1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Motorola Moto E22 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 160 × 74.2 × 8.7 mm | 163.6 × 74.7 × 8 mm | OnePlus 9 is slightly shorter and thicker, while the Moto E22 is taller and thinner. Overall size difference is negligible, but the weight is noticeable |
| Weight | 192g | 169g | Moto E22 is significantly lighter, which is more comfortable for prolonged use and better for users sensitive to phone weight. |
| Build Quality | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 (screen) | Unknown (screen) | OnePlus 9 offers better screen scratch and shatter protection. The lack of info about Moto E22's screen is concerning |
Display
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Motorola Moto E22 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.55" | 6.5" | Virtually identical screen size - no practical difference. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | OnePlus 9 has a significantly sharper display, making text and images clearer, especially for reading and media consumption. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 402 | 270 | OnePlus 9 display will look much clearer and less pixelated than Moto E22's. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | OnePlus 9 offers deeper blacks, better contrast, more vibrant colors, and improved energy efficiency in dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | OnePlus 9 provides slightly smoother scrolling and animations, especially noticeable in gaming and fast-paced apps. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | OnePlus 9's much higher brightness makes it easily visible outdoors in direct sunlight. Motorola Moto E22's brightness is unknown, but listed as "0", which raises concerns. |
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Motorola Moto E22 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Mediatek Helio G37 (12 nm) | OnePlus 9 offers vastly superior performance, handling demanding apps, gaming, and multitasking with ease. |
| AnTuTu Score | 880,900 | 159,800 | OnePlus 9 is significantly faster and more responsive. This difference impacts app loading, gaming, and overall smoothness |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | PowerVR GE8320 | OnePlus 9 handles graphics-intensive tasks, like gaming and video editing, far better than the Moto E22. |
| RAM | 8GB or 12GB | 2GB, 3GB or 4GB | OnePlus 9 provides much better multitasking with more RAM. The difference in RAM can cause major performance limitations for Motorola |
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Motorola Moto E22 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/1.4", 1.12 µm | 16MP, f/2.2, 0.65 µm | OnePlus 9 captures more detailed, brighter photos, especially in low light, thanks to the better sensor and wider aperture. |
| Front Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", 1.00 µm | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.00 µm | OnePlus 9 takes much higher resolution and more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56", 1.00 µm | None | OnePlus 9 allows capturing wider scenes, fitting more into each shot, and is good for landscapes and groups. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Moto E22 has a dedicated depth sensor, which may improve portrait photos, however the quality will not be comparable to the main sensor on the OnePlus 9 |
| Black & White Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | OnePlus 9 has a separate sensor for black and white photography, offering creative options |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps | 1080p@30fps | OnePlus 9 provides much higher resolution and higher quality video recording, more suitable for video creation |
| Video Stabilization | Yes (EIS) | Yes (Digital) | Both phones have stabilization, however, the OnePlus 9 has electronic image stabilization which can be slightly better than a digital implementation |
| Slow Motion | Up to 480fps | 30fps | OnePlus 9 can capture far smoother and longer slow-motion shots. |
Battery
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Motorola Moto E22 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4020mAh | OnePlus 9 may offer slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging, 15W Wireless Charging | 10W Fast Charging | OnePlus 9 charges significantly faster. Wireless charging is also available |
| Battery Type | Li-Polymer | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer is a more advanced battery tech, typically offering slightly better longevity, but the practical difference is not huge. |
Other
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Motorola Moto E22 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 12 | Moto E22 ships with a newer version of Android, however, the OnePlus can be updated |
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6, MIMO | Wi-Fi ac | OnePlus 9 provides faster and more stable wireless internet connections, especially with compatible routers. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 (AptX, LDAC) | 5.0 | OnePlus 9 has better Bluetooth codec support, offering slightly improved audio quality. |
| GPS | Dual Band GPS, Multiple Systems | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, SUPL | OnePlus 9 has better positioning accuracy due to more advanced GPS features. |
| Storage | 128GB/256GB (no expansion) | 32GB, 64GB, 128GB (no expansion) | OnePlus 9 provides more storage by default with no expandable storage on either device |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | OnePlus 9 provides enhanced audio quality and clearer call quality with noise cancellation. |
| Security | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Moto E22 may offer faster fingerprint unlocking and is more ergonomically placed |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | Motorola Moto E22 has a barometer, which could be helpful for certain users |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset provides significantly faster processing, better gaming, and smoother multitasking.
- Much Better Display: AMOLED screen with higher resolution, refresh rate, and brightness, offering a far more enjoyable viewing experience.
- Significantly Better Camera: The OnePlus 9 has higher quality main, front, and ultrawide cameras, with more advanced video recording capabilities.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: The 65W charging is extremely fast, and the addition of wireless charging adds further convenience.
- Better Audio Features: Noise cancellation microphones and extra microphones improve audio recording and call quality.
- More RAM and Storage: More RAM for better multitasking and larger storage for files.
- Advanced Connectivity: Features Wi-Fi 6, MIMO, Bluetooth 5.2 and Dual band GPS, offering better performance and positioning accuracy.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass provides better scratch and shatter resistance.
Motorola Moto E22 Advantages:
- Lighter Weight: Significantly lighter weight makes it more comfortable for prolonged use.
- More ergonomic fingerprint scanner: The side mounted fingerprint scanner is more ergonomical.
- Barometer: Includes a barometer, useful for weather tracking.
- Newer OS at Launch: Comes with a slightly newer version of Android (Android 12 vs. 11) at launch.
- Potentially Lower Price: Likely to be more budget-friendly, making it accessible for price-conscious consumers.
Significant Trade-Offs:
- The Moto E22 is a low-end phone that has significant trade-offs. It has a much lower resolution display, lower performance, worse cameras, slower charging, less RAM, older Bluetooth and Wi-Fi standards, and more.
- The OnePlus 9, while offering much better specs, likely comes at a higher price point, and may be a bit heavy for some users.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for OnePlus 9:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize speed, smooth multitasking, and high-end gaming.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera system for high-quality photos and videos, especially in various lighting conditions.
- Media Consumers: Users who value a high-quality screen for watching videos, browsing, and reading.
- Power Users: Individuals who heavily use apps, need quick charging, and want a premium experience.
Ideal User for Motorola Moto E22:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users seeking an affordable smartphone for basic tasks, and who are okay with compromising on the screen quality, processing power, and camera quality.
- Light Users: Users who primarily make calls, use basic apps, and browse social media occasionally.
- Users Prioritizing Lightweight Design: Those who prefer a lighter and more comfortable device for extended periods.
- Users Who Need the Barometer: Specific use-cases, such as users who engage in outdoor activities that require a barometer for atmospheric pressure tracking.
Specific Use Cases:
- OnePlus 9: Mobile gaming, high-resolution video editing, professional photography, business use with many apps, extended media consumption.
- Motorola Moto E22: Basic calling and messaging, occasional social media browsing, simple apps, as a backup device or a device for a child or elderly individual.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your budget? If you have a very limited budget, the Motorola Moto E22 might be the only option, but prepare for significant trade-offs in user experience. If budget is less of a constraint, the OnePlus 9 is a superior device.
- How important is performance and screen quality? If you prioritize speed, smooth performance, a great screen, and good camera performance, the OnePlus 9 is a better option.
- What are your main use cases for a phone? If you do not game, use apps lightly, and mainly need the phone for communication, the Moto E22 may be sufficient. Otherwise, the performance difference and screen quality of the OnePlus 9 are very important.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming & Heavy Usage: If you plan to play games, use many apps simultaneously, or engage in demanding tasks like video editing, the OnePlus 9 is the clear winner.
- Scenario 2: Casual User with Budget Constraints: If you only need basic phone functions and are on a tight budget, the Moto E22 is an option but be prepared to make big compromises on quality.
- Scenario 3: Photography & Media Consumption: If you care about camera quality and want a great screen for viewing photos and videos, the OnePlus 9 will be much better.
- Scenario 4: Lightweight and Basic Functionality: If you prefer a light device and only need basic functionality, the Motorola E22 is an option, but the user experience might be limited due to the lower quality screen and slower performance.
Final Recommendation
I would choose the OnePlus 9. While it is likely more expensive, the performance difference is too significant to ignore. The vastly superior display quality, much better camera system, faster charging, more RAM, higher storage, and better connectivity make it a significantly more enjoyable and capable device. The practical benefits for daily use far outweigh the slightly heavier weight and higher price tag. The Motorola Moto E22 is too far behind the OnePlus 9 in too many areas to be a serious contender for a general use case and would only be suited for a very specific need.
