1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Nothing Phone (1) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161 × 74.1 × 8.4 mm | 159.2 × 75.8 × 8.3 mm | OnePlus 9R is slightly taller, while Nothing Phone (1) is slightly wider. Both have similar thickness and feel comparable in hand. |
| Weight | 189g | 193.5g | Negligible difference in weight; both feel similar in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.55" | Identical screen size; both offer a similar viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness; both provide crisp visuals. |
| PPI | 402 | 402 | Identical pixel density; both offer similar display clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Very similar display quality; both have vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Identical smoothness for scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | Nothing Phone (1) is significantly brighter and thus has better visibility in bright sunlight, while the OnePlus 9R's brightness is unknown. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM7325-AE Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6 nm) | OnePlus 9R's chipset is generally more powerful, leading to faster app loading and smoother gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 821,600 | 624,253 | OnePlus 9R has significantly better performance in benchmarks suggesting a snappier user experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 642L | OnePlus 9R has a more powerful GPU, beneficial for intensive gaming and graphics tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 1/2", Sony IMX586, 0.80µm | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56", Sony IMX766, 1.00µm | Nothing Phone (1) has a larger sensor for better light capture and detail; slightly higher resolution. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", Sony IMX471, 1.00µm | 16MP, f/2.2, 1/3.13", Sony IMX471, 1.00µm | Nothing Phone (1) has a wider aperture, allowing for better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 16MP, f/2.2, 1/3.09", Sony IMX481, 1.00µm | Not available | OnePlus 9R offers a dedicated wide-angle lens for more expansive shots. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | Not available | OnePlus 9R offers a dedicated depth sensor for enhanced portrait mode effects. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | Not available | OnePlus 9R offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | Not available | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1, 0.64µm | Nothing Phone (1) has a versatile lens combining wide-angle and macro functionality. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR, EIS, 1080p@240fps slow-mo | Up to 4K@30fps with HDR, EIS, 1080p@120fps slow-mo | OnePlus 9R records 4k@60fps vs Nothing Phone (1)'s 4k@30fps, OnePlus 9R offers 1080p@240fps vs Nothing Phone (1)'s 1080p@120fps slow-motion recording |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, OIS, PDAF | Dual camera, OIS, PDAF, Ultra stable video, Night Mode | Nothing Phone (1) includes 'Ultra stable video' and 'Night Mode', while OnePlus 9R has additional depth and macro sensors, but lacks these. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Identical battery capacity; both offer similar battery life. |
| Charging | 65W fast charging, Li-Polymer | 33W fast charging, Li-Ion | OnePlus 9R has significantly faster charging, allowing for quick top-ups. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable, No charger in box, Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 5W | Nothing Phone (1) offers more versatile battery features including wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 13) | Android 12 (upgradable to 15) | Nothing Phone (1) has a newer OS out of the box, and will likely have longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both support the latest WiFi standards, ensuring fast wireless speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Nothing Phone (1) has a slightly newer Bluetooth version, improving stability and range. |
| GPS | Multiple systems | Multiple systems (including NavIC) | Nothing Phone (1) has better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support dual SIM usage. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB or 256GB | Both offer similar storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB or 12GB | 8GB or 12GB | Both are well-suited for multitasking. |
| Expandable | Not supported | Not supported | Both lack expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | OnePlus 9R has Dolby Atmos for richer sound, while Nothing Phone (1) includes 3 microphones |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both use basic fingerprint sensors. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Nothing Phone (1) uses more durable screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, RGB | Nothing Phone (1) includes an additional RGB sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9R Advantages:
- Significantly Higher Performance: The Snapdragon 870 provides much higher benchmark scores and better general performance, smoother gaming, and faster app loading.
- Faster Charging: 65W fast charging allows for much quicker battery top-ups.
- More Camera Versatility: Includes dedicated wide-angle, macro, and depth sensors.
- Superior video recording: The OnePlus 9R has 4k@60fps and 1080p@240fps slow motion capabilities, compared to the Nothing Phone (1)'s 4k@30fps and 1080p@120fps
- Dolby Atmos support: Provides richer sound quality through it's speakers.
- Noise cancellation microphone: Better for clear audio during calls.
Nothing Phone (1) Advantages:
- Brighter Display: 1200 nits vs. unknown gives the Nothing Phone (1) significantly better outdoor visibility.
- More Modern OS: Launched with Android 12, and supports 13 and up to 15, compared to the OnePlus 9R that launched with Android 10 and supports up to 13.
- Wireless Charging: Supports 15W wireless charging and 5W reverse wireless charging for added convenience.
- Better Main Camera Sensor: The larger sensor of the Nothing Phone (1)'s main camera allows for potentially better low-light photos.
- Ultra stable video: The Nothing Phone (1) has this feature for very smooth video recording
- Night Mode: Better low-light photography
- 3 microphones: Potentially enhanced audio recording quality.
- Better Build Quality: Offers Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for better screen protection.
- More GPS systems: better location accuracy.
- RGB sensor: Added versatility.
Trade-offs:
- Performance vs. Features: OnePlus 9R prioritizes performance and camera versatility, while Nothing Phone (1) focuses on advanced features and a more modern OS.
- Charging Speed vs. Wireless Charging: OnePlus 9R charges much faster, while Nothing Phone (1) offers convenient wireless charging.
- Camera Complexity vs. Simplicity: The OnePlus 9R has more sensors but a standard UI, whereas the Nothing Phone (1) combines a wide angle and macro into one sensor with software optimizations.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for OnePlus 9R:
- Gamers: The more powerful processor and GPU will provide a smoother and more responsive gaming experience.
- Users who value raw performance: Those who prioritize smooth, fast performance above all else.
- Photography enthusiasts: Users looking for a diverse camera system with dedicated macro, wide-angle, and depth sensors.
- Users who value fast charging: Those who want to quickly charge their phones and don't care about wireless charging.
- Users who need the best possible video performance Those who are interested in higher frame rate video recording in 4k and higher frame rate for slow motion video.
Specific Use Cases for OnePlus 9R:
- Playing graphically intensive games.
- Running demanding applications and heavy multitasking.
- Taking a variety of different photos (close-ups, wide-angle, portraits) without compromise.
- Quickly topping up the battery before heading out.
- Clear voice calls
- Richer sound quality while playing games or listening to music
Ideal Users for Nothing Phone (1):
- Users who prioritize design and a unique aesthetic.
- Users who value a modern software experience and future updates.
- Users who prefer wireless charging: Those who want the convenience of wireless and reverse wireless charging.
- Users who want a phone with a good screen Bright screen is better for visibility outdoors.
- Users who prioritize simplicity in photography: Focuses on overall image quality with main and ultrawide camera and software processing.
- Users who need better location accuracy: For better GPS navigation and precision.
- Users who want a better built phone: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for better screen protection.
Specific Use Cases for Nothing Phone (1):
- Taking photos and videos in low light conditions.
- Charging the phone wirelessly at home or on the go.
- Utilizing the reverse wireless charging feature to charge other devices.
- Enjoying the benefits of a more up-to-date Android version.
- Using advanced location-based services and navigation.
- Smooth video recording.
- Clear audio during voice recording.
Price-to-Value Ratio: The OnePlus 9R provides more raw power for a potentially lower cost. The Nothing Phone (1), with its more modern features and design, targets a different price point and user base.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What do you prioritize more: raw performance and versatility, or more modern features?
- Is quick charging or wireless charging more important to your daily routine?
- What kind of photography do you do most, and which set of camera lenses is more suitable for you?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For Gamers/Power Users: Choose the OnePlus 9R for its superior performance, faster charging, and diverse camera system.
- For Casual Users Who Value Aesthetics/Features: Choose the Nothing Phone (1) for its modern look, wireless charging, and better display brightness.
- For Photography Lovers: If you like more diverse lenses and different types of shooting, choose the OnePlus 9R; if you want a more focused and refined experience with low-light capabilities, choose the Nothing Phone (1)
- For Budget Conscious Users: Assess the current prices as both phones will likely be available at different price points. Determine the best value for money.
My Choice and Explanation
If I had to choose, I would choose the OnePlus 9R. Here's why:
Performance is King: I value smooth performance above most other features. The significantly faster processor, GPU, and AnTuTu score of the OnePlus 9R make a noticeable difference in everyday usage and gaming. This would mean snappier app loading times, smoother scrolling, and a better experience in graphically demanding games.
Versatile Camera System: While the Nothing Phone (1)'s main sensor is better, I appreciate having a wide-angle, macro, and depth sensor for more diverse photography options. Having access to all of these features is a huge plus for me.
Fast Charging Convenience: The faster 65W charging of the OnePlus 9R is more appealing to me than the wireless charging of the Nothing Phone (1). I prefer to have my phone quickly topped up in a short amount of time.
Slight Audio Edge: The addition of Dolby Atmos is a plus for me as it gives a more immersive experience.
Even though the Nothing Phone (1) is more modern and has a brighter screen, for my personal use case, the performance and versatility of the OnePlus 9R make it a more suitable choice. The trade-offs in software and screen brightness are worth it for the boost in performance and camera versatility.
