OnePlus is repeating its formula and presenting the two phones that will make up its newly launched OnePlus 9 Series. However, in this review, I'm going to focus on the more capable model. This offering comes loaded with interesting new features and a name synonymous with the brand: Hasselblad. Here's what it's like to experience the OnePlus 9 Pro 5G.
OnePlus 9 Pro, video analysis
OnePlus is one of the few brands capable of generating that feeling of community among those who bet on its products and it is easy to understand that this has been the case, because for many years they have always known or tried to offer their users what they asked for.
This year they are focused on continuing to pursue the best user experience with OxygenOS and a leap in terms of photographic quality thanks to the collaboration with Hasselblad.
An elegant design that does not break the mold
OnePlus has been manufacturing devices with a high-quality finish and striking aesthetics for several generations now. And while it's true that this new OnePlus 9 Pro doesn't really break the mold and might even look familiar if we compare it to some of its competitors, it's still a pleasant device to hold and look at when it's on a table.
Available in three colors, the one that I have been able to try is the silver color with a very striking gradient. But I'm curious to see how green and, above all, black are in hand. And it is that this latest model offers a different finish that resembles that of the OnePlus covers themselves with that sandstone-type material.
However, focusing on the one I received, I have to say that I like it a lot overall. While it's already very difficult to impress, it's certainly appreciated that it's comfortable for everyday use despite its generous size.
And yes, perhaps the most striking thing about the design of this OnePlus is the main camera module in which you can see four sensors. Two of them of generous dimensions and of which I will speak to you in more detail later.
Likewise, beyond the available colors, most of us end up using these phones with a case to prevent any potential drops or scratches from damaging the glass back. The good news is that you'll find a case included in the box , although you can always choose other models with different finishes, such as the carbon fiber-look case, which has become a classic in the OnePlus accessories catalog.
The screen that deserves a high-end
When talking about design, it is inevitable not to talk about the screen as well. After all, it is not only the element with which we are going to interact, it is the one that occupies the largest percentage of the front. Here we have a panel where we quickly see the hole that integrates the front camera, but what matters is the image quality and the user experience when interacting with it.
This time, OnePlus has opted for an AMOLED panel, which it calls Fluid Display 2.0 . The reasons? Well, to begin with, there's the use of LTPO technology, which allows the maximum 120Hz refresh rate to be dynamically adjusted depending on the content.
That is, in moving images such as games (those that are compatible) you can go up to 120 Hz and offer a very pleasant fluidity. And when what you are going to show is nothing more than a photograph, lower it to a minimum, reducing the consumption of resources and positively impacting battery autonomy. Logically in the settings you can establish those 120 Hz with intelligent management or stay at the usual 60 Hz.
Of course, the 120Hz refresh rate isn't the only impressive feature of the OnePlus 9 Pro. The company has also improved the screen's touch sampling. With up to six times greater accuracy, the touch response feels incredibly fast and precise in all kinds of use, especially with games.
Add to all this color calibration, brightness, contrast, and support for technologies like HDR10+, and you have a screen that's a real pleasure to use . It's hard to find any fault with it, and it's equally difficult to determine whether it's the best on the market, but it's clear that this OnePlus offering deserves the perfect display.
OxygenOS and the latest hardware is a perfect match
If there's one brand capable of matching and even surpassing Apple and Google in user experience with their respective operating systems, it's OnePlus. While still based on Android like its competitors, OxygenOS is one of the best-performing versions available, and even more so now with a technical specification that includes top-of-the-line components.
To start, we have the Snapdragon 888 , two RAM configurations (8 and 12 GB), and two storage options (128 and 256 GB UFS 3.1). With these three components plus a 5G modem, the performance you'll find with this new OnePlus phone is simply outstanding.
It doesn't matter what you intend to do with the phone, from using the operating system to demanding applications and games everything works optimally. Something that really is not a surprise, since other processors on the market already have plenty of power for all this, but here it shows that we are facing Qualcomm's high-end SoC, the one that all those terminals that aspire to be the best of all should have. this hard-fought high-end category.
It would be a bit of a waste of time to keep telling you how the experience is, because it would sound repetitive due to how well the equipment works. Although it is good to emphasize again that much of that extra that you can notice compared to models with the same hardware is in its customization layer.
As I said before, OxygenOS offers details that you may not appreciate at first, but over time they add value to the whole set and help that experience that many bet on, despite the fact that OnePlus sometimes does not offer everything. what is expected of them in other technical sections.
Hasselblad cameras, what does it mean?
OnePlus knew that it needed to take a firm step in photographic issues and this year it is doing so with Hasselblad. Of course, more than one will be wondering if this is nothing more than a marketing strategy like that of other manufacturers. Well, let me explain.
To begin, you should know that this OnePlus 9 Pro has a total of five cameras . There's the front-facing camera and then four that make up the rear, or main, camera system. This last one is logically the most interesting, and OnePlus has opted for a setup in this model that we consider to be the most valued by many users. It omits macro sensors, which, while useful, are not very practical for everyday use. At least, they aren't as useful as having a telephoto lens, which this Pro model does include.
So, here you have a main sensor that was designed in collaboration with Sony to meet a range of needs and achieve excellent performance. Then there's the wide-angle lens, the telephoto lens, and finally, a monochrome sensor that they've used before.
Well, alongside all these sensors, the camera housing bears the Hasselblad logo, and you might wonder if they actually made these cameras. No, OnePlus has been very clear and honest: their collaboration with the iconic camera manufacturer begins with joint software development.
Hasselblad calibrated the color of its sensors to give the photographs a very appealing final look. You'll see the results later, but I can tell you now that I personally really liked it. Especially when shooting in RAW format, which allows you to get so much more out of it.
Thus, with this ability to take RAW photographs with a color depth of 12 Bits, dual native ISO, different camera modes and the essential PRO mode for all those who want to experiment calmly, what the OnePlus 9 Pro cameras offer this year seems to me to take into account.
Similarly, as you can see in the sample images, it must be said that as a point-and-shoot camera, there are situations where it struggles a bit to get the best shot . But it's also true that it's still early days, and while the software is final, I've received updates during the review that affect the camera and other components.
But in general, and apart from night photography that costs practically any smartphone, in less unfavorable situations it is capable of achieving very striking results. And as I said before, if you shoot in RAW format you will be able to touch the capture with greater freedom to achieve what you have in mind or stay very close.
Then there's the video aspect, where OnePlus introduces 8K video recording at 30p for the first time , but that's not the main focus since it's not something many users will take advantage of. The best part is that 4K video is improved, allowing you to capture clips at 120 fps, perfect for very smooth slow-motion. Plus, it includes some of those popular tricks like portrait mode in video, continuous autofocus, and similar features.
I would be lying if I said that it is the best camera today, but it is one that I personally have enjoyed the most. Because you have to frame wide scenes with the wide angle, the daily ones and with the highest possible quality thanks to the main sensor and a zoom that does not seek to be excessive, but does contribute in certain situations. Also, the monochrome sensor for black and white has its point.
The new OnePlus fast charge
Having enough battery life for everyday phone use is a major concern for all of us. OnePlus has retained the same 4.500 mAh battery as the previous generation, but a series of technical improvements and new components offer greater optimization and surprisingly fast charging.
In terms of battery life, you can easily last the entire day. If you don't overuse games or the camera, you can get up to a day and a half or almost two, but even with intensive use, you won't have many problems thanks to the new Warp Charge 65T charging system.
To give you some information:
- From 1% to 100% it took me 31 minutes with cable charging thanks to the new 65W charger
- From 1% to 100% through the new wireless charging, disabling sleep mode, in 45 minutes
That is to say, with the charger that the terminal includes in its box, the recharging process is super fast and that today is a luxury. But if you choose to purchase the wireless charger (sold separately) you will not only have the option of faster charging than other devices via cable, but also all the advantages offered by this type of solution.
And if you wonder what is the trick of all this good performance, well, I will tell you that it is a set of improvements that apply to the cables, chargers, encryption algorithms and the very design of the battery that is actually divided into two cells.
The only handicap of the OnePlus 9 Pro
There are many phones on the market, and practically every week or every few days a new one is released, targeting a specific audience. The OnePlus 9 Pro is a phone that knows exactly who it's aimed at, and that's a good thing, because I don't think the brand is so concerned with becoming the best-selling phone of the year as it is with being one of the most satisfying for those who choose it.
I have to admit that my OnePlus experience with OxygenOS has always been very satisfying , to the point that I've forgiven them for not always making significant strides in camera quality. This time, that well-optimized interface benefits from a collaboration with Hasselblad that could yield great results in future generations. And if they contribute hardware along with the software, it could be very interesting.
Nevertheless, despite all this, the OnePlus 9 Pro is a device that delivers on all its promises . There may be some areas for improvement and others that won't entirely convince certain users, but those who have opted for previous OnePlus models will find this version a very well-rounded phone. If you have to find any fault with it, it will be the price.
While it may be fair to ask €909 for the 8 + 128 GB model and €999 for the 12 + 256 GB model, few users today are willing to shell out that much money. But if you are patient, in a matter of a couple of months the price will surely drop and it will be much more attractive and interesting than it already is right now. At least for me, the OnePlus 9 Pro is a knockout from top to bottom.