Smartphone Comparison: OnePlus 9R vs. Sony Xperia 5 III
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Sony Xperia 5 III | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161 × 74.1 × 8.4 mm | 157 × 68 × 8.2 mm | OnePlus 9R is larger and may be less comfortable for single-handed use; Sony is more compact. |
| Weight | 189g | 168g | Sony Xperia 5 III is significantly lighter, easier to hold for long periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.1" | OnePlus 9R provides a larger viewing area, better for media consumption and multitasking. Sony is better for one-handed use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2520 | Sony has slightly sharper display due to more pixels, however, the difference may be imperceptible to most. |
| Pixel Density | 402 ppi | 449 ppi | Sony offers marginally sharper text and images due to higher PPI. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer excellent contrast, vibrant colors, and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide fluid scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is unknown, making it impossible to assess outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Xperia 5 III has a more powerful processor resulting in snappier performance in demanding apps and games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 821,600 | 880,000 | Xperia 5 III has better benchmark performance indicating smoother gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 660 | Xperia 5 III GPU offers better graphics processing power for high-end games and graphical tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7 | 12MP, f/1.7 | OnePlus 9R has higher resolution photos but lower pixel size (0.8um vs 1.8um). Xperia 5 III might perform better in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4 | 8MP, f/2.0 | OnePlus 9R offers higher resolution selfies and larger sensor. Xperia 5 III has wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | No | 12MP, f/2.2 | Xperia 5 III offers optical zoom capabilities not available on OnePlus 9R. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 16MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.3 | OnePlus 9R has slightly higher resolution, but the practical difference is likely minimal. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | No | OnePlus 9R has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, which Sony does not have. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | No | OnePlus 9R offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography, which Sony does not have. |
| Video | 4K@60fps with HDR, EIS | 4K@120fps with HDR, OIS, EIS | Xperia 5 III offers higher frame rate 4K recording with OIS, resulting in better video stabilization and slow motion capabilities. |
| Camera Features | Quad, OIS, EIS, PDAF | Triple, OIS, EIS, Continuous Autofocus, Optical Zoom | The Sony boasts Optical Zoom, Continuous Autofocus and Ultra Stable Video, whereas the OnePlus 9R has Quadruple camera and Manual focus. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Both offer similar battery capacity; real-world battery life will depend on usage patterns. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | OnePlus 9R charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Non-removable | Sony Xperia 5 III allows charging while bypassing the battery, which can reduce heat and degradation during prolonged gaming sessions |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11 | Sony Xperia 5 III offers a more updated operating system. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi MiMO | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Both support modern Wi-Fi standards. OnePlus 9R supports Wi-Fi MiMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1, LE | 5.2, LE | Sony Xperia 5 III has a slightly newer Bluetooth version, supporting more profiles for better connectivity with devices. |
| 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), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Sony Xperia 5 III supports more satellite systems (QZSS). |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | Both offer the same internal storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB or 12GB | 8GB | OnePlus 9R offers more RAM with 12GB option for better multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Both offer good audio quality. Sony has Hi-Res Audio support, OnePlus has Noise cancellation microphone. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Sony's side-mounted fingerprint sensor is often more convenient and quicker than the basic in-display reader. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 | Sony's screen is protected by a superior glass. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | Sony has additional environmental sensors like barometer and Hall sensor for more functionality. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9R Advantages:
- Larger Display: 6.55" screen provides a more immersive experience for media consumption and gaming.
- Faster Charging: 65W charging significantly reduces charging time.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: 48MP main camera for more detailed photos
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: 16MP front camera for better selfie detail.
- Dedicated Macro and Depth Sensors: Additional cameras for macro and portrait shots.
- More RAM Option: 12GB RAM option available, excellent for heavy multitasking.
Sony Xperia 5 III Advantages:
- More Compact and Lighter: Easier to handle and more comfortable for prolonged use.
- Higher Pixel Density: Slightly sharper display.
- More Powerful Processor: Snapdragon 888 chipset offers better performance.
- Better GPU Performance: Adreno 660 for improved graphics.
- Telephoto Lens with Optical Zoom: Allows for better zoom capabilities.
- More Advanced Video Recording: Supports 4K@120fps with OIS for smoother, high-quality videos.
- Bypass Charging: Minimizes heat and battery degradation during extended charging while playing games.
- Superior Bluetooth Version: Newer Bluetooth with more protocols.
- More Satellite Systems: QZSS support for improved location accuracy.
- Superior Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 6
- More Environmental Sensors: Barometer for weather tracking.
- Hi-Res Audio: Better for audio enthusiasts.
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9R: Sacrifices processing power and camera versatility for a larger screen and faster charging.
- Sony Xperia 5 III: Sacrifices larger display and significantly faster charging for superior performance, camera quality, and build.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9R:
- Ideal User: Casual gamers, media consumers, and users who prioritize battery charging speed.
- Use Cases:
- Watching movies and videos on the go
- Casual gaming
- Users needing fast battery replenishment
- Social media content creation
- Price-to-Value: Offers great value for its price, providing a good balance of performance and features.
Sony Xperia 5 III:
- Ideal User: Power users, mobile photographers, and those seeking a compact phone with top-tier performance.
- Use Cases:
- Demanding mobile gaming
- Professional photography and videography
- High-fidelity audio enjoyment
- Users needing compact yet premium experience.
- Price-to-Value: A premium option for those wanting a powerful compact experience.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- Do you prioritize a larger screen and faster charging, or better overall performance and camera capabilities?
- Do you need advanced camera features like optical zoom or a telephoto lens?
- How important is having the most up-to-date software version, or can you live with Android 10?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Media Consumption and Casual Gaming): Choose the OnePlus 9R for its larger screen, fast charging, and good overall performance.
- Scenario 2 (Photography/Videography and Performance): Choose the Sony Xperia 5 III for its superior camera features, better performance, and more premium build.
- Scenario 3 (Compactness and Portability): Choose the Sony Xperia 5 III due to its smaller size and lighter weight for easier handling and one-handed use.
My Choice and Why
My Choice: If I had to choose between these two, I would pick the Sony Xperia 5 III.
Reasoning: While the OnePlus 9R offers a larger screen and faster charging, my priorities lean towards a more compact phone with superior performance and more advanced camera capabilities, specifically the optical zoom. The newer chipset in the Xperia 5 III should have a longer usage lifespan. The inclusion of features like bypass charging and better build quality also align with my personal use case. While I appreciate fast charging, the additional camera flexibility and performance of the Sony outweigh the faster charging offered by OnePlus.
