We’re still learning about OnePlus’ 2022 phone line, which just introduced the OnePlus 10 Pro in China. But if you’re thinking about the OnePlus 9, remember that despite not being the fastest phone in the range, it still has fantastic features all around and is reasonably priced, making it a wonderful choice for those on a tight budget. And the OnePlus 9 is finally receiving OxygenOS 12, which is based on Google’s most recent operating system, despite a delay in its Android 12 deployment in December. It was given a CNET Editors’ Choice Award for its ability to balance features and cost. Our revised review follows.
I praised the OnePlus 9 as one of the best and most reasonably priced smartphones available when I evaluated it last year. It was a better bargain than its more expensive OnePlus 9 Pro sister due to its amazing performance, fantastic battery life, passable camera, and lightning-fast charging. It received the prestigious CNET Editors’ Choice Award as a result.
But since then, we’ve witnessed the introduction of devices like the Google Pixel 6, which received raving reviews for its excellent camera, swanky Android 12 user interface, and solid all-around performance. Moreover, the pricing of the OnePlus 9 and the Pixel 6 are same at $599. Today’s largest rival to the OnePlus 9, the Pixel is a better option if you want Android 12’s cool features and a better primary camera.
Although Google’s Tensor processor claims to advance AI, we haven’t yet seen much of that. The OnePlus 9 is a genuine powerhouse because to its top-tier Qualcomm processor, and if power is a problem, it excels thanks to its longer battery life and excellent quick charging. Nonetheless, the metal and glass design of the Pixel 6 seems noticeably more upscale than the one of the OnePlus 9. Moreover, the OnePlus 9 lacks an IP68 designation for waterproofing, which the Pixel does.
The recently released Samsung Galaxy S21 FE also fared admirably in our assessment and offers a wealth of premium features at a lower cost than the flagship S21. But given that it is still $700, consumers on a tight budget should go for the OnePlus 9. Not to mention the Galaxy S22, which will likely be released in February. Even though it’s sure to have some amazing features, we anticipate it to cost significantly more than the OnePlus 9, so waiting till it launches is not worthwhile if price is an issue.
The OnePlus 9 boasts strong qualities that make it a great daily phone for 2022, from its lightning-fast speed to its outstanding battery. In spite of the fact that it lacks some of the glitzier features and cutting-edge mobile technology found in the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra or the iPhone 13 Pro, its more affordable pricing makes it one of the finest midrange phones to take into consideration.
Long-lasting batteries
Although the OnePlus 9’s battery is the same size as that of its 9 Pro sister, I discovered that it had significantly longer battery life. How come? The screen is probably the main factor. It has a little smaller screen than the 9 Pro at 6.55 inches and a lesser resolution of 2,400 by 1,080 pixels. As a result, there are fewer pixels to illuminate, which implies less battery depletion. It outlasted the S21 Ultra on our rundown testing by an amazing 23 hours, which is far more than the 9 Pro’s 15 hours and puts it on level with it.
The aesthetics of these OnePlus phones are the greatest yet.
You shouldn’t be concerned about the lesser quality either; I can’t tell the difference between the two screens 99% of the time.
Amazing speed of charging
The OnePlus 9 offers the same 65-watt quick charging as the Pro in case you do manage to abuse the battery and find yourself low in the afternoon. It’s wonderful and startlingly rapid; it takes only 30 minutes to get from empty to full. It’s perfect for those times when you simply need to quickly top it off before you leave and you’ve neglected to charge it.
Even better, a 65-watt fast charger is included in the box, eliminating the need to trawl Amazon for a compatible third-party charger. Although it lacks the 9 Pro’s quick 50-watt wireless charging, it still enables wireless charging. Although I don’t personally consider that much of a loss, it is still important to be aware of.
Enormous power
I completely anticipated the OnePlus 9 to have a lower-end chipset than the Pro, but no, it’s rocking the exact same Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chip, which is an amazing powerhouse. Video streaming, gaming, and picture editing are all handled without any trouble. In actuality, nothing I really threw at it could truly slow it down.
It’s a delight to use for daily chores as well, in part because to the clean and user-friendly Android 11-based software and the 120Hz screen refresh rate, both of which are included with the 9 Pro.
Good camera
Although the camera on the 9 Pro is excellent, I claimed that it is not as good as the cameras on the Samsung S21 Ultra or the iPhone 12 Pro Max. I can be much more lenient with this phone even if the same is true with the OnePlus 9, which isn’t aiming to compete with the very top of the smartphone industry.
Yet, there have been some camera compromises since the Pro edition. For instance, it lacks an optical zoom, so you must use regular and super-wide lenses, and the main camera’s sensor is physically smaller. While it can capture some really beautiful images with even exposures and plenty of detail, you probably won’t be able to discern the difference in the majority of photographs. The OnePlus 9’s camera occasionally produces subdued colors as opposed to the 9 Pro’s, but if you want to give anything a punchier appearance, you can choose from a selection of built-in color filters.
Beautiful design
The elegant appearance of the OnePlus 9 Pro and ordinary OnePlus 9 appeals to me in much the same way. The sleek camera unit, glossy back, and metallic edge are all appealing features. I really enjoy the purpley-blue tones on my review model. Is it really a justification for the higher price tag? Its screen doesn’t have the same smooth edges as the Pro, and altogether, it seems midrange rather than high-end. I think it’s a completely acceptable trade-off.
Moreover, it lacks any certified waterproofing. While OnePlus claims it can still withstand a few spilled drinks, you should take additional precautions the next time your clumsy buddies are carrying beer.
It’s one of the few trade-offs you’ll have to think about when deciding between the OnePlus 9 and the OnePlus 9 Pro. This device is more affordable, equally powerful, offers a decent camera for the most of your everyday photos, and a stronger battery.
It’s a great all-around phone that won’t break the bank, to put it briefly. Because of this, I believe it to be the greatest OnePlus phone available right now.
Summary
The OnePlus 9 Astral is a fantastic bargain and has the finest Android specifications currently available in its price range.
You want an affordable amazing photographic experience.
The OnePlus 9 Astral is a phone to take into consideration if you’re looking for the greatest Android camera phone at this price that doesn’t sacrifice on features (sorry, Google Pixel 5).
You need a phone that charges really quickly.
The battery of the OnePlus 9 Astral can be completely charged via a cable in under 30 minutes and through wireless charging in 45 minutes. The OnePlus 9 Astral is perfect for you if you detest having to wait for your phone to charge for hours.
