1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Motorola Moto G72 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-26 | 2022-10-03 | Moto G72 is newer, potentially longer software support |
| Dimensions | 160 × 74.2 × 8.7 mm | 160.5 × 74.4 × 7.9 mm | OnePlus 9 is slightly thicker; Moto G72 is more pocketable |
| Weight | 192g | 166g | Moto G72 is significantly lighter, more comfortable for extended use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.6" | Negligible difference in screen size |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness |
| PPI | 402 | 402 | Identical pixel density |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Similar vibrant display technologies, slight difference in color calibration and contrast |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and gaming |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | OnePlus 9 significantly better visibility in bright sunlight. Moto G72 brightness data unavailable |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (5nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm) | OnePlus 9 offers substantially faster app loading, multitasking, and gaming |
| AnTuTu Score | 880,900 | 415,300 | OnePlus 9 is significantly faster and more responsive |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G57 MC2 | OnePlus 9 offers superior graphics performance for demanding games and apps |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP f/1.79, 1/1.4" Sony IMX689, 1.12µm pixels | 108MP f/1.7, sensor model unknown, 0.64µm pixels | Moto G72 has higher resolution, but OnePlus 9 has a larger sensor for better low-light |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP f/2.4, 1/3.13" Sony IMX471, 1.00µm pixels | 16MP, sensor model unknown, pixel size unknown | Comparable selfie cameras, exact performance may vary |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP f/2.2, 1/1.56" Sony IMX766, 1.00µm pixels | 8MP f/1.9, sensor model unknown, 1.12µm pixels | OnePlus 9 has a higher resolution wide-angle, but Moto G72 has slightly wider aperture |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 2MP f/2.4, sensor model unknown, 1.75µm pixels | Moto G72 has a dedicated macro lens |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP f/2.4, sensor model unknown, pixel size unknown | N/A | OnePlus 9 has a dedicated black and white sensor for monochrome shots |
| Video Recording | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps (OnePlus 9), 1080p@60fps (Moto G72) | 1080p@60fps | OnePlus 9 offers higher video resolution and frame rates |
| Video Stabilization | EIS (Both) | EIS (Both) | Both phones offer video stabilization |
| Camera Features | OnePlus 9: 4K/8K video, RAW 12-bit, Ultra Stable, more | Moto G72: Laser AF | OnePlus 9 has a broader feature set, Moto G72 has Laser AF |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Moto G72 has a larger battery for potentially longer battery life |
| Charging | 65W fast charging, 15W Wireless | 33W fast charging | OnePlus 9 charges faster and has wireless charging |
| Battery Type | Li-Polymer | Li-Ion | Minor difference in battery tech; OnePlus 9 may have better longevity |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradeable to 13 | Android 12 | Moto G72 starts with a newer Android version |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi MiMO (OnePlus 9); Wi-Fi ac (Moto G72) | Wi-Fi ac | OnePlus 9 has faster, more efficient WiFi |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE with aptX, LDAC, SBC, AAC | 5.0 LE | OnePlus 9 has newer Bluetooth with more audio codecs |
| GPS | More satellite systems (OnePlus 9), SUPL (Moto G72) | More standard GPS systems | OnePlus 9 has slightly better location accuracy |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Both) | Dual SIM (Both) | Both support dual SIM |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Same storage options |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 6/8 GB | OnePlus 9 offers more RAM for better multitasking |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise Cancellation, 3 Microphones (OnePlus 9); Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers (Moto G72) | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | OnePlus 9 has superior audio recording and playback capabilities |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both have standard fingerprint sensors |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | OnePlus 9 provides confirmed screen protection; Moto G72 screen protection is unclear |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | OnePlus 9: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Motorola Moto G72: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Proximity, Fingerprint | Motorola Moto G72 has Magnetometer sensor |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Advantages:
- Significantly Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset offers significantly faster processing, multitasking, and gaming capabilities, making it much more responsive for demanding tasks.
- Brighter Display: The much brighter display (1100 nits vs. 0 nits) provides significantly better outdoor visibility, making it easier to use in bright sunlight.
- Superior Camera System: Higher resolution wide-angle lens, larger main camera sensor, and significantly more advanced video recording capabilities (8K, 4K@60fps) offer better quality photos and videos, especially in low light, and professional-grade video capabilities.
- Faster Charging and Wireless Charging: 65W wired charging and 15W wireless charging are significantly faster and more convenient compared to the Moto G72.
- Enhanced Audio: Includes a noise-canceling microphone, and three microphones and offers significantly better sound quality.
- Faster Wi-Fi: The Wi-Fi 6 and MIMO support significantly faster wireless speeds and connectivity.
- More RAM Options: The availability of 12GB RAM provides better multi-tasking capabilities and future-proofing.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 offers better protection against scratches and impacts.
Motorola Moto G72 Advantages:
- Newer Release Date: Launched over a year later, potentially leading to better software support (though the max software upgrade for Moto G72 is unknown.)
- Lighter Weight: 26g lighter making it more comfortable for extended use.
- Larger Battery: 500mAh bigger battery offering potentially longer battery life.
- Macro Lens: Dedicated macro lens provides more flexibility in close-up photography.
- Magnetometer sensor: Has a magnetometer sensor for enhanced navigation features
- Lower price: It is generally sold for a lower price.
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9: Heavier, slightly older device, no macro lens.
- Motorola Moto G72: Significantly lower performance, inferior camera quality, and much lower display brightness.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 Ideal User:
- Power Users: Individuals who need fast performance for demanding apps, heavy multitasking, and gaming.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who prioritize high-quality photos and videos, especially in low light, and want professional-level video recording capabilities.
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who value a bright and vibrant display with good outdoor visibility, and high-fidelity audio.
- Users needing fast charging and wireless charging
Use Cases for OnePlus 9:
- Gaming: High refresh rate display and top-tier processing for demanding games.
- Video Content Creation: 8K recording and advanced stabilization.
- Outdoor Use: Bright display ensures visibility in sunlight.
- Professional Photography: Better main camera sensor for low-light and detailed images.
Motorola Moto G72 Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Individuals looking for a reliable smartphone with a good display and long battery life without the high price tag.
- Casual Users: Users who primarily use their phone for browsing, social media, and basic photography, and value a light, thin and comfortable design.
- Users who prioritize battery life: Due to the larger battery, this is the best phone if battery life is a priority.
- Users that want to take close up shots: The dedicated macro lens is great for close up photos.
Use Cases for Motorola Moto G72:
- Daily Use: For browsing, social media, and basic tasks.
- Long-Term Battery Use: Users who need a phone that lasts through a full day without charging.
- Macro Photography: Capturing detailed close-up shots.
- Navigation: Magnetometer can assist with more accurate navigation
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- OnePlus 9: Offers significantly better performance, camera quality, and features for a higher price. It's the better value for those who need these capabilities.
- Motorola Moto G72: Provides a more affordable option with good battery life and a decent display for general use.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your primary use case? (Gaming, photography, daily use, battery life)
- How important is performance for your daily needs? (Are you a power user or a casual user?)
- What is your budget? (Are you willing to pay more for premium features?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-conscious user, casual use: Choose the Motorola Moto G72 for its lower price, long battery life, and reliable everyday performance.
- Scenario 2: Power user, frequent gamer/heavy apps: Choose the OnePlus 9 for its significantly better performance, superior display, and advanced camera features.
- Scenario 3: Frequent outdoor use: Choose the OnePlus 9 for its vastly superior brightness for viewing in bright conditions.
- Scenario 4: Photography enthusiast, focus on low-light photography: Choose the OnePlus 9 for its superior camera sensor, wide angle lens, and video recording capabilities.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the OnePlus 9. Although it is older, the significant performance jump, brighter display, vastly superior camera system and faster charging are worth the trade-offs. As someone who values performance and photo quality, the Snapdragon 888 and the higher quality camera sensors are compelling, and the ability to record 4k and 8k video provides features that the Moto G72 simply can not match. The added wireless charging, better audio system, and faster wifi are a bonus for me. While the Moto G72 has a newer launch date and larger battery, I would be willing to compromise for the benefits offered by the OnePlus 9.
