1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Google Pixel 7 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 160 × 74.2 × 8.7 mm | 162.9 × 76.6 × 8.9 mm | Pixel 7 Pro is noticeably larger and may feel less comfortable in smaller hands or pockets. |
| Weight | 192g | 212g | OnePlus 9 is lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphone form factors |
Display
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Google Pixel 7 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.55" | 6.7" | Pixel 7 Pro offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1440x3120 | Pixel 7 Pro has a significantly sharper display with finer details. |
| PPI | 402 | 512 | Pixel 7 Pro offers noticeably clearer text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both have smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1500 nits | Pixel 7 Pro is significantly better for outdoor use, especially in bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Google Pixel 7 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G | Google Tensor G2 | Different chipsets, so performance differs in specific tasks. General performance is comparable but handled differently |
| AnTuTu Score | 880,900 | 831,716 | OnePlus 9 has a slight edge in synthetic benchmarks but real-world differences might not be noticeable. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G710 MP7 | Different GPUs, meaning varied performance for graphically intense games. |
Battery
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Google Pixel 7 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Pixel 7 Pro likely offers longer battery life per charge. |
| Charging | 65W fast charging, 15W Wireless Charging | 23W fast charging, 23W Wireless Charging | OnePlus 9 charges significantly faster via cable; Pixel 7 Pro has fast wireless charging and reverse wireless charging |
| Features | Non-removable, 15W Wireless Charging | Reverse charging, Non-removable, No charger in box, Wireless charge 23W, Reverse wireless charge | Pixel 7 Pro offers more charging versatility |
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Google Pixel 7 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/1.4" | 50MP, f/1.85, 1/1.31" | Pixel 7 Pro has a slightly higher resolution and larger sensor resulting in slightly better low-light performance |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" | 10.8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65" | OnePlus 9 has higher resolution, Pixel 7 Pro has a wider aperture and bigger sensor offering better low light performance |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 48MP, f/3.5, 1/2" | Pixel 7 Pro offers optical zoom capabilities for far-off subjects |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56" | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.3" | OnePlus 9 has much higher resolution and a larger sensor, better for capturing expansive scenes. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | OnePlus 9 has a dedicated B&W lens, useful for creative effects |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 4K@60fps | OnePlus 9 offers higher resolution video recording, Pixel 7 Pro has better stabilisation and additional video features. |
| DXOMark Score | Not Tested | Mobile: 147; Selfie: 142 | Pixel 7 Pro’s camera has been professionally assessed and has a very high score. |
| Features | 4K Video, 8K Video, Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Contrast detection autofocus (CDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Night Mode, RAW 12 bits | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Laser autofocus (LAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | Both cameras provide a good range of features, but Pixel 7 Pro has a clear edge with OIS, optical zoom and laser autofocus |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Advantages:
- Lighter and more compact: Easier to handle and carry for smaller hands or pockets.
- Faster charging: Significantly quicker wired charging gets you back to full power faster.
- Higher resolution ultra-wide lens: Better for capturing wide scenes with lots of detail.
- 8K Video Recording: Capable of shooting professional-grade video.
- Black and white dedicated lens: Good for creative photography.
- Dolby Atmos: superior audio quality and immersion via spatial audio
- Marginally better performance in synthetic benchmarks: A slight edge in raw performance, although not noticeable in most day-to-day tasks.
Google Pixel 7 Pro Advantages:
- Higher resolution and sharper display: Much clearer and more detailed screen experience, better for media consumption.
- Brighter Display: Significantly better outdoor visibility, perfect for use in bright sunlight.
- Larger battery: Likely to last longer on a single charge.
- Telephoto lens: Optical zoom for better close-up photos.
- Better main sensor for low light conditions: Slightly improved main camera performance in low light conditions.
- Superior stabilisation: Optical and digital stabilisation ensures smoother videos.
- Reverse Wireless Charging: Can charge other devices wirelessly.
- Higher overall camera score: Professional assessment and quality certification for the camera.
- eSIM support: More flexible for switching carriers digitally.
- Superior screen protection: Gorilla Glass Victus offers better scratch and drop resistance.
- More sensors: Additional sensors for enhanced functionality including gaming and advanced applications.
- More Storage options: Comes in 512GB varient.
- Newer Software: Ships with a newer version of Android and the ability to update to Android 14
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9 trades slightly lower display quality and battery life for faster charging and more compact design.
- Pixel 7 Pro trades a slightly bulkier design and slower wired charging for better display, camera zoom, and battery.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 - Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Who want high performance without paying top dollar.
- Users who prioritize fast charging: For users who often need a quick power top-up throughout the day.
- Video content creators: Those who need 8k recording functionality.
- Users who like a lighter and more compact phone: Prefer a device that is easier to handle.
- Creative photographers: Who would like an additional black and white lens.
Pixel 7 Pro - Ideal User:
- Power users: Who want a top-tier all-around experience with the best display, battery, and cameras.
- Photography enthusiasts: Who need a great zoom lens and cutting-edge camera features.
- Users who often use their phone outdoors: Requiring a bright screen that is easily visible.
- People who need all day battery life: Benefit from a larger battery and efficient software.
- Tech-forward users: Appreciating the latest software features and the ability to update to Android 14.
Specific Use Cases:
- OnePlus 9:
- Quick power top-ups between meetings or during commutes.
- Shooting creative content using the black and white lens.
- Recording high-resolution videos for projects.
- Pixel 7 Pro:
- Capturing detailed zoomed-in shots at events.
- Navigating in bright outdoor conditions.
- Long days without needing to charge the phone.
- Running the latest apps and games at the highest settings.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is screen quality and outdoor visibility? If you prioritize a clear screen in all lighting conditions, the Pixel 7 Pro is better.
- Do you need long battery life or fast wired charging? The Pixel 7 Pro offers longer battery life, while the OnePlus 9 offers much faster charging.
- What kind of photography do you do? The Pixel 7 Pro's telephoto lens is ideal for zoom, whereas the OnePlus 9’s higher resolution wide and dedicated B&W lens is useful for creative photographers.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Everyday user on a budget: The OnePlus 9 offers excellent performance and fast charging without breaking the bank.
- Scenario 2: Professional photographer: The Pixel 7 Pro provides better zoom capabilities and overall camera quality, and is backed by professional testing and certification.
- Scenario 3: Heavy user needing all-day battery life: The Pixel 7 Pro will likely last longer on a single charge and offers more convenient charging versatility.
- Scenario 4: User who values portability and quick charging: The OnePlus 9 offers a lighter, more compact design and much faster wired charging.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Google Pixel 7 Pro. The Pixel 7 Pro is the winner here, for me at least. Even though the OnePlus 9 does hold its ground, the Pixel 7 Pro provides a much more polished and premium all-around experience. While the OnePlus 9 is lighter, I don’t see the additional 20 grams as too much of a burden and I prefer the larger, sharper screen with better visibility in bright sunlight. I also appreciate the Pixel 7 Pro’s superior camera system, including its telephoto zoom, backed by professional testing and certification from DXO Mark. I find the longer battery life on the Pixel 7 Pro, which is further bolstered by a more power-efficient chipset, to be better than the faster charging on the OnePlus 9. Finally, I am also very impressed by the additional versatility it has with its 23W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging. All in all, the Google Pixel 7 Pro would be my pick.
