OnePlus 9 vs Nokia C21 Plus - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
OnePlus 9
OnePlus 9
Oneplus

General

Launch Date March 26, 2021 April 29, 2022
Release Year 2021 2022

Physical

Volume 103.29 cm³ 107.57 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.41 "/g 3.66 "/g
Weight 192 g 178 g
Height 160 mm 164.8 mm
Width 74.2 mm 75.9 mm
Thickness 8.7 mm 8.6 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Winter Mist
  • Arctic Sky
  • Astral Black
  • Dark Cyan
  • Warm Gray

Display

Screen Size 6.55 " 6.52 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 720 x 1600
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 87.2 % 82.1 %
Pixel Density 402 PPI 269 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz N/A
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness 1100 nits N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 104.89 mAh/in² 118.79 mAh/in²
Battery Density 43.57 mAh/cm³ 46.95 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4500 mAh 5050 mAh
NFC Support Yes No
Chipset Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Adreno 660 IMG8322

Connectivity

USB Version 3.1 2.0
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 3.1, OTG microUSB 2.0

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 11 11
Maximum OS Version 13

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureOnePlus 9Nokia C21 PlusPractical Impact
Design
Dimensions160 × 74.2 × 8.7 mm164.8 × 75.9 × 8.6 mmNokia C21 Plus is slightly taller and wider, but both have similar thickness.
Weight192g178gNokia C21 Plus is slightly lighter, which could be more comfortable for prolonged use.
Display
Size6.55"6.52"Negligible difference in screen size.
Resolution1080x2400720x1600OnePlus 9 has a much sharper display with more detail.
Pixel Density (PPI)402269OnePlus 9 offers noticeably crisper text and images.
TechnologyAMOLEDIPS LCDOnePlus 9 offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and better power efficiency (especially with dark mode).
Refresh Rate120Hz60HzOnePlus 9 provides much smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming experiences.
Brightness1100 nits0 nitsOnePlus 9 is significantly more usable under bright sunlight. Nokia's brightness is missing.
Performance
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm)OnePlus 9 offers significantly faster performance for all tasks, including gaming, and is more energy-efficient.
AnTuTu Score880,900109,200OnePlus 9 has drastically superior performance and will handle demanding tasks with ease.
GPUAdreno 660IMG8322OnePlus 9 has a more powerful GPU leading to better gaming graphics and performance.
Battery
Capacity4500mAh4000mAhOnePlus 9 should offer slightly better battery life for daily use.
Charging65W Fast Charging10W Fast ChargingOnePlus 9 charges much faster, reducing downtime.
Features15W Wireless ChargingNoneOnePlus 9 provides convenient wireless charging capability.
Camera
Rear Camera (Main)48MP, f/1.7913MPOnePlus 9 captures significantly more detailed photos.
Selfie Camera16MP, f/2.45MP, f/2.2OnePlus 9 captures higher-resolution selfies, but Nokia has slightly wider aperture.
Wide Angle Lens50MP, f/2.2NoneOnePlus 9 provides an additional camera for wider shots.
Portrait LensNone2MP, f/2.4Nokia C21 Plus has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode.
Black & White Lens2MP, f/2.4NoneOnePlus 9 has an extra lens for monochrome photos.
VideoUp to 8K@30fpsUp to 1080p@30fpsOnePlus 9 records much higher quality videos and more recording options.
Software
Operating SystemAndroid 11 (Upgradable to 13)Android 11OnePlus 9 has a newer version of Android and can be updated.
Connectivity
Wi-FiWi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)802.11nOnePlus 9 has faster and more efficient Wi-Fi.
Bluetooth5.24.2OnePlus 9 has a more modern Bluetooth with better energy efficiency and sound codecs.
GPSMore satellite supportLess satellite supportOnePlus 9 offers more accurate location tracking.
Storage
Internal Storage128/256 GB32/64 GBOnePlus 9 offers much more internal storage space.
RAM8/12 GB2/4 GBOnePlus 9 has significantly more RAM, leading to smoother multitasking.
Expandable StorageNoNoNeither device offers expandable storage.
Audio
Audio QualityDolby Atmos, Stereo speakersBasicOnePlus 9 delivers a much better audio experience with spatial sound and better speaker separation.
Security
Fingerprint SensorIn-displayRear-mountedBoth phones have similar fingerprint sensor technology.
Build Quality
Screen ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5UnknownOnePlus 9 screen is protected with Gorilla Glass.
Sensors
SensorsFingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, GyroscopeProximity, AccelerometerOnePlus 9 offers more sensors which improves its functionality.

2. Key Differences Analysis

OnePlus 9 Advantages:

  • Superior Display: AMOLED with higher resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and much greater brightness. Significantly better viewing experience, especially in bright sunlight.
  • Much Higher Performance: Flagship-level Snapdragon 888 chipset provides dramatically faster app loading, multitasking, and gaming.
  • Better Camera System: Higher resolution main camera, additional wide-angle and black & white lenses, much better video recording capabilities, more camera features, leading to more versatile photography.
  • Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: 65W wired charging and 15W wireless charging allows for faster battery top-ups and more convenience.
  • More RAM and Storage: Offers significantly more RAM and storage for better multitasking and media handling.
  • Better Connectivity: Offers faster Wi-Fi and Bluetooth with better sound codecs.
  • Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos, stereo speakers, and noise-canceling microphones create an immersive audio experience.
  • More Sensors: Includes a compass and gyroscope for better gaming and advanced features.
  • Better Build Quality: Screen protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5

Nokia C21 Plus Advantages:

  • Lighter Weight: Slightly lighter build might be more comfortable for extended use.
  • Dedicated Depth Sensor: Offers a portrait mode for photos, that OnePlus 9 lacks.
  • Potentially Lower Cost: Typically targets the budget-friendly market segment.
  • Wider aperture on the front camera: Slightly better selfies in low light conditions.

Significant Trade-offs:

  • OnePlus 9 sacrifices a portrait sensor, in favor of a wide-angle, and black & white sensor.
  • Nokia C21 Plus offers a lower-end experience in all aspects for the sake of being budget friendly.
  • Nokia C21 Plus has considerably less processing power, potentially leading to lag and delays.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

OnePlus 9 Ideal User:

  • Power User: Someone who values performance, speed, and multitasking capabilities.
  • Multimedia Enthusiast: Users who enjoy high-quality video and graphics for content creation, gaming and consumption.
  • Photography Buffs: Users who want a versatile and capable camera system for various shooting conditions.
  • Gamers: Ideal for those who require smooth, high-refresh-rate gaming with demanding titles.
  • Users in Bright Environments: Those who frequently use their phones in sunny conditions, where screen brightness is crucial.

Nokia C21 Plus Ideal User:

  • Budget-Conscious Consumer: Someone looking for a functional smartphone at the lowest possible price.
  • Basic User: Users who primarily use their phone for calling, messaging, and light browsing.
  • First-Time Smartphone User: Simple interface and basic functionalities make it easy to operate.
  • Users with Basic Needs: Those who require a phone for essential tasks without demanding a premium experience.
  • Users who prioritize a lower weight: For those who prefer a lighter phone.

Specific Use Cases:

  • OnePlus 9:
    • High-end mobile gaming, video editing, and intensive multitasking.
    • Capturing high-quality photos and videos in different lighting scenarios.
    • Enjoying multimedia content with immersive audio and a vibrant display.
    • Smooth and responsive day-to-day use with fast app launches.
  • Nokia C21 Plus:
    • Daily calls, messaging, and basic social media browsing.
    • Casual photography and sharing simple snapshots.
    • A secondary device for basic communication.
    • A phone for seniors or young users who need a simple smartphone.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What's your budget? The OnePlus 9 is a higher-tier device and therefore more expensive. The Nokia C21 Plus is significantly more affordable.
  2. What are your performance needs? Do you need a device that can handle gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps smoothly or are you fine with basic usage?
  3. How important is display quality and camera performance? Do you need a vibrant, sharp display with excellent photo and video capabilities? Or are you ok with an adequate screen and camera?

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: If you want the best performance, display, and camera, and your budget can handle it, the OnePlus 9 is the clear choice.
  • Scenario 2: If you are on a very tight budget and only need a basic phone for essential tasks, the Nokia C21 Plus will suffice, with the understanding that you're sacrificing a lot of performance and camera quality.
  • Scenario 3: If you fall somewhere in the middle, consider whether the improved screen, better performance, better camera, and faster charging are worth the cost difference for you. If yes, go for the OnePlus. If not, the Nokia might be an option if price is your main concern.

Personal Choice:

Given the significant differences in performance, display quality, and camera capabilities, I would choose the OnePlus 9. While the Nokia C21 Plus is a more budget-friendly option, the massive gap in performance and user experience makes the OnePlus 9 a far superior device in my opinion. The higher refresh rate, better screen quality, and more powerful internals would lead to a much more enjoyable and productive daily experience. The superior camera, particularly the wide angle, and the addition of features such as 8K recording, would also make it a better choice for media creation and consumption. While the Nokia might serve the purpose if price is the only determining factor, in general, the OnePlus 9 presents a significantly higher overall value if budget is less of a concern.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

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  • Mobile technology analysis
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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.