1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Motorola Edge (2022) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 160 × 74.2 × 8.7 mm | 160.9 × 74.2 × 8 mm | OnePlus 9 is slightly thicker, Motorola Edge (2022) is slightly taller; overall similar size |
| Weight | 192g | 170g | Motorola Edge (2022) is significantly lighter, more comfortable for extended use |
Display
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Motorola Edge (2022) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.55" | 6.6" | Negligible difference in screen size |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness |
| PPI | 402 | 399 | Negligible difference in pixel density |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Similar display quality, vibrant colors |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Motorola Edge (2022) has slightly smoother scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | OnePlus 9 offers significantly better visibility in bright sunlight; Motorola brightness information is missing |
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Motorola Edge (2022) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | MediaTek Dimensity 1050 (6 nm) | OnePlus 9 has a significantly more powerful processor for demanding tasks |
| AnTuTu Score | 880,900 | 522,375 | OnePlus 9 offers much faster app loading and multitasking |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Arm Mali-G610 MC3 | OnePlus 9 has a significantly more powerful GPU, better for gaming |
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Motorola Edge (2022) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/1.4", Sony IMX689 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55", Omnivision OV50A | OnePlus 9 has a larger sensor and wider aperture, potentially better low-light performance. Motorola Edge has slightly higher resolution. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", Sony IMX471 | 32MP, f/2.45 | Motorola Edge (2022) has a higher resolution selfie camera for more detailed photos |
| Wide Angle | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56", Sony IMX766 | 13MP, f/1.5 | OnePlus 9 has a much higher resolution wide angle lens, Motorola Edge has a wider aperture |
| Macro Lens | None | 20MP, f/2.4, 1/2.83", Omnivision OV24B1Q | Motorola Edge (2022) includes a dedicated macro lens, OnePlus 9 does not have a macro camera |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | OnePlus 9 has a dedicated black & white lens for creative photography, Motorola Edge (2022) does not |
| Video Recording | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps with HDR, EIS | 4K@30fps with EIS | OnePlus 9 offers higher resolution video recording |
| Video Stabilization | EIS | EIS, OIS | Motorola Edge offers Optical stabilization, while OnePlus 9 has Electronic stabilization. OIS is generally better for reducing hand shake |
| Camera 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 | Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | OnePlus 9 offers more advanced manual controls and RAW capture, Motorola edge has optical stabilization |
Battery
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Motorola Edge (2022) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Motorola Edge (2022) is likely to have better battery life |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging, 15W Wireless Charging | 30W Fast Charging, 15W Wireless Charging, 5W Reverse Charging | OnePlus 9 charges much faster; Motorola Edge (2022) offers reverse wireless charging to power other devices |
Software
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Motorola Edge (2022) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11, upgradeable to 13 | Android 12, upgradeable to 13 | Motorola Edge (2022) launches with a newer Android version |
Other
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Motorola Edge (2022) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Motorola Edge (2022) offers more flexibility with eSIM support |
| RAM | 8GB or 12GB | 6GB or 8GB | OnePlus 9 can have more RAM for better multitasking |
| Storage | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB or 256GB | Both phones offer the same storage options |
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass 3 | OnePlus 9 has better screen protection against scratches and drops |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Magnetometer, Barometer | Motorola Edge (2022) includes a more comprehensive set of sensors |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Advantages:
- Significantly more powerful performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset and higher AnTuTu score provide superior performance for demanding games, heavy multitasking, and faster app loading.
- Higher screen brightness: The 1100 nits brightness makes it much better for outdoor use in bright sunlight.
- Higher resolution and larger sensor wide-angle lens: Captures more detailed wide-angle photos.
- Faster Charging: 65W charging provides significantly faster charging speeds.
- 8K Video: Offers professional level video recording capabilities.
- More advanced manual camera controls: RAW 12 bits capture with Night Mode and Contrast Detection Autofocus
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 offers better drop and scratch resistance
- More RAM: Up to 12GB provides improved multitasking performance
Motorola Edge (2022) Advantages:
- Lighter and slightly thinner: More comfortable for long periods of holding.
- Larger battery: Provides longer battery life for all day usage.
- Higher refresh rate: Slightly smoother display for scrolling and animations.
- Higher resolution selfie camera: Takes more detailed selfies.
- Dedicated macro camera: Allows for close-up shots.
- Optical Image Stabilization: Generally better for reducing shaky video recording
- eSIM support: Offers more flexibility for mobile carrier management.
- Reverse wireless charging: Can wirelessly charge other devices.
- More sensors: includes Magnetometer, Barometer for environmental and mapping apps
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9: Trades battery life and lighter weight for raw performance and a brighter screen.
- Motorola Edge (2022): Trades performance for a lighter design, better battery life, and a macro lens.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 Ideal User:
- Gamers: The powerful chipset and GPU make it ideal for gaming.
- Heavy users: Those who multitask frequently and need a responsive phone.
- Photography enthusiasts: Those who need manual camera controls, higher resolution wide-angle, RAW image capture and professional video quality capabilities.
- Outdoor Users: People who frequently use their phone in sunny conditions
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming: High frame rates, fast loading times, and overall smooth performance.
- Video editing: Fast rendering and smooth playback.
- Outdoor Photography: The bright screen is better for use in sunlight
- Professional Videography: Recording 8K footage.
- Demanding apps: Running resource-intensive apps without lag.
Motorola Edge (2022) Ideal User:
- Everyday users: Those who prioritize battery life, lighter design, and an easy to use phone.
- Social media enthusiasts: Those who take lots of selfies and want a macro lens.
- Travelers: Those who need long battery life and flexibility with eSIM.
- Those who want a full set of environmental sensors : Can be useful for mapping and other location based apps.
Use Cases:
- All-day use: Long-lasting battery for a full day of usage.
- Casual photography: Decent photos with a versatile macro and selfie camera.
- International travel: Easy management of local SIMs with eSIM.
- Navigation and Mapping Apps: Environmental and location based apps will be enhanced by the full suite of sensors.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- OnePlus 9: Offers flagship performance at a potentially lower price point as an older model.
- Motorola Edge (2022): Provides a solid mid-range experience with focus on battery life and versatility, but the performance isn't on par with the OnePlus 9
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance or Battery Life: Do you prioritize raw performance for gaming and heavy usage, or longer battery life for all-day usage?
- Camera Needs: Do you need manual camera controls, higher resolution wide angle lens and professional-grade video or do you prefer to have a higher-resolution selfie camera, Optical Image Stabilization and a dedicated macro lens?
- Physical Design: Do you need a lighter phone or are you willing to compromise for performance?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Power User
- Recommendation: OnePlus 9. Its more powerful chipset, higher screen brightness, and professional camera are better for heavy use and demanding tasks.
- Scenario 2: Everyday User
- Recommendation: Motorola Edge (2022). Its longer battery life, lighter design, eSIM, and versatile camera are better suited for all-day use, especially for travelers.
- Scenario 3: Casual Mobile Gamer
- Recommendation: OnePlus 9. While both are capable for gaming, the OnePlus 9's raw performance will provide a smoother and better gaming experience.
- Scenario 4: Budget Concious Buyer
- Recommendation: If both are priced similarly, The OnePlus 9 is a better option as its an older flagship with very impressive specs. If the Motorola Edge (2022) is substantially cheaper, its the better option to save money.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the OnePlus 9. My primary use case involves running demanding apps, using the phone outdoors, and using manual camera controls for photography, therefore the OnePlus 9 better aligns with my requirements. While the Motorola Edge (2022) offers a lighter design and longer battery life, the significant performance advantage of the Snapdragon 888 and the brighter screen on the OnePlus 9 make it a more suitable choice for my needs, even if that means sacrificing a bit of battery life and having a slightly heavier phone. The advanced camera features and 8k video also make the OnePlus 9 a better option for photography and videography.
