The OnePlus 9RT is a flagship device that offers a premium experience at a relatively affordable price. Its design is fairly ergonomic and features a superb 120Hz AMOLED display, making it a great option for those seeking a high-quality screen. The device also boasts a Snapdragon 888 chipset with improved thermals, providing smooth performance. However, the camera setup on the OnePlus 9RT falls short of expectations. While nighttime shots are well-balanced and detailed, daytime images lack depth and may appear soft. The ultrawide lens performs similarly to its counterpart on the Xiaomi 11T Pro, but neither phone excels in this aspect. Additionally, the selfie camera captures videos at only 1080p 30fps, which is disappointing given the device's price point. In terms of battery life, the OnePlus 9RT delivers an above-average experience, with a single charge lasting through most office hours. The inclusion of 65W fast charging is also a welcome feature, although it does not support Power Delivery compatibility. While not perfect, the OnePlus 9RT remains a solid choice for those seeking a flagship experience at a lower price point. Its display and performance are noteworthy, making it a suitable option for users who want a premium device without breaking the bank. However, potential buyers should be aware of the camera limitations and battery life that could leave more to be desired. Ultimately, the OnePlus 9RT's value proposition is somewhat undercut by the approaching launch of other devices in its class, such as the iQoo 9 Pro and Xiaomi 11T Pro. Still, it remains a compelling option for those seeking a well-rounded flagship device without the premium price tag.
The OnePlus 9RT boasts an impressive build quality that elevates the user experience. The device's premium design is evident in its sleek and ergonomic structure, making it comfortable to hold and use for extended periods. The phone's weight distribution is evenly balanced, contributing to a refined feel. Upon closer inspection, the attention to detail becomes apparent. The metal frame that surrounds the glass back provides a sturdy foundation, while the chamfered edges add a touch of sophistication. The overall construction exudes a sense of solidity and craftsmanship, giving the impression that the phone will withstand daily wear and tear. The display, an AMOLED panel with 120Hz refresh rate, is nestled within a narrow bezel, providing an immersive viewing experience. However, the design choice to retain a physical fingerprint sensor rather than adopting in-display biometrics might be seen as a step back for some users. One aspect where the OnePlus 9RT truly shines is its color scheme and finish options. The device comes in multiple hues, each one meticulously crafted to evoke a sense of style and refinement. Whether you opt for the more subdued shades or choose a bolder statement piece, there's an option that suits your taste. While some users might prefer a more minimalist aesthetic, the OnePlus 9RT's design choices are sure to appeal to those who value a premium feel in their smartphone. In terms of build quality, it's clear that OnePlus has prioritized durability and aesthetics, resulting in a device that not only performs exceptionally well but also looks the part. Ultimately, the build quality and design of the OnePlus 9RT make it an excellent choice for anyone seeking a high-end smartphone experience without breaking the bank. Its sleek lines, sturdy construction, and attention to detail ensure that this phone will be a reliable companion for years to come.
The OnePlus 9RT's battery life is a decent aspect of the phone, but it falls short of being exceptional. The device comes equipped with a 4500mAh cell, which is similar to other phones in its lineup. However, the non-LTPo display and Snapdragon 888 combo result in an above-average battery life that doesn't quite meet expectations. During my testing, I found that the phone could easily last from morning till evening office hours, but if you have plans to go out for the night, it's likely you'll need to top up again. This is not a surprising outcome, given the power-hungry display and processor combination. One redeeming feature of the battery life is the support for 65W fast charging. The provided adapter takes around 35 minutes to fully juice up the phone from zero to 100%. However, it's worth noting that this charger is not Power Delivery (PD) compatible, which means you can't use it to charge PD-compliant devices like laptops. While the battery life is decent, it's not outstanding. Given the phone's specifications and features, I expected a more impressive performance in this department. Overall, the OnePlus 9RT's battery life is average at best, making it a mixed bag when considering its overall value proposition.
The display on the OnePlus 9RT is one of its standout features. It boasts a stunning 6.55-inch AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, making it a joy to use for anyone who loves watching videos, browsing social media, or gaming. The first thing that catches your eye is the vibrant and accurate color reproduction on this display. Whether you're watching a movie or playing a game, the colors are rich and detailed, drawing you in with their realism. The screen also gets plenty bright, making it easy to use outdoors. One of the most impressive aspects of the display is its responsiveness. With a 120Hz refresh rate, scrolling through menus and web pages feels silky smooth, while gaming performance is similarly impressive. I didn't notice any input lag or delay, which is perfect for fast-paced games that require quick reflexes. The AMOLED panel also provides excellent contrast and black levels, making it ideal for watching movies or TV shows at night. The screen's ability to produce true blacks and infinite contrast ratios makes it feel almost like a cinematic experience. In terms of its overall performance, the display is top-notch. It's bright, colorful, responsive, and perfect for anyone who wants an immersive viewing experience. Whether you're a gamer, movie buff, or simply someone who loves using their phone to watch videos, the OnePlus 9RT's display will not disappoint.
The camera department is where the OnePlus 9RT falls short in comparison to other flagships. Despite its premium pricing, the phone's camera performance is merely average. Switching to the ultrawide lens, it's the exact opposite of what I expected - there's not much detail to talk about from either of them. Both phones struggle with wide-angle photography. When it comes to portraits, OnePlus 9RT's results are quite soft and hazy compared to the saturated and contrast-heavy images from Xiaomi. However, at night, the 9RT preserves the essence of the darkness with maintained black levels and detail. On the other hand, the 11T Pro attempts to maintain an equal level of exposure over the whole image and lifts details in shadows. The narrative is the same with ultra-wide night mode as well - the OnePlus 9RT has better contrast and a more balanced exposure. The selfie camera's performance is also underwhelming. Photos have a costly look with unnatural red tint and excessive softness. The video recording capabilities, on the other hand, are decent but lackluster. Both phones can capture up to 4K 60fps videos, but the 9RT's footages have a better dynamic range. However, when switching to 1080p 60fps mode, the OnePlus 9RT has better stabilization, although not perfect. The selfie camera's video recording capabilities are also subpar, capping out at just 1080p 30fps and lacking good exposure control. Overall, both phones' cameras are below par for their price point. A cheaper camera phone like last year's Galaxy S20 FE or the new Vivo V23 Pro offers better camera performance. In this regard, I believe OnePlus could have offered the OnePlus 9's camera system with Hasselblad optimization. The camera department is where the OnePlus 9RT falls short of expectations.
The OnePlus 9RT is a formidable device that offers an exceptional flagship experience at a relatively affordable price point. With a premium design, superb 120Hz AMOLED display, and Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset with improved thermals, this phone packs a punch. However, one major area where the 9RT falls short is its camera setup. Despite having a capable camera system, it fails to deliver a compelling imaging experience compared to its peers. The warm color science and soft portraits are somewhat mitigated by better performance in low-light conditions and ultra-wide angle shots. Nevertheless, this is an area where OnePlus could have done more. Considering the competition, the 9RT faces stiff opposition from other flagships like the Xiaomi 11T Pro, which offers equivalent features at a lower price point. Moreover, the upcoming iQOO 9 in India should be priced similarly to the 9RT but boasts superior cameras and a 10-bit display. Last year's OnePlus 7 Legend also presents an intriguing option for those seeking pure value, especially with its current discounts. Ultimately, the OnePlus 9RT is a solid choice for those willing to overlook some camera shortcomings in favor of a premium design, excellent display, and seamless performance. However, potential buyers should carefully weigh their priorities against the competitive landscape before making a decision. Priced around $650, the 9RT offers an attractive value proposition. While not the best in its class, it still manages to deliver an exceptional overall experience that justifies its price tag. As such, I believe the OnePlus 9RT is worth considering for those seeking a high-end device without breaking the bank.
The OnePlus 9RT is a powerhouse of a device, boasting impressive performance credentials. At its core lies the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset, which provides seamless execution of demanding tasks. The phone's thermals have also been improved, allowing it to maintain a stable temperature even during intense usage. In my experience, the OnePlus 9RT delivers exceptional performance, making it well-suited for heavy users who need a device that can keep up with their demands. Whether you're a gamer, a multitasker, or simply someone who likes to have multiple apps open at once, this phone is more than capable of handling your needs. One of the standout features of the OnePlus 9RT's performance is its ability to handle demanding tasks without breaking a sweat. From intense gaming sessions to editing 4K videos, the phone's Snapdragon 888 chipset proves to be more than up to the task. I was impressed by how smoothly it handled these tasks, with no noticeable lag or stuttering. Furthermore, the phone's performance is not limited to just demanding tasks. It also delivers excellent everyday performance, making it a great choice for those who value a seamless and responsive user experience. Whether you're browsing the web, checking social media, or simply using your favorite apps, the OnePlus 9RT will not disappoint. Overall, the OnePlus 9RT's performance is one of its strongest suits. It provides exceptional power, stability, and responsiveness, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-performance device. While there may be some limitations in certain areas, such as battery life, the phone's overall performance is truly impressive and will not leave you wanting more.