1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Motorola Edge 30 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161 × 74.1 × 8.4 mm, 189g | 163.1 × 76 × 8.8 mm, 196g | Motorola is slightly larger and heavier, may feel more substantial but less comfortable for small hands. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.7" | Motorola offers slightly more screen real estate, good for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp visuals; no noticeable difference in clarity. |
| Pixel Density | 402 PPI | 393 PPI | Practically the same sharpness; individual pixels are indistinguishable to the naked eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; negligible real-world difference in display quality. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Motorola's 144Hz offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations, noticeable to gamers and frequent scrollers. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical peak brightness, no discernible difference in display visibility under different lighting conditions (Though, both seem to be lacking the actual brightness values). |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 (7 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Motorola has a significantly more powerful and energy-efficient chip. This translates to better performance in demanding tasks and more future proofing. |
| Antutu Score | 821,600 | 1,061,400 | Motorola is noticeably faster in benchmarks, indicating snappier app loading and smoother gameplay. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 730 | Motorola's newer GPU provides better graphics performance, beneficial for gamers and graphic-intensive apps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4800mAh | Motorola has slightly longer battery life, providing a bit more usage time. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 68W Fast Charging | Both offer fast charging; Motorola's slightly faster charging is marginally beneficial for quick top-ups. |
| Features | Non-removable | Wireless (15W), Reverse, Non-removable | Motorola offers more charging versatility (wireless and reverse charging) which is beneficial for users who rely on these features. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 1/2" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55" | Motorola's larger sensor size likely captures more light, leading to better low-light performance; while the OnePlus has a slightly wider aperture, the difference in sensor size may be more impactful. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" | 60MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | Motorola offers higher resolution and larger sensor leading to potentially better selfies and video calls, with more detail and better low-light performance. |
| Wide Angle | 16MP, f/2.2, 1/3.09" | None | OnePlus has a dedicated wide angle lens for capturing wider shots; while the Motorola has a combined wide angle/macro lens |
| Portrait (depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both offer similar depth sensing, likely providing comparable bokeh effects in portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | OnePlus has dedicated macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76" | Motorola has a combined wide angle and macro lens allowing for versatile shooting scenarios. |
| Video | 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps | 8K@30fps, 1080p@960fps | Motorola offers higher resolution and slow-motion capabilities. Best for users who want pro-level video and advanced slow-motion. |
| DXOMark | Not Tested | Main:101, Photo: 107, Video: 102 | Motorola has been tested by DXOMark. |
| Features | Quadruple camera, RAW | Triple camera, 8K Video, Ultra stable video, Continuous autofocus, Laser autofocus (LAF), Dual PDAF, Night Mode | Motorola provides more sophisticated camera features. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to 13 | Android 12, upgradable to 13 | Motorola ships with a newer version of Android, with the same max version support on both phones meaning that both will have similar software life cycle. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, MIMO | Wi-Fi 6 | OnePlus supports Wi-Fi MIMO for slightly better wireless performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Motorola has a slightly newer Bluetooth version, possibly improved connectivity and efficiency. |
| GPS | L1+L5, Beidou, Galileo | L1+L5, Galileo, SUPL | OnePlus has broader satellite system coverage for potentially more accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM, Dual Standby | Dual Nano SIM, Dual Standby | Both offer dual SIM functionality for flexible network access. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512 GB | Motorola offers more storage capacity in its top-end variant, good for users with extensive media libraries or large apps. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 8/12 GB | Both offer ample RAM for multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither supports expandable storage, so users must be mindful of storage requirements upon purchase. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation Mic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 3 Microphones | Both offer good audio quality; OnePlus includes a noise cancellation microphone, while Motorola includes 3 microphones, beneficial in a wider range of situations. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Motorola provides a more convenient and accessible side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Motorola provides better screen protection. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Both have comprehensive sensor suites. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9R Advantages:
- Wider Aperture Main Camera: f/1.7 main lens, potentially better in low-light conditions but less impactful than sensor size
- Dedicated Wide-Angle Lens: Offers more flexibility for wider shots.
- Macro Lens: Dedicated macro lens allows for close-up shots.
- Wi-Fi MIMO: Potentially better wireless performance.
- Additional satellite systems for GPS: More accurate GPS performance.
- Slightly lighter: 7 grams lighter than the Motorola.
- Noise Cancellation Microphone: Offers better call quality in noisy environments.
Motorola Edge 30 Pro Advantages:
- Significantly More Powerful Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is much faster and more efficient than the Snapdragon 870.
- Higher Refresh Rate: 144Hz screen for smoother visuals.
- Larger Battery: 300mAh more, offering a bit more usage time.
- Wireless & Reverse Charging: Convenient for users who need these capabilities.
- Higher Resolution Front Camera: 60MP sensor for superior selfies.
- Larger Sensor on Main Camera: 1/1.55 inch sensor for improved low light performance.
- 8K Video Recording: Offers higher video resolution, beneficial for those who need professional video quality.
- Advanced Camera Features: Laser autofocus, dual PDAF and other advanced features provide better camera performance overall
- Newer Bluetooth: 5.2 version for possibly better connectivity.
- Higher Video Recording Frame Rate: Higher fps recording at 1080p for better slow motion video.
- 512GB storage option: For users that have a larger library of media.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Generally more convenient and reliable than basic sensors.
- Better screen protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 provides better protection against scratches and bumps.
- 3 microphones: Allows for better audio recordings in a wider range of situations.
Trade-offs:
- Motorola Edge 30 Pro: Larger size may be less comfortable for users with smaller hands, and has a combined wide angle and macro lens rather than a dedicated wide angle.
- OnePlus 9R: Older chipset and less advanced camera features in comparison.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9R Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize a balance of price and performance
- Those who value having a dedicated wide-angle and macro lens.
- Users who prefer a slightly lighter and more compact phone.
- Users who prioritize GPS accuracy
Use Cases:
- Daily social media, web browsing, and media consumption.
- Casual gaming and photography.
- Users who want a good quality phone at a reasonable price.
Motorola Edge 30 Pro Ideal User:
- Users who demand top-tier performance and advanced features.
- Users who prioritize camera quality, especially for selfies and video.
- Those who want cutting-edge tech, like a high refresh rate and wireless charging.
- Users who want a large internal storage option.
Use Cases:
- Intensive gaming and high-performance tasks.
- Professional photography and videography.
- Users who want the best user experience possible.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your priority – top performance or a balance of features and price? If you are a power user, the Motorola is the clear choice. If you want value, the OnePlus is suitable.
- How important is camera quality, especially video? The Motorola Edge 30 Pro offers better video features and selfie quality.
- Do you need wireless charging and a higher refresh rate? If so, the Motorola is the better option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User: Choose the OnePlus 9R. It provides solid performance and a good camera setup for a lower price, suitable for daily usage.
- Scenario 2: Performance Seeker: Choose the Motorola Edge 30 Pro. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset offers a noticeable performance boost, better for intensive gaming and apps.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: Choose the Motorola Edge 30 Pro. It offers better front camera, a better sensor, more camera features, and supports 8K video.
- Scenario 4: Everyday User with Convenience Needs: The Motorola Edge 30 Pro offers better value as it provides better battery life, faster charging, wireless charging, and a better display.
What I would choose and why!
I would personally choose the Motorola Edge 30 Pro. While both phones have their strengths, the Motorola Edge 30 Pro edges out the OnePlus 9R in several key areas that are important to me. The significantly more powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset ensures smoother and faster performance, which is vital for my daily multitasking and occasional gaming. The higher refresh rate of 144Hz makes the user experience much more fluid and enjoyable. The better main camera sensor, superior selfie camera, and 8K video capability of the Motorola also appeals to me as I take a lot of photos and video. Finally, the addition of wireless charging and reverse charging adds extra convenience to my daily routine. While the OnePlus has some minor advantages, like the dedicated wide angle and macro lens, and slightly lighter weight, the Motorola's overall better performance and additional features make it the clear winner for my needs.
