Smartphone Comparison: OnePlus 9R vs. Xiaomi Poco F4
1. Specifications Comparison
Feature | OnePlus 9R | Xiaomi Poco F4 | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Design | |||
Dimensions | 161 × 74.1 × 8.4 mm | 163.2 × 76 × 7.7 mm | Poco F4 is slightly taller and wider but thinner; OnePlus 9R might feel a bit more compact. |
Weight | 189g | 195g | OnePlus 9R is slightly lighter, which might be more comfortable for prolonged use. |
Display | |||
Size | 6.55" | 6.67" | Poco F4 has a slightly larger screen, which is better for media consumption and gaming. |
Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical resolution; Both offer sharp images for the screen size. |
PPI | 402 | 395 | Negligible difference; Both offer similar pixel density for sharp text and images. |
Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Identical AMOLED panel tech provides vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both phones. |
Brightness | 0 nits | 1300 nits | Poco F4 offers dramatically better visibility in bright sunlight |
Performance | |||
Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G | Both phones offer flagship-level performance for smooth multitasking and gaming. |
AnTuTu Score | 821,600 | 861,200 | Poco F4 shows slightly better benchmark performance (5% higher). |
GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 650 | Identical GPU; both phones offer similar graphics capabilities for gaming. |
Battery | |||
Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Identical capacity; both phones provide comparable battery life for daily use. |
Charging | 65W fast charging | 67W fast charging | Poco F4 has slightly faster charging, resulting in quicker top-ups. |
Camera | |||
Rear Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 1/2", Sony IMX586, 0.8µm | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2", Omnivision OV64B, 0.7µm | Poco F4 has a higher resolution sensor for potentially more detailed shots; OnePlus 9R has a slightly wider aperture for better low-light performance. |
Front Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", Sony IMX471, 1.0µm | 20MP, f/2.4, 1/2", Sony IMX596, 0.8µm | Poco F4 offers higher resolution and a larger sensor for potentially better selfies. |
Wide Angle Lens | 16MP, f/2.2, 1/3.09", Sony IMX481, 1.0µm | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4", Omnivision OV8856, 1.12µm | OnePlus 9R has a higher resolution and larger sensor for better ultra-wide shots. |
Portrait Mode | 2MP depth sensor | N/A | OnePlus 9R has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. |
Macro Lens | 5MP | 2MP, 1/5", GalaxyCore GC02M1, 1.75µm | OnePlus 9R offers a higher resolution for more detailed macro shots. |
Video Recording | Up to 4K 60fps with HDR, EIS, slow motion 240 fps | Up to 4K 60fps, slow motion 960 fps | Both record 4K video. Poco F4 has a higher slow-motion capability (960fps vs. 240fps). |
Software | |||
OS | Android 10 | Android 12 | Poco F4 comes with a newer Android version out of the box. |
Connectivity | |||
WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both have similar Wi-Fi capabilities. |
Bluetooth | 5.1, aptX | 5.2, SBC | Poco F4 has a slightly newer version of Bluetooth and supports SBC codec; OnePlus 9R has additional support for aptX. |
GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, NavIC | Poco F4 supports more satellite navigation systems for better location accuracy. |
Storage & Memory | |||
Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both phones have identical storage options. |
RAM | 8GB/12GB | 6GB/8GB/12GB | Both are great for multitasking; Poco F4 also has a 6GB option for a lower entry price. |
Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD card expansion. |
Audio | |||
Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise Cancellation Mic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Hi-Res Audio, 2 Microphones | Poco F4 offers Hi-Res Audio support and dual microphones, possibly providing better audio recording and playback; OnePlus 9R has noise cancellation microphone. |
Security | |||
Fingerprint Sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Poco F4’s side-mounted sensor is faster and more ergonomic in many scenarios. |
Build Quality | |||
Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Poco F4 has better screen protection. |
Sensors | |||
Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic virtual proximity | Both phones offer comprehensive sensor suites for various functions. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9R Advantages:
- Slightly More Compact: Marginally smaller dimensions and lighter weight can make it more comfortable for single-handed use and carrying around.
- Higher Resolution Ultra-Wide & Macro Camera: Offers 16MP ultra-wide and 5MP macro lenses, potentially capturing more details in those modes.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: Provides better depth effects for portrait mode photos.
- AptX Support: Offers additional aptX codec support, beneficial for audiophiles using compatible wireless headphones.
Xiaomi Poco F4 Advantages:
- Newer OS: Comes with Android 12 out of the box, providing access to newer features.
- Brighter Display: Significantly higher brightness (1300 nits) makes it more suitable for use under bright sunlight.
- Slightly Better Performance: Higher AnTuTu benchmark scores indicate marginally better performance in some scenarios.
- Faster Charging: Slightly faster 67W charging compared to 65W, leading to quicker charging times.
- Higher Resolution Front Camera: 20MP front-facing camera for potentially better selfies.
- Higher Slow Motion Capture: Offers 960fps slow motion video capture, compared to OnePlus 9R's 240fps.
- More Satellite Navigation Support: Supports additional satellite navigation systems for better location accuracy.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: A more modern and convenient placement.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 offers better protection against scratches.
- Hi-Res Audio support: Supports High resolution audio for music streaming and listening.
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9R has a more basic fingerprint sensor, while Poco F4 has a better side-mounted sensor.
- OnePlus 9R has slightly better ultra-wide camera resolution, while the Poco F4 has higher main and front camera resolution.
- OnePlus 9R lacks the screen protection of the Poco F4.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9R Ideal User:
- Users who prefer a slightly more compact and lighter phone.
- Photographers who value high-resolution ultra-wide and macro lens.
- Users who use aptX-supported wireless headphones and value audio quality.
- Users who appreciate the portrait mode with a dedicated depth sensor.
Use Cases:
- Everyday use for users who value a comfortable in-hand feel.
- Capturing wide-angle landscape shots or detailed close-up photos.
- Enjoying high-fidelity music with wireless headphones.
Xiaomi Poco F4 Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize a brighter display for outdoor visibility.
- Gamers who want slightly better benchmark performance and high FPS.
- Users who value faster charging and high quality selfies.
- Users that want a better screen protection
- Users who need more accurate GPS and location services.
- Users who value a newer operating system and want advanced features.
Use Cases:
- Gaming on the go with higher screen brightness and performance
- Watching videos outdoors under bright sunlight.
- Quickly charging the phone between uses.
- Taking high-resolution selfies.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Both phones offer excellent performance for their price range.
- The Poco F4 generally offers slightly better value due to its brighter display, faster charging, and newer software.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Screen Visibility: Do you primarily use your phone indoors or outdoors in bright light? (Poco F4 is much better for bright outdoor conditions)
- Camera Priorities: Do you prioritize ultra-wide and macro lens quality, or are selfies and the main camera more important? (OnePlus 9R wins in ultra-wide, Poco F4 wins in main camera)
- Software and Battery: Do you want a newer OS and faster charging or are you ok with slightly older software and charging speeds? (Poco F4 wins in both)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Outdoor Enthusiast: Choose the Xiaomi Poco F4 for its brighter screen.
- Casual Photographer: Choose the OnePlus 9R for its better ultra-wide camera and dedicated depth sensor.
- Gaming Enthusiast: Choose the Xiaomi Poco F4 for its slightly better benchmark performance and faster charging.
- Daily User: If the price is similar, Poco F4's faster charging and brighter screen are generally more useful.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Xiaomi Poco F4. While I appreciate the OnePlus 9R's strengths in the ultra-wide camera and its compact size, the Poco F4's superior screen brightness, faster charging, newer Android version and better protection make it a more compelling daily driver for me. The improved outdoor visibility is a significant advantage, and the slightly better performance and faster charging are useful benefits for everyday use. Moreover, for the type of photography I do, the main camera resolution is important and the Poco F4 has a better main camera, the selfie camera is also a priority and the Poco F4 excels at that too. The added advantage of better security with a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, along with hi-res audio support, rounds out the package as a better fit for my use case.