Smartphone Comparison: OnePlus 9R vs. Nokia G100
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Nokia G100 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-04-14 | 2022-10-01 | Nokia G100 is a newer model, potentially with updated features. |
| Dimensions | 161 × 74.1 × 8.4 mm | 166.6 × 76.7 × 8.9 mm | Nokia G100 is slightly larger and bulkier, may be less comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 189g | 195.1g | OnePlus 9R is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.52" | Negligible size difference; both offer a large viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | OnePlus 9R offers a much sharper, clearer display; text and images will appear much crisper. |
| PPI | 402 | 269 | OnePlus 9R has a significantly higher pixel density, leading to sharper images and less pixelation. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | OnePlus 9R's AMOLED display offers deeper blacks, higher contrast, and more vibrant colors compared to the Nokia's IPS LCD. Also better for battery life with dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | OnePlus 9R provides much smoother scrolling and animations; more fluid experience for gaming and general use. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness is not specified for either phone |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 (7 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | OnePlus 9R's chipset is significantly more powerful; faster app loading, smoother multitasking, better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 821,600 | 201,615 | OnePlus 9R offers dramatically higher performance, indicating vastly superior real-world speeds and responsiveness. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 610 | OnePlus 9R's GPU is much more capable for demanding graphics tasks, offering better gaming experience. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Nokia G100 has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging (Li-Polymer) | 15W Fast Charging (Li-Ion) | OnePlus 9R charges significantly faster; much quicker top-ups and less time tethered to the wall. |
| Battery Type | Li-Polymer | Li-Ion | Difference in battery tech; Li-Polymer is known for slightly better longevity, but Li-Ion is still a very good technology. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 1/2", Sony IMX586 | 13MP, f/2.0 | OnePlus 9R has higher resolution and a wider aperture, potentially resulting in better low-light performance and sharper images. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", Sony IMX471 | 8MP, f/2.4 | OnePlus 9R has higher resolution, likely resulting in sharper, more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle | 16MP, f/2.2, 1/3.09", Sony IMX481 | 5MP, f/2.2 | OnePlus 9R's wide-angle camera captures much more detail; better for landscape shots. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both have similar depth cameras for portrait mode effects |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | OnePlus 9R offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography; Nokia G100 lacks this feature. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR, EIS, Slow-motion 240 fps | 1080p@30fps, Slow-motion 120 fps | OnePlus 9R offers significantly higher video resolution and frame rates, resulting in more professional-looking footage. |
| Features | 4K Video, OIS, PDAF, RAW | Night Mode | OnePlus 9R has Optical Image Stabilization, which significantly reduces blurring during video recording and while taking photos, as well as advanced focus features. Nokia G100 does have a night mode for low-light situations. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 13) | Android 12 | Nokia G100 comes with a newer Android version out-of-the-box; OnePlus 9R has a slightly older initial version, but has upgrades available. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | OnePlus 9R supports Wi-Fi 6, offering faster speeds and more stable connections in compatible networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE, APT-x, LDAC, AAC | 5.0 LE | OnePlus 9R features a newer Bluetooth version and more advanced audio codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS | OnePlus 9R supports more satellite systems for improved GPS accuracy and faster signal acquisition. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 32 GB or 128 GB | OnePlus 9R offers more storage (up to 256GB vs 128GB) for apps, media, and files. |
| RAM | 8 GB or 12 GB | 3 GB or 4 GB | OnePlus 9R has more RAM; significantly improves multitasking performance and allows for smoother operation under heavy loads. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage, so consider this when choosing the variant. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation microphone | 2 Microphones | OnePlus 9R has more advanced audio features, offering a better multimedia experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Nokia G100 offers a more conveniently located fingerprint sensor for unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Nokia G100 has confirmed screen protection, making it more durable. |
| Sensors | Biometric, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer | Nokia G100 includes an barometer, while OnePlus 9R includes a compass, more comprehensive sensor suite, great for advanced apps and features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9R Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Much faster chipset, GPU, and significantly higher benchmark scores for faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming.
- High-Quality Display: AMOLED panel with higher resolution, pixel density, and a 120Hz refresh rate offers a much more vibrant, sharper, and smoother viewing experience.
- Advanced Camera System: Higher-resolution main, selfie, and wide-angle cameras with better features like OIS and 4K video, resulting in much better photo and video quality, along with greater detail.
- Faster Charging: 65W fast charging significantly reduces charging time compared to the Nokia's 15W.
- Better Connectivity: More advanced Wi-Fi standard and more robust Bluetooth connectivity.
- Enhanced Audio: Features stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos for a richer audio experience.
- More RAM and Storage: Higher base RAM options and more internal storage
Nokia G100 Advantages:
- Longer Battery Life: Larger battery capacity, potentially offering longer use between charges.
- More Current Android OS: Out of box OS version is newer than the initial launch of the OnePlus 9R.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 provides better screen protection against scratches and damage.
- Environmental Sensor: Includes a barometer, useful for weather tracking.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Conveniently placed sensor for unlocking.
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9R sacrifices battery capacity for significantly better performance and features.
- Nokia G100 prioritizes battery life and durability over raw performance and display quality.
- OnePlus 9R lacks screen protection.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9R:
- Ideal User: Power users, gamers, multimedia consumers, photography enthusiasts, users who prioritize speed and performance.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming with high graphics settings.
- Video editing and content creation.
- High-resolution media consumption (videos, photos).
- Smooth multitasking with many apps open simultaneously.
- Capturing photos and videos with great detail and quality.
- Price-to-Value: Offers high value in terms of performance, display, and camera quality, potentially justifying a higher price.
Nokia G100:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users, those seeking long battery life and durability, and users with basic smartphone needs.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday tasks like calls, messaging, browsing, and social media.
- Users who value a simple, reliable experience.
- Users who need long battery life for extended use.
- Durability is a concern.
- Price-to-Value: Offers good value for the price point, providing essential features and durability with acceptable performance.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance Needs: Do you need top-tier performance for gaming, demanding apps, and heavy multitasking? Or will basic performance be adequate for your everyday use?
- Display Quality: Is a high-resolution, vibrant display with a smooth refresh rate important to your overall experience, or is a standard display acceptable?
- Battery & Charging: Do you prioritize battery life over fast charging, or is a fast recharge a bigger convenience?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming & Multimedia: If you frequently play games and consume multimedia, the OnePlus 9R's superior performance and display make it the obvious choice.
- Scenario 2: Long Battery Life: If battery life is a top priority, the Nokia G100's larger battery might be more appealing.
- Scenario 3: Budget-Conscious: If you need a reliable phone for basic tasks on a budget, the Nokia G100 is a more affordable option.
- Scenario 4: Photography & Content Creation: For photography enthusiasts and those who plan on video editing, the OnePlus 9R offers a superior camera system and features.
My Choice
If I were choosing between the two, I would pick the OnePlus 9R. While the Nokia G100 has a larger battery, my priority is a superior overall user experience. The OnePlus 9R's significantly better performance, much sharper and smoother display, and higher quality cameras far outweigh the Nokia's battery advantage for my typical usage. I value a fast, responsive phone for gaming, media consumption, and photography, and the OnePlus 9R provides that. The 65W fast charging also mitigates the smaller battery capacity. The added benefits of Wi-Fi 6 and better audio make this a clear winner for me. Although it is an older model, the features still hold up, and it's better to have a phone with excellent features, rather than only a long-lasting one.
