Smartphone Comparison: OnePlus 9R vs. Motorola Moto G34
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Motorola Moto G34 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161 × 74.1 × 8.4 mm | 162.7 × 74.6 × 8 mm | Similar size, Moto G34 is slightly taller, OnePlus 9R is slightly thicker. Small differences, generally not a significant real-world factor. |
| Weight | 189g | 179g | Moto G34 is lighter, might feel better for extended use. 10g difference is somewhat noticeable. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.5" | Negligible difference, both offer a similar viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 720 x 1600 | OnePlus 9R has a much sharper display; text and images will appear significantly clearer, especially for detailed content or videos. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 402 | 270 | OnePlus 9R has a notably sharper screen. Text and images will look significantly less pixelated compared to Moto G34. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | OnePlus 9R's AMOLED offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, especially for HDR content. It is more power efficient for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits (Data unavailable) | 0 nits (Data unavailable) | We don't have this data. The practical impact is unknown. However, a higher brightness is beneficial for visibility in sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 5G | Snapdragon 695 5G | OnePlus 9R provides significantly faster performance for demanding tasks and gaming; much smoother user experience. |
| Antutu Score | 821,600 | 424,100 | OnePlus 9R is nearly twice as powerful, which means faster app loading, better multitasking and smoother gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 619 | OnePlus 9R's GPU is significantly more powerful, providing superior graphics performance for gaming and other demanding applications. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Moto G34 has a larger battery; should offer longer battery life. The difference is moderate, but should be noticeable for long usage sessions. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 20W Fast Charging | OnePlus 9R charges much faster, convenient for quick top-ups, especially if you are constantly on the go. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 1/2", Sony IMX586, 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1.00µm | Moto G34 has a slightly higher resolution and larger pixels for better low-light performance, but OnePlus 9R's larger aperture (f/1.7) is also a benefit |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", Sony IMX471, 1.00µm | 16MP, 1.00µm | Both offer similar front camera specs; similar quality for selfies, but some sensor differences. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 16MP, f/2.2, 1/3.09", Sony IMX481, 1.00µm | None | OnePlus 9R can capture wide-angle photos, while the Moto G34 does not. This allows for more versatile photography. |
| Portrait Mode Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | OnePlus 9R has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode images. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | OnePlus 9R's macro lens is higher resolution for more detailed close-up photos. |
| Video | 4K@60fps, HDR, EIS | 1080p@30fps | OnePlus 9R can shoot much higher quality videos, better stabilization options, and slow motion modes. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 13) | Android 13 | Moto G34 has a more up-to-date OS out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Similar WiFi capabilities. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1, A2DP, LE, APT-x, LDAC, AAC | Bluetooth 5.1, A2DP, LE | OnePlus 9R has more advanced Bluetooth codecs for higher quality audio. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | OnePlus 9R offers better location accuracy with more satellite systems. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 64GB, 128GB or 256GB | Both offer similar storage capacity at higher end; more options available on the Moto G34. |
| RAM | 8GB or 12GB | 4GB or 8GB | OnePlus 9R has more RAM, which will provide better multitasking and performance especially with heavy apps. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise Cancellation mic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Both phones offer good audio. The OnePlus 9R features a noise cancelling microphone while Motorola G34 has two microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Side-mounted | Side mounted fingerprint scanner on the Moto G34 may be more accessible for some users. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | OnePlus 9R has additional sensors (compass and gyroscope), good for gaming or augmented reality applications. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9R Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Much faster processor and GPU. This is crucial for gaming, heavy apps, and overall smooth operation.
- Significantly Better Display: Higher resolution, better pixel density, and AMOLED technology. This is a major advantage for visual experience.
- Better Camera System: Includes a wide-angle lens, dedicated depth sensor, higher resolution macro lens, and 4K video recording capabilities with superior stabilisation. More versatile.
- Faster Charging: 65W charging compared to 20W, allowing for much faster replenishment.
- Advanced Audio: Better audio codecs (APT-x, LDAC, AAC), and noise cancelling microphone for higher quality calls
- Better GPS: More satellite systems, better accuracy.
- More RAM: Up to 12 GB, better multitasking.
Motorola Moto G34 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery vs 4500mAh, for potentially longer usage times between charges.
- More up-to-date OS: Android 13 out of the box compared to Android 10 on the OnePlus 9R.
- Lighter Design: Slightly more portable device.
- Wider range of storage options: 64 GB, 128 GB and 256 GB as opposed to only 128 or 256 on the OnePlus 9R.
Trade-offs:
- The OnePlus 9R sacrifices battery capacity and the latest OS version for superior performance, display, and camera.
- The Motorola Moto G34 offers a larger battery, more up-to-date OS, and a lighter design but compromises on display quality, performance, and camera capabilities.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9R Ideal User:
- Gamers: The powerful processor and GPU, along with the gyroscope, provide a much better gaming experience.
- Content Consumers: The AMOLED display and high resolution are ideal for watching videos and enjoying visual content.
- Photography Enthusiasts: The versatile camera system with a wide-angle lens and 4K video capabilities is a clear advantage.
- Power Users: Those who need fast app loading, smooth multitasking, and fast charging will find the OnePlus 9R much more suitable.
Motorola Moto G34 Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for a more affordable smartphone with decent performance and battery life.
- Users Focused on Battery Life: The larger battery offers longer usage, ideal for users who are often away from a charger.
- Basic Smartphone Users: People who primarily use their phone for calls, messaging, browsing, and social media.
- Users that prefer the newest OS: Those who want a phone that comes with a modern OS out of the box.
Specific Use Cases:
- OnePlus 9R: Playing graphics-intensive games, watching HDR movies, creating social media content, taking high-quality photos and videos, and multitasking with multiple demanding apps.
- Motorola Moto G34: Everyday tasks such as browsing the web, checking emails, using social media, and taking basic photos.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is gaming and performance to you? If you play games or run intensive apps, the OnePlus 9R is a clear choice. If you're a basic user, the Moto G34 is sufficient.
- How much do you value display quality? If you prefer a more vibrant and sharper display for better media consumption, the OnePlus 9R's AMOLED screen is superior.
- Do you prioritize a large battery or faster charging? If you want long battery life, the Moto G34 is better; if you want much faster charging, the OnePlus 9R is the better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Power User: If you're a heavy user who needs performance, the OnePlus 9R is the better option.
- Scenario 2: Budget Buyer: If you have a limited budget but want a modern OS and long battery life, the Moto G34 is better value for money.
- Scenario 3: Multimedia Focused User: For those who prioritize display quality and camera versatility, the OnePlus 9R is superior.
- Scenario 4: Basic User: For the most basic use cases, the Motorola G34 will be adequate.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the OnePlus 9R.
While the Motorola Moto G34 offers a slightly larger battery and a more recent version of Android, the overall package of the OnePlus 9R is far superior for my needs. The vastly superior display quality, significantly higher performance, and more versatile camera system are critical factors. As a user who consumes media frequently, the AMOLED screen with higher resolution is a major plus, and the extra performance means I can game and multitask smoothly. While the battery is slightly smaller, the faster charging capabilities of the OnePlus 9R allow me to quickly recharge when needed. Finally, the significantly better camera system would provide much more flexibility and better output, making it the better choice for anyone who cares about photography.
