Smartphone Comparison: OnePlus 9 vs. ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-26 | 2024-07-09 | Red Magic 9S Pro is significantly newer, likely with updated software and features. |
| Dimensions | 160 × 74.2 × 8.7 mm | 164 × 76.4 × 8.9 mm | Red Magic 9S Pro is larger, potentially less comfortable for smaller hands; OnePlus 9 is more compact. |
| Weight | 192g | 229g | OnePlus 9 is significantly lighter, better for one-handed use and prolonged periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.8" | Red Magic 9S Pro has a slightly larger screen, more immersive for media and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1116x2480 | Red Magic 9S Pro has slightly sharper image, but difference is not drastic. |
| Pixel Density | 402 PPI | 400 PPI | Both offer similar sharpness, differences are negligible. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both have smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | OnePlus 9 has significantly better outdoor visibility and readability in bright sunlight. Red Magic 9S Pro's brightness is unknown. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | Red Magic 9S Pro has a much newer and faster chip, resulting in better performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 880,900 | 2,369,542 | Red Magic 9S Pro offers dramatically higher performance, significantly faster app loading and better gaming experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 750 | Red Magic 9S Pro has much better graphics performance, ideal for demanding games. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 6500mAh | Red Magic 9S Pro has a much larger battery, potentially much longer battery life. |
| Charging | 65W | 80W | Red Magic 9S Pro has faster charging, meaning less time plugged in. |
| Features | 15W Wireless Charging | None | OnePlus 9 offers convenient wireless charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/1.4", Sony IMX689 | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.57", Samsung GN5 | OnePlus 9 has larger sensor and wider aperture, potentially better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", Sony IMX471 | 16MP, f/2.0, 1/3.06", Omnivision OV16A1Q | Red Magic 9S Pro has wider aperture and larger sensor, potentially better low-light performance. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56", Sony IMX766 | 50MP, f/2.0, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1 | OnePlus 9 has a larger sensor, but Red Magic 9S Pro has a slightly wider aperture. Overall image quality differences are likely not drastic. |
| Macro Camera | None | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", GalaxyCore GC02M1 | Red Magic 9S Pro has dedicated macro lens, allowing for close-up photography. |
| Black & White Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | OnePlus 9 has dedicated black & white lens, allowing for monochromatic photography |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@60fps, EIS | Up to 8K@30fps, stabilization | Both offer high-quality video, Red Magic 9S Pro provides stabilization, One Plus 9 offers higher fps in certain resolutions |
| Camera Features | PDAF, CDAF, RAW 12-bit, Ultra stable video, etc. | OIS, Gimbal, Laser Autofocus, Under display camera, etc. | OnePlus 9 provides unique features for specific use cases, Red Magic 9S Pro also has specific features, generally more versatile. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 13) | Android 14 | Red Magic 9S Pro has a newer OS, likely with updated features and security patches. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | Red Magic 9S Pro has faster, more reliable Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 + APT-x | Bluetooth 5.2 | Both have similar Bluetooth capabilities, OnePlus 9 adds APT-x for potentially better audio. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, etc | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, etc, NavIC | Red Magic 9S Pro supports more satellite systems for improved location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both have dual SIM capabilities. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 256GB/512GB | Red Magic 9S Pro offers more storage. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 12GB/16GB | Red Magic 9S Pro has more RAM, better multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation | DTS/DTS X, Stereo Speakers, 3 mics | OnePlus 9 has enhanced spatial audio and clearer calls, Red Magic 9S Pro has DTS / DTS X for potentially better audio. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint | Fingerprint | Both offer basic fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Both offer similar levels of screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity | Red Magic 9S Pro features a gravity sensor suitable for specific use cases. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: Easier to handle and carry, especially for users with smaller hands or those who prefer a less bulky device.
- Significantly Higher Screen Brightness: Better visibility outdoors in sunny conditions.
- Wireless Charging: Offers convenience of charging without cables.
- APT-x Support for Bluetooth: May provide slightly better audio for some users.
- Dolby Atmos Support: Offers an enhanced audio experience.
ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro Advantages:
- Newer and More Powerful Chipset: Provides significantly higher performance for gaming and demanding tasks.
- Larger Battery: Offers potentially much better battery life, reducing the need to charge frequently.
- Faster Charging: Quickly recharges the larger battery.
- Larger Screen: More immersive experience for media consumption and gaming.
- Higher AnTuTu Score: Benchmarks confirm superior performance for overall usage.
- Higher Base Storage and RAM: Better for users who store a lot of data and multitask heavily.
- Dedicated Macro Lens: Offers greater camera versatility.
- Wi-Fi 7 Support: Faster and more reliable Wi-Fi performance for compatible networks.
- Newer Android OS: Up-to-date features, security patches, and long-term support.
- OIS and Gimbal Camera Features: Provide more versatile photography and filming options.
- Wider Selfie Camera Aperture: Potentially better low light performance of the selfie camera.
- Better GPS Capabilities: Utilizes a more accurate positioning system
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9: Sacrifices performance and battery life for a more compact and lightweight design, along with wireless charging. Older OS.
- ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro: Larger, heavier, less convenient for one-handed usage, no wireless charging and unknown display brightness.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 - Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize a lighter and more compact design.
- Individuals who need a phone with a very bright display for outdoor use.
- Users who value the convenience of wireless charging.
- Users who prefer a more mainstream and polished software experience.
- Users who want a capable, high quality daily phone, not necessarily focused on gaming.
Use Cases for OnePlus 9:
- Daily use where portability and one-handed usability are essential.
- Outdoor photography in bright sunlight where screen visibility is crucial.
- Users who frequently use wireless charging.
ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro - Ideal User:
- Hardcore mobile gamers who require the highest possible performance.
- Power users who multitask heavily and need abundant RAM and storage.
- Users who need long battery life for prolonged usage.
- Individuals who value the latest features, such as a newer Android OS and Wi-Fi 7.
- Users who are okay with a larger, heavier phone and don't use wireless charging.
Use Cases for ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro:
- Playing graphically demanding mobile games at the highest settings.
- Power users who need to work on the phone for long periods without charging.
- Users who need high video and photography capabilities.
- Frequent use in areas with strong Wi-Fi signals.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize portability and one-handed use, or do you prefer a larger screen and more immersive experience?
- Is battery life and mobile gaming performance crucial, or is a very bright display more important?
- Do you need wireless charging for convenience, or do you need the latest Android OS?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Daily Use with Good Screen Visibility: Choose the OnePlus 9 for its comfortable size, weight, better visibility and balanced features.
- Scenario 2: Mobile Gaming Enthusiast: Choose the Red Magic 9S Pro for its superior performance, battery life, and gaming-centric features.
- Scenario 3: Power User on the Go: Choose the Red Magic 9S Pro for its battery, performance and RAM.
- Scenario 4: User who values quality photos: Choose the Red Magic 9S Pro for OIS and gimbal features.
My Choice and Why
Given the specifications and my understanding of various use cases, I would personally choose the ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro.
Here's why:
- Future-Proof Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset provides a significant performance leap. This future-proofs the device for at least 2-3 years of demanding games and applications.
- Superior Battery Life: The much larger battery combined with faster charging is a huge advantage for my usage patterns, which involve long work and travel days. I value reliability over having to find a charger.
- Versatile Camera: While the OnePlus 9 might have a slight edge in some scenarios, the additional features of the Red Magic 9S Pro camera, including OIS, gimbal and a dedicated macro lens, make it more versatile and adaptable to various photographic situations.
- Latest Software: I value having the latest version of Android as it also means up-to-date security features.
- Modern Features: Wifi 7, combined with a high refresh rate screen, are ideal for modern mobile gaming, streaming and networking.
- I am okay with the size: While the Red Magic is bigger and heavier than the OnePlus 9, it's a tradeoff I am willing to make.
- Gaming is a priority: I value a device that doesn't compromise on game performance, and the Red Magic 9S Pro is clearly the better gaming device.
Although the OnePlus 9 is a good phone, the Red Magic 9S Pro's performance and battery life, paired with a newer OS, outweigh the benefits of a smaller form factor and wireless charging, for my usage patterns. The Red Magic 9S Pro is also a newer device and thus has the potential for longer support and will hold its value longer.
