Smartphone Comparison: OnePlus 9R vs. Motorola Edge 40 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Motorola Edge 40 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161 × 74.1 × 8.4 mm | 161.2 × 74 × 8.6 mm | Very similar physical size; negligible difference in hand feel. |
| Weight | 189g | 199g | OnePlus 9R is slightly lighter; may be noticeable during extended one-handed use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.67" | Motorola Edge 40 Pro has a slightly larger screen, offering slightly more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp, clear images; no noticeable difference in clarity. |
| PPI | 402 | 394 | Similar pixel density; both offer very crisp text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good contrast; negligible real-world difference. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 165Hz | Motorola Edge 40 Pro offers noticeably smoother animations and scrolling, which is great for gaming and browsing. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1100 nits | Motorola Edge 40 Pro has dramatically better outdoor visibility and is much more usable in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | Motorola Edge 40 Pro offers significantly faster processing and better performance in demanding tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 821,600 | 1,532,500 | Motorola Edge 40 Pro offers considerably faster app loading, better multitasking, and higher game frame rates. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 740 | Motorola Edge 40 Pro's GPU offers significantly better graphics performance for gaming and video editing. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4600mAh | Similar battery capacity; both phones should offer comparable battery life under normal usage. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 125W Fast Charging | Motorola Edge 40 Pro charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, 15W wireless charging, 5W reverse wired charging, Non-removable | Motorola Edge 40 Pro offers more flexible charging options. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard | 48MP f/1.7, 1/2", 0.80µm | 50MP f/1.8, 1/1.55", 1.00µm | Motorola Edge 40 Pro offers larger sensor captures more light; better low light performance and image quality. |
| Selfie | 16MP f/2.4, 1/3.13", 1.00µm | 60MP f/2.2, 1/2.8", 0.61µm | Motorola Edge 40 Pro captures significantly more detailed and higher quality selfies. |
| Telephoto | None | 12MP f/1.6, 1/2.93", 1.22µm | Motorola Edge 40 Pro offers a telephoto lens for optical zoom; a versatile option for distance shooting. |
| Wide Angle | 16MP f/2.2, 1/3.09", 1.00µm | 50MP f/2.2, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | Motorola Edge 40 Pro captures wider and higher-resolution shots with the wide-angle lens. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP f/2.4 | None | OnePlus 9R has a dedicated portrait depth sensor; might add a small improvement in depth effect. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP f/2.4 | None | OnePlus 9R has a dedicated macro lens; suitable for extreme close up shots. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 8K@30fps | Motorola Edge 40 Pro offers higher resolution video recording, suitable for professional-grade video creation. |
| DXOMARK | N/A | Mobile: 130; Photo: 133; Video: 135 | Motorola Edge 40 Pro offers higher quality images and videos. |
| Features | Quadruple camera | Triple camera, Time-Lapse, 8K Video, Optical zoom, Continuous autofocus, Dual capture, Night Mode | Motorola Edge 40 Pro has more advanced video and photography features. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10, Upgradable to 13 | Android 13, Upgradable to 16 | Motorola Edge 40 Pro has a newer OS out of the box and will receive updates for longer. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | Motorola Edge 40 Pro provides higher speeds and better performance on advanced Wi-Fi networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | Motorola Edge 40 Pro offers slightly more efficient and stable wireless connection. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | OnePlus 9R has better navigation accuracy due to more satellite support. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Motorola Edge 40 Pro has an eSIM which makes switching carriers easier. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 256GB/512GB | Motorola Edge 40 Pro has higher base storage options, suitable for users with large media collections. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 12GB | Both phones have ample RAM for smooth performance, with Motorola having a slight edge with 12GB being standard |
| Expandable | No | No | Both phones lack expandable storage, so select the storage option carefully. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 4 microphones | Motorola Edge 40 Pro is better for audio capturing and has slightly better spatial audio quality, the 9R has a noise-canceling microphone |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both phones offer basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Motorola Edge 40 Pro provides superior screen protection for increased durability. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Both phones have the sensors needed for basic functionalities. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9R Advantages:
- Slightly Lighter: At 189g, it is 10g lighter which can be more comfortable for long usage.
- Portrait Mode and Macro Lenses: The inclusion of depth and macro lenses can make it more versatile for specific types of photography.
- More GPS Systems: Includes BeiDou for enhanced location tracking in specific regions.
Practical Implications:
- The OnePlus 9R may be more comfortable for users who prefer a lighter device.
- Dedicated portrait and macro lenses are useful for creative photography.
- More GPS systems may be beneficial for specific users that require precise location tracking.
Motorola Edge 40 Pro Advantages:
- Newer and More Powerful Chipset: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 offers significantly higher performance for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Significantly Brighter Display: 1100 nits brightness is great for outdoor visibility.
- Higher Refresh Rate Display: 165Hz refresh rate offers a smoother and more fluid visual experience.
- Faster Charging: 125W charging drastically reduces downtime.
- Higher Resolution and More Versatile Cameras: Better performance, particularly in low light and selfie shots, and more versatile focal lengths with the telephoto lens.
- 8K Video Recording: For users that want the best video quality.
- Advanced Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3.
- eSIM support: For digital carrier switching.
- Superior Screen Protection: The Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides enhanced screen protection against scratches and damage.
Practical Implications:
- The Motorola Edge 40 Pro is far better suited for intensive tasks and mobile gaming due to its superior processor and GPU.
- The higher brightness and refresh rate of the display make it better for outdoor use and visually demanding tasks.
- Much faster charging is a great feature for busy users.
- The superior cameras and 8k video are better for photography and videography enthusiasts.
- Newer connectivity standards are good for future proofing the device.
- The eSIM support makes it very convenient for users switching between carriers often.
- The Motorola has much better screen protection making it more durable than the OnePlus.
Significant Trade-Offs:
- The Motorola Edge 40 Pro is heavier than the OnePlus 9R.
- The Motorola lacks dedicated depth and macro lenses.
- The Oneplus has slightly more accurate GPS tracking.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9R Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize a lighter phone and basic photography.
- Users who want a good display and adequate processing power.
- Users who prefer slightly better GPS tracking capabilities.
- Users that want a more budget-friendly option.
- Users who want depth or macro camera lenses.
Use Cases:
- Everyday social media use, browsing, and communication.
- Basic mobile gaming.
- Users who prefer a comfortable, lightweight smartphone.
Motorola Edge 40 Pro Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize performance for demanding apps and gaming.
- Users who need a very bright display for outdoor use.
- Users who value fast charging and superior camera quality.
- Users who want cutting-edge connectivity and features like eSIM and 8K video.
- Users who want a more durable device with superior screen protection.
Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming, video editing, and resource-intensive applications.
- Outdoor photography and videography in bright sunlight.
- Frequent travelers who need fast charging and advanced connectivity options.
- Users who want a more durable phone.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance Needs: How important is high-end processing power and gaming performance?
- Display Requirements: Do you frequently use your phone outdoors, requiring high brightness? How important is a fast refresh rate?
- Camera Priorities: Are specific lenses (telephoto, macro, portrait) important to you? Do you want the highest possible photo and video quality?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: If cost is a primary concern and you don't need the absolute best in performance, the OnePlus 9R is a viable option.
- Performance Enthusiast: For users who require top-tier performance, the Motorola Edge 40 Pro is the better choice.
- Outdoor Photographer: The Motorola Edge 40 Pro's brighter display and higher camera quality make it better for capturing photos and videos in outdoor settings.
- Casual User: The OnePlus 9R is more than capable of everyday social media and messaging usage, for a lower cost.
- Traveler: The Motorola Edge 40 Pro, with its faster charging, eSIM support, and connectivity standards, is the better pick.
- Durability: If durability is a concern, the Motorola Edge 40 Pro is a better choice due to the Corning Gorilla Glass Victus screen protection.
My Choice
I would choose the Motorola Edge 40 Pro. While the OnePlus 9R is a solid phone, the Motorola Edge 40 Pro’s advantages are too significant for me to ignore. The vastly superior processing power, much brighter and smoother display, significantly faster charging, and higher-quality cameras, and 8k video are essential for my needs. I frequently use my phone outdoors, for gaming, and photography, and the Motorola Edge 40 Pro excels in all of these areas. I also value cutting-edge connectivity and the convenience of an eSIM. I consider the small increase in weight and lack of the depth and macro lenses a worthwhile trade-off for the significant gains in performance, screen, camera, and durability.
