1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Motorola Edge 20 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161 × 74.1 × 8.4 mm | 163 × 76 × 8 mm | Edge 20 Pro is slightly taller and wider, OnePlus 9R is a bit thicker. May affect pocketability and one-handed use. |
| Weight | 189g | 190g | Both virtually identical, negligible difference in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.7" | Edge 20 Pro offers a slightly more immersive experience with larger display. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness and clarity. |
| PPI | 402 | 385 | Negligible difference in pixel density, both offer very sharp visuals. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Edge 20 Pro provides slightly smoother scrolling and animations. Advantage for gamers or very frequent users. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical peak brightness, but actual outdoor visibility will vary based on other factors not provided. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Identical performance in everyday tasks and demanding games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 821,600 | 813,800 | Similar real-world performance, no significant difference in responsiveness. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 650 | Identical graphics performance for gaming and other GPU-intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 1/2" Sony IMX586 | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52" Samsung S5KHM2 | Edge 20 Pro has higher resolution and a larger sensor. OnePlus 9R has wider aperture, better low light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" Sony IMX471 | 32MP, f/2.3 | Edge 20 Pro has higher resolution front camera, and wider aperture for brighter selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 8MP, f/3.4 | Edge 20 Pro offers dedicated zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 16MP, f/2.2, 1/3.09" Sony IMX481 | None | OnePlus 9R provides a dedicated ultrawide lens for group photos and landscapes. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | OnePlus 9R provides additional depth sensing capabilities for portrait shots. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | OnePlus 9R provides dedicated macro lens for detailed close up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 16MP, f/2.2 | Motorola Edge 20 Pro has a combination lens. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K 60fps, HDR, EIS | Up to 8K 24fps, EIS | Edge 20 Pro can record in 8K, OnePlus 9R provides more HDR video options. |
| OIS | Yes | No | OnePlus 9R offers optical image stabilization for less shaky videos |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Both offer similar battery life. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | OnePlus 9R charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse Charging, Non-removable | Edge 20 Pro can wirelessly charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 13) | Android 11 (no max version provided) | Edge 20 Pro starts with a newer base Android version, but ultimate upgrade potential is unknown. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both support current standards, similar performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1, LE, aptX, LDAC, AAC | 5.1, LE, aptX, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Motorola has added SBC. |
| GPS | L1+L5, B1, E1+E5a | L1+L5, L1, B1, B2, E1+E5a | Edge 20 Pro supports additional satellite bands for improved location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both support two SIM cards, useful for travel or separating work/personal lines. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Similar storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 12GB | Edge 20 Pro has more RAM for heavier multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards, users must choose adequate storage at purchase. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation microphone | Basic | OnePlus 9R provides better audio experience for media consumption and calls. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Edge 20 Pro offers a faster fingerprint recognition. |
| Build | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass 5 | Edge 20 Pro offers better screen protection from scratches and minor impacts. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyro, Compass | Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyro, Compass | Both devices have same sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9R Advantages:
- Faster Charging: 65W charging drastically reduces charging time compared to the Edge 20 Pro's 30W.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos, stereo speakers, and noise cancellation microphone provide a superior audio experience.
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS): OIS on the main camera reduces blur in photos and videos, especially in low light, making for sharper and more stable results.
- Dedicated Wide Angle and Macro Lenses: Offers versatility in photography with dedicated lenses for ultrawide and close-up shots.
Motorola Edge 20 Pro Advantages:
- Higher Refresh Rate: 144Hz display provides slightly smoother visuals.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: 108MP sensor allows for more detailed photos in good lighting conditions.
- Telephoto Lens: Offers optical zoom capabilities for greater flexibility in photography.
- 8K Video Recording: Provides the option to record in 8K for ultra-high-resolution video, a useful feature for some.
- Reverse Wireless Charging: Can be used to charge other devices wirelessly, an added convenience for users.
- More RAM: 12 GB compared to the 8GB option from the OnePlus
- Gorilla Glass 5 Protection: Improved resistance to scratches and damage compared to the unknown glass of OnePlus 9R.
- Additional Satellite Systems: For more accurate location services.
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9R: Sacrifices zoom capabilities for a better ultrawide and macro and does not have 8K video capability. Slower charging than Motorola Edge 20 Pro.
- Motorola Edge 20 Pro: Lacks OIS which will cause blurrier videos, slower charging, and sacrifices the quality of its audio.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9R:
Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize fast charging and don't want to be tied to a wall for long
- Users who frequently consume media on their phone and value audio quality.
- Users who want versatile photography with ultrawide, macro, and stabilized main camera.
- Users who need good low-light performance
Use Cases:
- Gaming with friends with enhanced audio quality.
- Taking group photos and scenic landscapes.
- Everyday use, media consumption and sharing.
- Travel photography in low-light.
Motorola Edge 20 Pro:
Ideal User:
- Users who need a versatile camera system with zoom capabilities.
- Users who want the smoothest possible display experience.
- Users who want a good phone for multitasking
- Users who prefer the convenience of wireless reverse charging.
- Users who need a more resistant device.
Use Cases:
- Professional photography and content creation requiring zoom.
- Heavy gaming where the smoother display provides a slight edge.
- Travel where different zoom options can be used.
- Charging other devices.
- Outdoor activities where extra protection is needed.
Price-to-Value:
- The price of these phones is not provided, making a price to value comparison impossible. Both are mid-range smartphones.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- How important is fast charging to you? If you prioritize minimal downtime, the OnePlus 9R is significantly faster.
- What type of photography do you do most? If you value versatile lenses, the OnePlus 9R offers a wider range of photography capabilities with dedicated ultrawide and macro lenses. If zoom is vital, the Edge 20 Pro is better.
- How important is display smoothness vs audio quality? The Motorola Edge 20 Pro is smoother while the OnePlus 9R offers better audio quality and Dolby Atmos
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: "The Speedster": If you always need a fast-charging phone and excellent audio, the OnePlus 9R is your choice.
- Scenario 2: "The Content Creator": If you want the ability to record high-resolution content with good zoom, the Motorola Edge 20 Pro would be better.
- Scenario 3: "The Multitasker": If you need to run many apps at the same time, the Motorola Edge 20 Pro is slightly better.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would pick the OnePlus 9R. My personal priorities lean towards a device that charges quickly and has great audio quality, especially since I mostly use my phone for media consumption and calls. The dedicated wide-angle and macro lenses also make it more versatile for my typical photography needs. While the Motorola Edge 20 Pro's higher refresh rate and zoom capabilities are enticing, they don't outweigh the practical benefits of fast charging, better audio, and OIS for me. Furthermore, the OnePlus 9R has a more versatile camera and better low-light performance.
