Smartphone Comparison: OnePlus 9 vs. Motorola Moto G52
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Motorola Moto G52 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160 × 74.2 × 8.7 mm | 160.1 × 74.5 × 8 mm | OnePlus 9 is slightly thicker (0.7mm) but has a negligible difference in overall size. The Moto G52 is a bit more pocketable due to the thickness difference. |
| Weight | 192g | 169g | Moto G52 is significantly lighter (23g), making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.6" | Negligible difference in screen size. Both provide similar viewing areas. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness. Both displays offer the same pixel density for clear viewing of images and text. |
| PPI | 402 | 402 | Same pixel density, so both displays will appear equally sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both use AMOLED for vibrant colors and deep blacks, offering excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | OnePlus 9 provides smoother scrolling and animations. Noticeable for gamers and when browsing fast moving content. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits (Note: Brightness data missing. Assumed to be a standard brightness level) | OnePlus 9 is significantly brighter for clear outdoor viewing, especially in direct sunlight. Motorola Moto G52 brightness is missing, however, if standard, it would have poor sunlight visibility comparatively. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | OnePlus 9 offers vastly superior processing power, resulting in smoother multitasking, quicker app launches, and better gaming. Moto G52 is noticeably slower. |
| AnTuTu Score | 880,900 | 216,000 | Massive difference in overall performance. OnePlus 9 is significantly faster than the Moto G52. This is a major performance advantage. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 610 | The Adreno 660 in the OnePlus 9 provides a significant advantage in graphics performance, particularly for gaming. The Moto G52's GPU is considerably weaker. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Moto G52's larger battery likely provides longer battery life for daily tasks. |
| Charging | 65W fast charging, Li-Polymer | 30W fast charging, Li-Ion | OnePlus 9 charges significantly faster, minimizing downtime. OnePlus 9 has a more advanced Li-Polymer battery. |
| Features | Non-removable, 15W Wireless Charging | Non-removable | OnePlus 9 offers wireless charging capability, not available on the Moto G52, providing a convenient charging option. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/1.4" sensor (Sony IMX689) | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" sensor (Samsung S5KJN1) | OnePlus 9 has a larger sensor and a wider aperture, resulting in better low-light performance and detail. While the resolution is slightly lower the sensor size and aperture is vastly superior. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" sensor (Sony IMX471) | 16MP, f/2.45, sensor data missing | Negligible difference in specs between cameras. |
| Wide Angle | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56" sensor (Sony IMX766) | 8MP, f/2.2, sensor data missing | OnePlus 9 offers much higher resolution wide-angle shots, with a superior sensor size, resulting in significantly more detail and better dynamic range. |
| Macro Lens | Not Available | 2MP, f/2.4, sensor data missing | Moto G52 has a dedicated macro camera for close-up shots which the OnePlus 9 lacks. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, sensor data missing | Not Available | OnePlus 9 has a dedicated Black & white camera which the Moto G52 lacks. |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps with HDR, EIS | 1080p@30fps | OnePlus 9 offers significantly better video quality with up to 8K resolution and better image stabilization. |
| Camera Features | 8K Video, Digital image stabilization, Ultra stable video, Manual focus, Contrast detection autofocus (CDAF), Night Mode, RAW 12 bits | No specific additional camera features, other than Digital zoom, Autofocus, Touch focus, PDAF, and common features like HDR | OnePlus 9 has additional and more professional level camera features than the Motorola. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 13) | Android 12 | Moto G52 has a newer OS out of the box, but the OnePlus 9 is expected to be on par after an upgrade. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | OnePlus 9 supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard, providing faster speeds and better performance in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.0 | OnePlus 9 uses a newer Bluetooth standard with slightly improved energy efficiency and audio quality. |
| GPS | Dual Band GPS (L1+L5) | Standard GPS | OnePlus 9 offers more precise and accurate GPS, useful for navigation and location-based apps. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both offer dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 64 GB or 128 GB or 256 GB | Both have a maximum storage of 256GB. However, the Moto G52 has a lower base storage option (64GB) |
| RAM | 8 GB or 12 GB | 4 GB or 6 GB | OnePlus 9 offers much more RAM resulting in smoother multitasking and better performance with demanding apps. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage via SD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 3 Mics, Noise cancellation mic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 Mics | OnePlus 9 has additional microphones and noise cancellation which will provide superior audio quality. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Moto G52 has a more convenient side-mounted fingerprint scanner while the OnePlus 9 has a basic fingerprint sensor. |
| Build | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Both have the same glass protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Both have a comprehensive sensor package for standard and advanced features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Advantages:
- Significantly Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset provides vastly better processing power for demanding apps, games, and multitasking.
- Higher Refresh Rate Display: 120Hz display results in much smoother scrolling and animation for an improved user experience.
- Brighter Display: 1100 nits peak brightness provides excellent outdoor visibility in direct sunlight.
- Superior Camera System: Better main sensor, a much better wide-angle sensor and overall more professional level camera features. Offers higher video resolution and advanced recording options including 8k.
- Faster Charging: 65W charging significantly reduces charging times.
- Wireless Charging: Offers the convenience of wireless charging (15W)
- More RAM: Significantly more RAM in the 8 and 12 GB variants for smoother multitasking.
- Better Audio Quality: Has a better mic setup and noise cancellation for superior voice quality.
- Latest Wifi: Support for newer, faster WiFi 6 standard
- Latest Bluetooth Support for newer Bluetooth 5.2 Standard.
- More Accurate GPS: More accurate GPS via inclusion of Dual-Band GPS
- More professional level camera features Inclusion of 8K recording, Digital Image Stabilisation, Ultra Stable Video, Manual Focus, Contrast Detection Autofocus, Night Mode and RAW 12 bit image processing.
Motorola Moto G52 Advantages:
- Lighter Design: Lighter build makes it more comfortable to hold for long periods.
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery may provide longer usage between charges.
- Macro Lens: Dedicated macro lens for taking close-up photos that the Oneplus 9 doesn't have.
- Lower Price: As a budget option, this phone would be significantly cheaper.
- Newer Android OS Out of the Box: Comes with a newer version of Android at launch.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient than the OnePlus 9's fingerprint sensor.
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9: Sacrifices battery life and a dedicated macro lens for significantly better performance and camera quality. Is heavier and thicker than the Moto G52.
- Moto G52: Sacrifices performance, a significantly worse main camera, display quality and overall camera features to achieve a lower price and a larger battery, including a Macro lens and a lighter body.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 Ideal User:
- Power Users: Individuals who demand high performance for gaming, heavy multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want high-quality photos and videos, including low-light performance, wide-angle shots and professional features.
- Content Creators: Users who need higher resolution video recording (including 8K), stabilization, and excellent audio quality for content creation.
- Users who prioritize display quality: Those who value higher refresh rates and brightness levels for enhanced viewing experiences.
- Users who need fast charging and wireless charging: Those who need quick top-ups and the convenience of wireless charging.
- Users who value the latest standards Users who value the latest Bluetooth and WiFi standards.
- Users who value GPS accuracy Users who rely on location-based services.
Specific Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming with smooth frame rates.
- Editing photos and videos on the go.
- Capturing professional-quality video content.
- Using navigation and mapping apps requiring accurate GPS.
- Watching HDR video content in bright environments.
Motorola Moto G52 Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Individuals looking for a reliable smartphone with a focus on battery life at a lower price point.
- Casual Users: Those who use their phones for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging.
- Users Prioritizing Battery Life: People who need their phone to last all day without needing to charge.
- Users who take macro photos: Those who want a dedicated macro camera.
- Users who want a light phone Those who need a comfortable, lightweight phone.
Specific Use Cases:
- Basic everyday usage.
- Social media browsing and messaging.
- Taking casual photos and videos.
- Taking occasional macro shots
- Long periods of use without needing to charge.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The OnePlus 9 offers a very high price-to-performance ratio for demanding users who value top-tier performance and camera quality.
- The Motorola Moto G52 provides a decent value for budget-conscious users who prioritize battery life, a light-weight design and a macro camera, and don't need the highest performance or camera quality.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your primary use case? (Gaming, Photography, Basic Use)
- What is your budget? (Are you looking for the best value at the expense of other features or the highest performance at a higher price)
- What are your must-have features? (Performance, Camera, Battery, Lightness)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High-Performance User
- Recommendation: OnePlus 9. The Snapdragon 888 chipset and 12GB of RAM offer significantly better performance, making it suitable for gaming and other intensive tasks.
- Scenario 2: Photography Enthusiast
- Recommendation: OnePlus 9. Superior main camera, wide-angle lens and 8K video recording along with pro features would be ideal for creative photography.
- Scenario 3: Budget-Conscious User
- Recommendation: Motorola Moto G52. It's a more affordable option and can perform most common tasks adequately, with good battery life.
- Scenario 4: Long Battery Life User
- Recommendation: Motorola Moto G52. The larger battery will likely provide better endurance for users who prioritize long usage without charging.
- Scenario 5: Casual User with Occasional Macro Needs
- Recommendation: Motorola Moto G52. The dedicated macro lens, coupled with the general use suitability, makes this a practical choice.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the OnePlus 9. While the Moto G52 has a larger battery and is lighter, the performance difference is too significant to overlook. I often use my phone for demanding tasks, such as mobile gaming and editing photos, and the OnePlus 9's Snapdragon 888 chipset and higher RAM would provide a much smoother experience. Additionally, the superior camera system of the OnePlus 9, including the much better wide-angle lens and high-resolution video, is a major draw for me. While battery life may be slightly shorter than the Moto G52, the faster charging and wireless charging of the OnePlus 9 more than compensates for that, and I tend to be near a charger often anyway. Finally the inclusion of the latest WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 are welcome future-proofing additions.
