OnePlus Ace vs OnePlus 9: A Detailed Showdown

OnePlus has consistently delivered compelling smartphones, and the Ace and 9 are prime examples. But which one offers the better overall experience? This in-depth comparison will analyze their key features, performance, and value to help you make an informed decision.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The OnePlus Ace boasts significantly faster charging and a more modern chipset, offering a performance edge. However, the OnePlus 9's established camera system and excellent battery life make it a strong contender. Ultimately, the Ace wins for raw power and charging speed, while the 9 excels in longevity and photography.

PHONES
Phone Names OnePlus Ace OnePlus 9
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - EU
5G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 78 SA/NSA - EU
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat20 2000/200 Mbps, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO 1, 3, 28, 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA - CN
Launch
Announced2022, April 212021, March 23
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, April 26Available. Released 2021, March 26
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame
Dimensions163.3 x 75.5 x 8.2 mm (6.43 x 2.97 x 0.32 in)160 x 74.2 x 8.7 mm (EU/NA)160 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm (IN/CN)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight186 g (6.56 oz)192 g (EU/NA)183 g (IN/CN) (6.46 oz)
 -IP68 (T-Mobile version only)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~394 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~402 ppi density)
Size6.7 inches, 108.0 cm2 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.55 inches, 103.6 cm2 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ), 800 nits (HBM), 950 nits (peak)Fluid AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1100 nits (peak)
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.85 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 8100 Max (5 nm)Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)
GPUMali-G610 MC6Adreno 660
OSAndroid 12, ColorOS 12.1Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, OxygenOS 13
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesColor spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panoramaHasselblad Color Calibration, color spectrum sensor, dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single16 MP, f/2.4, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
Triple50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 15mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)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)
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, gyro-EIS8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, Auto HDR, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single16 MP, f/2.4, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 -24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 3.1, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging150W wired, 50% in 5 min65W wired, PD, 100% in 29 min 15W wireless (EU/NA)
TypeLi-Po 4500 mAhLi-Po 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, BlueWinter Mist, Arctic Sky, Astral Black
ModelsPGKM10LE2113, LE2111, LE2110, LE2117, LE2115
PriceAbout 360 EUR$ 145.00 / £ 200.00 / € 249.99
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 87h
Camera- Photo / Video
Loudspeaker- -24.5 LUFS (Very good)

OnePlus Ace

  • Blazing-fast 150W charging
  • Powerful Dimensity 8100 Max chipset
  • Likely excellent display
  • Modern design

  • Camera performance needs further review
  • Battery life potentially shorter than 9
  • Design may be less refined than 9

OnePlus 9

  • Excellent battery life (87h endurance)
  • Reputable camera system with Hasselblad tuning
  • Bright and vibrant display (821 nits)
  • Established and refined design

  • Slower charging speed (65W)
  • Older Snapdragon 888 chipset
  • Performance lags behind Ace

Display Comparison

The OnePlus 9 features a measured peak brightness of 821 nits, offering excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. While the Ace's display is likely vibrant and sharp, specific brightness data is unavailable. Both phones likely offer smooth 120Hz refresh rates for fluid scrolling and gaming.

Camera Comparison

The OnePlus 9 is known for its reliable camera system, often praised for its color accuracy and overall image quality. While the Ace likely has a capable camera setup, detailed reviews are needed to fully assess its performance. The 9's Hasselblad partnership also contributes to its photographic appeal.

Performance

The Mediatek Dimensity 8100 Max in the Ace provides a noticeable performance boost over the Snapdragon 888 in the OnePlus 9. The Ace's newer architecture and 5nm process contribute to improved efficiency and raw processing power, making it better suited for demanding games and multitasking. The 9 still performs well, but the Ace is the clear winner here.

Battery Life

The OnePlus 9 boasts an impressive endurance rating of 87 hours, indicating exceptional battery life. The Ace, while featuring a smaller battery capacity, compensates with its incredibly fast 150W charging, allowing it to reach 50% in just 5 minutes. The 9 offers a more sustainable battery experience, while the Ace prioritizes quick top-ups.

Buying Guide

The OnePlus Ace is ideal for gamers and power users who prioritize speed and rapid charging. The OnePlus 9 is a great choice for those who value a well-rounded experience with a reliable camera and long battery life, especially if they appreciate a more refined design.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the OnePlus Ace worth upgrading from a OnePlus 9?
If you prioritize performance and charging speed, the Ace is a worthwhile upgrade. However, if you value battery life and a proven camera system, the 9 remains a solid choice.
❓ What is the difference between the Dimensity 8100 Max and the Snapdragon 888?
The Dimensity 8100 Max is a newer chipset with improved efficiency and performance compared to the Snapdragon 888. It generally offers faster processing speeds and better power management.