Smartphone Comparison: OnePlus 9R vs. ZTE nubia Z50S Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | ZTE nubia Z50S Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-04-14 | 2023-07-27 | ZTE nubia Z50S Pro is a newer device with more recent tech |
| Dimensions | 161 × 74.1 × 8.4 mm | 163.9 × 76.3 × 8.3 mm | ZTE nubia Z50S Pro is slightly larger and wider, impacting one-handed use and pocketability. |
| Weight | 189g | 228g | OnePlus 9R is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for long use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.8" | ZTE nubia Z50S Pro has a larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1260x2800 | ZTE nubia Z50S Pro has a sharper display, enhancing clarity for text and images. |
| PPI | 402 | 452 | ZTE nubia Z50S Pro's higher pixel density results in more detailed visuals. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1500 nits | ZTE nubia Z50S Pro has dramatically better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2 (4 nm) | ZTE nubia Z50S Pro's newer chip provides significantly faster performance and better power efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 821,600 | 1,579,720 | ZTE nubia Z50S Pro has much higher benchmark performance, indicating superior gaming and multitasking capabilities. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 740 | ZTE nubia Z50S Pro's newer GPU provides better graphics performance for gaming and demanding applications. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5100mAh | ZTE nubia Z50S Pro has a larger battery, providing longer battery life. |
| Charging | 65W fast charging | 80W fast charging | ZTE nubia Z50S Pro charges slightly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP f/1.7, 1/2" sensor | 54MP f/1.6, 1/1.49" sensor | ZTE nubia Z50S Pro has a larger sensor and wider aperture, leading to better low-light performance and more detailed images. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera | None | 8MP f/2.4 | ZTE nubia Z50S Pro offers a dedicated telephoto lens for portraits and zoom photography. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP f/2.4, 1/3.13" sensor | 16MP f/2.5, 1/3.06" sensor | Both have similar selfie cameras with slightly different apertures and sensor sizes; real-world difference is minor. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 16MP f/2.2, 1/3.09" sensor | 50MP f/2.0, 1/2.88" sensor | ZTE nubia Z50S Pro has a higher resolution and wider aperture ultrawide lens, offering better quality. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | 2MP f/2.4 | None | OnePlus 9R has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP f/2.4 | None | OnePlus 9R has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Video | 4K@60fps, HDR, EIS | 8K@30fps, 4K@120fps, EIS | ZTE nubia Z50S Pro supports higher resolution video recording with more frame rate options, appealing to videographers. |
| Features | Quad camera, OIS, PDAF | Triple camera, OIS, PDAF, Flicker sensor, Gimbal, Ultra stable video, Night Mode | ZTE nubia Z50S Pro offers advanced video recording features and enhanced low-light capabilities |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to 13 | Android 13 | ZTE nubia Z50S Pro has a more up-to-date operating system |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 7 | ZTE nubia Z50S Pro supports newer WiFi standards, ensuring better speeds and lower latency. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | ZTE nubia Z50S Pro has a newer Bluetooth version for more reliable connections. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, NavIC System | ZTE nubia Z50S Pro supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 256GB/1024GB | ZTE nubia Z50S Pro offers significantly more internal storage with a 1TB option. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 12GB/16GB | ZTE nubia Z50S Pro offers more RAM for smoother multitasking and gaming |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone | DTS / DTS X | Both have stereo speakers; OnePlus 9R offers more audio-enhancement features, ZTE nubia Z50S Pro supports DTS/X |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Both offer similar fingerprint sensor technology |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Ultrasonic Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Both offer a comprehensive set of sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9R Advantages:
- Lighter Weight: The 9R is significantly lighter (39g less), making it more comfortable to hold for extended periods.
- Macro Lens and Depth Sensor: Includes dedicated macro and depth sensors for more creative photography.
- Slightly more audio features: Offers Dolby Atmos and a noise-cancellation microphone.
ZTE nubia Z50S Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2 chipset provides much higher performance, better for gaming and heavy multitasking.
- Higher Resolution Display: Offers a sharper and more detailed display with better pixel density and higher brightness.
- Improved Camera System: Superior main sensor, dedicated telephoto lens, and higher-resolution ultrawide for better image quality and zoom capabilities.
- Larger Battery and Faster Charging: Offers a larger battery with slightly faster charging, resulting in better endurance and quicker top-ups.
- More Storage and RAM options: Offers significantly more internal storage and RAM options
- Latest OS and Wi-Fi: Comes with the latest Android 13 and supports WiFi 7 for faster connectivity.
- Advanced Video Features: Offers 8K video recording, gimbal, and ultra-stable video modes.
- Improved location accuracy: Supports more satellite navigation systems
Trade-offs:
- The OnePlus 9R has a lower weight and additional macro + depth sensor, but it is outperformed by the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro in almost every other key area.
- The ZTE nubia Z50S Pro is heavier and slightly larger, which some users may find less convenient.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9R Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize a lightweight device for comfortable, one-handed use.
- Those who occasionally use macro or portrait mode for creative photography and do not require high-end videography.
- Users looking for a mid-range phone that is capable of running most common tasks and gaming at medium settings.
ZTE nubia Z50S Pro Ideal User:
- Gamers and power users needing the best possible performance.
- Those who prioritize a large, high-resolution, bright display for media consumption and gaming.
- Photography enthusiasts who want a versatile camera system with good zoom capabilities and image quality.
- Users who prioritize battery life and fast charging.
- Users who require large internal storage.
- Users who want the latest technology, including Wi-Fi 7 and the latest Android operating system
- Videographers who require high-resolution video and advanced stabilization features
Specific Use Cases:
- OnePlus 9R: Ideal for casual use, browsing, social media, and moderate gaming. Better for users who do not use high-end performance or camera features.
- ZTE nubia Z50S Pro: Ideal for intensive gaming, professional photography/videography, demanding apps, heavy multitasking, and anyone who wants the best possible performance and features available.
Price-to-Value:
- The OnePlus 9R is likely a more budget-friendly option, but its features are comparatively dated.
- The ZTE nubia Z50S Pro will likely cost more, but offers superior specifications, making it a better value for those who can afford it and want the best performance and features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case for the phone? (e.g., Gaming, photography, social media, basic use)
- How important are top-tier performance and display quality? (Are you willing to sacrifice weight for better specs?)
- What is your budget, and how do you value features vs. cost?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious Casual User: If cost is a significant factor and you mainly browse, social media, and light gaming, the OnePlus 9R may suffice.
- Performance Enthusiast: If you need top-tier performance, a higher-quality display, and advanced camera capabilities, the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro is the superior choice.
- Photography Focused User: If you require better image quality with telephoto and ultrawide lens, the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro has a significantly better camera system.
- Battery Focused User: If you need a longer lasting battery with faster charging, the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro is the superior choice.
My Choice
Based on the detailed analysis, I would choose the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro.
Reasoning: While the OnePlus 9R is lighter and more compact, the sheer performance advantage of the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro is undeniable. The superior chipset, display, camera system, battery, and updated connectivity options outweigh the benefits of a lighter device for me. I value the smooth, snappy experience the Z50S Pro offers, along with the improved camera capabilities for photography and videography, making it more future-proof and versatile.
While the OnePlus 9R is a decent phone, it's outdated compared to the Z50S Pro. For me, the added cost for the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro is justified by the significantly improved user experience across the board. Ultimately, for my personal usage, the Z50S Pro is the better overall device.
