1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Huawei nova 11 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161 × 74.1 × 8.4 mm | 164.3 × 74.4 × 7.9 mm | Huawei is slightly taller and thinner, but both feel similar in hand. |
| Weight | 189g | 188g | Both are lightweight and comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.78" | Huawei offers a slightly larger screen for immersive content consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1200x2652 | Huawei's higher resolution results in sharper images and text. |
| Pixel Density | 402 PPI | 429 PPI | Huawei's higher PPI offers slightly crisper visuals and finer details. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, typical of OLED/AMOLED technology. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations for a more responsive experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 950 nits | Huawei provides significantly better visibility under bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 5G (7nm) | Snapdragon 778G 4G (6nm) | OnePlus 9R offers superior processing power for demanding games and multitasking; Huawei is suitable for general daily use. |
| AnTuTu Score | 821,600 | 592,297 | OnePlus 9R has noticeably faster performance in benchmarks. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 642L | OnePlus 9R's GPU is more powerful for graphically intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Both offer similar battery endurance for a full day of moderate use. |
| Charging | 65W | 100W | Huawei charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Huawei can be used to charge other devices in a pinch. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP f/1.7 (Sony IMX586, 1/2") | 50MP f/1.9 | OnePlus 9R has a wider aperture, slightly better for low-light; Huawei has a slightly higher resolution. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP f/2.4 (Sony IMX471, 1/3.13") | 60MP f/2.4 (Omnivision OV60A, 1/2.8") | Huawei’s selfie camera has significantly higher resolution, and slightly larger sensor for better selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 16MP f/2.2 (Sony IMX481, 1/3.09") | N/A | OnePlus 9R has a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing more expansive scenes. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | N/A | OnePlus 9R provides a dedicated depth sensor for enhanced portrait photos. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP f/2.4 | N/A | OnePlus 9R allows for close-up macro photography. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | N/A | 8MP f/2.2 | Huawei has a wide-angle + macro camera. |
| Video | Up to 4K 60fps | 720p@960fps | OnePlus 9R provides higher resolution recording. Huawei’s has high framerate slow-motion. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 13) | Unknown | OnePlus 9R offers Google services and an upgradeable OS. Huawei's OS information is missing, which is a major drawback. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both support modern Wi-Fi standards for fast and reliable wireless connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.2 LE | Huawei has a newer Bluetooth version with slight improvements in connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, etc | GPS, A-GPS, etc, NavIC | Huawei offers more satellite systems, possibly leading to more accurate location tracking in certain regions. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512 GB | Huawei offers a larger storage option (512GB) for users with extensive media libraries. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 6/8/12 GB | Both offer sufficient RAM for smooth performance with multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancel mic | Stereo Speakers | OnePlus 9R has more features for enhanced audio output and call clarity. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | basic | basic | Both provide basic fingerprint security. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity | Huawei additionally offers Gravity sensor for enhanced motion detection. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9R Advantages:
- Significantly More Powerful Performance: The Snapdragon 870 chipset and Adreno 650 GPU offer noticeably faster processing and graphics performance, making it better for gaming and heavy multitasking.
- More Versatile Camera System: Features a dedicated wide-angle lens, portrait lens, and macro lens, providing more flexibility for different shooting scenarios.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos support and noise-canceling microphone for a superior audio experience.
- Known Software: It has a known Android OS with upgradability to Android 13 which includes Google Services and the ability to install any application.
- Optical Image Stabilization: The main camera has OIS to ensure shake-free videos.
Huawei nova 11 Pro Advantages:
- Slightly Larger, Higher Resolution Display: Offers a more immersive viewing experience with sharper visuals.
- Much Brighter Display: Significantly better screen visibility in outdoor, sunny conditions.
- Faster Charging: 100W charging capabilities for significantly reduced charging times.
- Superior Selfie Camera: A higher-resolution selfie camera with a larger sensor for better quality images.
- Reverse Charging: Can be used to charge other devices.
- Larger Storage Option: Offers a 512 GB storage variant for those who need more storage space.
- Additional Sensors: Includes a Gravity sensor for enhanced motion detection.
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9R sacrifices display brightness and faster charging for better performance, camera versatility, and audio quality.
- Huawei nova 11 Pro has better display and charging speeds but lacks the overall processing and graphical power of the OnePlus 9R. The missing information on the operating system is also a large drawback.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9R Ideal User:
- Gamers: The powerful processor and GPU handle demanding mobile games smoothly.
- Photography Enthusiasts: The versatile camera system offers a range of options for different types of photography.
- Users Prioritizing Performance: Those who need a responsive device for multitasking and app loading will benefit.
- Users who value audio quality: Users who consume a lot of media will appreciate the Dolby Atmos and noise-canceling microphone.
Use Cases:
- Playing graphically intensive mobile games like Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile.
- Capturing varied shots including wide-angle landscapes, close-up macro shots, and portrait photos.
- Smoothly running multiple apps simultaneously.
- Enjoying music and videos with enhanced sound quality.
- Using Google services
Huawei nova 11 Pro Ideal User:
- Content Consumers: The larger, higher-resolution display and better outdoor visibility are ideal for watching videos, browsing the web, and social media use.
- Selfie Lovers: The superior front-facing camera produces high-quality selfies.
- Users Who Value Fast Charging: People who frequently need to top up their device during the day.
- Users who value storage: Users needing to store large amounts of media and content.
Use Cases:
- Watching high-resolution videos and movies.
- Taking selfies and group photos.
- Using a smartphone for extended periods in bright outdoor environments.
- Quickly topping up the battery during short breaks.
Price-to-Value:
- If the prices are comparable, the OnePlus 9R may offer better value for performance-oriented users, especially gamers or those who require a versatile camera system, as well as a known operating system.
- The Huawei nova 11 Pro offers a more user-friendly experience, especially for media consumption and selfie lovers. The lack of software information is an issue when evaluating its value for money.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is gaming and overall performance?
- If performance is a priority, the OnePlus 9R is a clear choice.
- How often will the phone be used in bright outdoor conditions?
- If frequent outdoor use is expected, the Huawei nova 11 Pro's brighter display is very useful.
- Is having a versatile camera with multiple lens options important?
- If so, the OnePlus 9R's camera setup offers more flexibility.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: "I'm a gamer who also wants a great camera."
- Recommendation: OnePlus 9R due to its superior performance and versatile camera system.
- Scenario 2: "I watch a lot of videos and take many selfies."
- Recommendation: Huawei nova 11 Pro, especially if its OS works for you due to its bright display, high-res selfie camera, and fast charging.
- Scenario 3: "I am just a general phone user who likes social media and media consumption."
- Recommendation: Huawei nova 11 Pro, for the screen brightness and display, as well as storage. It also has a better selfie camera.
- Scenario 4: "I need to be able to rely on the OS and google services."
- Recommendation: OnePlus 9R for the known OS that is also upgradable, with the ability to add any application.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would likely choose the OnePlus 9R. While the Huawei nova 11 Pro has appealing features like a brighter screen, faster charging, and a better selfie camera, the lack of information regarding its operating system is a major drawback. The OnePlus 9R offers a known operating system and upgradeability to android 13, which includes google services and ensures compatibility with all applications. Furthermore, the OnePlus 9R's superior performance capabilities, versatile camera system with OIS, and enhanced audio experience align better with my needs. The OnePlus 9R also has a more practical camera system, offering wide-angle, macro, and portrait lenses, whereas the Huawei nova 11 Pro offers only a wide angle + macro lens.
