OnePlus 9 (Pro) in testing: improvements in detail, Hasselblad’s camera convincing

In the past few years, OnePlus models have been convincing. Begins OnePlus 7 Pro reach to To OnePlus 8T The absolute best performance was our ranking of the day, also in our test reports. With posting now OnePlus 9 (Pro) The manufacturer has been improved in detail. Especially with the camera. We tried both smartphones and tested them in this test. Can you still access it without hesitation?

OnePlus 9 (Pro): a unique new design, but beautiful forever

Pretty much every year OnePlus knows how to satisfy new tricks. One of the highlights to me was the matte satin design of the predecessor, this year it goes a little differently. With fog effect: on the back, the reflective surface changes to a dull effect on the bottom. At first I assumed that the back would simply be stained non-stop and that I wanted to clean it almost permanently. Meanwhile, I’m used to the look, even if we don’t like my tastes.

Otherwise, the quality is still very high here! All of the OnePlus 9 (Pro) showed no weaknesses in this direction in our testing. No grooves, gaps or other distortions. broke down? nothing. Forms are processed again nicely. While the OnePlus 9 Pro uses the curved edges of the screen, the unprofessional model is flat on the front. At 197 grams, the Pro is five points heavier than the OnePlus 9 at 192 grams, which is barely important.

As usual, however, only the OnePlus 9 Pro is protected against water and dust according to the protection class of IP68 and thus survives the shower in the pool. However, this does not mean that the unprofessional model also does not provide a certain level of protection, as was the case with the OnePlus 8, for example. But we don’t want to evoke it at this point either. It would be a good idea for OnePlus to at least implement IP67 certification at this point. The OnePlus 9 Pro, as the top model, is a step forward here.

Photos: PocketPC.ch / Laser

OnePlus 9 (Pro) devices: There are hardly any performance differences in the test

Both models use the Snapdragon 888 chipset, which is currently the fastest Android processor. A minimum of 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal storage space is available with both devices. All of our test models are equipped with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, putting them at the forefront of the flagship OnePlus 7. There is no possibility to expand the memory for either of them. The screen size is 6.7 inches on the Pro model and 6.55 inches on the OnePlus 9. Both devices use AMOLED panels and offer 120Hz. However, only OnePlus 9 Pro built the LTPO technology, which enables variable Hz frequency and thus consumes less power than a fixed screen.

However, in terms of performance, both models are completely identical. This applies to pre-installed OxygenOS 11 surface based on Latest Android 11 updatesAnd so do games. Jinshin effect The OnePlus 9 (Pro) test ran at 60 frames per second without showing any hint of break-in. Games like ARK: Surival Evolved and Real Racing 3 run smoothly even on the highest settings and the highest resolution. The performance data also supports both models in synthetic benchmarks like Geekbench 5 or 3DMark.

The OnePlus 9 (Pro) scored over 1,100 points in the single-core test. The multi-core performance impresses in Geekbench 5 with a whopping 3,600 points. With over 5,600 3DMark scores, the new flagship turns out to be a gaming beast in both versions. There is definitely enough performance in the next two or three years. Even heavy multitasking doesn’t make both devices sweaty. Thanks to fast USF 3.1 memory, load times for most applications are pleasantly short. Many programs open completely with a click of a finger.

Screen shots: PocketPC.ch / Laser

OnePlus 9 (Pro) screen: Are the test differences really big?

First of all, both panels are of different sizes, but that’s really noticeable only when viewed directly. The Pro model is 6.7 inches in diameter, while the OnePlus 9 is 6.55 inches in diameter. Both screens use AMOLED and 120Hz. But the OnePlus 9 Pro only has a resolution of 3216 x 1440 pixels in QHD + and the Pro only comes with FullHD +. The latter isn’t as bad as 1080p resolution is totally enough.

However, when it comes to the refresh rate, the OnePlus 9 Pro has a clear lead in the test thanks to the LTPO technology. Both offer an excitingly high 120Hz, but the Pro model can also regulate this variablely. If static content is displayed, the OnePlus 9 Pro reduces the frequency to save power. If the videos are playing, they are displayed at 30 or 60 frames per second and when you are playing games and scrolling on the surface, the model starts completely. Automatic reduction alone saves a lot of electricity in quiet situations.

Other than that, both models are nearly equivalent in terms of display quality. The OnePlus 9 Pro can only maintain the lead visually with a slightly sharper display and a slightly more natural color display. However, you have to look carefully. Both flagships offer high-quality displays and are currently among the best displays on the market. No wonder, after all, AMOLED displays come from Samsung.

OnePlus 9 (Pro): a strange camera comparison with a strange result

At first glance, both models offer nearly identical cameras. The OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro both offer 48 and 50 megapixels for the main and wide-angle cameras. However, the differences here are in the details. The Pro model uses the latest Sony IMX789 sensor and OnePlus 9 uses the slightly older Sony IMX689. Additionally, the Pro model can still retract the 8MP and 3.3x telephoto lens, and it offers a true monochrome camera that supports the main camera when taking black and white photos. The true black and white images are significantly more detailed than the filter-treated versions and have more detail.

The result couldn’t be more impressive: The OnePlus 9 (without the Pro) gave better photos in testing under good lighting conditions, despite a slightly older sensor. Pictures from the unprofessional model are more clear and the white balance does not play strongly in the image. The dynamics are decent and the software does not interfere with the soft focus too much. The latter applies to both models. However, in dark areas, the OnePlus 9 Pro appears in the test and offers a bit more detail in the image.

However, the OnePlus 9 Pro has advantages in terms of zooming, as it does not have to be emulated, but it actually exists thanks to the 8MP telephoto lens. OnePlus 9 (without the Pro) should organize this via software, which sounds muddy and the clear winner (or loser) is clear here. Overall, the quality of both cameras is excellent and should be adequate for almost all photo opportunities. Here, too, OnePlus is taking a step towards the best of all, most of them coming from Apple and Huawei, and in order to be able to equalize or even excel in various disciplines like zoom or wide angle.

Photos: PocketPC.ch / Laser

The wide-angle camera, in particular, impresses with its very good sharpness, high level of detail, and strong color rendition. In our opinion, the OnePlus 9 (Pro) wide-angle camera is being tested here, it’s the best in its kind so far, and there is currently no higher model than other manufacturers. However, it remains to be seen whether that can change by the end of the year.

Good speaker, mixed battery life, fast charging

The built-in speakers on OnePlus 9 (Pro) are also surprisingly good. In testing they showed decent sound, of course without much oomph in the form of bass, as this is difficult to achieve due to the volume. But the sound is easily enough to create a good atmosphere in the kitchen while cooking, and I was even able to test that with a hood. It doesn’t get much more curious and straightforward at this point.

However, I have mixed feelings about the battery life. While the OnePlus 9 Pro can last up to two days in operation thanks to the LTPO display and combines all the benefits of low and high frame rates in one model, the OnePlus 9 leaves some springs here. One day is also not a problem for the OnePlus 9, with goodwill, a day and a half to two days is also possible. On the other hand, the Pro model creates at the same time significantly more activity. Both models use the same battery capacity with 4,500 mAh.

Both smartphones charge very quickly at 65 watts. Only OnePlus 9 Pro achieves 50W with wireless charging, making it one of the fastest cell phones that can charge at this speed without a cable. This is impressive! However, the charging pad has to be purchased separately and equipped with active fans due to the huge amount of heat generated. The OnePlus 9 still charges 15W wirelessly, which we found quite enough in our testing.

Conclusion to OnePlus 9 (Pro): There are two test winners, but only one!

Also this year, OnePlus managed to bring two truly exceptional smartphones to the market with two models of the 9th Series. We are looking at the excellent cameras, brute performance and two powerful screens. The LPTO display on the OnePlus 9 Pro in particular is a true feast for the eyes and is one of the best displays, and is currently probably the best display on the market. Technically, there’s hardly anything to complain about here either.

If you take a closer look, there’s still nothing to find. You can only choose configurations up to 256 GB of memory. Unfortunately, the internal memory cannot be upgraded. Plus, the camera is pretty good, but it still lacks the balance tip for the absolute top. However, the shears are excellent and the wide angle should be the current best in its class.

At € 899 or Swiss francs, the OnePlus 9 Pro is no longer an absolute definitive tool. The model costs like most premium smartphones and this was already evident on the OnePlus 8 Pro. Not only did the performance reach the next level, but the price was also identical. Even if the OnePlus 9 Pro technically outperforms the unprofessional model, the personal winner is OnePlus 9. Because at € 699, this costs € 200 or Swiss francs. Less to start with and provides a good camera and screen almost equally. Slightly shorter battery life isn’t an issue either.

The solution is simple for us: if you absolutely want a OnePlus smartphone, but don’t want to do without the latest technology in the form of an LPTO screen and IP68 certification, you can get it for 200 euros or Swiss francs. Deeper in the pocket. Anyone else should stare at the OnePlus 9, equipped almost equally well, and saving on extra charges. For us, the cheaper model is simply the rounder solution compared to the price.