OnePlus 9 vs Honor 50 Lite - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
OnePlus 9
OnePlus 9
Oneplus

General

Launch Date March 26, 2021 November 17, 2021
Release Year 2021 2021

Physical

Volume 103.29 cm³ 102.73 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.41 "/g 3.47 "/g
Weight 192 g 192 g
Height 160 mm 161.8 mm
Width 74.2 mm 74.7 mm
Thickness 8.7 mm 8.5 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Winter Mist
  • Arctic Sky
  • Astral Black
  • Midnight Black
  • Space Silver
  • Deep Sea Blue

Display

Screen Size 6.55 " 6.67 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 1080 x 2376
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 87.2 % 89.5 %
Pixel Density 402 PPI 391 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz N/A
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness 1100 nits N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 104.89 mAh/in² 96.65 mAh/in²
Battery Density 43.57 mAh/cm³ 41.86 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4500 mAh 4300 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) 8
CPU Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) 8
GPU Adreno 660 8

Connectivity

USB Version 3.1 2.0
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 3.1, OTG USB Type-C 2.0

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 11 11
Maximum OS Version 13

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureOnePlus 9Honor 50 LitePractical Impact
Design
Dimensions160 × 74.2 × 8.7 mm161.8 × 74.7 × 8.5 mmHonor 50 Lite is slightly taller and thinner, but both are similar in hand.
Weight192g192gBoth phones feel the same weight in hand.
Display
Size6.55"6.67"Honor 50 Lite offers a slightly larger viewing area.
Resolution1080x24001080x2376Both are sharp, with negligible difference in pixel density.
PPI402391Both offer similar sharpness.
TechnologyAMOLEDIPS LCDOnePlus 9 has superior color vibrancy, contrast, and power efficiency, especially with dark mode.
Refresh Rate120Hz60HzOnePlus 9 has much smoother scrolling and animations.
Brightness1100 nits0 nitsOnePlus 9 is much better for outdoor use under direct sunlight. Honor 50 Lite brightness specification is missing.
Performance
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)8OnePlus 9 offers significantly faster performance for apps and games. The exact chipset for Honor 50 Lite is unspecified, making direct comparisons difficult.
AnTuTu Score880,900201,000OnePlus 9 is much more powerful, leading to better responsiveness and gaming performance.
GPUAdreno 660Qualcomm Adreno 610OnePlus 9 has a more powerful GPU for graphically intensive tasks.
Camera
Standard Lens48MP, f/1.79, 1/1.4" sensor64MP, f/1.9, 1/1.7" sensorOnePlus 9 has a larger sensor, potentially better low-light performance, though Honor 50 Lite has higher resolution.
Selfie Lens16MP, f/2.416MP, f/2.0Honor 50 Lite has wider aperture for potentially brighter selfies.
Wide Angle Lens50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56" sensor8MP, f/2.4OnePlus 9 captures much more detail in wide shots.
Depth SensorN/A2MP, f/2.4Honor 50 Lite has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode effects.
Macro LensN/A2MP, f/2.4Honor 50 Lite can take close-up macro shots.
Black & White Lens2MP, f/2.4N/AOnePlus 9 has a dedicated black and white sensor for artistic photos.
Video RecordingUp to 8K@30fpsUp to 1080p@30fpsOnePlus 9 can record much higher quality video, suitable for professional use.
Battery
Capacity4500mAh4300mAhOnePlus 9 has slightly larger battery for marginally longer usage time.
Charging65W Fast Charging66W Fast ChargingBoth support very fast charging, with Honor 50 Lite slightly faster.
Features15W Wireless ChargingNoneOnePlus 9 offers wireless charging convenience.
Software
OSAndroid 11, Upgradable to 13Android 11OnePlus 9 is confirmed to have better long-term software support. The maximum Android version for Honor 50 Lite is not available.
Connectivity
Wi-FiWi-Fi 6Wi-Fi 5OnePlus 9 supports faster and more efficient Wi-Fi.
Bluetooth5.25.0OnePlus 9 has a newer Bluetooth version.
GPSMore satellite systemsFewer satellite systemsOnePlus 9 provides more precise location data.
Storage
Internal128GB/256GB128GBOnePlus 9 provides more storage options.
RAM8GB/12GB6GB/8GBOnePlus 9 provides more RAM options for better multitasking.
ExpandableNoNoNeither phone allows for storage expansion.
Audio
QualityDolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers2 MicrophonesOnePlus 9 has superior audio output for media consumption.
Security
FeaturesBasic fingerprint sensorSide-mounted fingerprint sensorHonor 50 Lite has a more convenient fingerprint sensor location.
Build Quality
Screen ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5UnknownOnePlus 9 has better screen protection from scratches.
Sensors
SensorsAccelerometer, Compass, GyroscopeAccelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, GravityHonor 50 Lite features an additional Gravity sensor.

2. Key Differences Analysis

OnePlus 9 Advantages:

  • Superior Display: AMOLED panel with 120Hz refresh rate offers a significantly better viewing experience with more vibrant colors, deeper blacks, smoother animations and better visibility in bright light.
  • Much Higher Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset offers dramatically faster app loading, multitasking, and gaming performance, making it more future-proof.
  • Better Camera System: Higher resolution wide-angle lens, larger main sensor, 8K video recording, and additional sensors (black & white) lead to higher quality photos and more creative options.
  • Wireless Charging: The inclusion of wireless charging adds convenience for users.
  • Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, and 3 microphones for immersive audio and clear calls.
  • More Storage and RAM Options: Users have more flexibility in choosing storage and RAM, especially with the 256GB storage option.
  • Better Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and enhanced GPS for faster speeds, better connections and more precise location.
  • Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 provides better scratch resistance.

Honor 50 Lite Advantages:

  • Slightly Larger Display: A marginal increase in screen size might appeal to some users.
  • Wider Aperture Selfie Camera: Potentially brighter selfies in low-light conditions.
  • Dedicated Depth and Macro Lens: Offers flexibility for portrait and close-up shots.
  • Slightly Faster Wired Charging: Marginally faster charging speeds can make a difference.
  • Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Some users prefer the side-mounted fingerprint reader for convenience.
  • Additional Gravity Sensor: Features an additional gravity sensor for better gaming experience.

Significant Trade-offs:

  • OnePlus 9: Lacks dedicated macro and depth sensors, which some users may miss.
  • Honor 50 Lite: Significantly lower performance, an inferior display, and a weaker main camera system, compared to the OnePlus 9.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Ideal Users for OnePlus 9:

  • Power Users: Individuals who demand top performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
  • Media Enthusiasts: Those who prioritize high-quality video, vibrant displays, and immersive audio.
  • Photography/Videography Enthusiasts: Users who want versatility and quality in their photos and videos.
  • Tech Enthusiasts: Users who appreciate cutting-edge technology and connectivity standards.

Use Cases for OnePlus 9:

  • Mobile Gaming: Smooth and responsive gaming due to the high refresh rate display, powerful processor, and GPU.
  • Video Consumption: Immersive viewing experience with the AMOLED display and stereo speakers.
  • Professional Photography/Videography: High-quality photo and video capture with 8K recording capabilities.
  • Multitasking and Productivity: Smooth performance while switching between multiple demanding apps.

Ideal Users for Honor 50 Lite:

  • Casual Users: Individuals who primarily use their phones for basic tasks like social media, browsing, and calls.
  • Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those looking for a functional phone at a more affordable price point.
  • Users Focused on Specific Camera Features: Those who value having depth and macro lenses for certain types of shots.
  • Users that want slightly faster charging: Those who value a slight increase in charging speed.

Use Cases for Honor 50 Lite:

  • Social Media Browsing: Suitable for casual scrolling and communication.
  • Basic Photography: Capable of capturing standard photos and utilizing depth/macro lenses for specific shots.
  • Everyday Usage: Reliable for basic phone functions, email, and web browsing.

Price-to-Value Ratio:

  • OnePlus 9: Offers much higher value in terms of display, performance, camera capabilities, and features if within budget.
  • Honor 50 Lite: Is better value for users on a tight budget who prioritize a few specific camera features and slightly faster wired charging speed and don't need premium performance.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. How important is performance and gaming to you? (If performance is paramount, the OnePlus 9 is the clear choice.)
  2. How much do you value display quality and smooth animations? (If vibrant colors, high refresh rates, and high brightness are important, the OnePlus 9 is preferred)
  3. What are your camera priorities, and what is your budget? (Consider if you need a dedicated macro/depth sensor or would benefit from the superior image quality of OnePlus 9)

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Gamer/Power User: Choose the OnePlus 9 for its superior performance and display.
  • Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious User: Choose the Honor 50 Lite if on a tight budget but be prepared for significantly lower performance.
  • Scenario 3: Camera Focused with Depth/Macro Shots: If having dedicated macro and depth sensors is important, the Honor 50 Lite is a viable option if budget is a primary concern. However, be aware that it significantly lower image quality than the OnePlus 9 main and wide cameras.
  • Scenario 4: All-Around User With a Preference for Media Consumption: Choose the OnePlus 9 for its better display, audio, and faster performance.

My Choice

Given the provided specifications, I would choose the OnePlus 9. The significantly superior display, vastly better performance, and higher quality camera system make it the better choice for my needs. I prioritize a smooth user experience, high-quality multimedia consumption, and the flexibility of a capable camera system. While the Honor 50 Lite may be a better budget option for some, the OnePlus 9 provides a much more premium and satisfying overall experience. It excels in areas I value most, such as gaming, media consumption, and photography, making it the more future-proof and versatile device, even with the slight premium.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

Key Strengths:

  • Mobile technology analysis
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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.