1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Motorola Moto G04s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161 × 74.1 × 8.4 mm | 163.5 × 74.5 × 8 mm | Motorola slightly taller, OnePlus slightly thicker. Minimal impact on daily use. |
| Weight | 189g | 178.8g | Motorola is lighter, may feel more comfortable for long usage sessions. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.56" | Negligible difference in screen size. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1612 | OnePlus has a much sharper display. Text and images will appear significantly clearer. |
| PPI | 402 | 269 | OnePlus offers noticeably higher pixel density, leading to sharper and more detailed visuals. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | OnePlus has superior display tech with deeper blacks, better contrast and more vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | OnePlus display is smoother, especially noticeable when scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness. Screen visibility in sunlight may be similar, although this spec is incomplete. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 (7 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | OnePlus offers significantly faster performance for apps and games; a much more powerful chipset. |
| AnTuTu Score | 821,600 | 220,000 | OnePlus offers much faster app loading, smoother multitasking and better gaming performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G57 MP1 | OnePlus provides better graphics performance suitable for more demanding games. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Motorola has a larger battery, likely offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 15W Fast Charging | OnePlus charges much faster, significantly reducing downtime. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP (f/1.7, 1/2", 0.80µm) | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/2.76", 1.00µm) | Motorola has slightly higher resolution and larger pixel size but smaller sensor size, while the OnePlus has a wider aperture and larger sensor size. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 16MP (f/2.4, 1/3.13", 1.00µm) | 5MP (f/2.2, 1.12µm) | OnePlus captures much more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Yes | No | OnePlus offers greater flexibility for capturing wide scenes. |
| Portrait Mode | Yes | No | OnePlus can capture depth information for more advanced portrait photography. |
| Macro Lens | Yes | No | OnePlus can capture more detailed close-up photos. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps | OnePlus records higher quality videos, including 4K. |
| Camera Features | OIS, PDAF, etc. | OIS, PDAF, LAF, etc | Both offer similar general features with OnePlus offering 4K Video, Quadruple camera, Manual focus, RAW and Motorola offering Optical zoom, Laser autofocus (LAF) |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 13) | Android 14 | Motorola has a newer Android version out-of-the-box with a more up-to-date experience. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | OnePlus supports the faster WiFi 6 standard. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.0 | OnePlus has a slightly newer Bluetooth standard, potentially offering slightly better audio and connectivity performance. |
| GPS | L1+L5 | L1 | OnePlus supports more advanced GPS for more accurate navigation |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 64GB/128GB/256GB | Both phones come in 128 GB and 256 GB variants. Motorola also has a 64GB version available. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 4GB | OnePlus has significantly more RAM for smoother multitasking and performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise Cancellation Mic | Dolby Atmos | OnePlus provides a more immersive audio experience with stereo speakers and noise cancelling. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Side-mounted | Motorola’s side-mounted sensor is generally faster and more convenient than basic fingerprint sensors. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Motorola offers superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | OnePlus has a wider range of sensors suitable for more complex tasks and games. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9R Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 870 chipset provides significantly better processing power, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance compared to the Unisoc T606.
- Better Display: The AMOLED display with higher resolution, higher pixel density, and a 120Hz refresh rate offers a superior visual experience, with vibrant colors and smoother scrolling.
- Better Cameras: Offers more advanced camera features, with a higher resolution front camera, a wide-angle lens, macro lens and portrait mode. It also supports 4K video recording.
- Faster Charging: The 65W fast charging significantly reduces battery charging time.
- More RAM: Significantly more RAM for smoother multitasking and performance.
- Better Audio: Features stereo speakers and noise cancellation microphone
Motorola Moto G04s Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery provides longer battery life between charges.
- Newer OS: The phone comes with Android 14 out of the box for the latest user experience.
- Screen Protection: Offers Corning Gorilla Glass 3 screen protection.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is generally more convenient and faster.
- Slightly Lighter: The phone is slightly lighter.
Trade-offs:
- The OnePlus 9R prioritizes performance, display quality, and camera features, while the Motorola Moto G04s prioritizes battery life and a newer OS.
- The OnePlus 9R is older with older OS and its OS update timeline is uncertain.
- The Motorola Moto G04s has significantly weaker processing power and an inferior display when compared to the OnePlus 9R.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9R is Ideal For:
- Gamers: Its powerful processor and GPU will provide a much better gaming experience.
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Its high-quality AMOLED display and stereo speakers will enhance video and music consumption.
- Photography Enthusiasts: The more versatile camera system with 4K video recording capabilities will be preferred by those seeking higher quality photos and videos.
- Power Users: Users that require fast app loading, seamless multitasking and overall responsiveness of the phone.
Motorola Moto G04s is Ideal For:
- Budget-Conscious Users: It offers a more affordable option for those looking for a basic smartphone with a large battery and a newer OS.
- Users Prioritizing Battery Life: Its larger battery offers extended usage times for those on the go.
- Users Preferring Newer OS: It comes with Android 14 out of the box providing the most recent software.
- Users Looking for a Basic Phone This phone would suit users looking for a general use smartphone at a lower price point.
Specific Use Cases:
- OnePlus 9R: Ideal for graphically intense games, content creation, watching high-resolution media, or tasks that require a smooth and responsive interface.
- Motorola Moto G04s: Suited for users who need a reliable phone for calling, texting, social media, and basic everyday use, with a focus on long battery life.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your primary use case? Are you a gamer, a media consumer, a social media user, or do you prioritize battery life?
- How important are display quality and performance to you? Do you need a high-resolution, smooth display and fast processing for demanding tasks, or is a basic display sufficient?
- How important is camera performance to you? Do you need high-resolution photos, 4k recording capabilities or a versatile camera system?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming and Performance: If you are a gamer or a power user, the OnePlus 9R is the clear choice due to its superior processor and GPU.
- Scenario 2: Battery Life: If long battery life is your main priority, the Motorola Moto G04s offers a larger battery and will generally last longer on a single charge.
- Scenario 3: Budget-Conscious: If you are looking for the most affordable option, the Motorola Moto G04s will be the preferred option.
- Scenario 4: Balance of Features: If you want a balanced smartphone with better performance, great display, versatile cameras, fast charging and good audio and you're comfortable with an older OS, the OnePlus 9R is a better option.
What I Would Choose and Why
Given my usage patterns and priorities, I would choose the OnePlus 9R. Here's why:
Performance: As someone who uses my phone for a variety of tasks including multitasking, content consumption, and occasional gaming, the significantly superior Snapdragon 870 processor makes the OnePlus 9R more appealing. The difference in AnTuTu scores is stark, and I value the snappier performance and overall responsiveness.
Display Quality: I highly value the display, especially for content consumption. The OnePlus 9R's AMOLED display with its higher resolution, pixel density and 120Hz refresh rate will provide a far superior viewing experience compared to the Moto G04s' LCD screen.
Camera Versatility: The inclusion of features like a wide-angle lens, macro lens, and 4K recording is more beneficial for my use cases. I enjoy having the flexibility to capture various scenes and higher quality videos.
Charging Speed: The 65W fast charging on the OnePlus 9R means less time tethered to a power outlet. This is a major convenience, and I appreciate having my phone charged quickly when I need it.
While the Motorola Moto G04s offers a larger battery and newer OS, these advantages do not outweigh the importance of performance, display quality, and camera versatility for me. I am comfortable with the older OS as long as the phone is able to perform the tasks that I require from it smoothly. While the OnePlus 9R might be an older phone, the combination of features that it offers, especially when compared to the Motorola Moto G04s, are more beneficial to me and my everyday usage.
