Smartphone Comparison: OnePlus 9R vs. Motorola Edge 50 Neo
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Motorola Edge 50 Neo | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-04-14 | 2024-08-29 | Motorola Edge 50 Neo is significantly newer (over 3 years), implying newer technologies and potentially longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 161 × 74.1 × 8.4 mm, 189g | 154.1 × 71.2 × 8.1 mm, 171g | Motorola Edge 50 Neo is more compact and lighter, potentially more comfortable for one-handed use and portability. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.4" | OnePlus 9R has a slightly larger screen, which can be preferable for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1256x2760 | Motorola Edge 50 Neo offers a sharper display with more detail due to its higher pixel density. |
| Pixel Density | 402 ppi | 474 ppi | Motorola Edge 50 Neo’s higher pixel density leads to crisper text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, though differences are minor and may not be noticeable. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations; similar experience in daily usage. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 3000 nits | Motorola Edge 50 Neo has vastly superior outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Dimensity 7300 (4 nm) | OnePlus 9R provides slightly better raw performance (22% higher AnTuTu) for demanding tasks; Motorola Edge 50 Neo is more energy-efficient. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G615 MC2 | Different GPU architectures; OnePlus 9R might offer better performance in some graphically demanding games, while the Edge 50 Neo’s is more energy efficient. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4310mAh | Similar battery capacity; both should provide a full day of moderate use. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 68W Fast Charging | Motorola Edge 50 Neo charges slightly faster. |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable, 15W Wireless Charging | Motorola Edge 50 Neo offers the convenience of wireless charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 1/2", 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56", 1.0µm | Motorola Edge 50 Neo has a larger sensor and larger pixels, leading to potentially better low-light performance; higher resolution. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", 1.0µm | 32MP, f/2.2 | Motorola Edge 50 Neo captures more detailed selfies with its higher resolution and wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10MP, f/2.0 | Motorola Edge 50 Neo offers optical zoom capabilities, which are useful for portraits and distant subjects. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 16MP, f/2.2, 1/3.09", 1.0µm | None | OnePlus 9R offers dedicated ultrawide capabilities for landscape and group shots. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | OnePlus 9R provides enhanced depth effects for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | OnePlus 9R has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 13MP, f/2.2 | Motorola Edge 50 Neo combines wide angle and macro functionalities into one lens. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps, EIS | Up to 4K@30fps, EIS | Both capture good-quality videos; OnePlus 9R captures 4K at 60fps. |
| DxoMark | Not Tested | Mobile: 115, Photo: 118, Video: 107 | Motorola Edge 50 Neo has been tested by DxoMark, giving a baseline for its camera quality. |
| Features | Quadruple camera, OIS, RAW | Triple camera, Optical zoom, LAF | Different camera feature sets cater to varied user needs. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 13) | Android 14 (upgradable to 19) | Motorola Edge 50 Neo has a significantly newer OS and longer update support, providing the latest features and security enhancements. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi MiMO | Wi-Fi 6E | Motorola Edge 50 Neo supports the latest Wi-Fi standards for improved network performance; OnePlus 9R offers MiMO technology. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE, aptX, LDAC, AAC | 5.0 LE | OnePlus 9R offers more advanced Bluetooth codecs for better audio quality with compatible devices. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | OnePlus 9R offers more precise location tracking due to additional satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM / eSIM | Motorola Edge 50 Neo offers the flexibility of using an eSIM in addition to dual physical SIM cards. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 256GB/512GB | Motorola Edge 50 Neo provides higher internal storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 8GB/12GB | Both offer similar RAM options for smooth multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation, Stereo | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | OnePlus 9R offers noise cancellation microphone for clearer calls; Both have good audio output with Dolby Atmos and Stereo Speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both have basic fingerprint sensor security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Motorola Edge 50 Neo provides enhanced screen protection, though it's an older version of Gorilla Glass. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Both have a comprehensive sensor suite that is suitable for gaming and advanced features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9R Advantages:
- Slightly better Performance: The Snapdragon 870 offers better processing capabilities as reflected in its higher benchmark scores. It can handle demanding tasks and graphically intense games slightly better.
- More versatile cameras: Offers dedicated wide-angle and macro lenses, along with a depth sensor.
- More precise GPS: Supports more satellite systems, leading to more accurate location tracking.
- Better Bluetooth audio codecs: Supports aptX, LDAC, and AAC for higher quality audio.
- Noise cancellation mic: Enhanced spatial audio and clearer calls thanks to noise cancelling mic.
Motorola Edge 50 Neo Advantages:
- Newer Technology & Software: Launched more than 3 years later, it features a newer chipset, better display technology, a significantly newer operating system, and promises longer software support.
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, greater brightness, and a sharper display, especially useful in outdoor conditions with 3000 nits brightness.
- Better Main Camera: Larger sensor and pixels on the main camera may result in better low-light performance.
- Optical Zoom: Telephoto lens provides optical zoom capabilities, valuable for portrait photography and distant subjects.
- Wireless Charging: Convenient 15W wireless charging, a feature missing in the OnePlus 9R.
- eSIM Support: Offers eSIM support for more flexibility with carrier plans.
- More Internal Storage Options: Available with a larger 512GB storage option.
- Screen Protection: Better screen protection due to the use of Corning Gorilla Glass 3.
Trade-offs:
- The OnePlus 9R's camera setup offers more dedicated lens options, but the Motorola Edge 50 Neo has a more versatile main camera with optical zoom.
- The OnePlus 9R has a performance advantage, whereas Motorola Edge 50 Neo offers better battery efficiency.
- The Motorola Edge 50 Neo's newer software is a significant advantage in terms of functionality and longevity, but it lacks noise cancellation microphone.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9R Ideal User:
- Mobile Gamers: Those who need the slightly extra processing power and graphics performance.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who prefer having dedicated wide-angle and macro lenses.
- Users with High Audio Expectations: Those who want high-quality audio with aptX, LDAC, and AAC compatibility.
- Users who prioritize location accuracy: Those who need more accurate location tracking for tasks such as navigation.
Motorola Edge 50 Neo Ideal User:
- Everyday Users: Those who prioritize a newer phone with a vibrant display, better low-light camera, wireless charging and an up-to-date software.
- Outdoor Users: Those who frequently use their phones in bright sunlight.
- Users focused on main Camera quality: Prioritize the quality of the main camera for everyday photography.
- Users needing additional internal storage: Those needing greater internal storage capacity.
- Users who prioritize software support: Those who want an updated OS.
- Users who prefer wireless charging: Those who want the convenience of wirelss charging
Specific Use Cases:
- OnePlus 9R: Ideal for mobile gaming, complex photography, and users who need detailed location tracking.
- Motorola Edge 50 Neo: Ideal for those wanting a versatile phone with a great screen for general use, taking bright and colourful pictures, and convenience in daily use.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality and brightness for you?
- If high outdoor visibility and a sharper screen are key, the Motorola Edge 50 Neo is the better choice.
- Do you need more processing power for gaming or intensive apps?
- If you need a top-level gaming performance the OnePlus 9R would be the better choice.
- Do you prioritize software updates and support?
- If long term software and security support is essential, the Motorola Edge 50 Neo offers a much newer OS and likely longer update cycle.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: User who spends a lot of time outdoors and wants a phone with a bright display, a good main camera, and long term software updates should go for the Motorola Edge 50 Neo.
- Scenario 2: A user who is more into gaming, needs a dedicated wide-angle lens, and better Bluetooth audio should go for the OnePlus 9R.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Motorola Edge 50 Neo. Here's why:
While the OnePlus 9R has a slight edge in raw performance and offers more dedicated camera lenses, the Motorola Edge 50 Neo offers a more complete package for my needs. The substantially newer technology, including its much brighter and sharper display, along with significantly more up-to-date software, makes it a much better long term choice. Additionally, the convenience of wireless charging and the inclusion of a telephoto lens for optical zoom would greatly enhance my day-to-day usage. Although the OnePlus 9R may appeal to serious gamers, I lean towards a more balanced experience that the Motorola provides.
