1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the OnePlus 9 and Sony Xperia 1 IV, focusing on their practical implications for users:
Design
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 160 × 74.2 × 8.7 mm | 165 × 71 × 8.2 mm | Xperia 1 IV is taller and thinner, potentially feeling more sleek and narrow, while OnePlus 9 is wider with a larger volume, affecting hand feel. |
| Weight | 192g | 185g | Xperia 1 IV is slightly lighter, which might be preferred for extended use and carrying. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass 5 (front), Plastic Frame | Gorilla Glass Victus (front), Aluminum Frame | Xperia 1 IV has a more premium build with better screen protection, while OnePlus 9 has a plastic frame. |
| ### Display |
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.55" | 6.5" | Very similar screen sizes, unlikely to notice a major difference in daily use. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1644 x 3840 | Xperia 1 IV has a significantly sharper display, resulting in clearer text, images, and more detail when viewing high-resolution content. |
| PPI | 402 | 643 | Xperia 1 IV provides a visibly crisper display, reducing pixelation and improving overall viewing experience. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both use high-quality display tech with excellent contrast and vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer a smooth scrolling and fluid motion experience in games and daily use. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | OnePlus 9 will be significantly more visible in bright sunlight. The lack of brightness data for the Sony Xperia 1 IV is a significant limitation, likely a data entry issue. |
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Xperia 1 IV's newer chipset offers better performance, faster app loading, and more efficient power consumption. |
| Antutu Score | 880,900 | 1,076,100 | Xperia 1 IV demonstrates noticeably smoother operation, faster multitasking, and better performance in demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 730 | Xperia 1 IV's newer GPU handles graphics-intensive tasks, including gaming, more smoothly than the OnePlus 9. |
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/1.4" sensor | 12MP, f/1.7, 1.80 µm pixel size | OnePlus 9 has a higher resolution for more detailed images but the Sony Xperia 1 IV has a wider aperture and larger pixel size for better low light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" sensor | 12MP, f/2.0, unknown pixel size | OnePlus 9 has a higher resolution for more detailed selfies. Xperia 1 IV has wider aperture for better low light performance. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 12MP, f/2.3, 1/3.5" sensor | Xperia 1 IV offers optical zoom capabilities that the OnePlus 9 lacks. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56" sensor | 12MP, f/2.2, unknown pixel size | OnePlus 9's wide-angle lens provides much higher resolution. However, sensor size information is missing for the Xperia 1 IV for a proper comparison. |
| ToF 3D sensor | None | Present, unknown pixel size | Xperia 1 IV has a ToF 3D sensor, which can be used for better depth sensing and AR applications. |
| Black & White | 2MP, f/2.4, unknown pixel size | None | OnePlus 9 has a black and white sensor for monochrome shots |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps with HDR, EIS | Up to 4K@120fps with HDR, OIS, EIS | OnePlus 9 can record at higher resolutions with EIS, while the Xperia 1 IV offers higher frame rates and Optical Image Stabilization. |
| DxoMark | Not tested | Mobile: 105, Photo: 107, Video: 92 | Xperia 1 IV has a DxOMark score, indicating a good but not top-tier camera performance. OnePlus 9 is not rated. |
Battery
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Xperia 1 IV has a larger battery, which should provide longer usage between charges. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging, 15W Wireless | 30W Fast Charging, Bypass Charging | OnePlus 9 charges much faster, while Xperia 1 IV has bypass charging for optimized gaming sessions. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Here's a breakdown of the key advantages of each phone:
OnePlus 9 Advantages:
- Faster Charging: 65W charging significantly reduces charging time compared to the Sony's 30W.
- Higher Brightness: 1100 nits display brightness ensures excellent outdoor visibility (note missing data for Sony).
- Higher Resolution Wide Camera: Offers greater detail in wide-angle photos, especially if printing them or cropping them in post-processing.
- 8K Video Recording: Supports higher resolution video recording for those who need that option.
- Wireless Charging: Offers convenient wireless charging.
- Black and White Camera: Dedicated sensor for capturing monochrome photos.
Sony Xperia 1 IV Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 provides more power for demanding games and tasks, with a 22% higher Antutu score.
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and pixel density resulting in a visibly crisper screen.
- Better Build Quality: Aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus offers better protection and a more premium feel.
- Telephoto Lens: Provides a dedicated telephoto lens for zoomed-in photography.
- Bigger Battery: Larger battery capacity for longer usage.
- More RAM: Up to 16GB of RAM, great for multitasking and heavy gaming.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Scanner: More convenient than the under-display sensor.
- More Bluetooth Features: Greater compatibility with a range of Bluetooth devices.
- ToF 3D sensor: Depth sensing for AR and improved portrait photography.
Significant Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9: Loses out on display sharpness, build quality, and overall performance compared to the Sony but wins in terms of charging speed and maximum brightness
- Sony Xperia 1 IV: Loses out on charging speed, and its display brightness information is missing. Has a higher price point.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for OnePlus 9:
- Users who prioritize fast charging and don't want to wait long for a full charge.
- Those who often use their phone in bright sunlight and need high display brightness.
- Users who are looking for a more affordable high end device.
- Users who value fast charging and don't need the latest performance.
Ideal Users for Sony Xperia 1 IV:
- Photography enthusiasts who want a versatile camera system with telephoto capabilities and advanced video features
- Power users and gamers who need the best possible performance.
- Users who demand a high-quality display for media consumption and content creation.
- Those who prefer a more premium design and build quality.
- Users who utilize multiple Bluetooth devices and require extensive audio profile support.
Use Cases:
- OnePlus 9: Ideal for daily tasks, fast-paced mobile gaming, and consuming content. It's great for users who want a fast and responsive phone without paying top dollar.
- Sony Xperia 1 IV: Ideal for professional photography, mobile video production, serious gaming, and watching high-resolution content. It's for users who want a premium experience with top-tier specifications.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The OnePlus 9 will likely offer a better price-to-value ratio for users who do not need the best-in-class specs.
- The Sony Xperia 1 IV is an expensive phone and justifies its premium price with its top-tier specs and features but isn't necessarily better for most people's needs.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three questions a buyer should consider:
- How much do I care about display sharpness, build quality, and raw performance? (If this is a major priority, the Xperia 1 IV is the better option)
- How important is fast charging and bright display visibility? (If this is paramount, the OnePlus 9 stands out)
- What is my budget and am I willing to pay a premium for a slightly better experience? (The OnePlus 9 is a better option for those looking to save money but the Sony Xperia 1 IV is justified in its price by better specs)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: If you are a gamer or a professional photographer/videographer that is looking for the highest quality media experience, the Sony Xperia 1 IV is the better choice.
- Scenario 2: If you are looking for the best value, and want a smooth experience while not spending too much money, the OnePlus 9 is the better choice.
What I Would Choose and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Sony Xperia 1 IV. While the OnePlus 9 offers great value, especially in terms of charging speed, the Xperia 1 IV’s superior display, performance, camera capabilities, and build quality make it the better option for my needs. I heavily prioritize camera performance and media consumption, and the Xperia 1 IV excels in these areas. I also value a more premium feel and build, as well as a better software experience.
The lack of brightness data on the Sony Xperia 1 IV is concerning; however, assuming it is a data entry error and the display is sufficiently bright, this phone is a clear winner for my needs. The better processor, GPU, larger battery, more RAM, and higher resolution screen all make the phone perform better in the areas that I value most. I am not as concerned about charging speeds, so the slower 30W charging is a tradeoff I am willing to make for all the other benefits the Sony device offers. I also use a lot of bluetooth devices and enjoy having support for a multitude of different audio profiles.
