1. Specifications Comparison
Feature | OnePlus 9 | Huawei P50 Pro | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Design | |||
Dimensions | 160 × 74.2 × 8.7 mm | 158.8 × 72.8 × 8.5 mm | Huawei is slightly smaller, might be marginally easier for one-handed use. Volume difference is negligible. |
Weight | 192g | 195g | Both are virtually identical; weight difference is imperceptible. |
Display | |||
Size | 6.55" | 6.6" | Negligible difference; both offer a large display. |
Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1228x2700 | Huawei has a sharper display, with finer details. Better for reading and detailed visuals. |
PPI | 402 | 450 | Huawei's display is noticeably sharper, leading to smoother text and images. |
Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer excellent contrast and vibrant colors. Little practical difference for general users. |
Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer a smooth scrolling experience. |
Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | OnePlus 9 will be significantly more visible in bright sunlight. P50 Pro's brightness is unknown. |
Performance | |||
Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Kirin 9000 (5 nm) | OnePlus 9 has a faster processor according to benchmark scores, leading to slightly faster app loading. |
Antutu Score | 880,900 | 697,566 | OnePlus 9 offers better overall performance for demanding apps and games. |
GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G78 MP24 | OnePlus 9 is better for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. |
Battery | |||
Capacity | 4500mAh | 4360mAh | Similar battery life expected, both should last a full day with moderate use. |
Charging | 65W fast charging | 66W fast charging | Very similar charging speeds, both will recharge quickly. |
Wireless Charging | 15W Wireless Charging | 50W Wireless charging, Reverse Wireless | Huawei has faster wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, a convenient power bank alternative. |
Camera | |||
Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/1.4" Sony IMX689 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55" Omnivision OV50A | OnePlus has a slightly larger sensor, likely better in low light. Huawei has higher resolution, potential for more detail. |
Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" Sony IMX471 | 13MP, f/2.4, Unknown | OnePlus offers slightly higher resolution for selfies, Huawei's sensor details are unknown. |
Telephoto Lens | None | 64MP, f/3.4, 1/2" Omnivision OV64B | Huawei offers a dedicated zoom lens for better detailed zoomed photos. |
Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56" Sony IMX766 | None | OnePlus provides a wide-angle lens for capturing more in the shot. |
Wide Angle+Macro | None | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" Omnivision OV13B10 | Huawei provides a wide-angle and macro capabilities in one lens. |
Black & White | 2MP, f/2.4, Unknown | 40MP, f/1.6, 1/1.7" Omnivision OV40A | Huawei's camera is likely better for capturing monochromatic images, likely better in low-light scenarios. |
Video | 8K@30, 4K@60, 1080p@240 | 4K@60, 1080p@960 | OnePlus can shoot in higher resolution(8K), but Huawei offers much better slow-motion at 960fps. |
DXOMARK | Not Tested | Mobile: 143, Selfie: 144 | Huawei has a very strong camera performer according to DXOMARK scores. OnePlus camera quality is unknown. |
Software | |||
OS | Android 11, upgradable to 13 | Unknown | OnePlus provides a more detailed software support information. Huawei's is lacking information |
Storage | |||
Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB | Huawei offers more storage options, including a large 512GB variant. |
RAM | 8GB/12GB | 8GB/12GB | Both provide similar RAM variants for smooth multitasking. |
Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Advantages:
- Stronger Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset and higher Antutu score suggest better performance for demanding applications, smoother multitasking, and better gaming.
- Brighter Display: The significantly higher brightness (1100 nits) will be much more usable in bright sunlight.
- Wide-Angle Lens: The dedicated wide-angle camera allows for creative shooting of landscapes and architecture.
- 8K Video Recording: Offers higher resolution video recording for professional-grade content creation.
- Better Audio Features: Offers noise cancellation microphones with 3 microphones, enhancing voice clarity and audio quality.
Huawei P50 Pro Advantages:
- Sharper Display: The higher resolution and pixel density provide a sharper and more detailed viewing experience.
- Better Camera Overall (DXOMARK): Superior photo, and selfie scores indicate better imaging.
- Telephoto Lens: Dedicated telephoto zoom lens allows for optical zoom without losing detail.
- Wide Angle + Macro Lens: Offers both wide angle and macro capabilities in one lens, enhancing flexibility.
- Superior Slow-Motion: Records slow motion at a higher frame rate (960fps), offering better slow-mo detail.
- Reverse Wireless Charging: Allows for charging other devices wirelessly using the phone.
- More Storage Options: Available in a larger 512GB variant for users needing more space.
- Additional Environmental Sensors: Includes a barometer for more detailed environmental measurements.
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9 sacrifices a telephoto lens and overall camera score for stronger performance and brightness.
- Huawei P50 Pro lacks the OnePlus 9's superior brightness and 8k video, as well as performance, and wide-angle camera.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 - Ideal For:
- Gamers: The superior performance and GPU make it a good choice for mobile gaming.
- Outdoor Enthusiasts: The brighter display is ideal for users spending time outdoors.
- Video Creators: 8K video recording.
- Users who want a streamlined user experience: The software is usually up to date.
Use Cases:
- Playing graphically demanding games smoothly.
- Filming high-resolution videos.
- Using the phone in bright sunlight without struggling to see the screen.
Huawei P50 Pro - Ideal For:
- Photography Enthusiasts: The versatile camera system, backed by DXOMARK results, will appeal to photo lovers.
- Users who want an all-rounder: It has many camera modes, and a wide range of capabilities.
- Users requiring larger storage: The 512GB variant is great for storing a large amount of photos and videos.
Use Cases:
- Taking high-quality photos with different perspectives using telephoto and wide-angle options.
- Recording slow-motion video with lots of detail.
- Long-term use with less concerns about storage.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The OnePlus 9 offers a better price to performance ratio.
- The Huawei P50 Pro has higher price because of the better camera, even though it does not have better performance.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is camera quality vs. performance?
- If camera quality is your top priority, the P50 Pro is the obvious choice. If you need better performance, go for OnePlus 9.
- How important is outdoor visibility and 8K video recording?
- If screen brightness in sunlight and 8K video recording is crucial, the OnePlus 9 is the winner.
- Do you prefer the extra storage space and have a greater need for zoom?
- If more storage space and zoom features are important, the Huawei P50 Pro with its larger storage options and telephoto lens is better suited.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Performance and Gaming Focused User: Choose OnePlus 9. The superior processor will provide a much better experience.
- Scenario 2: Camera is the Top Priority: Choose Huawei P50 Pro. Its versatile camera system and performance is suited for this need.
- Scenario 3: All-Around Phone with good storage and camera Choose Huawei P50 Pro. The 512 GB option, coupled with the great camera, make it the better choice.
- Scenario 4: Budget conscious buyer: Choose OnePlus 9. You would still get great performance, and a great camera, for a much lower price.
My Choice:
If I had to choose, I would personally choose the Huawei P50 Pro. My priorities are a good camera system and a great display. The DXOMARK scores and the versatile camera, with the telephoto, and macro lens, are a game changer for mobile photography. The higher display resolution will also be great for reading and watching videos, making the device much more enjoyable. While the OnePlus 9 has a more powerful chipset and brighter display, the overall camera experience is much more important to me than the difference in performance. In my case, the benefits of the Huawei P50 Pro outweigh the advantages of the OnePlus 9.