1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | OnePlus Nord 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 160 × 74.2 × 8.7 mm | 162 × 75.1 × 8.2 mm | OnePlus Nord 3 is slightly taller and thinner, with minimal impact on handling. |
| Weight | 192g | 193.5g | Virtually identical, weight won't be a deciding factor. |
Display
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | OnePlus Nord 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.55" | 6.74" | OnePlus Nord 3 offers a slightly more immersive viewing experience with more screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1240x2772 | OnePlus Nord 3 provides sharper visuals and text due to the higher pixel count. |
| PPI | 402 | 451 | OnePlus Nord 3 has slightly sharper images and less noticeable pixelation. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both provide vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1450 nits | OnePlus Nord 3 is significantly easier to view outdoors in bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | OnePlus Nord 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 9000 (4 nm) | OnePlus Nord 3's newer chip provides better performance in apps and gaming, and it is more power-efficient. |
| Antutu Score | 880,900 | 1,103,441 | OnePlus Nord 3 is noticeably faster overall, with quicker app loading and smoother multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G710 MC10 | OnePlus Nord 3's GPU offers a better gaming experience. |
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | OnePlus Nord 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 50MP | Minor resolution difference, negligible impact on general image quality. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.8 | OnePlus 9 gathers marginally more light for slightly better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.4" | 1/1.56" | OnePlus 9's larger sensor generally results in slightly better low light images and potentially a more shallow depth of field. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", Sony IMX471 | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", Sony IMX471 | Similar performance for selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56", Sony IMX766 | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", Sony IMX355 | OnePlus 9 offers significantly higher resolution and better image quality with the wide angle lens. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", GalaxyCore GC02M1 | OnePlus Nord 3 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Black & white | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | OnePlus 9 has a dedicated black and white sensor for artistic monochrome photos. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 4K@60fps | OnePlus 9 supports higher video recording resolutions. |
| Video Stabilization | EIS | EIS & OIS | OnePlus Nord 3 has better video stabilization thanks to OIS. |
| Video Features | 8K Video, Ultra stable video, Manual focus, CDAF, Night Mode, RAW 12 bits | Optical Stabilization (OIS) | OnePlus 9 has more pro video features, and OnePlus Nord 3 offers optical image stabilization for smoother footage. |
Battery
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | OnePlus Nord 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | OnePlus Nord 3 is likely to last longer on a single charge. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 80W Fast Charging | OnePlus Nord 3 charges faster, resulting in less time plugged in. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W Wireless Charging | None | OnePlus 9 can charge wirelessly. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Advantages:
- Higher Resolution Wide-Angle Camera: Superior wide-angle photos with its 50MP sensor.
- 8K Video Recording: Allows for recording in ultra-high definition.
- Wireless Charging: Convenience of charging without cables.
- Black and white sensor Allows for artistic black and white photos.
- Additional Camera Features: Including manual focus, Night Mode, and RAW 12 bits for professional photography use cases.
OnePlus Nord 3 Advantages:
- Newer and Faster Chipset: The Dimensity 9000 offers higher performance and efficiency.
- Larger Battery: Longer battery life for extended usage.
- Faster Charging: Quickly get back to full charge with 80W charging.
- Higher Resolution Display: Sharper text and images.
- Brighter Screen: Improved outdoor visibility.
- OIS: Optical Image Stabilization in video, resulting in smoother recording.
- Macro lens: Dedicated macro camera for close up shots.
- Newer Software: ships with Android 13 and has 3 additional Android OS updates vs. the OnePlus 9
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9 trades better performance for a superior wide-angle camera, 8k video, wireless charging and additional pro camera features.
- OnePlus Nord 3 sacrifices the wide-angle lens quality and additional camera features for a much better processor, better battery and faster charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 Ideal Users:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize wide-angle photography, artistic monochrome shots and those who prefer to use pro video features including manual focus and RAW recording.
- Users who value wireless charging: People who want the convenience of cable-free charging
- Video creators: Users who want to record in 8K resolution.
OnePlus 9 Use Cases:
- Landscape photography: Capturing high-quality, detailed landscapes.
- Professional Video Creation: Recording high-definition, ultra-high definition footage for video projects.
- Wireless charging: Convenient charging around the home.
OnePlus Nord 3 Ideal Users:
- Performance Seekers: Gamers and users who need a smooth, fast experience.
- Heavy Users: Individuals who need a phone that lasts all day without needing to recharge.
- General users: Users looking for a phone with a large and bright display.
OnePlus Nord 3 Use Cases:
- Mobile Gaming: Smooth, responsive gameplay with the powerful chipset.
- Long Days Out: Battery life that can handle full days of usage without needing to recharge.
- Outdoor Usage: Easy visibility in sunlight.
- Social Media Enthusiasts: Wanting good quality main camera shots for day to day use.
- Users who want longer software support Newer version of Android.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Is camera quality or performance more important to you? If you prioritize wide-angle photography, 8k video and additional pro video features, the OnePlus 9 is a better choice. If you need a faster phone, longer battery life and fast charging, the OnePlus Nord 3 is better.
- Do you need wireless charging? Only the OnePlus 9 offers this feature.
- How long do you plan to use your device? The OnePlus Nord 3 will receive more software updates due to it being a newer device.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Photography-Focused User: If your primary concern is capturing the best possible photos and videos, especially wide-angle images and pro video features, the OnePlus 9 is the better choice, despite its older processor.
- Scenario 2: Performance-Focused User: If you value a faster and more responsive experience, along with longer battery life, the OnePlus Nord 3 is the better option.
- Scenario 3: All-Around User: If you want a phone with a balance of performance, good battery life, fast charging and a good main camera, the OnePlus Nord 3 is more suitable.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would personally pick the OnePlus Nord 3. While the OnePlus 9 has some tempting camera features like the high resolution wide-angle lens and 8K video, the overall package of the Nord 3 is more compelling. The much faster processor (Dimensity 9000 vs Snapdragon 888) is a big advantage for everyday usage, offering smoother app launches and better gaming. The larger battery and faster charging are also very important for a phone that I plan to use frequently.
While I enjoy using wireless charging, the faster charging of the OnePlus Nord 3 is more useful to me in the real-world, and the brighter display makes it easier to use outdoors. The improved software support is also very important, making it a future-proof purchase. Finally, while the wide angle lens is a step down, the main sensor of the Nord 3 is still good for day to day use, and I would prefer a better performing phone for everything else.
