1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Realme 9 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 160 × 74.2 × 8.7 mm | 160.2 × 73.3 × 8 mm | OnePlus 9 is slightly thicker (0.7mm) and has a slightly larger volume, which might feel slightly less sleek than the Realme 9 Pro+ in hand. |
| Weight | 192g | 182g | Realme 9 Pro+ is 10g lighter, making it potentially more comfortable for extended one-handed use. |
Display
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Realme 9 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.55" | 6.4" | OnePlus 9 offers a slightly larger screen for a more immersive viewing experience, while the Realme 9 Pro+ is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both phones have the same sharpness, so pixel density is negligible in real-world use. |
| PPI | 402 | 411 | Essentially identical sharpness in day to day usage. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both provide vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good contrast ratios. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | OnePlus 9 has a smoother scrolling experience, making animations and fast-paced content appear more fluid. Realme 9 Pro+ still provides a smooth experience, but not as fluid as the OnePlus 9. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | OnePlus 9 provides significantly better visibility under bright sunlight and outdoor conditions. Brightness is not available for the Realme 9 Pro+. |
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Realme 9 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 920 (6 nm) | OnePlus 9's Snapdragon 888 offers significantly faster app loading, better multitasking, and more fluid gaming experience, especially for demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 880,900 | 496,970 | OnePlus 9 demonstrates much higher performance. This means noticeably smoother performance across all tasks including gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G68 MC4 | OnePlus 9’s GPU is more powerful, which benefits graphically intensive games and video editing. |
Battery
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Realme 9 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Both should provide similar battery life under similar usage conditions. |
| Charging | 65W fast charging | 60W fast charging | OnePlus 9 charges slightly faster, allowing for quicker top-ups. |
| Features | 15W Wireless Charging | Non-removable | OnePlus 9 has the added convenience of wireless charging. |
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Realme 9 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Standard Camera | 48MP (f/1.79, 1/1.4", Sony IMX689) | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/1.56", Sony IMX766) | OnePlus 9 has a slightly larger sensor, potentially offering better low-light performance; The Realme 9 Pro+ has slightly higher resolution and a very capable sensor as well. |
| 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 provides much higher resolution and larger sensor in its ultra-wide, leading to much more detailed wide-angle shots. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP (f/2.4, 1/5", GalaxyCore GC02M1) | Realme 9 Pro+ has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, a feature not available on the OnePlus 9. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | None | OnePlus 9 offers a dedicated black and white sensor for artistic photography. |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps, HDR, EIS | Up to 4K@30fps, HDR, EIS | OnePlus 9 can record higher resolution video, which is suitable for professional use cases; Both provide electronic image stabilization. OnePlus 9 does not have optical stabilization. |
| Features | 8K Video, Phase & Contrast detection autofocus, RAW 12 bits | Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), RAW | OnePlus 9 offers high end video features, while the Realme 9 Pro+ has OIS which provides more stability for video capture. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Advantages
- Significantly Higher Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset provides a major boost in overall speed, app loading times, and gaming performance compared to the Dimensity 920.
- Superior Display: 120Hz refresh rate and higher brightness means a smoother, more visually appealing experience, particularly under bright conditions.
- Better Wide-Angle Camera: The 50MP ultrawide camera offers significantly more detail and better image quality compared to the Realme's 8MP sensor.
- Wireless Charging: The added convenience of 15W wireless charging.
- 8K Video Recording: The ability to record 8K video.
Realme 9 Pro+ Advantages
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS): Provides more stable video and photos, particularly in low light.
- Dedicated Macro Lens: For taking detailed close-up photos.
- Slightly Lighter Design: More comfortable for some users during extended periods of use.
- Heart Rate Sensor: Added biometric feature for fitness enthusiasts.
Trade-offs
- OnePlus 9: Trades a dedicated macro camera, OIS and a heart rate sensor for overall higher performance, better display, and a more capable ultrawide camera.
- Realme 9 Pro+: Trades raw performance, display quality, and ultrawide photo quality for OIS, a dedicated macro lens, a heart rate sensor and a lighter design.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 Ideal Users
- Power Users: Individuals who prioritize performance for gaming, video editing, and other demanding tasks.
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who watch a lot of videos and benefit from a smoother and brighter screen.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value high-quality wide-angle photography and professional video features.
Realme 9 Pro+ Ideal Users
- Casual Photographers: Individuals who prioritize ease of use and stability in their photos and videos and appreciate the addition of a macro lens.
- Fitness Enthusiasts: Benefit from the built in heart rate sensor.
- Comfort-Focused Users: Users who value a lightweight and compact design for ease of handling.
Price-to-Value Ratio
- OnePlus 9: Offers premium performance and features, typically at a higher price point.
- Realme 9 Pro+: Provides a well-rounded experience with a focus on camera versatility and design, generally at a more affordable price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers
- Performance Needs: How important is raw speed and gaming performance to you?
- Camera Priorities: Do you prioritize wide-angle photography and professional video, or do you value OIS and macro capabilities?
- Display Quality: Do you prioritize a smoother display with brighter screen, or are you ok with a slightly less smooth screen with slightly lower brightness?
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- For Gamers & Power Users: Choose the OnePlus 9 for the best possible performance and gaming experience.
- For Photography Enthusiasts: Choose the OnePlus 9 if you need the ultrawide lens for more detailed photos and require 8k video, or the Realme 9 Pro+ if you need more stable videos and closeup capabilities.
- For General Usage & Casual Photography: Choose the Realme 9 Pro+ for a well-rounded, feature-rich phone.
- For Budget-Conscious Buyers: Choose the Realme 9 Pro+ for a better balance between price and features.
What I Would Choose and Why
Personally, I would choose the OnePlus 9. While the Realme 9 Pro+ offers some compelling features like OIS and a macro lens, my priority is raw performance and a superior display, and the OnePlus 9 excels in these areas.
The Snapdragon 888 chipset provides a noticeable advantage in everyday use and demanding tasks, making the phone feel more responsive and future-proof. The 120Hz display with higher brightness is also a significant upgrade for me, as I consume a lot of media and appreciate the smoother visual experience, especially under sunlight.
Although I would miss the OIS for video, I think the better wide angle camera and 8k video offered by the OnePlus 9 would be more useful for my specific use case.
