Smartphone Comparison: OnePlus 9 vs. OnePlus Nord N20 SE
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | OnePlus Nord N20 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-26 | 2022-08-08 | OnePlus Nord N20 SE is newer by 4 months, 13 days |
| Dimensions | 160 × 74.2 × 8.7 mm | 163.8 × 75 × 8 mm | Nord N20 SE is slightly taller and less thick, 9 is more compact overall. |
| Weight | 192g | 187g | Nord N20 SE is slightly lighter, might feel more comfortable during prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.56" | Nearly identical screen size. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1612 | OnePlus 9 has a significantly sharper display, text and images appear clearer. |
| PPI | 402 | 269 | OnePlus 9 has higher pixel density, leading to sharper images and text. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | OnePlus 9 offers better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors; better for media consumption and dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | OnePlus 9 has smoother scrolling and animations, making the user interface feel more responsive. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | OnePlus 9 is much brighter, making it more usable under direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | OnePlus 9 has a much more powerful chipset, offering faster performance in all tasks, especially gaming and demanding apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 880,900 | 221,000 | OnePlus 9 is significantly faster, handling heavy tasks and gaming smoothly. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | PowerVR GE8320 | OnePlus 9's GPU provides better graphics performance, particularly for gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Nord N20 SE has slightly larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | OnePlus 9 charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | 15W Wireless Charging | Non-removable | OnePlus 9 has the added convenience of wireless charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear (Standard) | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/1.4" Sony IMX689 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" Samsung S5KJN1 | OnePlus 9 has a larger sensor and wider aperture, generally better low-light performance. |
| Front (Selfie) | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" Sony IMX471 | 8MP, f/2.0, 1/4" Omnivision OV08D10 | OnePlus 9 has a higher resolution and larger sensor, resulting in better overall selfie quality. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56" Sony IMX766 | Not Available | OnePlus 9 allows for capturing ultrawide shots. |
| Portrait Mode | Not Available | 2MP, f/2.4 | Nord N20 SE has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | Not Available | OnePlus 9 offers a dedicated monochrome lens. |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps | 1080p@30fps | OnePlus 9 offers significantly higher video recording capabilities for high-quality content creation. |
| DxOMark | Not Available | Not Available | No DxOMark score for either phone, making camera performance comparisons more challenging. |
| Features | 4K/8K, Triple cam, digital/ultra stable, PDAF/CDAF, 12 bit RAW, nightmode | Digital, Dual cam, digital image stabilization, PDAF/CDAF | OnePlus 9 has features like higher quality video recording and advanced settings for professional photography. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 12 | Nord N20 SE is shipped with a newer version of Android. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | OnePlus 9 has a newer Wi-Fi standard for potentially faster internet speeds and better performance on crowded networks |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | Nord N20 SE has a slightly newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | OnePlus 9 provides more precise and consistent location tracking with additional satellite systems support. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both phones support Dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 64GB/128GB | OnePlus 9 offers more internal storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 4GB | OnePlus 9 is much better for multitasking and running heavy apps. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports external storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 3 mics | Stereo Speakers | OnePlus 9 offers enhanced audio through Dolby Atmos and better microphone setup for clearer calls and recordings |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted sensors are generally faster and more convenient than basic sensors. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | OnePlus 9's screen is more resistant to scratches and damage. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Gravity, Geomagnetic | OnePlus 9 has a compass for better navigation, OnePlus Nord N20 SE has additional gravity and geomagnetic sensors, which are not always useful to every user. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED with 120Hz refresh rate, higher resolution, and significantly higher brightness. Practical impact: Better viewing experience for media, gaming, and outdoor use.
- Much Faster Performance: High-end Snapdragon 888 chipset. Practical impact: Smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming experience.
- Advanced Camera System: Higher-quality main sensor, wide-angle lens, better video recording, and additional features. Practical impact: Better photos in various conditions and professional-grade video.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: 65W fast charging and 15W wireless charging. Practical impact: Faster recharges and added convenience.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos, stereo speakers, and 3 microphones for improved audio experience and call quality.
- Better Wi-Fi: WiFi 6 for faster, more stable connections.
- Higher RAM Options: Up to 12GB of RAM for better multitasking and demanding apps.
- Superior Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for better screen protection
OnePlus Nord N20 SE Advantages:
- Larger Battery Capacity: 5000mAh battery for potentially longer battery life. Practical impact: Slightly extended time between charges.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.3 offering slight advantage in energy consumption and range.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Scanner: More convenient than in-display fingerprint scanners.
- Lower Price: Generally more affordable, making it a budget-friendly option.
Significant Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9: Higher price point.
- OnePlus Nord N20 SE: Significantly lower performance, inferior display, basic camera system, and slower charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 Ideal User:
- Power Users: Gamers, heavy multitaskers, and users who demand top performance.
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize a high-quality display for video and gaming.
- Photography & Videography Enthusiasts: Users who need advanced camera capabilities.
Users who value premium features and build quality: Want the best display, performance, and convenience (wireless charging)
Use Cases:
- Playing demanding mobile games
- Video editing and creation
- Watching high-resolution videos
- Professional photography and video
- Power users who need excellent performance
OnePlus Nord N20 SE Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users who want an affordable smartphone with basic features.
- Casual Users: People who mainly use their phones for calls, social media, and basic browsing.
- Users who prioritize battery life: Those who need a device that can last a full day on a single charge.
Users who do not need the highest performance or camera quality
Use Cases:
- Everyday tasks like calling, messaging, and browsing.
- Social media consumption
- Casual gaming
- Users who prioritize battery life
- Cost-conscious users who need a functional smartphone
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The price difference between these two phones is significant.
- How important is performance? Are you a gamer or a heavy user who needs a very fast phone?
- How important is display quality? Do you value high resolution, vibrant colors, and smooth refresh rates?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget is limited, and I need a functional phone for basic tasks.
- Recommendation: OnePlus Nord N20 SE. It's more affordable and will handle basic tasks well.
- Scenario 2: I want the best display and performance for gaming, videos, and more demanding applications.
- Recommendation: OnePlus 9. Its advanced display, powerful processor, and fast charging are worth the higher cost for heavy users.
- Scenario 3: I take a lot of photos and videos, and want a very capable camera.
* **Recommendation:** OnePlus 9. Its superior camera system, with wide angle and high quality video capabilities makes it much more versatile for photography. - Scenario 4: I need a phone that has good battery life and will get me through the day without problems.
- Recommendation: OnePlus Nord N20 SE. It's larger battery and lower power chipset will mean a slightly better battery life.
What I Would Choose and Why
Personally, I would choose the OnePlus 9. While the Nord N20 SE has the advantage of a larger battery and lower cost, the differences in screen quality, performance, and camera are too significant to ignore. As someone who values a smooth user experience, enjoys mobile gaming, and uses my phone for photography, the OnePlus 9's higher-end specs would provide a much more enjoyable experience. The faster charging and wireless charging are also a bonus, fitting well into a fast-paced lifestyle. Although it is older, it is still a superior phone in many crucial aspects. The price difference is justifiable considering the enhanced overall user experience and superior features that the OnePlus 9 offers.
