OnePlus 9 Pro review
The OnePlus 9 Pro is a flagship phone that promised much but delivered less. Despite its impressive specs and design, the camera struggles with night shots and the battery life falls short of expectations. With Android 12 and Android 13 initially marred by an awkward merging of color OS and oxygen OS, this phone was a long time coming to its own. Is it worth considering despite its flaws? Let's dive in to find out.
Build Quality and Design
The OnePlus 9 Pro's build quality and design are where the device truly shines. The phone's sturdy construction and premium materials evoke a sense of sophistication and durability. However, it's clear that form has taken precedence over function in this design iteration. While the device's sleek, curved body is undeniably aesthetically pleasing, it also makes the phone feel slightly fragile. The glass back, although tempered for added strength, still feels like an invitation to scratch or shatter the device. The display, on the other hand, is a marvel of engineering. The 6.7-inch AMOLED screen boasts vibrant colors and crisp text rendering, making it a joy to gaze at. However, its large size does make the phone feel somewhat unwieldy in the hand, particularly for those with smaller hands. One aspect where OnePlus has excelled is in providing an abundance of customization options for users. From tweaking the always-on display to selecting from various accent colors, there's no shortage of ways to personalize your experience. Ultimately, while the OnePlus 9 Pro's build quality and design may not be perfect, they are undeniably impressive. However, potential buyers should be aware that this device is designed with form in mind, rather than function. If you value aesthetics above all else, then the OnePlus 9 Pro will likely meet your expectations. That being said, if you're someone who prioritizes practicality and usability over looks, you might want to consider other options. The phone's large size and premium materials do make it a significant investment, both in terms of money and maintenance. In conclusion, the OnePlus 9 Pro's build quality and design are its strongest suits, but they also come with some compromises. If you're willing to overlook these issues for the sake of style and performance, then this device might be the perfect fit for you.
Battery Life
In an era where smartphone manufacturers are constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation, one aspect that often gets neglected is battery life. Unfortunately, the OnePlus 9 Pro falls short in this department. Despite being a flagship device with plenty of power under the hood, the battery life on the OnePlus 9 Pro is subpar. I've had the chance to use this phone extensively, and I must say that it's not uncommon for me to find myself reaching for a charger by mid-afternoon. The issue lies in the fact that the battery simply can't keep up with the demands of modern smartphone usage. Whether you're streaming videos, playing games, or simply browsing through social media, the OnePlus 9 Pro struggles to maintain its charge throughout the day. While it's true that a quick top-up can get you back on track, this is hardly an ideal solution. In today's fast-paced world, we need smartphones that can keep up with our active lifestyles, not ones that require constant babysitting. If you're considering purchasing the OnePlus 9 Pro, be aware of its battery life limitations. While it may still deliver in terms of performance and features, this phone's inability to provide a full day's worth of juice is a major letdown. Ultimately, if battery life is a top priority for you, I'd recommend exploring other options that better meet your needs.
Display
The display of the OnePlus 9 Pro is its standout feature. With a 6.7-inch AMOLED screen, it boasts vibrant colors and deep blacks that are sure to please even the most discerning eye. The screen resolution is a crisp 1440p, making for an incredibly detailed visual experience. One of the notable things about this phone's display is its ability to get bright enough in sunlight. Even on the brightest days, the screen remains visible and clear, which is more than can be said for some other flagships on the market. In addition to its brightness, the display also features a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, making it perfect for gaming and video playback. The motion is silky smooth and responsive, adding to the overall viewing experience. The only real downside to the display is that it does take a bit of a toll on the battery life. Running demanding applications or watching videos at high brightness can quickly drain the battery, so be sure to keep an eye on your power usage if you plan on using this phone extensively. Overall, the display on the OnePlus 9 Pro is a real highlight of this device. With its impressive colors, crisp resolution, and smooth motion, it's perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy their favorite content in style. Just be aware that it may not be as battery-friendly as some other options on the market.
Camera
The camera system on the OnePlus 9 Pro is a topic of interest, especially given the partnership with Hasselblad. While there are some notable improvements, it's not enough to elevate the camera performance to flagship-level standards. Starting with the good, the main 48-megapixel sensor does produce excellent shots during the day, with great detail and color accuracy. The ability to shoot 4K at 120 frames per second is also a nice feature for those who want to capture slow-motion footage in high resolution. However, this capability is limited to the main camera and the ultra-wide-angle camera. The ultra-wide-angle sensor is a 50-megapixel unit that's focusable, which means you can take macro shots with it. While not the best sensor in its class, it's still a nice addition to have. The telephoto lens, on the other hand, is an 8-megapixel unit with optical stabilization, but it feels like a step backward compared to other flagship phones. It's also limited to shooting 1080p at 30 frames per second. One of the biggest disappointments is the night-time performance. Even in good lighting conditions, the camera can struggle to produce sharp and well-exposed shots. This is particularly true with the Hasselblad partnership, which seems to have introduced some unwanted artifacts into the images. The color science also appears to be inconsistent, leading to some jarring transitions between different parts of an image. The ultra-wide-angle sensor has a 2-megapixel monochrome camera alongside it, which feels like a gimmick rather than a useful feature. This is especially true given that most flagship phones have moved away from including separate monochrome sensors in their cameras. In conclusion, while the OnePlus 9 Pro's camera system shows some promise, it ultimately falls short of what we expect from a flagship phone. The main sensor performs well during the day, but night-time performance and color accuracy are areas where improvement is needed. The inclusion of a 2-megapixel monochrome camera also feels like a misstep. Overall, the camera on the OnePlus 9 Pro is a mixed bag that will likely not impress fans of high-end camera systems.
Price and Value
The OnePlus 9 Pro is a device that raises questions about its value proposition, particularly in the mid-200s price range it currently occupies. While it's true that this phone boasts impressive specs, including ample RAM and storage, its flaws significantly compromise its appeal. One major issue is the battery life, which falls short of expectations given the phone's capabilities. This oversight might be forgivable if other flagship devices were similarly priced, but in comparison to the more polished OnePlus 10 Pro, which starts at a lower price point ($300 and up), it becomes increasingly difficult to justify the additional cost. Furthermore, the camera system on the 9 Pro is underwhelming, with certain sensors and features feeling like relics of the past. The inclusion of a 2-megapixel monochrome sensor, in particular, seems unnecessary and might even be considered redundant, especially when considering the superior options available elsewhere. Considering its flaws, the OnePlus 9 Pro's value proposition becomes increasingly tenuous. With the same processor as some Samsung flagships, albeit with better performance, this phone still fails to win over those not deeply invested in the camera or high-end features that set it apart from other mid-range options. In conclusion, while the OnePlus 9 Pro is a decent device with its strengths, its battery life and camera system severely undermine its value at the current price point. Those considering purchasing should weigh their needs carefully against the costs, as better alternatives are available within similar budgets or even lower prices.
Performance
The performance of the OnePlus 9 Pro is its strongest aspect. With plenty of RAM and storage available, multitasking and navigating through menus are seamless experiences. The device's processor handles demanding tasks with ease, making it suitable for heavy users who rely on their smartphones for work or gaming. While the phone's performance is a significant advantage, it's worth noting that it does not necessarily translate to battery life. Despite its capabilities, the OnePlus 9 Pro has been criticized for its subpar battery life, which can be a major letdown for those who value longevity in their devices. In terms of overall performance, the OnePlus 9 Pro feels snappier and more responsive than many other flagship devices on the market, including some Samsung models with the same processor. However, this does not necessarily make it the best choice for everyone. One possible drawback is that the phone's excellent performance may be overshadowed by its lackluster battery life. For those who value having a device that can last throughout the day without needing to be charged, the OnePlus 9 Pro may not be the most appealing option. Ultimately, whether or not the OnePlus 9 Pro's performance outweighs its other drawbacks depends on individual priorities. If you're in the market for a phone with exceptional processing power and plenty of storage, but don't mind sacrificing battery life, this device might be worth considering. However, if longevity is a top priority, there may be better options available. Despite these considerations, the OnePlus 9 Pro remains a capable and feature-rich smartphone that offers an excellent performance experience. Just be aware of its limitations when making your decision.
Pros
1. The phone has lots of screen to mess with at 1440p resolution.
2. The camera tries to fix the reputation of having a decent camera, even though it's not perfect.
3. The phone has lots of RAM and storage that comes stock, making it suitable for heavy users.
4. The performance is still really good, feeling better than a Samsung phone with the same processor.
5. Using the phone is actually good like really good, especially with Oxygen OS 14.
6. Double tap to wake and sleep are still present, and the always on display looks good.
Cons
1. The battery life can be a bummer, and it gets warm for basic usage.
2. The monochrome camera is a flop and shouldn't be included in the phone.
3. The telephoto sensor has poor focus and megapixel count, making it not as usable as expected.
4. Nighttime shots are easy to blur and the color science gets confused.
5. The price is mid-$200s, which might be too high considering the battery life issues.
6. The camera doesn't change the association of OnePlus having a decent camera rather than a flagship camera.