OnePlus has been making waves in the smartphone market, and their latest offering, the OnePlus 9RT, is no exception. This phone is a refresh of the OnePlus 9R, but it boasts some significant upgrades, including a more powerful processor, a better primary camera, and a new design. However, with the OnePlus 10 series on the horizon, is the 9RT worth your attention? This detailed review dives into what makes this phone special and explores whether it can hold its own against the competition.
The OnePlus 9RT: A Refreshed Value Flagship
The OnePlus 9RT isn’t just a minor tweaking of its predecessor; it’s a deliberate attempt to offer a more compelling proposition for those seeking a powerful and stylish smartphone. It addresses some key shortcomings of the 9R while retaining its core strengths. Here’s a breakdown of the 9RT’s notable upgrades and how they position it in the current market:
Performance: Powering Through with the Snapdragon 888
One of the most significant changes from the 9R is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 SoC. This upgrade places the 9RT on the same performance tier as the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro, giving it exceptional processing power for demanding tasks like gaming and multitasking. The phone also utilizes LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage, ensuring a smooth and responsive user experience.
Display: A Feast for the Eyes
The OnePlus 9RT boasts a 6.62-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. This screen offers vibrant colors and excellent responsiveness for scrolling and gaming. The Full HD+ resolution ensures clarity and sharpness, making it a joy to consume multimedia content. The display is shielded by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, providing protection against scratches and minor drops.
Camera: Capturing Memories with Enhanced Clarity
The 9RT features a redesigned camera module that houses a 50-megapixel primary camera with a Sony IMX766 sensor. This is the same sensor used for the ultra-wide camera on the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro, but here, it takes center stage as the primary shooter. It offers superior clarity and detail compared to the 9R, making it a significant improvement.
The ultrawide camera utilizes a Sony IMX481 sensor, matching the spec found in the 9R, with a 16-megapixel resolution and an f/2.2 aperture. It’s not a substantial upgrade, but it still provides satisfactory performance for wide-angle shots. The third camera, a 2-megapixel macro shooter, serves a niche purpose for close-up photography. The 16-megapixel selfie camera remains unchanged, utilizing the Sony IMX471 sensor found on the 9R.
Design: A Blend of Style and Functionality
The OnePlus 9RT’s design is a departure from the 9R, featuring a smooth glass rear panel. While the overall layout of the rear camera module remains similar, the 9RT gets a sleeker and more refined aesthetic. The curved metal frame provides a comfortable grip and contributes to the phone’s premium feel. This is complemented by the Hacker Black variant, with its soft sheen that adds to its luxurious appeal.
Features: Packed with Essentials
The OnePlus 9RT comes equipped with several key features that are becoming increasingly important for modern smartphone users. These include:
- Stereo Speakers with Dolby Atmos: Delivering a immersive audio experience for multimedia enjoyment.
- NFC: Enabling convenient contactless payments and data transfers.
- Wi-Fi 6: Supporting faster and more reliable wireless connectivity.
- 4,500mAh battery: Providing ample power for daily usage.
- 65W fast charging: Enabling a quick recharge for extended use.
However, the 9RT is missing some features that are becoming increasingly common in flagship phones:
- IP Rating: It lacks protection against water and dust.
- Wireless charging: It relies on wired charging.
- Hasselblad Camera System: It lacks the advanced camera technology found on the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro.
Software: A Seamless Experience
The OnePlus 9RT ships with OxygenOS 11, but it is expected to be one of the first devices to receive a stable Android 12 update. OnePlus is known for its clean and user-friendly software experience, and the 9RT continues this tradition. Additionally, the phone boasts features like Hyper Touch 2.0, which enhances the touch response rate for gaming, and a Tri-eSport’ antenna system for stable internet connectivity during gameplay.
The OnePlus 9RT vs. the Competition: Holding its Ground
The OnePlus 9RT faces stiff competition from other value flagship phones on the market. It’s critical to consider its strengths and weaknesses compared to other popular alternatives:
OnePlus 9RT vs. OnePlus 9R:
- OnePlus 9RT: Offers a significant performance upgrade with the Snapdragon 888 SoC, a better primary camera, and a newer design.
- OnePlus 9R: Offers a lower price point, although it sacrifices the Snapdragon 888 SoC and the upgraded camera system.
OnePlus 9RT vs. Samsung Galaxy S21:
- OnePlus 9RT: Offers a competitive price point while providing a powerful Snapdragon 888 SoC, a 120Hz display, and a solid camera system.
- Samsung Galaxy S21: Provides a more refined design, a versatile camera system, and potentially longer software support, but at a higher price point.
OnePlus 9RT vs. Xiaomi 11T Pro:
- OnePlus 9RT: Offers a similar price point with a better display refresh rate and potentially faster charging speeds.
- Xiaomi 11T Pro: Provides a powerful Snapdragon 888 SoC, a premium design, and a versatile camera system.
Conclusion: A Solid Contender in a Competitive Market
The OnePlus 9RT is a compelling option for those seeking a value flagship phone. It offers impressive performance, a beautiful display, a solid camera system, and a stylish design, all at a competitive price point. However, it’s essential to consider its limitations, such as the lack of an IP rating, wireless charging, and a Hasselblad Camera System.
The OnePlus 9RT is a worthy successor to the 9R, addressing some of its weaknesses and offering a more attractive package overall. However, with the OnePlus 10 series on the horizon, it remains to be seen how long the 9RT will remain a compelling choice. While it may not be the absolute pinnacle of flagship technology, it offers a compelling combination of power, features, and affordability, making it a solid contender in the competitive smartphone market.
