Smartphone Comparison: OnePlus 9R vs. Sony Xperia 1 VI
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Sony Xperia 1 VI | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-04-14 | 2024-06-03 | Sony Xperia 1 VI is a significantly newer device with updated technology. |
| Dimensions | 161 × 74.1 × 8.4 mm | 162 × 74 × 8.2 mm | Very similar physical size; OnePlus 9R is slightly thicker but largely unnoticeable. |
| Weight | 189g | 192g | Both phones have virtually identical weight. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.5" | Practically the same size screen; both offer an immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Very similar sharpness; no visible difference in everyday use. |
| Pixel Density | 402 PPI | 396 PPI | Both have very similar pixel density, providing crisp images |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Similar technology; Expect vibrant colors and deep blacks on both. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both devices. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical peak brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 (7 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | Xperia 1 VI has a significantly faster processor; Expect snappier performance, quicker app loading, and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 821,600 | 2,110,000 | Xperia 1 VI has much higher performance; Significant improvement in overall speed and responsiveness. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 750 | Xperia 1 VI offers significantly better graphics for gaming and demanding apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 1/2", Sony IMX586 | 48MP, f/1.9, 1/1.4", Sony IMX888 | Xperia 1 VI has a larger sensor; Expect superior low-light performance and better dynamic range. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", Sony IMX471 | 12MP, f/2.0, 1/2.93", Sony IMX663 | Xperia 1 VI has a wider aperture and larger sensor; Better low light selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | N/A | 12MP, f/2.3, 1/3.5", Sony IMX650 | Xperia 1 VI has dedicated optical zoom for clearer zoomed photos, lacking on 9R. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 16MP, f/2.2, 1/3.09", Sony IMX481 | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", Sony IMX563 | Xperia 1 VI has a larger sensor; Expect better wide angle shots. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | OnePlus 9R has a dedicated depth sensor, may offer slightly more refined bokeh. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | N/A | OnePlus 9R has dedicated macro lens for close up shots. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR, EIS | Up to 4K@120fps with HDR, OIS, EIS | Xperia 1 VI offers more frame rate options and has OIS. |
| Camera Features | Quad camera, OIS, EIS, PDAF, RAW | Triple camera, OIS, EIS, PDAF, CDAF, RAW, Night Mode | Xperia 1 VI offers more camera features including optical zoom and night mode. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Xperia 1 VI has a larger battery; Expect longer battery life on a single charge. |
| Charging | 65W fast charging | 30W fast charging | OnePlus 9R charges significantly faster; Quicker top-ups are possible. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Reverse charging, Reverse wireless charging, Non-removable | Xperia 1 VI has more features like bypass charging and reverse wireless. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 13) | Android 14 (upgradable to 17) | Xperia 1 VI has a newer OS; Expect more features and longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | Xperia 1 VI supports Wi-Fi 7; Future-proof, better speeds in compatible networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.4 LE | Xperia 1 VI supports Bluetooth 5.4; Better stability, range, and power efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5) | Both provide accurate location tracking; slight variations in supported networks. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Xperia 1 VI supports eSIM; Offers flexibility for switching between carriers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 256 GB or 512 GB | Xperia 1 VI offers larger storage; More space for photos, videos, and apps. |
| RAM | 8 GB or 12 GB | 12 GB | Both have sufficient RAM for seamless multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage; Choose appropriate storage variant upfront. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Both have stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos, but OnePlus 9R includes noise cancellation microphone for clearer voice calls |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Xperia 1 VI has a more convenient side-mounted sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Xperia 1 VI has superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Hall, Pedometer | Xperia 1 VI includes additional environmental sensors useful for gaming and health apps. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9R Advantages:
- Faster Charging: 65W charging is significantly faster than Xperia 1 VI's 30W, allowing for quicker top-ups.
- Macro and Depth Sensors: Dedicated macro and depth sensors can enhance close-up photos and bokeh effects.
- Noise Cancellation Microphone: Offers clearer calls and better audio separation.
- Slightly lower price: The OnePlus 9R is older, and thus should be available at a lower price.
Sony Xperia 1 VI Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset offers significantly faster performance, more future proof.
- Enhanced Camera System: Larger main sensor, telephoto lens, larger wide-angle sensor, and better low light selfies provide more versatile and high-quality photos and videos.
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery provides longer battery life.
- Bypass Charging: Offers the ability to charge the phone without damaging battery while gaming.
- Newer Software: Android 14 with longer software support offers more features and security updates.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 provides superior scratch and impact resistance.
- Advanced Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 offer faster, more efficient connections.
- Additional sensors: Offers a barometer and other sensors for more environmental data, and gaming.
- eSIM Support: Allows for more flexible digital carrier switching.
Trade-offs:
- Charging Speed: OnePlus 9R has significantly faster charging than the Sony Xperia 1 VI.
- Camera Features: While the Xperia 1 VI camera is superior overall, the OnePlus 9R has dedicated macro and depth lenses lacking in Xperia 1 VI.
- Software Support: OnePlus 9R will have less software update support.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9R:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users looking for good value, and those who prioritize fast charging and a capable all-around camera system including macro and depth.
- Use Cases: Casual gaming, daily social media use, general photography and video. Users looking for value and fast charging.
- Price-to-Value: Offers good performance and features for a lower price (due to being an older model) than the Sony Xperia 1 VI, making it a strong contender for budget-conscious buyers.
Sony Xperia 1 VI:
- Ideal User: Performance and camera enthusiasts, multimedia consumers, those seeking the latest technology.
- Use Cases: Demanding mobile games, professional-level photography and video, heavy multitasking, extended use without needing to recharge often.
- Price-to-Value: The higher price reflects the advanced chipset, superior camera, and longer software support, making it suitable for users willing to invest for top-tier performance and a premium experience.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- Performance Needs: How important is top-tier performance for gaming and demanding applications?
- Camera Priorities: Do you need the best camera quality, including optical zoom and advanced video features, or are macro and depth cameras more important?
- Battery and Charging: Do you need the fastest possible charging or is longer battery life more critical?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Performance and Camera Enthusiast: If you prioritize top-tier performance, the best possible camera system, the Sony Xperia 1 VI is the clear choice.
- Scenario 2: Value and Fast Charging: If you want a solid phone with a focus on fast charging, the OnePlus 9R is a cost-effective option.
- Scenario 3: Multimedia and Long Battery Life: If your primary use case includes streaming videos, the Sony Xperia 1 VI offers more value due to its superior battery life and quality display.
- Scenario 4: Casual User: For basic use, both phones will be fine, however the OnePlus 9R offers better value due to its lower price point.
Personal Choice
If I had to choose between the two, I would pick the Sony Xperia 1 VI. While the OnePlus 9R offers great value, fast charging, and a decent set of features for its price point, the Xperia 1 VI's advantages are too significant to overlook, especially for a tech enthusiast. The improved chipset, larger battery, advanced camera, superior screen protection, newer software, and better connectivity make it the clear winner, despite its higher cost. These features combined make the phone feel more modern and future-proof. While I appreciate the dedicated macro and depth sensors of the OnePlus 9R, for my personal use, the quality and versatility of the Xperia 1 VI's camera system is more important. For anyone that does not need the very latest in tech, the OnePlus 9R would still be a very viable option.
