1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Motorola ThinkPhone | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160 × 74.2 × 8.7 mm | 158.8 × 74.4 × 8.3 mm | ThinkPhone is slightly smaller and thinner, potentially more pocketable. |
| Weight | 192g | 188.5g | Negligible difference in weight, both feel similar in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.6" | Very similar screen sizes, minimal difference in viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness and clarity, both offer sharp images |
| Pixel Density | 402 PPI | 399 PPI | Practically indistinguishable sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Similar technologies with vibrant colors and deep blacks; P-OLED may offer slightly better flexibility. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | ThinkPhone offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations, especially noticeable in gaming. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1200 nits | ThinkPhone offers slightly better outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | ThinkPhone has a significantly newer and more powerful chipset resulting in faster app loading, better gaming, and improved efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 880,900 | 1,232,700 | ThinkPhone shows notably higher performance, reflecting real-world speed improvements. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 730 | ThinkPhone has better graphics performance, beneficial for gaming and video editing. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 50MP | ThinkPhone can capture slightly more detailed photos in good lighting. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.8 | OnePlus 9 captures slightly more light, potentially better in low-light. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.4" | 1/1.55" | OnePlus 9's larger sensor can capture more light, better low-light performance |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 16MP | 32MP | ThinkPhone captures more detailed selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.4 | f/2.45 | OnePlus 9 is slightly wider capturing more light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Yes (50MP) | No | OnePlus 9 offers a dedicated wide-angle camera. |
| Portrait Lens | No | Yes (2MP) | ThinkPhone has a dedicated depth sensor for improved portrait mode. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | No | Yes (13MP) | ThinkPhone offers a dedicated wide-angle + macro lens camera. |
| Black & White Camera | Yes (2MP) | No | OnePlus 9 has a dedicated black & white camera. |
| Video Stabilization | EIS | EIS + OIS | ThinkPhone offers more effective video stabilization with OIS for smoother video recording. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 8K@30fps | Both capture professional quality video content. |
| Slow Motion Video | 480fps | 960fps | ThinkPhone captures a higher FPS rate slow-motion videos. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | ThinkPhone has noticeably longer battery life, better for heavy users. |
| Charging | 65W | 68W | Both charge very quickly, ThinkPhone slightly faster. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | 15W | Both offer similar wireless charging speeds. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 | ThinkPhone runs on a more recent OS version offering newer features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both phones offer similar WiFi speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 | Both phones have similar Bluetooth capabilities. |
| GPS | More Satellite Support | SUPL, Galileo, GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | OnePlus 9 has slightly better location accuracy due to higher satellite support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256GB | 256GB | ThinkPhone is only available with 256 GB of internal storage. |
| RAM | 8/12GB | 8GB | OnePlus 9 can offer smoother performance for heavy multitasking (12 GB variant). |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither support expandable storage; rely on internal storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise Cancellation, 3 Microphones | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 Microphones | OnePlus 9 offers slightly better audio recording with Noise Cancellation and a 3rd microphone. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Basic | Both offer basic biometric security via fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass Victus | ThinkPhone provides superior protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | OnePlus 9 has a compass, which can be useful in navigation. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Advantages:
- Wider Aperture on Main Camera: (f/1.79 vs f/1.8) - Potentially better low-light performance for main camera.
- Larger Main Camera Sensor: (1/1.4" vs 1/1.55") - Captures more light, good low-light performance and depth of field.
- Dedicated Wide-Angle Lens: Offers versatility with its 50MP wide-angle lens.
- Black & White Camera: Provides creative options for monochrome photography.
- 12GB RAM Option: (Optional) - Better multitasking and performance for demanding users.
- More GPS Satellite Support: Better accuracy in navigation and location services.
- Noise Cancellation Microphone & 3 Microphones: Offers better audio recording and call quality.
- Compass Sensor: Provides additional navigational support.
Motorola ThinkPhone Advantages:
- Newer and More Powerful Chipset: (Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1) - Significantly faster performance, better efficiency, and more future-proof.
- Higher AnTuTu Score: (1,232,700 vs 880,900) - Demonstrates real-world speed improvements.
- Higher Refresh Rate Display: (144Hz vs 120Hz) - Smoother scrolling and animations.
- Brighter Display: (1200 nits vs 1100 nits) - Slightly better outdoor visibility.
- Larger Battery Capacity: (5000mAh vs 4500mAh) - Longer battery life for heavy usage.
- Slightly Faster Charging: (68W vs 65W) - Faster charging times.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: (32MP vs 16MP) - Sharper and more detailed selfies.
- Portrait Mode (Depth) Lens: Improved depth and bokeh effects in portrait photos.
- Wide Angle + Macro Lens: Versatility in wide-angle and macro photography.
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS): Superior video stabilization with OIS.
- More Recent Android Version: (Android 13 vs Android 11) - Access to newer features and better security.
- Superior Screen Protection: (Gorilla Glass Victus vs Gorilla Glass 5) - Better protection against scratches and drops.
- Higher FPS on Slow Motion Videos : Higher slow-motion video recording capabilities
Trade-offs:
- The OnePlus 9 has a better primary sensor size and wide angle camera, trading that for the ThinkPhone's superior performance, battery, and newer software.
- The ThinkPhone has a superior display with refresh rate and brightness, but gives up the compass sensor and better audio recording features from the OnePlus 9.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 Ideal Users:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who prioritize camera versatility, especially wide-angle photography, low-light performance, and black & white shots.
- Multi-taskers: Those who frequently use multiple apps, benefit from the 12 GB RAM option.
- Users who prefer additional audio features: The noise cancellation microphone and 3 microphone setup is better suited for users that prioritize clear voice recording.
- Users Needing Superior Navigation: The additional satellite support and compass sensor are useful for accurate location data.
- Price-conscious buyers: The older phone may come at a lower price point.
Motorola ThinkPhone Ideal Users:
- Power Users and Gamers: Those who demand top-tier performance, fast app loading, smooth gaming, and the latest software.
- Heavy Users: Users who need long battery life to get through the day.
- Frequent Video Shooters: Those who prioritize stabilized video recording with OIS, higher FPS slow-motion capabilities, and higher quality selfies.
- Users Seeking Durability: Those who prioritize screen protection and need a reliable phone.
- Users wanting a more modern experience: Those who prefer the latest Android version and features.
Use Cases:
- OnePlus 9: Ideal for travel photography, creative photography projects, and users that need better navigation capabilities.
- Motorola ThinkPhone: Ideal for mobile gaming, running demanding apps, business professionals that require long battery life, and content creators that value video quality.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is raw performance and future-proofing to you? The ThinkPhone is the clear winner in performance with its modern chipset and superior benchmarks.
- Do you prioritize camera versatility or camera quality? The OnePlus 9 has a more versatile camera setup, while the ThinkPhone captures higher quality selfies and stabilized videos.
- How important is battery life and do you prefer a more modern Android experience? The ThinkPhone offers longer battery life and runs the latest Android OS, which means better features and up-to-date security patches.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Performance & Battery Priority: If you prioritize performance, long battery life, and a more modern Android experience, the Motorola ThinkPhone is the better choice.
- Scenario 2: Photography Versatility & Budget: If you prioritize camera versatility with a dedicated wide-angle lens, low-light performance, and a lower price, the OnePlus 9 is a better option.
- Scenario 3: Balanced User: If you want a balanced phone with strong performance, good battery life, and a good camera, but don't need top of the line of either, the Motorola ThinkPhone is the better choice, as it offers a more modern experience and is generally more reliable.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Motorola ThinkPhone. While the OnePlus 9 offers a better primary camera sensor size and more versatile lenses, the ThinkPhone's significantly newer processor, longer battery life, and superior video stabilization would be more beneficial to me. The improved performance of the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 would ensure a smoother and more responsive user experience, and the updated Android 13 with access to more recent features is a big plus. Additionally, the ThinkPhone's 144Hz refresh rate would provide a smoother visual experience. While the lack of a dedicated wide-angle camera and audio features are drawbacks, the enhanced performance, longer battery life, and updated software make the ThinkPhone the more compelling choice overall. The superior screen protection on the ThinkPhone also gives me more peace of mind.
