OnePlus 7T vs Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro: A Deep Dive into Performance and Battery Life

Released within months of each other, the OnePlus 7T and Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro represent the pinnacle of the 'flagship killer' era. Both devices pack Qualcomm's Snapdragon 855 series, but subtle differences in chipset, battery capacity, and charging speed create distinct user experiences. This comparison dissects these nuances to help you choose the right phone for your needs.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro emerges as the slightly better value. Its larger 103-hour endurance battery and 27W Quick Charge 4 support offset the marginally slower processor, offering longer usage and faster top-ups. However, the OnePlus 7T remains a strong contender, particularly for those prioritizing a refined software experience.

PHONES
Phone Names OnePlus 7T Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - EU1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) Cat18 1200/150 MbpsHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 29, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - CN, IN-
Launch
Announced2019, September 262019, August 21. Released 2019, August 21
StatusAvailable. Released 2019, September 27Discontinued
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame
Dimensions160.9 x 74.4 x 8.1 mm (6.33 x 2.93 x 0.32 in)156.7 x 74.3 x 8.8 mm (6.17 x 2.93 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight190 g (6.70 oz)191 g (6.74 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~402 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density)
Size6.55 inches, 103.6 cm2 (~86.5% screen-to-body ratio)6.39 inches, 100.2 cm2 (~86.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeFluid AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+Super AMOLED, HDR
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.96 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485)Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855+ (7 nm)Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm)
GPUAdreno 640 (700 MHz)Adreno 640
OSAndroid 10, upgradable to Android 12, OxygenOS 12.1Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, MIUI 12.5
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 3.0UFS 2.1
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaLaser AF, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple48 MP, f/1.6, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 51mm (telephoto), 1.0µm, PDAF, 2x optical zoom 16 MP, f/2.2, 17mm (ultrawide), AF48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.4, 53mm (telephoto), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, PDAF, 2x optical zoom 13 MP, f/2.4, 12mm (ultrawide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 720p@960fps, Auto HDR, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/120/240fps, 1080p@960fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single16 MP, f/2.0, 25mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µmMotorized pop-up 20 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm
Video1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoYes
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes
 -24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a)GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a)
RadioNoYes
USBUSB Type-C 3.1, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNAWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
 Virtual proximity sensing-
Battery
Charging30W wired27W wired, QC4
TypeLi-Po 3800 mAh, non-removableLi-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsFrosted Silver, Glacier Blue, WhiteCarbon black, Red flame, Glacier blue
ModelsHD1901, HD1903, HD1900, HD1907, HD1905M1903F11G
PriceAbout 130 EURAbout 150 EUR
SAR-1.03 W/kg (head)     0.72 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-1.30 W/kg (head)     1.51 W/kg (body)
Pricing
128GB 8GB RAM$ 399.99-
256GB 8GB RAM$ 280.49-
RENEWED$ 191.00-
Tests
Audio quality Noise -94.0dB / Crosstalk -93.6dB Noise -93.9dB / Crosstalk -94.2dB
Battery lifeEndurance rating 90hEndurance rating 103h
Camera Photo / Video-
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker Voice 79dB / Noise 77dB / Ring 91dB -26.9 LUFS (Good)
Performance AnTuTu: 391545 (v7), 485585 (v8) GeekBench: 11394 (v4.4), 2858 (v5.1) GFXBench: 41fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) AnTuTu: 368846 (v7), 437823 (v8) GeekBench: 10684 (v4.4), 2732 (v5.1) GFXBench: 36fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

OnePlus 7T

  • Slightly faster processor (Snapdragon 855+)
  • Refined OxygenOS software experience
  • Generally faster software updates

  • Lower battery endurance (90h vs 103h)
  • Slower charging speed (30W vs 27W with QC4)
  • Potentially higher price depending on storage configuration

Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro

  • Superior battery life (103h endurance)
  • Faster charging with Quick Charge 4 (27W)
  • Often more affordable than the OnePlus 7T

  • MIUI software can be bloated and less refined
  • Slightly slower processor (Snapdragon 855)
  • Software update schedule can be less consistent

Display Comparison

Both phones feature displays with an 'Infinite' contrast ratio, suggesting excellent black levels typical of OLED panels. However, detailed specifications like peak brightness and color accuracy are missing. Given Xiaomi's history with vibrant displays, it's likely the Mi 9T Pro leans towards a more saturated look, while OnePlus typically aims for greater color accuracy. The lack of high refresh rate panels (90Hz or 120Hz) is a commonality, placing both phones behind newer offerings. Bezels are comparable, offering an immersive viewing experience for the time.

Camera Comparison

Both phones are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, lacking specific details. Given the era, both likely feature multi-camera setups. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, Xiaomi often emphasizes camera features, suggesting the Mi 9T Pro might offer more software-driven enhancements. The absence of detail regarding OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) is a significant omission; its presence would be a major advantage for video recording and low-light photography. We can assume both phones include standard modes like portrait and night mode, but image quality will depend heavily on the underlying hardware and software processing.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipset: the OnePlus 7T boasts the Snapdragon 855+, while the Mi 9T Pro uses the standard Snapdragon 855. While both are 7nm chips with an identical CPU core configuration (Octa-core: 1x2.84/2.96 GHz Kryo 485, 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485, 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485), the 855+ features a slightly higher clock speed and an improved GPU. This translates to a modest performance advantage for the 7T in sustained gaming and demanding tasks. However, the difference is unlikely to be noticeable in everyday use. Both phones benefit from 8GB of RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking.

Battery Life

The Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro clearly wins in battery endurance with a rating of 103 hours, compared to the OnePlus 7T's 90 hours. This 14-hour difference is substantial and translates to a noticeable advantage for the Mi 9T Pro in real-world usage. Furthermore, the Mi 9T Pro supports 27W wired charging with Quick Charge 4, while the OnePlus 7T offers 30W Warp Charge. While 30W is nominally faster, Quick Charge 4's efficiency and compatibility with a wider range of chargers could provide a more consistent charging experience. The Mi 9T Pro's larger battery capacity combined with efficient charging gives it a clear edge.

Buying Guide

Buy the OnePlus 7T if you prioritize a clean, optimized software experience with OxygenOS and are willing to trade a bit of battery life for it. It's ideal for users who frequently switch between apps and value a smooth, responsive interface. Buy the Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro if you prioritize maximum battery life and faster charging, and don't mind MIUI's more feature-rich, but sometimes cluttered, software. This phone is perfect for power users and those who heavily rely on their phone throughout the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 855 in the Mi 9T Pro throttle under sustained gaming loads?
While the Snapdragon 855 isn't as thermally efficient as the 855+, the Mi 9T Pro's larger battery and potentially more conservative thermal profile likely prevent significant throttling during extended gaming sessions. However, expect some performance reduction after prolonged use, as with any passively cooled smartphone.
❓ Is the 27W charging on the Mi 9T Pro significantly slower than the 30W Warp Charge on the OnePlus 7T?
While 30W is a higher number, the Mi 9T Pro's Quick Charge 4 implementation is highly efficient. The actual charging time difference is likely minimal, and Quick Charge 4 offers broader compatibility with various chargers and power banks.
❓ How does MIUI compare to OxygenOS in terms of user experience?
OxygenOS is known for its clean, near-stock Android experience with subtle customizations. MIUI, on the other hand, is heavily customized with numerous features and a different visual style. OxygenOS generally offers a smoother and more responsive experience, while MIUI provides greater customization options but can feel more cluttered.