Smartphone Comparison: OnePlus 9R vs. Asus ROG Phone 6
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the OnePlus 9R and Asus ROG Phone 6, focusing on practical implications:
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Asus ROG Phone 6 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161 x 74.1 x 8.4 mm | 173 x 77 x 10.3 mm | ROG Phone 6 is larger and bulkier; less pocketable. 9R is more comfortable for smaller hands and extended use. |
| Weight | 189g | 239g | 9R is significantly lighter; more comfortable for long use and less tiring. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.78" | ROG Phone 6 has a slightly larger display, which can be better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2448 | Both offer a sharp display, with negligible real-world difference. |
| PPI | 402 | 395 | Very similar pixel density; both provide a sharp viewing experience. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 165Hz | ROG Phone 6 has a much smoother scrolling and gaming experience due to the higher refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | ROG Phone 6 is much easier to use in bright outdoor conditions. OnePlus 9R has no brightness specification, making it difficult to assess real-world use cases. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 (7 nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | ROG Phone 6 has a significantly faster and more efficient processor, leading to snappier app loading, gaming, and better overall performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 821,600 | 1,203,000 | ROG Phone 6 offers noticeably faster and smoother overall performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 730 | ROG Phone 6 delivers a much better gaming experience with higher frame rates and smoother graphics. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 6000mAh | ROG Phone 6 has much longer battery life, especially useful for gaming and extended use. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 65W Fast Charging | Both phones charge relatively quickly, though with a larger battery, ROG Phone 6 will take slightly longer to reach full charge |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Reverse Charging, Non-removable | ROG Phone 6 can bypass the battery while gaming to reduce heat and can charge other devices. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 1/2", Sony IMX586 | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.56", Sony IMX766 | ROG Phone 6 offers better low light performance due to larger sensor and better image processing. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", Sony IMX471 | 12MP, f/2.0, 1/2.93", Sony IMX663 | ROG Phone 6 provides better low-light selfies, while OnePlus 9R offers higher resolution images. |
| Wide Angle | 16MP, f/2.2, 1/3.09", Sony IMX481 | 13MP, f/2.2, Unknown Sensor | OnePlus 9R captures more detailed wide-angle shots. Asus ROG Phone 6 Sensor is unknown which makes it difficult to assess. |
| Portrait Camera | 2MP, f/2.4, Unknown Sensor | None | OnePlus 9R provides additional depth information. Asus ROG Phone 6 does not have a dedicated portrait mode sensor. |
| Macro Camera | 5MP, f/2.4, Unknown Sensor | 5MP, f/2.4, Unknown Sensor | Both offer similar macro capabilities for close up photos. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR, EIS | Up to 8K@24fps, 4K@120fps with EIS | ROG Phone 6 has much more versatile video capabilities, including higher resolution and higher frame rate. |
| Features | Quadruple camera, OIS | Triple camera, Night Mode, OIS | ROG Phone 6 offers better low light shooting with a dedicated Night Mode. OnePlus 9R provides an extra camera (Depth sensor). |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to 13 | Android 12, upgradable to 13 | ROG Phone 6 offers a more modern Android out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6, 802.11ad | ROG Phone 6 has the 802.11ad spec, potentially providing even faster speeds in ideal conditions, though rare. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | ROG Phone 6 has newer Bluetooth version, which supports more advanced codecs. |
| GPS | Multiple Systems | Multiple Systems (incl. NavIC, QZSS) | ROG Phone 6 has better satellite support offering higher accuracy and potentially faster lock-on times. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support two SIM cards for flexibility. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512 GB | ROG Phone 6 has a larger 512 GB option, useful for storing many large files like games and videos. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 8/12/16 GB | ROG Phone 6 has a higher RAM option for better multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards for external storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | DTS/DTS:X, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 4 Microphones | ROG Phone 6 has a superior audio experience overall, including surround sound and better recording. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both phones use standard fingerprint sensor tech. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | ROG Phone 6 offers superior scratch and drop protection for its screen. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Hall | ROG Phone 6 offers Hall sensor which can enhance some gaming features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9R Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: Easier to handle and carry, better for one-handed use.
- Potentially Lower Price: The OnePlus 9R is an older model; it is likely to be less expensive and offers a better price to performance.
- Depth Sensor: Dedicated depth sensor that could improve the performance of portrait mode compared to relying solely on algorithms.
- Good Value: Provides great performance for its price.
Asus ROG Phone 6 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Significantly faster processor and GPU, providing a smoother gaming and overall experience.
- Larger and Smoother Display: Offers a more immersive experience with a higher refresh rate and much better brightness.
- Better Battery Life: Larger battery for extended use, particularly for gaming.
- Enhanced Audio: Higher quality sound with DTS/DTS:X and Hi-Res Audio.
- Better Camera: Larger sensor, better low-light performance and versatile video recording up to 8K.
- More Modern Features: Offers more advanced Bluetooth, GPS, sensors, and screen protection.
- Bypass Charging and Reverse Charging: A useful feature for extended gaming sessions to help with heat, and the option to charge other devices.
Trade-offs:
- The ROG Phone 6 is significantly larger and heavier which can be a trade-off for those that prefer comfort and portability. The 9R is significantly lighter and more pocketable.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9R is ideal for:
- Users who prioritize portability and comfort: Its lighter weight and smaller size make it ideal for everyday use.
- Budget-conscious buyers: Those seeking a strong value-for-money phone that can handle day-to-day tasks and some light gaming.
- Casual gamers: It offers good gaming performance with its Snapdragon 870.
- Users who prioritize good everyday photography: The main camera performs well in most conditions.
- Users coming from older OnePlus devices: Its design language will feel familiar.
Asus ROG Phone 6 is ideal for:
- Hardcore mobile gamers: The powerful processor, high refresh rate display, and excellent cooling features make this an ideal gaming phone.
- Users who value performance above all: Those seeking the fastest and smoothest performance for all tasks, including gaming, productivity, and multimedia.
- Users who consume a lot of multimedia: Larger screen, excellent audio, and superior display provide an immersive media experience.
- Users who need longer battery life: The large battery allows for extended gaming and daily usage.
- Users who prioritize mobile photography with better video capabilities: Better low-light, versatility and higher video recording up to 8k.
- Users who need specific gaming features: Hall sensor for certain gaming functions and bypass charging for long gaming sessions.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your primary use case? (e.g., gaming, photography, daily use, portability)
- How much do you prioritize performance over other factors like portability and budget?
- How important is battery life and superior media consumption?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual User, Everyday Use: If you primarily use your phone for daily tasks, social media, and casual gaming, the OnePlus 9R is a more budget-friendly option with a comfortable design.
- Scenario 2: Hardcore Mobile Gamer: If gaming is your main use case, the Asus ROG Phone 6 is the clear choice with its superior gaming capabilities, longer battery life, and enhanced audio.
- Scenario 3: Performance Enthusiast: If you want the fastest, smoothest experience regardless of price, the Asus ROG Phone 6 provides a much better chipset, GPU and RAM.
- Scenario 4: Balanced Performance and Comfort: If you value a good mix of performance and pocketability, the OnePlus 9R can still offer plenty of value for its cost.
My Choice
If I were choosing between the two, I would choose the Asus ROG Phone 6. Although, the OnePlus 9R offers better portability and design, I would value the superior performance of the Asus ROG Phone 6 more. I am not a hardcore mobile gamer, but I would like a phone with the capability to handle intensive tasks, and to have access to the best camera and a larger battery. The larger battery would allow me to use it for longer periods, and the superior screen with better brightness would allow for better media consumption. The upgraded video recording capability and camera features provide a lot more options when taking photos and videos. Therefore, despite its bulky design, I would choose the Asus ROG Phone 6 because of the significant advantage in performance, battery life, media consumption and camera features.
