OnePlus 9 vs Sony Xperia 1 III - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
OnePlus 9
OnePlus 9
Oneplus

General

Launch Date March 26, 2021 August 25, 2021
Release Year 2021 2021

Physical

Volume 103.29 cm³ 96.06 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.41 "/g 3.49 "/g
Weight 192 g 186 g
Height 160 mm 165 mm
Width 74.2 mm 71 mm
Thickness 8.7 mm 8.2 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Winter Mist
  • Arctic Sky
  • Astral Black
  • Frosted Black
  • Frosted Gray
  • Frosted Purple

Display

Screen Size 6.55 " 6.5 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 1644 x 3840
Aspect Ratio 20:9 21:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 87.2 % 84.2 %
Pixel Density 402 PPI 643 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 120 Hz
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 106.51 mAh/in²
Battery Density 43.57 mAh/cm³ 46.84 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4500 mAh 4500 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Adreno 660 Adreno 660

Connectivity

USB Version 3.1 3.1
OTG Support 1 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 3.1, OTG USB Type-C 3.1, OTG, Video Output

Software

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

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureOnePlus 9Sony Xperia 1 IIIPractical Impact
Design
Dimensions160 × 74.2 × 8.7 mm165 × 71 × 8.2 mmSony is taller and thinner; OnePlus is wider and thicker, impacting handling.
Weight192g186gSony is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use.
Display
Size6.55"6.5"Minimal difference, both are large screens.
Resolution1080x24001644x3840Sony has significantly sharper text and images, beneficial for detailed content.
PPI402643Sony provides a far crisper and more detailed visual experience.
TechnologyAMOLEDOLEDSimilar quality, no major difference in display tech.
Refresh Rate120Hz120HzBoth offer smooth scrolling and animations.
Brightness1100 nits0 nitsOnePlus has much better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. The Sony brightness is missing.
Performance
ChipsetQualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)Identical chipsets, similar processing power.
Antutu Score880,900889,100Negligible performance difference in daily tasks and gaming.
GPUAdreno 660Adreno 660Both offer similar graphics capabilities for gaming.
Battery
Capacity4500mAh4500mAhSimilar battery life expected under normal use.
Charging65W fast charging30W fast chargingOnePlus charges much faster, minimizing downtime.
Features15W Wireless ChargingBypass ChargingOnePlus offers wireless charging, Sony helps preserve battery health while gaming.
Camera
Rear (Standard)48MP, f/1.79, 1/1.4" sensor12MP, f/1.7, Sony Exmor RSOnePlus captures higher-resolution images, but Sony has a slightly wider aperture.
Selfie16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" sensor8MP, f/2.0, 1/4" sensorOnePlus has higher resolution, Sony has a wider aperture, for better low light.
Telephoto LensNone12MP, f/2.2, Sony Exmor RSSony offers optical zoom capabilities, OnePlus lacks this.
Wide Angle Lens50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56" sensor12MP, f/2.3, Sony Exmor RSOnePlus has significantly higher resolution and wider aperture for wide shots.
ToF 3D sensorNoneYesSony offers depth sensing for advanced photography and AR.
Black & White2MP, f/2.4NoneOnePlus provides a dedicated black and white mode.
VideoUp to 8K@30fpsUp to 4K@120fpsOnePlus has higher resolution video, Sony offers advanced stabilization options and higher frame rates at 4k.
Video StabilisationEISOIS, EISSony provides Optical Image Stabilization and Electronic stabilization
DxoMark MobileNot Tested105Sony performs better on the DxoMark benchmark (105 vs Not Tested).
Camera Features8K Video, Triple camera, Manual focus, CDAF, Night ModeOptical zoom, Quadruple camera, OIS, Continuous autofocusSony offers more zoom options and stabilization, while OnePlus offers advanced manual controls and low-light enhancements.
Software
OSAndroid 11 (Upgradable to 13)Android 11 (Upgradable to 13)No difference in operating system
Connectivity
Wi-FiWi-Fi 6, MIMOWi-Fi 6Both support current standards; OnePlus offers MIMO for potentially faster speeds.
Bluetooth5.2 LE5.2 LESony offers wider support for Bluetooth profiles.
GPSGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, GalileoGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GalileoBoth support main systems; minor difference in specific satellite systems.
SIMDual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM)Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM)Both support dual SIM functionality.
Storage
Internal128 GB or 256 GB256 GB or 512 GBSony offers larger storage options.
RAM8 GB or 12 GB12 GBBoth models offer ample RAM.
ExpandableNoNoNeither phone allows for expandable storage.
Audio
QualityDolby Atmos, Noise cancellation, Stereo Speakers, 3 micsDolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo SpeakersOnePlus focuses on clearer calls and immersive audio, Sony targets high-fidelity audio.
Security
Featuresbasic fingerprint sensorside-mounted fingerprint sensorSony has more convenient and advanced fingerprint sensor.
Build
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5Corning Gorilla Glass VictusSony has the superior screen protection.
Sensors
SensorsAccelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Fingerprint, ProximityAccelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Fingerprint, Proximity, BarometerSony has an additional barometer, suited for outdoor and gaming.

2. Key Differences Analysis

OnePlus 9 Advantages:

  • Faster Charging: 65W charging significantly reduces charging time compared to Sony's 30W.
  • Brighter Display: 1100 nits vs 0 nits (missing spec) making it much better in direct sunlight.
  • Higher Resolution Main Camera: 48MP vs 12MP, capturing more detail in good lighting.
  • Higher Resolution Wide Angle Camera: 50MP vs 12MP, capturing more detail in wide shots.
  • 8K Video recording: Capable of recording professional level content.
  • Wireless Charging: Offers the convenience of 15W wireless charging.
  • More Microphones: Three microphones provide clearer audio in calls and recordings.

Sony Xperia 1 III Advantages:

  • Sharper Display: Higher resolution (1644x3840) and pixel density (643 PPI) offering crisper visuals.
  • Telephoto Lens: Optical zoom allows for better quality zoomed-in shots, unlike OnePlus.
  • Optical Image Stabilization (OIS): Provides more stable video recording, which is great for filming on the go.
  • ToF 3D Sensor: Enables depth sensing for improved portrait mode and AR applications.
  • Hi-Res Audio: Better audio quality for audiophiles, especially with wired headphones.
  • Bypass Charging: Optimizes battery health during prolonged use, like gaming.
  • More Bluetooth Profile Support: Offers more profile options for connecting Bluetooth devices.
  • Superior Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers better resistance against scratches and impacts.
  • Additional Barometer: Adds capability to measure atmospheric pressure for outdoor activities.

Trade-offs:

  • OnePlus: Faster charging and brighter screen at the expense of display sharpness and zoom camera versatility.
  • Sony: Superior display and camera versatility at the expense of charging speed and screen brightness in direct sunlight.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

OnePlus 9 Ideal User:

  • Users who prioritize fast charging and outdoor visibility: If you need a phone that charges quickly and remains visible in bright sunlight, the OnePlus is a better pick.
  • Those who value high-resolution main and ultrawide camera: Perfect for social media enthusiasts.
  • Users who appreciate convenient wireless charging: It offers wireless charging convenience, which is missing on the Sony.
  • Users who want better call quality: The three microphones offer clearer voice capture and noise cancellation.

Specific Use Cases:

  • Quickly charging before leaving home.
  • Taking photos and videos in various conditions.
  • Recording high resolution videos.
  • Making clear phone calls in noisy environments.
  • Enjoying a bright and colorful display outdoors.

Sony Xperia 1 III Ideal User:

  • Those who prioritize display quality: Great for users who consume a lot of visual content (movies, photos, etc).
  • Photography enthusiasts: With zoom, advanced stabilization and depth sensor, it's more versatile.
  • Mobile gamers: Bypass charging and the barometer make it suitable for advanced gaming and outdoor activities.
  • Audiophiles: Those who appreciate high-fidelity audio will benefit from Hi-Res Audio support.
  • Users wanting a premium build quality: Superior screen protection and additional sensors offer a more premium experience.

Specific Use Cases:

  • Watching high-resolution movies and videos.
  • Taking diverse types of photos in different scenarios.
  • Playing graphically intensive games.
  • Listening to music with high-quality headphones.
  • Outdoor navigation and activity tracking.

Price-to-Value:

  • The price will depend on retailer and region.
  • Both phones were high-end at launch, but the prices have come down. Consider the current prices when making a decision.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions:

  1. How important is fast charging and brightness to me? If these are top priorities, the OnePlus 9 is better.
  2. Do I need high-quality zoom photography and video stabilization? If so, the Sony Xperia 1 III is more suitable.
  3. Do I prioritize visual experience or audio fidelity? Sony is better for visual and audio enthusiasts, while OnePlus is great for daily use.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Commuter/Outdoor User - If you're always on the go and need a phone that can charge quickly, remain visible in sunlight and capture some high resolution photos, the OnePlus 9 is the better option.
  • Scenario 2: Photography Enthusiast - If you value camera versatility, including optical zoom, and high stabilization the Sony Xperia 1 III is the superior pick.
  • Scenario 3: Entertainment Consumer - If you want a device with the best visual and audio experience, go for the Sony Xperia 1 III.
  • Scenario 4: Mobile gamer: If you are a mobile gamer, you can benefit greatly from Sony Xperia 1 III due to its side-mounted fingerprint, bypass charging, barometer and high resolution display.

What I would choose and why

Given the information provided, I would choose the Sony Xperia 1 III.

Here's why:

  1. Superior Display Quality: The significantly higher resolution and pixel density make a noticeable difference for visual fidelity. Since I watch videos and view photos often, I'd want the best possible display for these use cases.
  2. Camera Versatility: While the OnePlus has high resolution, the addition of a telephoto lens, optical zoom, and OIS of the Sony provides more options. The ToF 3D sensor also adds functionality for portraits and AR.
  3. High-Fidelity Audio: As someone who values audio quality, I prefer the Hi-Res Audio support of the Sony.
  4. Overall Premium feel: With better screen protection and more sensors, Sony feels like the premium option.
  5. Advanced Gaming Capabilities: The Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, barometer and bypass charging makes the Sony a better option for mobile gamers.
  6. Acceptable Charging: While the OnePlus has much faster charging, 30W is still an adequate speed to charge overnight.
  7. DxoMark Benchmark: Based on the benchmark, the Sony performs better on camera.

Although I acknowledge the OnePlus 9's strengths, my priorities are a superior display, better camera versatility, and high-fidelity audio. The Sony Xperia 1 III provides a more well-rounded experience for my needs.

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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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.