El OnePlus 9 It might seem like a less attractive phone looking at all that the Pro model has to offer, but don't be fooled by appearances. Because it is true that there are differences and some may be important depending on the type of user, but it is still a device that has a lot to offer at a very attractive price.
OnePlus 9, video analysis
The same essence of the OnePlus 9 Pro
The design of the OnePlus 9 is practically the same as the Pro model with some other differences that also imply the loss of some features that, perhaps, could make you see it as a less interesting product. However, let's review the most important aspects of the aesthetics of the product.
On a physical level it is very beautiful, with a very elegant rear and where that camera module with the Hasselblad logo is what attracts the most attention. Although if you have the opportunity to see both devices side by side, the most striking thing between the normal and Pro model is on the front. We put aside the curved panel to use a flat one that will surely appeal to many more, the problem is that with the change not only resolution is lost but also the LPTO technology that allows the refresh rate to be managed in a much smartest. Although I'll talk to you about the screen itself later.
For the rest, the product looks very good despite the fact that the frames also on this occasion make use of a less noble material. Instead of the 9 Pro's aluminum we have a plastic material that still feels great in the hand. What's more, one would have to be very meticulous to notice it, because the feeling in the hand is very good.
Of the rest of the details, what I have always liked about OnePlus is that keep the Alert Slider, a button that with three positions allows you to activate the sounds, only the vibration or the silent mode quickly. It may seem unnecessary knowing that from the quick settings, available when we remove notifications from Android, it can also be done. But with the phone, for example, in a pocket it is much faster to do it from the button.
No doubt, everything related to design is something very personal, but the OnePlus 9 is a device that is physically very attractive to practically anyone who sees it.
A screen and sound at the height, but inferior to the Pro
It is impossible not to compare the Pro model with this OnePlus 9 when talking about any feature, but that does not have to lead us to think that because it has certain limitations it is worse. on this occasion the OnePlus 9 screen offers a lower resolution, becoming FHD + instead of QHD +. Of course, the main difference may be that despite also offering 120Hz refresh rate, it does not offer that intelligent management that LTPO technology allows and that the 9 Pro panel does have.
Still, the screen looks good in all sorts of scenarios. So that the display of content such as YouTube videos, photos, etc., is done properly. To which must be added the color settings offered by the operating system, which does offer advanced parameters when choosing color profiles, etc.
I have to admit that I can't say much more than is correct about the sound. The capacity of the speakers that this OnePlus 9 includes is solvent for the majority of uses and needs that users actually require today.
However, do not expect anything special, because when you go up to certain levels you notice that the sound lacks a bit of body. It is not worrisome or the worst in the industry, but if you want to enjoy higher quality, you better opt for external headphones.
Fast charging as a benefit
Fast charging systems are no longer as surprising as a few years ago, but the improvements that some brands continue to implement make them increasingly efficient. In the case of OnePlus and for this new generation, the most striking thing is the increase in cable charging that reaches up to 65W.
The OnePlus 9 charges via cable at the same speed as the Pro model, but when charging wirelessly it is limited to 15W instead of the 50W of the Pro. Is this a problem? Well, the truth is that no, it is something that is noticeable if you have even had the opportunity to try the highest-end model, but on a day-to-day basis it is a lesser evil with which you can live.
So what you are interested in knowing is that the autonomy of the phone allows you to use it without problem for a day or a day and a half. And if you use it very intensely, the fast charge will compensate you.
Performance and fluidity, the great value of OnePlus
So far, everything might seem very normal to you, since there are already many devices on the market that offer all this, but when we get to the performance section, things change. With high-end hardware where the Snapdragon 888 governs two RAM configurations (8 and 12 GB) and another two storage (128/256 GB) the user experience can be classified as unique.
OXYGEN It offers great performance at all times and as you discover the small details that it offers, it makes it very enjoyable. But without a doubt it is the fluidity that is achieved in all types of uses, from the use of the operating system to the apps that you install, is one of the great attractions of the device.
The Hasselblad stamp on their cameras
As with the OnePlus 9 Pro, the cameras of this OnePlus 9 are again signed by Hasselblad. Of course, the work of the iconic photography brand is based only on sensor calibration. For the rest, it can be said that on this occasion and as a "lower" model, the configuration at the sensor level is basically the same as the OnePlus 8T.
Is this negative? Well no, the performance is quite good in all kinds of situations, although in low light it may suffer a little more. The good thing is that frequent system updates with camera improvements are being received.
In my tests, the only thing that I have noticed is that for some types of photographs I have missed the telephoto lens of the Pro model. But if you are not one of those types of photos, the wide angle and wide angle allow very interesting things. What's more, you can even zoom up to 2X by cutting out the main sensor itself.
Of the same video, OnePlus offers in this OnePlus 9 the possibility of recording video at 8K resolution at 30p for the first time. It is not something super necessary, but if that later implies improvements in 4K video capture, then go ahead.
Personally, the OnePlus 9 camera seems good to me and reminds me of Apple's strategy with its iPhone 12 and 12 Pro. In other words, it is a camera that does without the telephoto lens and is still capable of achieving results that with a little of patience, knowing how to take advantage of options such as Pro mode and understanding the technique can be of great quality.
OnePlus 9 or OnePlus 9 Pro?
With all this, you may be wondering which model is more interesting, the 9 or 9 Pro. Well, if they gave me a choice and money was not a problem, logically the OnePlus 9 Pro is the better terminal. However, I think I would venture to say that the smart buy is the OnePlus 9.
The device sacrifices certain features on hardware issues, but the main aspects are covered very well. In other words, the performance is outstanding and without a doubt one of the best user experiences that you can find in an Android terminal today. The screen is not so Pro, but it looks very good and on a day-to-day basis you will not really notice or miss anything that the superior model offers. And the cameras, unless you take a lot of photos with the zoom, also allow for high-quality captures.
Therefore, and returning to the comparison with Apple phones, the OnePlus 9 would be like the iPhone 12. A terminal that has some differences with respect to the Pro model, but for 709 Euros it is much more attractive for those looking for a high-end device capable of offering a great user experience in all types of scenarios and use cases.