1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Huawei Pura 70 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 161 × 74.1 × 8.4 mm | 162.6 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | Huawei is slightly taller and wider but the same thickness, which may affect one-handed use for some users. |
| Weight | 189g | 226g | OnePlus 9R is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and less tiring to carry around. |
Display
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Huawei Pura 70 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.55" | 6.8" | Huawei Pura 70 Ultra offers a slightly more immersive experience with a larger screen for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1260x2844 | Huawei's higher resolution results in a sharper and more detailed display, improving the clarity of text, images, and videos. |
| PPI | 402 | 460 | The higher PPI of Huawei provides noticeably sharper visuals, with less pixelation, and more clarity in images, videos and text. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and high contrast; AMOLED is a specific type of OLED, so practical difference is minor. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, enhancing the user experience especially in fast-paced games and content consumption. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2500 nits | Huawei's significantly higher brightness ensures better visibility in bright sunlight, making the screen readable outdoors. OnePlus 9R brightness is unknown, but likely to be much lower. |
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Huawei Pura 70 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G | Kirin 9010 | Different chipsets indicate different processing architectures, which could mean performance differences in real-world usage, including gaming and app responsiveness. |
| AnTuTu Score | 821,600 | 869,707 | Huawei Pura 70 Ultra has a slightly better benchmark score, suggesting potentially slightly better performance in demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Maleoon 910 | Different GPUs may lead to varying performance in graphics-intensive tasks such as gaming and video editing. |
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Huawei Pura 70 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 1/2", Sony IMX586, 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.6, 1", Sony IMX989, 1.6µm | Huawei Pura 70 Ultra has a larger sensor and wider aperture, which will likely result in better low-light performance, higher dynamic range and better overall image quality. Also, larger pixel size on the Huawei means better light gathering. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", Sony IMX471, 1.0µm | 13MP, f/2.4, Omnivision, Unknown pixel size | OnePlus has higher megapixel count, but Huawei sensor details are incomplete (pixel size missing) making a precise comparison difficult. If pixel size is small, then this is a weaker selfie camera. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 50MP, f/2.1, Omnivision, Unknown pixel size | Huawei has a dedicated telephoto lens which allows for better zoom capabilities, letting user get closer to the subject without loss of quality. OnePlus lacks this capability. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 16MP, f/2.2, 1/3.09", Sony IMX481, 1.0µm | 40MP, f/2.2, 1/1.7", Omnivision OV40A, 1.0µm | Huawei's wider sensor and higher megapixel count should result in better low light capture, wider field of view and better wide angle photos. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | OnePlus has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode; its function is to better separate foreground and background in images. Huawei may do the depth mapping with algorithms, lacking this dedicated sensor. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | OnePlus has a dedicated Macro lens to capture extreme close-up photos, whereas Huawei lacks this hardware, which is a drawback for macro photography enthusiasts. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps, EIS | Yes, Slow-motion 960fps | Both support 4K recording, but OnePlus records at 60FPS; Huawei has better slow motion recording capabilities. |
| DXOMark Score | None | 163 (Mobile) | Huawei Pura 70 Ultra is shown to have a top-tier camera according to DXOmark. |
| Features | Quadruple camera, OIS, EIS, PDAF | Triple camera, OIS, EIS, PDAF, CDAF, LAF, Dual front cam, Night mode | Huawei offers more advanced features like continuous autofocus, laser autofocus and night mode, and optical zoom, suggesting a more versatile photography system with better focus and low-light capabilities. |
Battery
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Huawei Pura 70 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5200mAh | Huawei Pura 70 Ultra's larger battery will likely provide longer battery life, reducing the need for frequent charging. |
| Charging | 65W fast charging | 100W fast charging | Huawei's faster charging technology will allow for significantly quicker battery replenishment, crucial for users who need to charge on the go. |
| Other Features | Non-removable | Reverse, 80W wireless, 20W reverse wireless, Non-removable | Huawei offers more versatile charging options including wireless and reverse charging, making it more convenient for users to charge their devices and other accessories on the go. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9R Advantages
- Lighter Weight: The significantly lighter design (37g difference) makes it more comfortable for extended periods.
- Macro Lens: Includes a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots that Huawei lacks.
- Noise cancellation microphone: Offers enhanced spatial audio, clearer calls and better audio separation and immersion.
- Lower Cost: Likely to be more affordable due to being an older phone.
- Depth sensor: Offers better background separation in portrait shots.
Huawei Pura 70 Ultra Advantages
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, pixel density, and brightness offer a more immersive and clearer viewing experience, especially in bright environments.
- Better Camera System: Larger main camera sensor, telephoto lens, and better wide-angle lens, result in superior image quality, low-light performance, zoom capabilities and versatility.
- Faster Charging: 100W wired and 80W wireless charging provide significantly quicker charging speeds.
- Larger Battery: Higher battery capacity results in longer battery life.
- More Versatile Charging: Wireless charging and reverse charging add to the convenience.
- More RAM: More RAM for heavy multitasking and demanding games.
- DXOMark score: Proof of its excellent camera capabilities.
- More Storage: Offers more storage options, for users who need a lot of space.
Trade-offs
- OnePlus 9R: The trade-off for its lighter weight is an older camera system, an unknown outdoor brightness, and less battery capacity.
- Huawei Pura 70 Ultra: The trade-off for superior specifications is the added weight and potentially higher price.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9R Ideal User
- Budget-conscious users: Those looking for a more affordable option while still having a capable device.
- Users prioritizing light weight: Those who value comfort and don't want to be weighed down by their phone.
- Macro photography enthusiasts: Users who regularly capture close-up detail shots.
- Audio lovers: Users who want a great sound experience with noise cancelling microphones.
Use Cases:
- Everyday use like calling, texting, browsing and social media.
- Casual photography and sharing, particularly for close up photos.
- Extended use for listening to music and calling due to lighter weight.
Huawei Pura 70 Ultra Ideal User
- Photography enthusiasts: Users who demand the best camera quality for various scenarios.
- Power users: Those who require high performance for gaming and heavy multitasking.
- Users valuing display quality: Individuals who prioritize a sharp, bright, and immersive display.
- Users who prefer fast charging and long battery life: For users on the go who need both fast charging and a long battery life.
- Users who need more storage: Ideal for people who take many photos and videos.
Use Cases:
- Professional photography and video work.
- Gaming and demanding app usage.
- Outdoor use where screen brightness is crucial.
- Long trips, with high battery needs and excellent camera for travel photography.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers
- What is my budget? The OnePlus 9R will likely be more affordable, while the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra is a premium device with a higher price tag.
- How important is camera quality to me? If photography is a priority, the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra is the clear choice.
- Do I prefer lightweight devices or longer battery life? If comfort is preferred over long battery life, OnePlus is better. If long battery life and advanced features are preferred, then the Huawei is better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1 (Budget-Conscious Photography): If you need a phone for casual photography and have a limited budget, the OnePlus 9R is a good choice if macro photography is important to you.
- Scenario 2 (Pro-Level Photography): If you want the best mobile camera system and don't mind the extra cost, the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra is the better choice, with its high quality sensor and its versatile set of features.
- Scenario 3 (Long Battery Life and Heavy Use): If you need long battery life, fast charging, and high performance, the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra is the better option.
- Scenario 4 (Comfortable All-Day Carry): If you prioritize lightweight comfort, the OnePlus 9R is the superior choice.
What I would choose
I would choose the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra.
Reasons:
- Camera Superiority: The primary reason for me is the significantly better camera system. The larger sensor, telephoto lens, and other advanced features make it a more versatile and capable photography tool. As an avid photographer, this outweighs other considerations.
- Display Quality: The higher resolution, brightness, and pixel density offer a better viewing experience.
- Battery and Charging: The larger battery capacity combined with the much faster charging is incredibly convenient for a power user.
- RAM: The extra RAM also helps with a smoother user experience.
While the OnePlus 9R is lighter and more affordable, the significant advantages in display, camera, and battery life of the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra make it a worthwhile investment for my needs, which require me to take a lot of photos and videos. The slightly heavier weight is a trade-off I am willing to make for these benefits, especially with all its extra features.
