1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Google Pixel 8a | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Size | 161 × 74.1 × 8.4 mm | 152.1 × 72.7 × 8.9 mm | OnePlus 9R is taller and wider, may feel less pocketable; Pixel 8a is thicker, may feel slightly bulkier. |
| Weight | 189g | 188g | Virtually identical weight; both feel similar in hand. |
Display
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Google Pixel 8a | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.55" | 6.1" | OnePlus 9R offers a larger viewing area, better for media consumption; Pixel 8a is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have sharp displays; no significant difference in detail. |
| PPI | 402 | 430 | Pixel 8a has slightly sharper visuals due to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; Similar display quality. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both devices. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical peak brightness at 0 nits. Unable to evaluate practical implications. |
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Google Pixel 8a | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 (7 nm) | Google Tensor G3 (4 nm) | Pixel 8a's newer chip should offer better power efficiency and slightly better performance in most tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 821,600 | 876,512 | Pixel 8a has marginally better benchmark scores, indicating a slight performance advantage. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Immortalis-G715s MC10 | Pixel 8a's GPU offers better performance, particularly for graphically intensive tasks like gaming. |
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Google Pixel 8a | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 1/2", Sony IMX586, 0.80µm | 64MP, f/1.89, 1/1.72", Sony IMX787, 0.70µm | Pixel 8a has higher resolution and slightly larger sensor; likely better detail and low light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", Sony IMX471, 1.00µm | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06", Sony IMX712, 1.12µm | Pixel 8a has larger pixel size, potentially better low-light selfies; OnePlus 9R has slightly higher resolution. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 16MP, f/2.2, 1/3.09", Sony IMX481, 1.00µm | None | OnePlus 9R has dedicated wide-angle lens for more versatile shots; Pixel 8a lacks a dedicated wide-angle but has a wide-angle mode combined with macro. |
| Depth Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | OnePlus 9R has a dedicated depth sensor, may provide better portrait mode bokeh effect; not critical for all users. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | OnePlus 9R has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots; pixel 8a does not have a dedicated macro lens. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06", Sony IMX712, 1.12µm | Pixel 8a uses its wide-angle lens for macro, offering dual functionality, OnePlus 9R has dedicated wide and macro cameras |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps, HDR, EIS, Slow-motion: Yes, 240 fps | Up to 4K@60fps, OIS, Slow-motion: Yes, 240 fps | Both offer good video quality; Pixel 8a's OIS offers better stabilization for smoother footage, while OnePlus has EIS and HDR |
| DxOMark | Not tested | Mobile: 136 (Photo: 141, Video: 128) | Pixel 8a's camera has received a solid score, indicating overall great performance. |
| Features | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, OIS, Autofocus, Touch focus, Manual focus, PDAF, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW | Noise reduction, Pro Video Mode, 4K Video, Digital zoom, Dual camera, Digital image stabilization, OIS, Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, PDAF, Laser autofocus (LAF), NPU AI Engine, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | Both offer rich features; Pixel 8a has additional features: noise reduction, pro video mode, ultra stable video, continuous autofocus, laser autofocus, NPU AI engine, night mode |
Battery
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Google Pixel 8a | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Similar battery capacity; expect comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 65W fast charging | 18W fast charging | OnePlus 9R charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Pixel 8a can charge other devices wirelessly, while OnePlus does not have this feature. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9R Advantages:
- Faster Charging: 65W charging is significantly faster than the Pixel 8a's 18W, a major advantage for users who need quick top-ups.
- Dedicated Cameras: It includes dedicated wide-angle, macro, and depth cameras offering more versatility for specific shots.
- Larger Display: A 6.55" screen provides a more immersive experience for media consumption and gaming.
- More RAM Options: up to 12GB of ram compared to 8GB on the pixel 8a, which is beneficial for demanding games and heavy multitasking.
Google Pixel 8a Advantages:
- Newer Chipset: The Google Tensor G3 is more efficient and powerful, leading to better overall performance and AI features.
- Better Main Camera: Larger sensor and newer technology results in better image quality in most conditions.
- Superior Video Stabilization: OIS provides more stable and professional-looking video.
- eSIM Support: Offers the convenience of digital carrier switching.
- Reverse Charging: The phone can wirelessly charge other devices.
- Better Software Support: guaranteed up to Android 21, significantly longer support than Oneplus 9R.
- Higher DxOMark Score: Indicates better camera quality based on the benchmark result.
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9R: Faster charging is offset by an older chipset and potentially lower camera quality compared to the Pixel.
- Google Pixel 8a: Slower charging speed may be inconvenient for some. It lacks dedicated macro and depth cameras, but offers wide angle + macro. It is also thicker than the OnePlus 9R.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9R Ideal Users:
- Gamers: Appreciate the larger display, faster charging, and potential to handle demanding games.
- Media Consumers: Enjoy the larger screen for watching videos and browsing content.
- Users Who Value Speed: Benefit from the much faster charging for topping up battery quickly.
Users who want more ram: 12GB ram option is better for multitasking
Use Cases:
- Playing graphically intensive games.
- Watching movies and shows on the go.
- Frequent travelers who need to quickly charge their phone.
Google Pixel 8a Ideal Users:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Value the superior main camera quality and video stabilization.
- Users Seeking the Latest Software: Benefit from the latest Android version and longer software support.
- Users who want a Smaller Phone: Prefer a compact phone that is easier to handle and carry around.
Users Needing AI Features: Benefit from the more advanced AI features provided by the Google Tensor G3 chip.
Use Cases:
- Taking high-quality photos and videos.
- Using the latest Android features.
- Enjoying a compact and pocketable device.
- Needing reverse wireless charging for accessories.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
Assuming similar pricing, the Pixel 8a offers better value due to its superior camera, newer chip and better long-term software support. The OnePlus 9R’s main advantage is its substantially faster charging.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is fast charging to you? If fast charging is a priority, the OnePlus 9R is the clear winner.
- How important is camera quality? The Google Pixel 8a offers significantly better image and video quality, especially in challenging conditions.
- How important is long term software support? The Pixel 8a has significantly longer software support and a newer version of Android.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy gamer needing quick charging: Choose the OnePlus 9R for its larger display, faster charging and greater ram options.
- Scenario 2: Photography enthusiast needing superior camera: Choose the Google Pixel 8a for its top-tier image quality and OIS in video mode.
- Scenario 3: User needing the latest Android and a compact device: Choose the Google Pixel 8a for its modern features and smaller size.
- Scenario 4: User wanting versatile camera features Choose the Oneplus 9R with dedicated wide, macro and depth sensors.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Google Pixel 8a. While I appreciate the faster charging speed of the OnePlus 9R, the Pixel 8a's strengths in camera quality (backed by DxOMark scores), newer chipset (leading to better overall performance and efficiency), superior video stabilization, longer software support, and additional features like eSIM and reverse charging, make it a more compelling option overall. The smaller form factor also suits my preference for a more pocketable device. While the OnePlus 9R's faster charging is nice, I would be willing to sacrifice that for the Pixel 8a's comprehensive set of features and better overall user experience.
