Smartphone Comparison: OnePlus 9R vs. Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-04-14 | 2024-01-18 | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro is significantly newer, benefitting from more recent technology. |
| Dimensions | 161 × 74.1 × 8.4 mm | 163.8 × 76.8 × 8.9 mm | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro is larger and may feel less comfortable in hand for some users. |
| Weight | 189g | 225g | OnePlus 9R is lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and one-handed operation. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.78" | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro has a slightly larger screen, providing more immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have identical sharpness. |
| PPI | 402 | 388 | Very similar pixel density, both delivering crisp visuals. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 165Hz | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro delivers smoother animations and responsiveness, particularly noticeable in gaming and fast scrolling. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2500 nits | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro is dramatically brighter, offering vastly superior outdoor visibility under direct sunlight. OnePlus 9R's brightness is missing making it hard to compare |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro has a much faster and more efficient processor, leading to better performance in demanding tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 821,600 | 2,020,000 | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro offers significantly higher performance in benchmarks, showing better app loading, multitasking, and gaming capabilities. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 750 | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro's GPU provides higher graphics processing power, beneficial for high-end games and graphics-intensive applications. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5500mAh | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro has a larger battery, likely resulting in longer battery life, especially under heavy use. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 65W Fast Charging | Both support fast charging, minimizing downtime. |
| Removable | Non-removable | Non-removable | Both batteries are built-in, common for modern smartphones. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear (Main) | 48MP, f/1.7, 1/2", 0.80µm, Sony IMX586 | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.56", 1.00µm, Sony IMX890 | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro offers slightly higher resolution, larger sensor and better light gathering. |
| Front (Selfie) | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", 1.00µm, Sony IMX471 | 32MP, 1/3.2", 0.70µm, Omnivision OV32C | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro has a higher resolution front camera for more detailed selfies, but smaller pixel size may have weaker low light performance. |
| Telephoto | None | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/3.2", 0.70µm, Omnivision OV32C | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro offers optical zoom capabilities for better portraits and zoomed photos. |
| Wide Angle | 16MP, f/2.2, 1/3.09", 1.00µm, Sony IMX481 | None | OnePlus 9R has a dedicated wide-angle lens. |
| Portrait | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | OnePlus 9R offers a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode effects. |
| Macro | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | OnePlus 9R has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3", 1.12µm, Omnivision OV31B | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro has a wide-angle lens that doubles as a macro lens. |
| Video | 4K@60fps (HDR, EIS), 1080p@240fps | 8K@24fps (HDR, EIS), 4K@60fps (HDR, EIS), 720p@480fps | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro can record higher resolution video with much higher slow-motion capabilities. |
| Camera Features | Quad camera, PDAF, RAW | Triple camera, Gimbal, LAF | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro has more advanced autofocus and stabilization, better low light performance, and optical zoom capabilities. OnePlus 9R has more versatile camera setup |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 13) | Android 14 (upgradable to 16) | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro has a newer operating system with updated features and security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro supports the latest Wi-Fi standard with faster speeds and lower latency. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro has a newer Bluetooth version, offering better audio codecs and lower latency |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro supports a wider range of satellite systems for more accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 512GB/1024GB | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro offers significantly more storage for media and apps. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 16GB/24GB | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro provides more RAM, enabling smoother multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers | Both phones offer stereo speakers. The OnePlus has Dolby Atmos and noise cancellation microphone. The Asus has DTS/DTS X and 3 microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint sensor | Basic Fingerprint sensor | Both phones have a basic fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro offers superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | Biometric, Proximity, Motion | Biometric, Proximity, Motion, Gravity | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro has additional gravity sensors which may enhance gaming experience. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9R Advantages:
- Lighter and more compact: Easier to handle and carry.
- Dedicated wide-angle and macro cameras: More versatile camera system for various shot types.
- Lower Price Point: Often found at a much more affordable price.
Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro Advantages:
- Significantly more powerful processor: Provides superior performance for gaming and demanding tasks.
- Much brighter display with a higher refresh rate: Much better for outdoor visibility and smoother visuals.
- Larger Battery: Longer battery life for extended use.
- Higher resolution and more capable cameras: Includes telephoto lens, optical zoom, and better low-light performance, and advanced video capabilities.
- More Storage and RAM: Significantly more room for apps, games and better multi-tasking capabilities.
- Latest software and connectivity: Includes Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3.
- More advanced screen protection Offers superior screen protection with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2.
- More advanced sensors: Includes gravity sensor for enhanced functionality, particularly for gaming.
Trade-offs:
- The OnePlus 9R offers better portability but lower performance and lacks the advanced features of the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro.
- The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro has top of the line performance and features but is significantly more expensive and bulky.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9R Ideal User:
- Users seeking a more affordable phone that still performs well for daily tasks.
- Individuals who prioritize a lighter phone and compact design.
- Users who value a versatile camera setup with dedicated wide-angle and macro lenses.
- Those who don't need cutting-edge gaming performance.
Use Cases:
- Everyday browsing and social media.
- Casual photography.
- Light gaming.
- Users needing a secondary device that is light and easy to carry.
Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro Ideal User:
- Hardcore gamers who need the best possible performance and smooth visuals.
- Users who want a powerful multimedia experience with a large and vibrant display, and top-notch audio.
- Content creators who require high-resolution video recording and editing.
- Users who prioritize long battery life.
- Users who require top of the line connectivity and performance.
Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming with demanding graphics.
- Video recording and editing at high resolutions.
- Heavy multi-tasking.
- Extended use without frequent charging.
- Users looking for maximum performance and future-proofing their device.
Price-to-Value:
- The OnePlus 9R offers good value for its price, providing a balanced set of features for the average user.
- The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro comes at a premium but is well worth it for users who need top of the line performance, features, and cutting-edge technologies.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is raw performance for your use case? If you're a gamer or heavy multitasker, the ROG Phone 8 Pro is better.
- Do you prioritize a large screen and advanced camera features over portability? The ROG Phone 8 Pro has a larger screen, significantly brighter display, and a more capable camera system.
- What is your budget? The OnePlus 9R is more affordable, while the ROG Phone 8 Pro is a premium device.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User: If you need a reliable phone for everyday use and occasional gaming or photography, choose the OnePlus 9R.
- Scenario 2: Performance-Focused Gamer: If you demand the best gaming performance, smooth visuals, and long battery life, the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro is the superior choice.
- Scenario 3: Media Creator: If you need a high-quality camera system with advanced features and robust video recording capabilities, the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro is the better option.
- Scenario 4: Casual User: If you need a compact and lighter phone that can handle your daily tasks with a versatile camera system, the OnePlus 9R may be sufficient.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro. While the OnePlus 9R is a solid device, the ROG Phone 8 Pro's performance jump is too significant to ignore. The ROG Phone 8 Pro has dramatically better processing power, a superior display with higher brightness and refresh rate, much better battery life, and a more capable camera setup which suits my need for high quality photos and videos. While it's a more expensive and bulkier device, the improvements are substantial and make it worth the extra cost. I also appreciate having more storage and ram, making it ideal for heavy use. The newer connectivity standards and better build quality are also a big plus.
