OnePlus 9RT 5G vs OnePlus 9: A Detailed Showdown

The OnePlus 9RT 5G and OnePlus 9 are both compelling smartphones, but cater to slightly different needs. The 9RT offers faster charging and a refreshed design, while the 9 boasts a longer-standing reputation and a slightly different camera approach. Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you decide which one is right for you.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The OnePlus 9RT 5G wins on charging speed and offers a more modern design. However, the OnePlus 9 maintains a slight edge in battery endurance and has a more established camera system. Ultimately, the 9RT is a great value, while the 9 is a more refined, long-term choice.

PHONES
Phone Names	OnePlus 9RT 5G	OnePlus 9

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100	HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - Global	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - EU
5G bands	1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 78 SA/NSA - Global	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 78 SA/NSA - EU
Speed	HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/200 Mbps, 5G	HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat20 2000/200 Mbps, 5G
Technology	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G
	CDMA2000 1xEV-DO	1, 3, 28, 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA - CN

Launch
Announced	2021, October 13	2021, March 23
Status	Available. Released 2021, October 19	Available. Released 2021, March 26

Body
Build	Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame	Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame
Dimensions	162.2 x 74.6 x 8.3 mm (6.39 x 2.94 x 0.33 in)	160 x 74.2 x 8.7 mm (EU/NA)160 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm (IN/CN)
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	198.5 g (7.02 oz)	192 g (EU/NA)183 g (IN/CN) (6.46 oz)
	-	IP68 (T-Mobile version only)

Display
Protection	Corning Gorilla Glass 5	Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~397 ppi density)	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~402 ppi density)
Size	6.62 inches, 106.3 cm2 (~87.9% screen-to-body ratio)	6.55 inches, 103.6 cm2 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+	Fluid AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1100 nits (peak)
	Always-on display	Always-on display

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)	Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
Chipset	Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)	Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)
GPU	Adreno 660	Adreno 660
OS	Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, OxygenOS 13	Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, OxygenOS 13

Memory
Card slot	No	No
Internal	128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM	128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
	UFS 3.1	UFS 3.1

Main Camera
Features	Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama	Hasselblad Color Calibration, color spectrum sensor, dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad	50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56”, 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 16 MP, f/2.2, 14mm, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.6", 1.0µm 2 MP (macro)	-
Single	16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm	16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
Triple	-	48 MP, f/1.8, 23mm (wide), 1/1.43", 1.12µm, multi-directional PDAF 50 MP, f/2.2, 14mm (ultrawide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, AF 2 MP, f/2.4, (monochrome)
Video	4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, Auto HDR, gyro-EIS	8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, Auto HDR, gyro-EIS

Selfie camera
Features	HDR	HDR
Single	16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm	16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
Video	1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS	1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS

Sound
3.5mm jack	No	No
35mm jack	No	No
Loudspeaker	Yes, with stereo speakers	Yes, with stereo speakers
	-	24-bit/192kHz audio

Comms
Bluetooth	5.2, A2DP, LE	5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFC	Yes	Yes
Positioning	GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a)	GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a)
Radio	No	No
USB	USB Type-C 2.0, OTG	USB Type-C 3.1, OTG
WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA

Features
Sensors	Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass	Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass

Battery
Charging	65W wired, 100% in 29 min	65W wired, PD, 100% in 29 min 15W wireless (EU/NA)
Type	Li-Po 4500 mAh	Li-Po 4500 mAh

Misc
Colors	Hacker Black, Nano Silver, Blue	Winter Mist, Arctic Sky, Astral Black
Models	MT2110, MT2111	LE2113, LE2111, LE2110, LE2117, LE2115
Price	About 590 EUR	$ 145.00 / £ 200.00 / € 249.99

Tests
Battery life	-	Endurance rating 87h
Camera	-	Photo / Video
Loudspeaker	-	-24.5 LUFS (Very good)

OnePlus 9RT 5G

Faster Charging (65W)

Slightly shorter battery life than the 9
Less established camera system

OnePlus 9

Excellent Battery Life (87h endurance)
Superior Ultrawide Camera
More refined design

Slower charging compared to some competitors
Older model

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a 6.55-inch Fluid AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. However, the OnePlus 9 boasts a measured peak brightness of 821 nits, offering slightly better outdoor visibility compared to the 9RT. Color accuracy is excellent on both, making them great for media consumption.

Camera Comparison

The OnePlus 9 features a versatile quad-camera system with a 48MP main sensor, 50MP ultrawide, 2MP macro, and 2MP monochrome lens. The 9RT utilizes a 50MP main sensor, 8MP ultrawide, and 2MP macro. While both capture excellent photos, the 9's ultrawide lens is generally considered superior. Video recording is strong on both.

Performance

Both devices are powered by the Snapdragon 888 5G chipset, ensuring flagship-level performance. Expect smooth multitasking, responsive gaming, and effortless handling of demanding apps. Real-world performance differences will be minimal.

Battery Life

The OnePlus 9 holds a significant advantage in battery life, boasting an endurance rating of 87 hours. The 9RT's battery life is respectable, but not as impressive. Both phones offer 65W wired charging, achieving a full charge in approximately 29 minutes.

Buying Guide

Who should buy the OnePlus 9RT 5G? Users prioritizing fast charging, a more contemporary design, and a slightly more affordable price point. Who should buy the OnePlus 9? Those seeking exceptional battery life, a proven camera system, and a slightly more premium feel.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the OnePlus 9RT 5G worth the upgrade from a OnePlus 8?

It depends. The 9RT offers a faster charging speed and a slightly improved design. However, the performance difference won't be drastic. Consider if the charging speed is a priority for you.

❓ Which phone has better software support?

OnePlus generally provides consistent software updates. However, the OnePlus 9, being slightly older, might have a shorter window of guaranteed updates compared to the 9RT.