1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the OnePlus 9R and Asus Zenfone 10, focusing on practical implications:
Feature | OnePlus 9R | Asus Zenfone 10 | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Design | |||
Dimensions | 161 × 74.1 × 8.4 mm, 189g | 146.5 × 68.1 × 9.4 mm, 172g | Zenfone 10 is smaller and lighter, making it more pocketable and comfortable for one-handed use. 9R is larger with more screen real estate. |
Display | |||
Size | 6.55" | 5.92" | OnePlus 9R offers a larger display for more immersive media consumption, while Zenfone 10 is more compact. |
Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical resolution; both offer sharp visuals. |
Pixel Density (PPI) | 402 | 445 | Zenfone 10 has slightly sharper text and images due to higher pixel density. |
Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Zenfone 10 provides slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
Brightness | 0 nits | 1100 nits | Zenfone 10 offers dramatically better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. Note: OnePlus 9R brightness is missing. |
Performance | |||
Chipset | Snapdragon 870 (7 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | Zenfone 10 provides significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better performance in demanding games due to a newer, more powerful chipset. |
AnTuTu Score | 821,600 | 1,532,000 | Zenfone 10 offers much higher performance based on benchmark scores, it will feel noticeably snappier. |
GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 740 | Zenfone 10 offers far better graphics performance for gaming and GPU-intensive tasks. |
Battery | |||
Capacity | 4500mAh | 4300mAh | OnePlus 9R has a slightly larger battery, potentially resulting in marginally longer battery life, but is generally similar. |
Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | OnePlus 9R charges much faster, significantly reducing downtime. |
Wireless Charging | No | 15W Wireless Charging, 5W Reverse wired charging | Zenfone 10 offers convenient wireless charging and reverse charging of other devices. |
Camera | |||
Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 1/2" sensor (Sony IMX586) | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.56" sensor (Sony IMX766) | Zenfone 10 features a larger sensor for better low-light performance and 2MP higher resolution. |
Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" sensor (Sony IMX471) | 32MP, f/2.5, 1/3.2" sensor (Omnivision OV32C) | Zenfone 10 offers higher resolution for detailed selfies, while OnePlus has a slightly wider aperture. |
Wide Angle Lens | 16MP, f/2.2, 1/3.09" sensor (Sony IMX481) | N/A | OnePlus 9R has a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing more in the frame. |
Portrait Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | OnePlus 9R has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. |
Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | N/A | OnePlus 9R has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
Wide Angle + Macro | N/A | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" sensor (Omnivision OV13B10) | Zenfone 10 has a Wide Angle and Macro camera lens combination. |
Video | Up to 4K 60fps | Up to 8K 24fps, 4K 60fps | Zenfone 10 offers higher resolution video recording with 8K and includes Gimbal. |
Software | |||
OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 13) | Android 13 (upgradable to 15) | Zenfone 10 ships with a newer OS and will receive more software updates. |
Connectivity | |||
WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 7 | Zenfone 10 has newer WiFi supporting faster speeds, lower latency, and better performance in crowded networks. |
Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | Zenfone 10 has a newer version of Bluetooth for improved performance. |
GPS | GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1,B2), Galileo (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC System | Zenfone 10 offers more satellite systems for better accuracy. |
Storage | |||
Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB | Zenfone 10 offers an option for higher storage capacity (512GB). |
RAM | 8GB/12GB | 8GB/16GB | Zenfone 10 offers more RAM (16GB) for smoother multitasking. |
Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
Audio | |||
Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Zenfone 10 has a more advanced audio setup offering Hi-Res quality for music and 2 microphones for clearer calls. |
Security | |||
Features | Basic Fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Zenfone 10 uses a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, which is generally faster and more convenient. |
Build Quality | |||
Screen Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass Victus | Zenfone 10 has superior screen protection against scratches and drops. Note: OnePlus 9R screen protection is missing. |
Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity, Hall | Zenfone 10 has an additional Gravity and Hall sensors useful in gaming and advanced apps. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9R Advantages:
- Larger Display: The 6.55" screen provides a more immersive experience for media consumption and gaming.
- Faster Charging: 65W charging allows for very quick top-ups.
- Dedicated Lenses: It has dedicated wide angle, macro and depth sensors for more versatility.
- Price - The OnePlus 9R is typically available at a lower price point.
Asus Zenfone 10 Advantages:
- Compact Size: More pocketable and comfortable for one-handed use.
- Superior Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 offers a significant performance boost for demanding tasks.
- Higher Refresh Rate: 144Hz screen is slightly smoother than 120Hz.
- Significantly Better Display Brightness: 1100 nits makes it much more usable outdoors.
- Wireless Charging & Reverse charging: Offers more convenient charging options.
- Better Camera Sensor: Larger main sensor for better low-light shots, and an upgraded ultrawide lens.
- 8K Video Recording: Capability for professional-grade video.
- Newer OS: Ships with Android 13, and should receive more software updates.
- Better Connectivity: Includes newer WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3.
- Higher RAM option: up to 16 GB compared to 12 GB.
- Higher Storage Option: up to 512 GB compared to 256 GB.
- Improved Audio Quality: Hi-Res audio and 2 microphones.
- Advanced Fingerprint sensor Side mounted sensor is faster and more convenient.
- Superior Screen Protection Corning Gorilla Glass Victus.
- Additional Sensors: Gravity and Hall sensors
Significant Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9R: The older chipset, lower brightness and slower charging can be a disadvantage for power users and those that are often outdoors.
- Asus Zenfone 10: Smaller display may not be ideal for those who prefer large screens, no dedicated macro and depth sensors, slower charging speeds, and generally higher cost.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9R: Ideal for:
- Budget-conscious buyers: Those seeking good performance and large screen at a lower price.
- Media consumers: People who watch a lot of videos and need a big screen
- Casual Gamers: Handles most games well, and would benefit from its large screen.
- Those who want versatile camera lenses: Has dedicated macro, wide angle, and depth cameras for more versatility.
Specific use cases:
- Watching movies and videos while commuting.
- Playing graphically intense games on a large screen.
- Daily social media usage, and casual photography.
Asus Zenfone 10: Ideal for:
- Power users: Those who need the best performance for demanding tasks like gaming or video editing.
- Compact phone lovers: People who want a small phone that is comfortable to hold.
- Outdoor users: Those that need better screen visibility under bright sunlight.
- Photography/Videography enthusiasts: Those who want excellent camera performance, 8k video and wireless charging.
- Audiophiles Those who value excellent audio quality.
Specific use cases:
- Playing high-end games smoothly.
- Capturing professional-grade photos and videos.
- Multitasking between several apps, while on the go.
- Listening to Hi-Res music.
4. Decision Framework
Consider these questions before making a decision:
- How important is screen size to you? Do you prioritize a large display or a compact phone?
- What is your typical use case? Are you a casual user, or do you demand top-tier performance?
- How important is the camera, charging speed, and connectivity to you? Do you want versatile lenses, fast charging or the best connectivity?
Scenario-based recommendations:
- If you want a large screen for media, casual gaming, and good overall performance at a lower price, and need fast charging: Choose the OnePlus 9R.
- If you need a compact phone with top-tier performance, excellent camera, wireless charging, newer connectivity and better audio : Choose the Asus Zenfone 10.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Asus Zenfone 10. While I appreciate the larger display and fast charging of the OnePlus 9R, the Zenfone 10's superior performance, compact size, significantly brighter screen, better camera, wireless charging, and modern features make it a far more compelling option for me.
I value the small form factor and improved performance as I multitask a lot while being on the go, and I would want to use a phone that fits comfortably in my pocket, and is smooth and snappy while using demanding applications. The better display brightness and connectivity options are also a big plus for me, and I believe the slightly slower charging would not be a deal breaker in the grand scheme of the better features and experience. I also enjoy good audio and the upgraded speakers and dual microphones of the Zenfone 10 would be a major upgrade to the OnePlus 9R.
While the OnePlus 9R is certainly a good phone, the Asus Zenfone 10's modern features and performance make it the clear winner for me, despite the higher price.