Smartphone Comparison: OnePlus 9 vs. Huawei Pura 70 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Huawei Pura 70 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160 × 74.2 × 8.7 mm | 162.6 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | Pura 70 Pro is slightly taller, and the OnePlus 9 is slightly thicker. The difference is minor and may not be noticeable in hand. |
| Weight | 192g | 220g | OnePlus 9 is significantly lighter, likely making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.8" | Pura 70 Pro provides a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1260x2844 | Pura 70 Pro has a noticeably sharper display with higher detail, enhancing the visual experience especially for reading text and viewing photos. |
| PPI | 402 | 460 | Pura 70 Pro's higher pixel density results in crisper images and text. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; negligible difference in daily use. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 2500 nits | Pura 70 Pro provides much better visibility in bright sunlight, making it ideal for outdoor use. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Kirin 9010 (7 nm) | Both offer high performance for apps and games. The practical difference in speed may be negligible for most tasks, but the Pura 70 pro might be slightly slower in benchmarks |
| AnTuTu Score | 880,900 | 869,707 | Both offer similar high performance suitable for intensive tasks; real-world performance difference will be difficult to notice. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Maleoon 910 | Different GPUs; the practical impact will depend on specific games and applications, but both are high-performing GPUs. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5050mAh | Pura 70 Pro's larger battery provides longer battery life between charges. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 100W Fast Charging | Pura 70 Pro charges significantly faster, reducing downtime spent charging. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W Wireless Charging | 80W Wireless Charging, 20W Reverse | Pura 70 Pro offers faster wireless charging and the added convenience of reverse wireless charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/1.4" | 50MP, f/1.4, 1/1.3" | Pura 70 Pro's larger sensor and wider aperture capture more light, resulting in better low-light performance and natural bokeh. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" | 13MP, f/2.4 | OnePlus 9 has slightly higher resolution, but the actual quality depends on processing and other factors |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 48MP, f/2.1 | Pura 70 Pro offers telephoto zoom capability for better zoomed-in photos. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56" | 12.5MP, f/2.2 | OnePlus 9 offers significantly higher resolution in wide-angle shots. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | OnePlus 9 allows for monochrome photography. |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps | Yes | Both offer high quality video, but the OnePlus 9 has 8k video capabilities |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes | The Pura 70 Pro has digital image stabilization and optical image stabilization, which will produce much better results than the OnePlus 9 which offers none. |
| Camera Features | RAW 12 bits | RAW | Both offer manual modes and RAW capabilities but the Pura 70 Pro also offers laser autofocus and continuous autofocus. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | (Android based) | OnePlus 9 is confirmed to upgrade to Android 13. Huawei's OS is unspecified but is based on android. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both support fast WiFi speeds for quick downloads. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, LE, APT-x | 5.2 | OnePlus 9 has more advanced bluetooth codecs and features |
| GPS | Dual-band GPS | Dual-band GPS, NavIC | Huawei Pura 70 Pro has more advanced satellite support, resulting in better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support using two SIM cards simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 256GB/512GB/1024GB | Huawei Pura 70 Pro offers more internal storage options, ideal for users with large media libraries. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 12GB | Both are excellent for multitasking, with the 12GB RAM variant providing smooth performance in demanding situations. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports external memory cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio | Stereo Speakers, Dolby Atmos, 3 mics, noise cancellation | Stereo Speakers, Dolby Atmos | OnePlus 9 offers a slight audio edge due to additional features. |
| Security | |||
| Security | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Both offer basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | OnePlus 9 has superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Fingerprint, Proximity | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Fingerprint, Proximity, Gravity, Hall, RGB | Huawei Pura 70 Pro has a comprehensive set of sensors, which may enable more features and functionality in apps. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Advantages:
- Lighter Weight: Significantly more comfortable for extended use.
- Higher Resolution Wide-Angle Camera: Captures more detailed wide shots.
- Black & White Camera: Allows for dedicated monochrome photography.
- Advanced Bluetooth Codecs: Better audio quality and lower latency with compatible devices.
- 8k Video Higher resolution videos for professional-grade content creation
- Lower Price: Likely costs less than the Huawei Pura 70 Pro.
Practical Implications:
- The lighter weight will be more comfortable for users who prioritize comfort and ease of handling.
- The higher-resolution wide-angle and monochrome lenses offer more creative photography options.
- The additional bluetooth codecs can improve the user experience for audiophiles with high quality audio equipment
- The lower price will make this a more affordable choice
Huawei Pura 70 Pro Advantages:
- Brighter Display: Superior outdoor visibility in bright conditions.
- Larger Battery: Longer battery life for all-day use.
- Faster Charging: Significantly faster wired and wireless charging.
- Telephoto Lens: Provides optical zoom capabilities for better zoomed shots.
- Reverse Wireless Charging: Ability to charge other devices wirelessly.
- Larger Internal Storage Options: More storage space for users with extensive media.
- Comprehensive Sensor Suite: Enables more advanced functionality in apps and games.
- Optical Image Stabilization: Offers improved video quality due to stabilized camera.
Practical Implications:
- The brighter display will enhance visibility, especially for outdoor use
- The larger battery and fast charging provide more convenience for on-the-go users.
- The telephoto lens will enhance the camera functionality and offer more flexibility.
- The reverse wireless charging capabilities offer additional charging options for other devices.
- The larger storage provides more convenience for users with extensive files.
- The more advanced sensor suite opens up additional features and possibilities within the apps.
Significant Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9: Sacrifices battery life, charging speeds, and telephoto zoom.
- Huawei Pura 70 Pro: Heavier, and less detailed wide-angle photos.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for OnePlus 9:
- Budget-conscious users: Those looking for a flagship experience without the highest price tag.
- Multimedia consumers Users who consume a lot of video content and enjoy high-resolution video.
- Users who prefer light weight phones: Those who prioritize comfort and one-handed use for extended periods.
- Creative photographers: Those who enjoy experimental photography and need the extra tools.
Use Cases for OnePlus 9:
- Everyday tasks, social media, web browsing.
- Casual photography and video recording.
- Gaming with smooth performance.
- Audio consumption with headphones.
Ideal Users for Huawei Pura 70 Pro:
- Power users: Those who need long battery life and fast charging.
- Photography enthusiasts: Those who want a versatile camera system with zoom capabilities.
- Outdoor users: Those who need a bright display that's visible in direct sunlight.
- Users with heavy storage requirements: Those who need a lot of space for photos, videos, and apps.
Use Cases for Huawei Pura 70 Pro:
- All-day usage with heavy app and media consumption.
- Taking photos and videos in varied conditions, including low-light.
- Charging other devices on the go.
- Extensive use of apps and mobile gaming.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- OnePlus 9: Offers excellent value for the price with strong performance and a good camera.
- Huawei Pura 70 Pro: Is a more premium device with higher performance, camera capabilities and battery life at a premium price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize battery life and fast charging? If yes, the Huawei Pura 70 Pro is the better choice.
- Do you need telephoto zoom capabilities? If yes, the Huawei Pura 70 Pro is the only option.
- Is a lightweight phone crucial for comfort? If yes, the OnePlus 9 is preferable due to its significantly lighter design.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: The "On-the-Go" User
- Recommendation: Huawei Pura 70 Pro. The larger battery, fast charging, and bright display are ideal for heavy users who are often on the move.
- Scenario 2: The "Casual User"
- Recommendation: OnePlus 9. The phone is well-balanced for daily use, performs all tasks well, and offers great value for its price.
- Scenario 3: The "Photography Enthusiast"
- Recommendation: Huawei Pura 70 Pro. The additional zoom capabilities and advanced camera features and hardware make this a better choice.
- Scenario 4: The "Budget Conscious User"
- Recommendation: OnePlus 9. The OnePlus 9 offers a similar experience and similar performance for a much lower price.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Huawei Pura 70 Pro. Here's why:
- Photography Versatility: As someone who values a capable camera, the telephoto lens and superior low-light performance on the Pura 70 Pro are big draws.
- Battery Life and Charging: The combination of a larger battery and significantly faster charging makes a real difference in daily convenience and reduces the chance of experiencing low battery anxiety.
- Bright Display: I spend a lot of time outdoors, and the brighter display on the Pura 70 Pro makes it more usable in sunny conditions.
- Future Proofing: The overall combination of features is better than the OnePlus 9 for more modern use cases, which would make the Huawei Pura 70 Pro last longer.
While I appreciate the lighter weight of the OnePlus 9 and the 8k video recording capabilities, the Pura 70 Pro's advantages in key areas like battery, display, and camera make it the better choice for my specific needs and preferences. While the price may be a factor for some, for my own usage scenario, the added investment in the Huawei Pura 70 Pro makes more sense.
