OnePlus 9

The OnePlus 9, launched in March 2021, is still a strong option for users looking for solid performance and great value. 

It offers a balanced mix of speed, camera quality, and smooth software, making it a versatile everyday phone. 

I’ve spent plenty of time with the OnePlus 9, and here’s everything you need to know, from its specs to real-world use.

OnePlus 9 Specs

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Smooth 120Hz AMOLED display for a fluid experience.
• Fast charging: Fully charges in just 29 minutes.
• Good camera setup, especially the ultrawide lens.
• Snapdragon 888 offers fast and reliable performance.
• OxygenOS is clean, customizable, and frequently updated.

Cons

• No expandable storage, so you’re stuck with what you buy.
• Inconsistent 5G reception in some regions.
• Plastic frame doesn’t feel as premium as metal.
• Battery life is average, especially with heavy 5G use.

Features of the OnePlus 9

1. Display

The OnePlus 9’s display is one of its standout features. It’s a 6.55-inch Fluid AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate. This means animations and scrolling feel incredibly smooth. The 1080 x 2400 resolution provides crisp visuals. 

In my daily use, the 120Hz refresh rate really made a difference. It’s not a massive screen, but the size feels right for most users — large enough for immersive content, but still easy to handle.

2. Performance

Under the hood, the OnePlus 9 is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 888, one of the fastest processors available. The combination of 8GB or 12GB of RAM means the phone can handle pretty much anything you throw at it.

In real-world use, I didn’t notice any lag, even when juggling multiple apps. For gaming, the Adreno 660 GPU does a great job.

3. Camera

The camera setup is where the OnePlus 9 really shines due to the collaboration with Hasselblad. The 48MP main camera, 50MP ultrawide camera, and 2MP monochrome sensor produce vibrant and well-balanced photos. The ultrawide camera, in particular, captures more detail and clarity than I expected.

The Hasselblad partnership mainly improves color accuracy, so your shots look more true-to-life. I found the colors to be natural and not over-saturated.

4. Battery Life and Fast Charging

The 4500mAh battery in the OnePlus 9 does an average job. For someone who uses their phone a lot during the day, like me, it’s enough to get through most of the day, but heavy usage, especially with 5G and the 120Hz refresh rate, drains the battery faster.

What saves the day is the 65W wired fast charging. It charges the phone from 0 to 100% in just 29 minutes. Even when the battery was low, a quick 10-minute charge gave me enough juice to last a few hours. The 15W wireless charging is only available in the EU and North American models.

Final Thoughts

The OnePlus 9 offers a great balance between performance, camera quality, and fast charging. It’s not without its shortcomings — the lack of expandable storage and inconsistent 5G reception are noticeable downsides.