The OnePlus 9: A Solid Upgrade, But With Some Surprises
The OnePlus 9 Pro might be grabbing all the headlines, but don’t underestimate its sibling, the OnePlus 9. While priced slightly lower, the OnePlus 9 boasts a compelling set of features, including a 120Hz display, improved cameras, and the mighty Snapdragon 888 processor. But as we delve deeper into the OnePlus 9’s specs, a notable change emerges: a polycarbonate body, a surprising move for a flagship phone in this price range. This shift raises questions about OnePlus’ strategy and how it balances premium features with budget-conscious choices.
In this in-depth review, we’ll examine the OnePlus 9’s strengths, weaknesses, and its place in the competitive smartphone market. We’ll explore its camera prowess, performance, and overall user experience, comparing it to its predecessors and rivals to determine if it holds the winning combination of features and price.
A Familiar Yet Different Design
The OnePlus 9’s design echoes the familiar language of recent OnePlus releases. The flat-edged display, reminiscent of the OnePlus 8T, offers a comfortable grip and a visually distinct aesthetic. The 120Hz adaptive refresh rate delivers a smooth and responsive scrolling experience, though it falls short of the LTPO panel found on the OnePlus 9 Pro in terms of peak brightness and a few software features.
But let’s address the elephant in the room – the polycarbonate body. While the OnePlus 9 still sports Corning Gorilla Glass on both the front and back, replacing the aluminum frame with a plastic one is a strategic move that raises eyebrows. This decision, though likely driven by cost-cutting measures, might be a point of disappointment for those seeking a truly premium build quality. The switch to plastic is a trend observed in other flagship phones like the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 and Galaxy S21, but it remains a point of contention for many users.
Camera: A Significant Leap Forward?
OnePlus has heavily emphasized the camera setup across its 9 Series lineup, and the OnePlus 9 boasts a significant upgrade over its predecessor. The main 48MP Sony IMX689 sensor found in the OnePlus 8 Pro makes a triumphant return, offering improved image quality and low-light performance. The 50MP ultra-wide camera is shared with the OnePlus 9 Pro, utilizing a freeform lens to eliminate barrel distortion, ensuring that your wide-angle shots are free from unnecessary artifacts.
The 2MP monochrome sensor acts as a supporting act, employed solely when specific filters are applied. However, the omission of a telephoto camera and the lack of optical image stabilization on the main camera may spark disappointment among users accustomed to OnePlus’s pursuit of higher-end camera features. The inclusion of a more advanced telephoto camera on the Pro model further highlights the compromise made in the OnePlus 9.
Despite the lack of optical stabilization, the OnePlus 9’s camera capabilities are still a step up from the previous generation. The 16MP selfie camera, carried over from the OnePlus 9 Pro and the 8 Series, offers familiar performance. 8K video recording remains available, but the 120fps mode for 4K recording, present in the OnePlus 9 Pro, has been removed, further emphasizing the feature disparity between the two models.
Performance: Flagship Power at Its Best
Powering the OnePlus 9 is the flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G SoC. Paired with LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage, the OnePlus 9 delivers blistering performance. The phone effortlessly handles demanding tasks, from multitasking to graphically intensive games. The Snapdragon 888 guarantees smooth performance and future-proof capability, making the OnePlus 9 a truly capable device for the most demanding users.
The OnePlus 9 comes equipped with a suite of connectivity features including stereo speakers, NFC, Wi-Fi 6, and a rapid in-display fingerprint sensor. The overall user experience feels snappy and intuitive, with the software optimizations maximizing the power of the hardware package.
Should You Buy the OnePlus 9?
The OnePlus 9 walks a finely balanced line between providing a flagship experience and balancing the cost. The improved cameras, powerful performance, and vibrant 120Hz display deliver a strong package, catering to a wide swathe of users. However, the polycarbonate frame and the absence of some premium features like wireless charging and an IP rating might leave those desiring the ultimate premium experience wanting more.
Ultimately, the OnePlus 9 appeals to users seeking a powerful and well-rounded phone without the price tag of its Pro sibling. It’s a compelling offering, especially in the competitive mid-range segment. But the decision of whether to purchase the OnePlus 9 comes down to personal preference and priorities. If you’re seeking the ultimate flagship experience that the OnePlus 9 Pro offers, then the OnePlus 9 might fall short. However, if you’re looking for impressive performance, a refined design, and a capable camera system at a slightly more attainable price point, the OnePlus 9 is a strong contender.
