OnePlus 9 review
The OnePlus 9 is a solid phone that offers good value for its price. While it may be overshadowed by the hype surrounding the OnePlus 9 Pro, this device has its own strengths. The design may not be to everyone's taste, but those who are willing to put in a case can appreciate its functionality. Under the hood, the phone packs a punch with its fast and smooth performance, clean near-stock software experience, and fast charging capabilities. In terms of camera capabilities, the ultra-wide lens is a standout feature, offering impressive results. However, the main sensor's shutter lag persists from previous OnePlus models, and the 2-megapixel monochrome camera feels like a redundant addition. OnePlus' decision to use a different Sony sensor for the main camera pays off in terms of natural-looking images with good contrast. The phone's display is also respectable, with a flat 1080p screen that's perfectly fine for everyday use. In comparison to other flagship phones, such as the Samsung Galaxy S21, the OnePlus 9 fares well in terms of battery life and charging speed. While it may not offer the same level of brightness or zoom capabilities as its competitors, this device has a distinct edge when it comes to overall value. Ultimately, the OnePlus 9 is a great option for those who prioritize software experience and don't mind a slightly different design approach. It's a solid mid-range flagship that deserves consideration from budget-conscious buyers looking for a reliable phone with good specs at an affordable price.
Build Quality and Design
The build quality of the OnePlus 9 is subpar compared to its predecessor. While it still has that premium feel, the plastic used in construction feels cheap and flimsy. The phone's design is uninspired, with a bland and featureless back panel that lacks any sort of visual interest. OnePlus' attempt at creating a unique design aesthetic falls flat with the 9. The rectangular camera module, while not ugly, doesn't bring anything new or exciting to the table. It's a safe choice that feels like a rehashing of what we've seen before. The placement of the cameras is also awkward, sticking out like a sore thumb from the otherwise clean design. The Hasselblad branding, meant to evoke a sense of high-end quality, only adds to the pretentiousness of this already overpriced phone. OnePlus' signature alert slider and volume keys are still present, but they feel like an afterthought in the grand scheme of things. The overall design of the 9 is uninspired and fails to live up to the hype surrounding its release. In a market where every manufacturer seems to be pushing the boundaries with innovative designs, OnePlus has taken a step back and played it safe. While this might not be a deal-breaker for some, it's certainly disappointing considering the brand's typically bold approach to design. For fans of clean lines and minimalist aesthetics, the OnePlus 9 might still be worth considering. However, for those looking for a truly unique and eye-catching design experience, you'll need to look elsewhere.
Battery Life
The OnePlus 9 boasts an impressive battery life, making it a standout feature in its arsenal. With a bigger battery capacity compared to the 9 Pro, this phone is designed to keep up with demanding users. In my experience, I found that the OnePlus 9 delivers surprisingly good battery life, especially considering its lower price point. During my testing, the phone consistently lasted a full day and sometimes even managed an extra hour or two of usage. This was despite running demanding apps, watching videos, and making frequent calls. The 65W fast charging also helped to replenish the battery quickly, getting me back up to speed in no time. OnePlus has optimized their software to make the most of the available hardware, and it shows in the phone's impressive battery life. Even with moderate to heavy usage, I found that the OnePlus 9 could easily last a day and a half without needing a recharge. In comparison to other flagships on the market, the OnePlus 9 holds its own impressively. While some may be looking for more premium features or camera capabilities, those prioritizing battery life will find the OnePlus 9 to be an excellent choice. Overall, I'm impressed with the phone's battery performance and believe it to be a significant selling point for this device.
Display
The display on the OnePlus 9 is a highlight of the device. It's a 6.55-inch flat AMOLED panel with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. The colors are vibrant and accurate, making it perfect for consuming content like videos and games. One of the standout features of the display is its 120Hz refresh rate, which provides a seamless and smooth visual experience. Whether you're scrolling through social media or playing fast-paced games, the display's high refresh rate makes it feel incredibly responsive. The display also supports HDR10+ and has a peak brightness of 1100 nits, making it suitable for use in bright outdoor environments. However, it's worth noting that the display's maximum brightness is not quite on par with some other flagships, such as the Samsung Galaxy S21, which can reach up to 1200 nits. In terms of overall quality, the OnePlus 9's display is excellent. It's easy to read and view content on even in direct sunlight, making it perfect for daily use. The color accuracy is also top-notch, with a Delta-E color deviation of just 1.2, which is impressive for an OLED panel. Overall, the display on the OnePlus 9 is a significant upgrade over previous generations of the device. It's fast, vibrant, and accurate, making it perfect for anyone looking for a great visual experience from their smartphone. While it may not be the best display available on the market today, it's certainly one of the best in its class.
Camera
The camera on the OnePlus 9 is a mixed bag. On the plus side, the ultra-wide lens is excellent, producing some of the best photos I've seen from an Android phone this year. The level of detail and color accuracy are impressive, making it ideal for capturing wide shots or adding context to your main subject. However, the camera setup as a whole feels like a step back compared to the OnePlus 9 Pro. The shutter lag is still present, which can be frustrating when you're trying to capture a moment. This issue is particularly noticeable in situations where speed and accuracy are crucial, such as taking photos of moving subjects or wildlife. The Hasselblad-branded main sensor produces decent results, but it's not without its limitations. While it looks slightly more natural than before, with a muted color profile that's reminiscent of the Pixel series, it can struggle to deliver high-quality images in low-light conditions. The lack of a telephoto lens is also felt, as you're limited to 2x digital zoom, which can result in soft and pixelated photos. The two-megapixel monochrome camera is an odd addition to the OnePlus 9's spec sheet. While it might be useful for adding detail to black-and-white photos, I found myself wondering why I would ever use it. The main sensor already produces excellent results in this mode, so the extra piece of hardware seems like a waste of money. In terms of overall camera performance, the OnePlus 9 feels like a compromised version of its Pro counterpart. While it's not bad by any means, it lacks the same level of polish and finesse that makes the 9 Pro a standout in this department. If you're considering the OnePlus 9 as your next phone, don't expect to be blown away by the camera performance. It's decent, but it's not exceptional. If you're already invested in the OnePlus ecosystem and value the software experience, you might find the camera satisfactory. However, if you're looking for a phone with an outstanding camera system, there are better options available.
Price and Value
The OnePlus 9 is a phone that flies under the radar when compared to its more illustrious sibling, the OnePlus 9 Pro. However, this doesn't necessarily mean it's not worth considering. At its launch price of $699, the OnePlus 9 offered an impressive array of features, including a fast and smooth user experience, speedy charging capabilities, and a sleek design. Now that the dust has settled, I think we can confidently say that this phone represents good value for money. OnePlus' philosophy of delivering high-end features without the hefty price tag is still intact here. For $700, you get 6GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, and a quad-camera setup with a 48MP primary sensor. While it may not be as polished as some other flagships in this segment, the OnePlus 9 still delivers where it matters. One thing that's particularly impressive about the OnePlus 9 is its pricing strategy. In an era where phones are increasingly priced in excess of $1,000, this phone's relatively modest price tag makes it an attractive option for those who value the Oneplus software experience and don't want to break the bank. In short, the OnePlus 9 represents a compelling proposition for anyone looking for a high-quality smartphone without the hefty price tag. While it may not be perfect, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, making it a phone that's worth considering in this segment. The OnePlus 9 is a solid choice for those who value good value and don't mind sacrificing some camera prowess for a lower price tag.
Performance
The OnePlus 9 is an intriguing device that has flown somewhat under the radar since its release. While its bigger brother, the OnePlus 9 Pro, has garnered most of the attention, this device deserves a closer look. Performance-wise, the OnePlus 9 shines. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor and up to 12GB of RAM make for a smooth user experience, with minimal lag or stuttering even in demanding apps. Gaming performance is also noteworthy, with popular titles like Fortnite and Call of Duty running smoothly at high graphics settings. OnePlus's OxygenOS software has always been a highlight of their devices, and the 9 is no exception. The near-stock interface is clean and intuitive, making it easy to navigate and customize. The phone's performance in day-to-day tasks is exceptional, with snappy app launches and seamless multitasking. The OnePlus 9 also boasts impressive charging capabilities, thanks to its support for fast charging up to 65W. This means that you can quickly top up your battery when on the go, which is especially useful during long commutes or busy days. In terms of performance, I was impressed by the OnePlus 9's ability to handle demanding tasks with ease. Whether it's streaming high-quality video content, gaming, or running resource-intensive apps, this device handles everything with aplomb. While some may feel that the OnePlus 9 is overshadowed by its more premium sibling, make no mistake - this phone delivers a top-notch performance experience that rivals many of its peers in the Android world. If you're in the market for a capable and reliable device, the OnePlus 9 should certainly be on your radar.