1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Huawei P60 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Size | 160 × 74.2 × 8.7 mm | 161 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm | Very similar dimensions; OnePlus 9 is slightly thicker, which may be noticeable in hand. |
| Weight | 192g | 200g | OnePlus 9 is 8g lighter, potentially making it slightly more comfortable for extended use. |
Display
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Huawei P60 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.55" | 6.67" | Huawei P60 Pro has a slightly larger screen, offering a marginally more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1220x2700 | Huawei P60 Pro has a significantly sharper display, resulting in clearer text and images. |
| PPI | 402 | 444 | Huawei P60 Pro has a moderately higher pixel density, leading to slightly finer details and improved clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both use excellent screen technology, providing vibrant colors and deep blacks. Minimal real-world difference for most users. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations for a fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | OnePlus 9 is drastically better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. The Huawei P60 Pro's brightness specification is missing, making comparison impossible. |
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Huawei P60 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G (4 nm) | Huawei P60 Pro has a newer, more efficient chipset, offering better performance and power management. Note: P60 Pro is 4G only. |
| AnTuTu Score | 880,900 | 1,228,811 | Huawei P60 Pro has significantly higher benchmark performance, translating to faster app loading, smoother gameplay, and better multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 730 | Huawei P60 Pro has a more powerful GPU, better for graphically demanding games and applications. |
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Huawei P60 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/1.4", Sony IMX689, 1.12 µm | 48MP, f/1.4, 1/1.4", Sony IMX888, 1.17 µm | Huawei P60 Pro has a wider aperture (f/1.4) allowing more light in, potentially better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", Sony IMX471, 1.00 µm | 31MP, f/2.4, sensor model not listed, pixel size not listed | Huawei P60 Pro offers significantly higher resolution for sharper selfies, though sensor details are lacking. |
| Telephoto Lens | N/A | 48MP, f/2.1, sensor model not listed, pixel size not listed | Huawei P60 Pro has a dedicated telephoto lens allowing for optical zoom capabilities, missing on the OnePlus 9. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56", Sony IMX766, 1.00 µm | 13MP, f/2.2, sensor model not listed, pixel size not listed | OnePlus 9 has a higher resolution wide-angle lens, capturing more detail in wide shots. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, sensor model not listed, pixel size not listed | N/A | OnePlus 9 includes a dedicated black & white lens, useful for artistic monochrome photography. |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps, HDR, EIS | Up to 4K@60fps, EIS | OnePlus 9 offers higher video resolution (8K), while the Huawei has a better slow-mo and no information on stabilization. |
| DxOMark Score | N/A | Mobile: 156 (Photo: 159, Video: 147) | Huawei P60 Pro is a top-rated camera phone based on DXOMark's testing, while OnePlus 9 is untested. |
| Features | 4K/8K Video, Digital Zoom, etc. | 4K Video, Optical Zoom, OIS, etc. | Both offer a range of camera features. OnePlus 9 emphasizes higher video resolution and RAW 12 bits, while Huawei P60 Pro offers optical zoom, OIS, and advanced autofocus features, along with RAW. |
Battery
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Huawei P60 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4815mAh | Huawei P60 Pro has a slightly larger battery, possibly providing longer battery life. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging, 15W Wireless | 88W Fast Charging, 50W Wireless, 7.5W Reverse Wireless | Huawei P60 Pro charges much faster, both wired and wirelessly, and can reverse wireless charge other devices. |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable | Both have non-removable batteries. |
Other
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Huawei P60 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | OS info not available | OnePlus 9 offers a known Android experience. The Huawei's operating system information is not available, this could be a disadvantage due to compatibility issues. |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both phones offer similar Wi-Fi performance with Wi-Fi 6 support. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, LE, A2DP, aptX, LDAC, SBC, AAC | 5.2, LDAC, SBC, AAC | OnePlus 9 has a more robust Bluetooth codec support. |
| GPS | Multiple systems | Multiple systems, NavIC, QZSS | Huawei P60 Pro has better support of satellite systems for potentially more accurate positioning. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support dual SIM functionality for managing two mobile accounts. |
| Storage | 128/256 GB, no expansion | 256/512 GB, no expansion | Huawei P60 Pro offers more storage options. Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 8/12 GB | Both offer ample RAM for smooth multitasking. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise Cancellation, 3 microphones | Stereo Speakers | OnePlus 9 has a richer audio experience with Dolby Atmos, noise cancellation, and better voice capture. |
| Security | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both phones offer basic fingerprint biometric security. |
| Build Quality | Gorilla Glass 5 Screen | Screen protection not listed | OnePlus 9's screen is better protected. The Huawei's screen protection is missing. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Huawei P60 Pro includes additional sensors, which may be needed for more advanced applications. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Advantages
- Significantly higher display brightness: This makes it much more usable outdoors in bright sunlight.
- 8K video recording: Ideal for users who need the highest video quality available, though file sizes will be large and 8k playback may be challenging on many screens.
- Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation and additional microphones: This enhances the audio experience.
- Wider selection of bluetooth codecs.
- More robust screen protection: Gorilla Glass 5 adds a layer of durability.
Huawei P60 Pro Advantages
- Newer and more powerful chipset: Results in better overall performance, including faster app loading, smoother gaming, and more efficient power management.
- Significantly higher AnTuTu score: The phone performs significantly better in benchmarks.
- More capable camera system: Includes a telephoto lens for optical zoom and a wide aperture standard lens for better low-light performance and a higher overall score in DxOmark testing.
- Faster charging (both wired and wireless) and reverse wireless charging: Offers more convenient charging options.
- Better support of satellite systems: The phone may have more accurate location tracking.
- Larger storage options: The phone offers 512GB of internal storage.
- Additional sensors: Barometer and other sensors add functionality for specific apps.
Trade-offs
- OnePlus 9: Sacrifices camera versatility and processing power for higher display brightness and more robust bluetooth.
- Huawei P60 Pro: Lacks the high brightness of the OnePlus 9, has no information on screen protection and OS and does not support 5G.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for OnePlus 9
- Outdoor enthusiasts: The higher screen brightness makes it ideal for use in bright sunlight.
- Video creators needing 8k recording: Users who need to capture the highest resolution video, despite limitations.
- Users who prioritize audio quality: The Dolby Atmos and additional microphones provide a better experience.
- Users looking for a more basic, well rounded option: Users who value good performance, a solid camera, and prefer standard Android functionality.
Use Cases:
- Filming outdoor events in bright conditions.
- Listening to music and podcasts with enhanced audio quality.
- Users who need a higher quality bluetooth experience.
Ideal Users for Huawei P60 Pro
- Photography enthusiasts: The versatile camera system and excellent DxOMark score make it ideal for mobile photography.
- Power users: The faster chipset is beneficial for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing.
- Users needing a large storage: The 512 GB version is a must for those that need large storage for media.
- Users who need quick charging: The faster wired and wireless charging options are very convenient.
- Users who need precise location tracking: The support for more satellite systems is better for navigation.
Use Cases:
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos in various lighting conditions.
- Playing graphically demanding mobile games.
- Quickly charging the phone throughout the day.
- Users who need more storage space for their media or other files.
Price-to-Value
- The price-to-value ratio would depend heavily on specific market prices which are not provided. However, based on its features, the Huawei P60 Pro likely has a higher value for users who prioritize camera performance and overall performance. The OnePlus 9 may offer better value for users who prioritize screen brightness and a known, standard Android experience.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is outdoor visibility in bright sunlight? If this is a primary concern, the OnePlus 9 is the clear winner.
- How much do I prioritize camera quality and versatility? For photography enthusiasts, the Huawei P60 Pro's telephoto lens and DxOMark rating is a major advantage.
- Do I need the fastest performance and charging? The P60 Pro offers a faster chipset and charging.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: Travel Photographer
- Recommendation: Huawei P60 Pro. The versatile camera system with optical zoom and better low-light performance outweighs the lack of display brightness. The higher storage also adds value.
- Scenario 2: Outdoor Sports Enthusiast
- Recommendation: OnePlus 9. The higher screen brightness is crucial for visibility in bright daylight. The phone will be usable even in direct sunlight.
- Scenario 3: Mobile Gamer
- Recommendation: Huawei P60 Pro. The faster chipset and GPU, along with larger storage, make it better for gaming. The phone offers a superior benchmark result and additional features useful for gaming.
- Scenario 4: Professional 8K Video Recording
- Recommendation: OnePlus 9. This phone is the only option with 8k recording. Although, if video quality is most important, you would be better off with a professional video camera.
My Choice and Explanation
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally choose the Huawei P60 Pro, despite the missing brightness specification and the lack of 5G.
Here's why:
Camera System: The Huawei P60 Pro's camera versatility with the telephoto lens, larger aperture on the main lens and high DxOMark score is a compelling advantage. I take photos frequently, and the better low-light performance, optical zoom and OIS are more important to me than 8K recording.
Performance: The newer chipset, higher benchmark score and overall better GPU performance is a significant advantage in terms of overall responsiveness. The phone will likely remain more smooth for a longer time.
Charging Convenience: I appreciate the faster charging capabilities (both wired and wireless) and the reverse wireless charging feature, which would be very convenient to have.
Storage: The option for 512GB internal storage is preferred over the maximum of 256GB in the OnePlus 9.
While the OnePlus 9 does have a brighter display and better audio, the Huawei's camera, performance, and charging convenience outweighs those advantages for my needs. The lack of 5G is a definite drawback but in areas where 4G speeds are still adequate, the phone will perform well. Additionally, not having confirmation on screen protection and the phones' OS is also concerning, however, if I have to pick one of these two, the P60 Pro is still the better overall choice for me.
