speeds.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: Has a higher resolution front-facing camera (32MP vs 16MP) for more detailed selfies.
- More RAM: Offers up to 16GB of RAM, better for multitasking and demanding games.
- Superior Screen Protection: The Asus ROG Phone 8 uses Gorilla Glass Victus 2 screen protection, which is superior to Gorilla Glass 5 used in the OnePlus 9.
- Dedicated Macro Lens and Wide Angle + Macro lens: For macro and wide-angle shots.
- Better GPS System: Includes more satellite systems for better accuracy.
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9: Sacrifices processing power, display technology, battery life, and some camera features for a lighter, more compact design and wireless charging.
- Asus ROG Phone 8: Sacrifices portability (larger and heavier), wireless charging, and black and white camera for dramatically better performance, battery life, display, camera features and software support.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 Ideal User:
- Casual User: Primarily uses the phone for everyday tasks, social media, browsing, and light media consumption.
- Comfort-Focused User: Prioritizes lightweight and compact design for portability and easy handling.
- Photography Enthusiast (Black and White Focus): Appreciates a dedicated black and white camera, and is not worried about some missing camera features that the Asus ROG phone has.
- Budget-Conscious Consumer: Looking for a solid phone with decent features at a lower price point.
Wireless Charging Preference: Would like a phone that has wireless charging capabilities.
Use Cases:
- Daily communication (calls, messages, social media).
- Casual photography.
- Light to moderate app usage.
- Web browsing and document viewing.
- Users who want to experience older technology.
Asus ROG Phone 8 Ideal User:
- Hardcore Gamer: Prioritizes top-tier performance, high refresh rate display, and long battery life for extended gaming sessions.
- Power User: Demands the fastest possible performance for demanding apps and heavy multitasking.
- Mobile Photographer/Videographer: Needs advanced camera features including stabilization, optical zoom, and excellent low light performance.
- User Prioritizing Future Proofing: Wants a phone that will be supported for longer and have the most recent software.
- Outdoor Use: Requires a bright display for good visibility in direct sunlight.
Technology Enthusiast: Prefers the latest software, connectivity features and cutting edge specifications.
Use Cases:
- Intense gaming with high graphic settings.
- Video editing and content creation on the go.
- Extensive multitasking with demanding apps.
- Professional photography and video recording.
- Users who prioritize future proofing and the latest features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use for the phone? (Gaming, social media, photography, general use)
- How important is portability vs. performance and battery life? (Do you prefer a compact phone that is lightweight or do you prioritize high performance with a longer battery life and a better display)
- What are your camera priorities? (Do you need the latest and greatest camera features, or do you prefer a wider aperture and black and white lens).
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Casual Use and Budget: If you're on a tight budget and use your phone mainly for basic tasks, the OnePlus 9 is sufficient and more comfortable to hold due to its lightweight and compact nature.
Scenario 2: Gaming and Performance: If you're an avid mobile gamer or a user who demands top performance, the Asus ROG Phone 8 is the clear choice with its significantly better chipset, display, and battery.
Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: If you want more flexibility with your camera and video features, the Asus ROG Phone 8 offers a more feature rich camera including superior stabilization, optical zoom and laser autofocus. However, if you would prefer to have a black and white lens, then the OnePlus 9 is the better option.
Scenario 4: Battery life: If you want the best battery life, the Asus ROG Phone 8 is the superior choice.
Scenario 5: Future Proofing: If you are looking for a phone that will have longer software support and the latest version of Android, the Asus ROG Phone 8 is the better choice.
My Choice
If I were choosing, I would select the Asus ROG Phone 8. Although it is heavier and slightly larger, the drastic improvements in performance, display quality (especially the brightness and refresh rate), battery life, video stabilization and future-proofing are too significant to ignore. While the OnePlus 9 offers wireless charging, a black and white camera, and a more compact form factor, these advantages are outweighed by the ROG Phone 8's overall performance and feature set, making it a superior device for my needs which include playing demanding games, capturing video and photos, as well as having a phone that will be supported for many years.
