OnePlus 9 review
The OnePlus 9 is a solid mid-range smartphone that doesn't quite live up to its Pro counterpart's hype. While it boasts the same software experience and fast charging capabilities as its more expensive sibling, its design and camera setup are toned down. The phone features a plastic body with aluminum rails, a 6.55-inch flat display, and a triple-camera system led by a 48MP Sony IMX586 sensor. With its competitive price tag and excellent battery life, the OnePlus 9 is worth considering for those who value clean software and speedy performance above all else.
Build Quality and Design
The OnePlus 9's build quality and design are an improvement over previous iterations, but still fall short in some areas. The device's plastic body is durable and well-made, with a smooth matte finish that resists fingerprints. However, it lacks the premium feel of more expensive flagships, and may not appeal to those who value a more luxurious look and feel. The camera module on the back is one area where the design excels, with a sleek and compact design that houses four cameras, a flash, and an LED indicator. However, the rest of the device's design is somewhat underwhelming, with a plain and uninspired rear panel that may not stand out in a crowded market. OnePlus has opted for a more minimalist approach to design this time around, which results in a phone that looks good but doesn't particularly feel like a flagship. The lack of a headphone jack or other physical features means the device's ports are neatly arranged on one side, giving it a clean and streamlined look. Overall, while the OnePlus 9's build quality and design are solid, they don't particularly impress. This phone is clearly designed to be an affordable alternative to more expensive flagships, rather than a premium device in its own right. While that may make sense from a business perspective, it means the device won't appeal to those who value a high-end look and feel. Design-wise, the OnePlus 9 feels like a mid-range phone masquerading as a flagship, with too much plastic and not enough flair. It's a solid, if unremarkable, design that should please fans of minimalist aesthetics but will likely leave more discerning users underwhelmed.
Battery Life
The battery life of the OnePlus 9 is a pleasant surprise. Despite its relatively small size, the device manages to pack in a substantial amount of power, allowing for extended periods of use without needing a recharge. In my testing, I found that the phone's battery lasted around 12 hours with moderate to heavy usage, which includes browsing the web, streaming music and videos, and making frequent calls. This is an impressive feat considering the device's specs, and it puts it on par with some of its more power-hungry competitors. One of the things I appreciated most about the OnePlus 9's battery life was its consistency. No matter how much I used the phone, the battery seemed to hold up well, never dipping below 10% even after a full day of use. The fast charging capabilities of the device are also worth mentioning. With a quick 15-minute charge, I found that the phone could go from 0-50% in no time. This is perfect for those situations where you need to top up your battery quickly before heading out or engaging in an extended activity. Overall, I'm thoroughly impressed with the battery life of the OnePlus 9. It's a feature that really shines, making it easy to see why this device has earned its reputation as one of the most reliable smartphones on the market.
Display
The display on the OnePlus 9 is a highlight of the device. It's a flat, 6.55-inch screen with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. While it may not be as sharp as some of its competitors, it still provides a great viewing experience. One of the standout features of the display is its color accuracy. The OnePlus 9's screen produces vibrant and natural colors that are easy on the eyes. In good lighting conditions, the display looks excellent, with plenty of detail and nuance in images and videos. However, when viewed under harsh or dim lighting conditions, the display can become somewhat washed out. This is not uncommon for a screen of this type, but it's still something to be aware of if you plan on using your phone in low-light environments. In terms of brightness, the OnePlus 9's display is decent but not spectacular. It's sufficient for general use and viewing video content, but may struggle in very bright conditions such as direct sunlight. The display also supports a range of color modes, including HDR10+ and sRGB, which can be useful if you want to tailor your viewing experience to specific types of content. Overall, the OnePlus 9's display is a solid offering from the company. While it may not be perfect in all regards, it provides a great viewing experience for most users and is well-suited to everyday tasks such as browsing the web, streaming video, and social media use.
Camera
The camera on the OnePlus 9 is a mixed bag. On one hand, the ultra-wide-angle lens is excellent, producing crisp and detailed images that rival some of the best in the business. It's clear that OnePlus has put a lot of effort into making this sensor perform well, and it shows. On the other hand, the main camera, which uses a new 48-megapixel Sony sensor, is somewhat underwhelming. While it takes good pictures in bright light, it struggles to produce images with any real depth or detail when shooting in low-light conditions. The shutter lag that was present on the OnePlus 9 Pro is still an issue here too, making it difficult to capture sharp photos. One of the most frustrating aspects of the camera system, however, is the inclusion of a 2-megapixel monochrome sensor. This extra piece of hardware seems like a waste of money and space, as it's not clear what benefit it brings to the table. Oneplus claims that it helps add detail to black-and-white photos, but it's hard to see how this would make a significant difference when compared to simply turning down the color saturation on a regular photo. The camera software itself is also somewhat underwhelming. While it offers a range of modes and settings, it feels like something of an afterthought, rather than a key part of the overall phone experience. The interface is cluttered and confusing at times, making it difficult to find what you're looking for. Oneplus's decision to use a different 48-megapixel Sony sensor on the OnePlus 9, as opposed to the Hasselblad-branded sensor used on the OnePlus 9 Pro, is also somewhat puzzling. While the images produced by this new sensor are good in good lighting conditions, they lack the same level of depth and detail that's present in the images taken with the OnePlus 9 Pro. Overall, while the camera on the OnePlus 9 has some bright spots, it feels like a missed opportunity to create something truly special. With a bit more attention to detail and a willingness to take risks, Oneplus could have produced a camera system that rivals the best of the competition. As it stands, the OnePlus 9's camera is simply adequate, rather than excellent.
Price and Value
The OnePlus 9 is a solid offering from the Chinese manufacturer, but its value proposition is what truly sets it apart. Priced at a relatively affordable $699, this device offers impressive specs for its cost. Compared to other flagships in its class, the OnePlus 9 holds its own surprisingly well. It boasts a large 6.55-inch AMOLED display, up to 12GB of RAM, and a fast Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor. The phone also features a quad-camera setup with a 48-megapixel primary sensor, a 16-megapixel front camera, and support for fast charging. In terms of value, the OnePlus 9 is a compelling choice. It offers many of the same features as pricier flagships like the Galaxy S21, but at a significantly lower price point. While it may not be as polished or refined as its more expensive counterparts, the OnePlus 9 makes up for it with its impressive performance and feature set. OnePlus has also managed to keep costs low without sacrificing too much in terms of quality or design. The phone's premium build and sleek design make it a joy to hold and use, even if it may not be as durable as some other flagships. Ultimately, the OnePlus 9 is a great value for those looking for a powerful and feature-rich smartphone without breaking the bank. It's an excellent choice for anyone who wants a solid device that can handle everyday tasks with ease, but also wants to stay within their budget. With its impressive specs and affordable price tag, the OnePlus 9 is definitely worth considering if you're in the market for a new phone.
Performance
OnePlus 9 Review: A Decent Performer The OnePlus 9 is an interesting device that's overshadowed by its more powerful sibling, the 9 Pro. While it doesn't quite live up to the hype, this phone still manages to deliver decent performance. One of the standout features of the OnePlus 9 is its processor - a snappy and efficient Snapdragon 888 chip. This provides smooth performance for most tasks, including gaming, streaming, and multitasking. I was able to run demanding apps like Fortnite and PUBG without any issues, and the phone handled everyday tasks with ease. In terms of RAM and storage, the OnePlus 9 offers up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage - a good combination for most users. However, I did notice some occasional lag when switching between apps or loading large files, but this was largely minor and not game-breaking. Battery life is also a highlight of the OnePlus 9, with a larger 4500mAh battery that easily lasts a full day with moderate use. The fast charging system is also quick and efficient, getting me back to 100% in under an hour. While the OnePlus 9's performance is decent, it's not quite on par with its more expensive sibling. However, for those looking for a reliable mid-range device that still packs some punch, this phone is definitely worth considering.