The OnePlus 9 represents a significant leap forward in the company’s flagship lineup, combining premium hardware with strategic partnerships to deliver exceptional performance. Released in March 2021, this device showcases OnePlus’s commitment to speed and efficiency while introducing their groundbreaking collaboration with legendary camera manufacturer Hasselblad.
What Makes the OnePlus 9 Worth Buying?
The standout feature of the OnePlus 9 is undoubtedly its Hasselblad-tuned camera system. This partnership brings professional-grade color calibration to smartphone photography, ensuring accurate and natural-looking images. The 48MP main sensor paired with a 50MP ultrawide lens creates a versatile shooting experience that rivals much more expensive flagship devices.
Performance enthusiasts will appreciate the Snapdragon 888 chipset powering the device. This flagship processor handles everything from intensive gaming sessions to complex multitasking with ease. The 120Hz Fluid AMOLED display complements this raw power perfectly, delivering buttery-smooth scrolling and responsive touch interactions that make everyday use feel incredibly fluid.
Charging speed is another major selling point. The 65W wired charging technology can fully charge the 4500mAh battery in just 29 minutes, eliminating the anxiety of running out of power during busy days. For markets like EU and North America, there’s also 15W wireless charging for added convenience. This combination of fast charging and decent battery capacity strikes a practical balance for most users.
The display quality deserves special mention. With a peak brightness of 1100 nits and HDR10+ support, the screen remains clearly visible even under harsh sunlight. The 6.55-inch size provides ample real estate for content consumption without making the phone unwieldy, and the 87.6% screen-to-body ratio ensures minimal bezels for an immersive viewing experience.
Things to Know Before Choosing the OnePlus 9
Storage flexibility is limited on the OnePlus 9. There’s no microSD card slot, so buyers need to choose carefully between the 128GB and 256GB variants at purchase. Power users who store lots of photos, videos, and apps should seriously consider the higher storage option since there’s no way to expand it later.
The build materials present a mixed bag. While both the front and back use Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for scratch resistance, the frame is plastic rather than metal. This might disappoint users accustomed to the premium feel of aluminum or steel frames found on some competitors. However, the plastic frame does keep the weight reasonable at 192g for the EU/NA version.
Water resistance is another consideration. Only the T-Mobile version carries an IP68 rating for dust and water protection. Other variants lack official IP certification, meaning users should exercise extra caution around water and dust exposure. This inconsistency across regions is worth noting before purchase.
Software updates have reached their endpoint. The phone launched with Android 11 and received updates up to Android 13 with OxygenOS 13. Those seeking the latest Android features and longest software support timeline may want to consider newer models that will receive updates for more years ahead.
The absence of a headphone jack continues the industry trend, but it’s still worth mentioning for users with wired headphones. The phone does support high-resolution audio at 24-bit/192kHz through its USB-C port, but an adapter or USB-C headphones will be necessary for wired listening.
Is the OnePlus 9 Right for You?
Mobile photographers will find the OnePlus 9 particularly appealing. The Hasselblad color science brings a noticeable improvement to photo quality, and the 8K video recording capability future-proofs content creation. The ultrawide camera’s autofocus feature is especially useful for close-up shots and adds versatility beyond typical ultrawide implementations.
Gaming enthusiasts benefit from the triple threat of Snapdragon 888 performance, 120Hz refresh rate, and excellent heat management. The Adreno 660 GPU handles graphically demanding titles smoothly, while the large AMOLED screen provides an immersive gaming canvas. Stereo speakers enhance the experience with spatial audio positioning during gameplay.
Students and professionals who need reliable performance for productivity tasks will appreciate the snappy multitasking capabilities. The 8GB or 12GB RAM options ensure apps stay in memory without constant reloading. The fast charging becomes a lifesaver during study sessions or work days when there’s limited time to plug in.
Budget-conscious flagship seekers might find excellent value here, especially in the used or refurbished market. The phone delivers flagship-tier performance and features at a fraction of current flagship prices, making it an attractive option for those who don’t need the absolute latest technology.
Casual users who prioritize smooth performance and good cameras without breaking the bank will also find the OnePlus 9 suitable. The clean OxygenOS interface keeps bloatware minimal, and the overall user experience remains polished even years after release.
Best Alternatives to the OnePlus 9
The Samsung Galaxy S21 offers similar flagship performance with the added benefits of wireless charging in all regions, an official IP68 rating across all variants, and typically longer software support. Samsung’s camera processing differs from Hasselblad’s approach, favoring more vibrant, contrast-heavy images that some users prefer.
Google Pixel 5, while using a less powerful Snapdragon 765G chipset, delivers exceptional computational photography that often surpasses the OnePlus 9 in challenging lighting conditions. The guaranteed three years of major Android updates and five years of security patches make it appealing for those prioritizing software longevity.
The Xiaomi Mi 11 provides comparable specifications with a higher resolution display and slightly larger battery. It typically comes at a competitive price point and includes perks like wireless charging and a more premium metal frame construction.
OnePlus 9 Frequently Asked Questions
Does the OnePlus 9 support 5G connectivity?
Yes, the OnePlus 9 fully supports 5G networks alongside GSM, CDMA, HSPA, and LTE. The Snapdragon 888 5G chipset includes an integrated 5G modem that works with both sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G bands, depending on your region and carrier. This ensures fast data speeds where 5G coverage is available, future-proofing your connectivity needs.
How good is the camera quality with Hasselblad partnership?
The Hasselblad collaboration primarily focuses on color calibration and natural color science rather than hardware improvements. Users typically notice more accurate skin tones, better color reproduction in various lighting conditions, and a pro mode interface inspired by Hasselblad cameras. The 48MP main sensor delivers sharp, detailed photos, while the 50MP ultrawide captures impressive landscape and group shots. Video capabilities are robust with 8K recording at 30fps and excellent stabilization.
Is the 4500mAh battery enough for full day use?
The 4500mAh battery typically provides a full day of moderate to heavy use thanks to the efficient Snapdragon 888 processor and optimized OxygenOS software. Screen-on times usually range from 5 to 7 hours depending on usage patterns. The real advantage lies in the 65W Warp Charge technology that can fully charge the phone in under 30 minutes, meaning even brief charging sessions can significantly boost battery life.
Can the storage be expanded with a microSD card?
No, the OnePlus 9 does not include a microSD card slot for expandable storage. Users must choose between the 128GB or 256GB internal storage options at the time of purchase. The UFS 3.1 storage technology provides extremely fast read and write speeds, but the lack of expansion means careful consideration of storage needs is important before buying.
What makes the 120Hz display better than 60Hz?
The 120Hz refresh rate means the screen refreshes twice as often as traditional 60Hz displays, resulting in noticeably smoother animations, scrolling, and overall system responsiveness. This becomes especially apparent when navigating through apps, browsing social media feeds, or playing supported games. The Fluid AMOLED technology combines this high refresh rate with vibrant colors, deep blacks, and HDR10+ support for an exceptional visual experience.