1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Motorola Edge 30 Fusion | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160 x 74.2 x 8.7 mm | 158.5 x 72 x 7.5 mm | OnePlus 9 is slightly larger and thicker, potentially feeling less ergonomic for single-hand use. The Edge 30 Fusion is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 192g | 168g | Edge 30 Fusion is significantly lighter, offering greater comfort during prolonged use and easier handling. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.55" | Both have the same screen size, providing an identical viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Identical resolution, resulting in equally sharp and detailed images on both displays. |
| PPI | 402 | 402 | Equal pixel density, ensuring consistent clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Similar display technologies with comparable vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Edge 30 Fusion offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations. The difference isn't very significant but noticeable by some users. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1100 nits | Both are equally bright, offering excellent outdoor visibility under direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G | Snapdragon 888+ 5G | Edge 30 Fusion has a slightly more powerful processor, offering slightly better performance in demanding tasks, particularly in prolonged use. |
| AnTuTu Score | 880,900 | 904,900 | Very similar overall performance, both can handle any tasks with ease, including gaming and multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 660 | Identical graphics performance, ensuring comparable gaming capabilities. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 50MP | Edge 30 Fusion has a slightly higher resolution sensor, but the quality isn't determined by just the number of megapixels. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.8 | OnePlus 9’s wider aperture (f/1.79) may capture slightly better light in low-light situations. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.4" | 1/1.55" | OnePlus 9 has a larger sensor which generally allows more light intake and better low light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Model | Sony IMX689 | Omnivision OV50A | Different sensors used |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 1.12 µm | 1.00 µm | OnePlus 9 has slightly larger pixels on its main camera, potentially offering better light sensitivity. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 16MP | 32MP | Motorola has a much higher resolution sensor which can yield more detail. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.4 | f/2.2 | Motorola selfie cam has a wider aperture for better low light shots. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/3.13" | Unknown | OnePlus has a smaller selfie camera sensor which might reduce overall performance. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Model | Sony IMX471 Exmor RS | Unknown | Different sensors used |
| Selfie Camera Pixel Size | 1.00 µm | 0.80 µm | OnePlus 9 has larger pixels on its selfie cam, but may not make up for smaller sensor size. |
| Wide Angle Resolution | 50MP | 13MP | OnePlus 9 has a significantly higher resolution wide angle lens. |
| Wide Angle Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.2 | Same aperture for both |
| Wide Angle Sensor Size | 1/1.56" | Unknown | OnePlus 9 has a larger sensor on its wide angle lens, resulting in better light intake. |
| Wide Angle Sensor Model | Sony IMX766 | Unknown | Different sensors used |
| Wide Angle Pixel Size | 1.00 µm | 1.12 µm | Motorola has a larger pixel size which is good for low light photography. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | None | 2MP | Edge 30 Fusion has an extra depth sensor for portrait photos. |
| Black & White Camera | 2MP | None | OnePlus 9 has a dedicated black and white sensor. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 8K@30fps | Similar max video resolution. Both phones capable of high quality video recording. |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes | Edge 30 Fusion has better video stabilization through OIS. |
| Slow Motion | Up to 480fps | Up to 960fps | The Edge 30 Fusion captures higher frame rate slow-motion videos. |
| Camera Features | More options | More options | Both have a wide variety of features, with the Edge 30 Fusion offering OIS. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4400mAh | Very similar battery capacity, offering similar battery life performance. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 68W Fast Charging | Edge 30 Fusion charges slightly faster. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | None | OnePlus 9 offers convenient wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 | Edge 30 Fusion has a newer operating system out of the box which could result in better optimization. |
| Max OS Version | Android 13 | Android 13 | Both receive Android 13 update. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi MiMO | Wi-Fi 6 | Both feature Wi-Fi 6, OnePlus 9 offers Wi-Fi MiMO for better network performance. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 (A2DP, LE, APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC) | Bluetooth 5.2 (A2DP, LE) | OnePlus 9 offers more Bluetooth codecs for better audio quality. |
| GPS | More systems | Less systems | OnePlus 9 has more GPS systems for better accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both phones support two SIM cards. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both phones offer similar storage options. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 8/12 GB | Similar RAM options provide excellent multitasking capabilities. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | OnePlus 9 has more mics and noise cancellation for clearer audio. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Both have basic fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | OnePlus 9 has a glass screen protector whereas the Edge 30 Fusion's is unknown. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Comprehensive | Comprehensive | Both have essential sensors for advanced features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Advantages:
- Wireless Charging: Convenient 15W wireless charging.
- Slightly Larger Main Camera Sensor and Pixel Size: Better light capture for potentially superior low-light photos from main camera.
- Higher Resolution Wide Angle Camera: Captures more detail in wide-angle shots.
- Black & White Camera: Dedicated sensor for artistic black and white photos.
- Better Audio Features: Noise cancellation microphone, 3 microphones which allow for clearer calls and audio recording.
- More Bluetooth Codecs: Higher quality audio through a wider variety of bluetooth devices.
- More GPS Systems: Improved GPS accuracy for navigation.
- Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass 5, a more durable option.
Motorola Edge 30 Fusion Advantages:
- Lighter and Thinner Design: More comfortable to hold and easier to carry around.
- Slightly Faster Processor: Marginally better performance for demanding tasks.
- Higher Refresh Rate: Slightly smoother display experience with 144Hz refresh rate.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: Captures more detail in selfies.
- Portrait Mode Depth Sensor: Improved portrait photos with better depth perception.
- Optical Image Stabilization: Video stabilization is better with the Edge 30 Fusion.
- Faster Charging: Charges slightly faster at 68W.
- Newer OS out of the Box: Potentially better software optimization and user experience.
- Better slow motion video: Can record at 960fps.
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9 trades slightly larger size for a wireless charging functionality and better audio capture features.
- Edge 30 Fusion trades some camera features for better video stabilization, selfie cam and newer OS.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 Ideal Users:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Especially those interested in wide-angle and black & white photography
- Audiophiles: Users who value high-quality audio codecs and clearer calls
- Power Users with Wireless Charging Needs: Those who appreciate the convenience of wireless charging.
- Gamers who need higher audio capture: Those who would like to make quality content while gaming.
- Users who prefer durable screen protection: Users who need extra protection for their phones
Use Cases:
- Capturing detailed landscape photos using the 50MP wide-angle camera.
- Listening to music with high-quality Bluetooth audio.
- Long road trips requiring precise navigation.
- Extended use where wireless charging becomes convenient.
Motorola Edge 30 Fusion Ideal Users:
- Users who prefer lightweight phones: Those seeking an ergonomic design.
- Selfie takers: Benefit from the higher resolution front-facing camera.
- Video Creators: Users who want high quality OIS video recording.
- General Users: Those seeking a well-rounded phone with a smooth display.
- Users who need the fastest possible charging: A 68W charger can top-up the battery quickly.
Use Cases:
- Taking high-quality selfies and portraits.
- Capturing smooth, stabilized video footage.
- Enjoying a fluid visual experience on the 144Hz display.
- Using a phone with one hand due to the lighter design.
- Users who like the most up-to-date android OS
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The price of each phone varies by retailer. It's essential to consider current market prices when deciding which offers the best value. Both phones are considered high end and would perform comparably with each other and other phones within the category.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is wireless charging to you? If you value convenience, OnePlus 9 is the better option.
- Do you prefer a larger camera sensor or higher resolution? If low-light performance and higher quality black & white images are important, OnePlus 9 might be preferable. If a higher resolution selfie cam is preferred, the Motorola may be better.
- Is size and weight a priority? If you prefer a lighter, more ergonomic phone, the Edge 30 Fusion is superior.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the mobile photographer: If you take a variety of photos, including artistic black & white ones, and want good low light performance, the OnePlus 9 is the slightly better option. If you take selfies and portraits often, the Motorola Edge 30 Fusion is the better option.
- For the avid video content creator: If you want video stabilization, the Edge 30 Fusion is the better option.
- For the everyday user: The Motorola Edge 30 Fusion is a very well rounded phone that will perform exceptionally well in most scenarios.
- For the power user: The OnePlus 9 might be the better option with wireless charging and better audio capture quality, however, both are suitable power users.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally choose the Motorola Edge 30 Fusion. Here’s why:
- Ergonomics: The lighter weight and thinner profile of the Edge 30 Fusion would make it more comfortable for me to use on a daily basis, as I often use my phone one-handed.
- Video Stabilization: For my use, the Edge 30 Fusion's OIS is a big plus for video quality which is important to me.
- Selfie Camera: I prefer a high quality selfie camera and the Edge 30 Fusion has a higher resolution option.
- Software: The slightly newer version of Android out of the box is preferable, even though both phones are upgradable to Android 13.
- Slightly faster charging: I would prefer the slightly faster charging.
While the OnePlus 9 has notable advantages in wireless charging, audio capture, better screen protection, and certain camera features, the Edge 30 Fusion’s combination of ergonomics, video quality, and overall user-friendly design better suits my specific needs. The differences in camera quality are minimal, and while wireless charging is a nice convenience, it’s not a necessity for me. Ultimately, the Edge 30 Fusion offers a more balanced package that aligns better with my priorities.
