Smartphone Comparison: OnePlus 9R vs. Motorola Edge 40
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Motorola Edge 40 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161 × 74.1 × 8.4 mm | 158.4 × 72 × 7.6 mm | Motorola Edge 40 is more compact and easier to handle one-handed; OnePlus 9R has a slightly larger footprint. |
| Weight | 189g | 167g | Motorola Edge 40 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use, especially for long calls, gaming, and content consumption. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.55" | Both have the same screen size, suitable for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical screen sharpness. Fine for most usage scenarios, like social media, web browsing, and streaming. |
| PPI | 402 | 402 | Identical pixel density. Images and text appear crisp on both devices. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Similar color reproduction and deep blacks. P-OLED is a slightly different tech from AMOLED, but with similar visual qualities |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Motorola Edge 40 offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the visual experience during gaming and navigation. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | Motorola Edge 40 is dramatically brighter, offering much better visibility in bright sunlight. This is crucial for outdoor usage. OnePlus 9R spec is likely an error. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 8020 (6 nm) | Snapdragon 870 offers marginally better raw performance, although both will handle daily tasks and gaming well. |
| AnTuTu Score | 821,600 | 762,526 | OnePlus 9R has slightly higher benchmark score, implying a bit better performance for demanding games and applications. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G77 MC9 | Different GPUs, both capable of handling most games, the Adreno 650 is generally considered slightly stronger. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main | 48MP, f/1.7, 1/2", Sony IMX586 | 50MP, f/1.4, 1/1.55", Omnivision OV50A | Motorola Edge 40 captures more light and has better image quality due to larger sensor and wider aperture, especially in low light. |
| Selfie | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" Sony IMX471 | 32MP, f/2.4, | Motorola Edge 40 provides more detailed and higher-resolution selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 16MP, f/2.2, 1/3.09", Sony IMX481 | None | OnePlus 9R has a dedicated wide-angle lens for landscape shots. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | OnePlus 9R has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait shots. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | OnePlus 9R has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photos. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 13MP, f/2.2 | Motorola Edge 40 combines wide angle and macro in one sensor offering flexibility without requiring multiple dedicated sensors. |
| Video | 4K@60fps with HDR, EIS | 4K@30fps with HDR, EIS | Both record 4k video. OnePlus 9R offers 4K recording at 60fps, which can be smoother. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple Camera, OIS, PDAF etc. | Dual Camera, Laser AF, OIS, PDAF, Night Mode | Motorola Edge 40 has a Laser AF which may result in faster focusing. OnePlus has additional lens for different types of shots. Motorola has a night mode which is great for low-light shots. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4400mAh | Similar battery life expected, suitable for a full day's use for most users. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 68W Fast Charging | Both phones offer fast charging, Motorola Edge 40 is slightly faster. |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable, Wireless Charging 15W | Motorola Edge 40 has the added convenience of wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10, up to 13 | Android 13, up to 15 | Motorola Edge 40 has a newer Android version out of the box and will receive longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, MIMO | Wi-Fi 6 | Both support Wi-Fi 6; OnePlus 9R has added MIMO for better signal in certain scenarios. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1, AptX, LDAC | Bluetooth 5.2, AptX, LDAC, SBC, LHDC | Motorola Edge 40 has a newer version of Bluetooth and more audio codec support. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM, eSIM | Motorola Edge 40 offers eSIM for easier switching between carriers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 256GB | Both offer the same maximum capacity. Motorola Edge 40 offers only 256GB storage option while OnePlus has 128GB and 256GB. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 8GB | OnePlus 9R may have better multitasking performance due to 12GB option. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither device supports microSD card expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation microphone | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Both have good sound quality but OnePlus 9R has a noise-canceling microphone which is good for calls. Motorola has 3 microphones for slightly better audio recording quality. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9R Advantages:
- Slightly Higher Performance: Snapdragon 870 offers slightly higher benchmark scores.
- Dedicated Camera Lenses: Offers dedicated wide-angle, macro, and portrait lenses providing additional flexibility.
- More RAM: Offers a 12GB RAM option which may be more suitable for intensive users
Motorola Edge 40 Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: Easier to handle and carry.
- Brighter Display: Significantly better visibility in bright sunlight.
- Better Main Camera: Larger sensor, wider aperture, and higher resolution for improved low-light and overall image quality.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: Provides better detail in self-portraits.
- Faster Charging: Slightly faster wired charging.
- Wireless Charging: Convenient wireless charging option.
- Newer Software: Ships with a newer version of Android and will likely receive more OS updates.
- eSIM Support: Allows more flexibility in terms of cellular plans.
Significant Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9R has a dedicated wide-angle, macro and depth sensor, while the Motorola Edge 40 consolidates these into a single "Wide Angle + Macro" lens, which may not offer the same quality in each mode, but more convenient to use.
- OnePlus 9R lacks wireless charging, while the Motorola Edge 40 offers 15W wireless charging.
- OnePlus 9R has a lower starting Android version while Motorola Edge 40 has Android 13.
- OnePlus has a slightly better chipset for raw performance but Motorola has a more versatile camera.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9R Ideal User:
- Gamers and Power Users: Benefit from the higher benchmark scores and an optional 12GB RAM configuration.
- Users Who Need Dedicated Camera Options: Users who prioritize specific lenses for wide-angle, macro and portrait photography.
- Users comfortable with older software: Not overly concerned about having the latest Android software.
Use Cases:
- Playing graphics-intensive games with smoother frame rates.
- Multi-tasking between multiple heavy apps.
- Capturing a range of images using the dedicated camera lenses.
Motorola Edge 40 Ideal User:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Prioritize superior camera performance, especially in low-light scenarios.
- Users who take many self-portraits: Those who want more detail in their selfies.
- Users Seeking a Sleek and Lightweight Device: Want a phone that is easy to carry and comfortable to use for long periods.
- Users who prioritize bright screens and long term support: Those who value good outdoor visibility and get consistent updates to the Android operating system.
- Travelers: Benefit from eSIM and flexibility with wireless charging.
Use Cases:
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos, especially in low-light.
- Using the phone in bright sunlight without visibility issues.
- Using the phone wirelessly charging for convenience.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- This will vary based on market conditions, however, consider the value of the extra features like brighter screen, better camera and wireless charging versus slightly better benchmark scores and additional camera sensors.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is camera quality to you? If taking photos is a top priority, the Motorola Edge 40 has better main and selfie cameras, and a dedicated night mode.
- Do you prefer a lighter and more compact device with wireless charging or a slightly more powerful phone with dedicated lens? Consider the ergonomics of the device and if the convenience of wireless charging is important.
- Is having the latest software updates and eSIM support important? Motorola Edge 40 offers both these features, while the OnePlus 9R may have limited software support moving forward.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Photography Focused): Choose the Motorola Edge 40 for better overall camera quality and low light capability.
- Scenario 2 (Performance Focused): Choose the OnePlus 9R for slightly better gaming performance and if the user prefers dedicated camera lens (wide-angle, macro, depth sensor)
- Scenario 3 (Balanced User): If the user prefers a balance of features and portability with a brighter screen, the Motorola Edge 40 is a better overall fit.
My Choice
If I had to choose between the two, I would pick the Motorola Edge 40. Although the OnePlus 9R has marginally better benchmark scores and more camera lens, the Motorola Edge 40 addresses the practical aspects that matter most in daily usage. The brighter screen makes a huge difference when using the device outdoors, the main camera is superior which is valuable since I take a lot of photos and the inclusion of wireless charging is useful for convenience. Additionally the fact that it ships with Android 13 means it will receive longer support and the device is slightly lighter and smaller making it more portable and easier to use for longer periods.
