OnePlus 9 Pro vs Oppo Reno6 Pro 5G: A Deep Dive into Flagship Performance

The OnePlus 9 Pro and Oppo Reno6 Pro 5G represent distinct approaches to the flagship smartphone experience. The OnePlus 9 Pro, leveraging Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 888, aimed for all-around excellence, while the Reno6 Pro 5G, powered by MediaTek’s Dimensity 1200, focused on a balance of performance and style. With both devices now available at competitive prices, the question of which offers the better value is more relevant than ever.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the OnePlus 9 Pro emerges as the stronger choice. While both phones offer 65W charging and comparable battery endurance (86h), the Snapdragon 888’s superior GPU performance and overall system optimization provide a smoother, more responsive experience, particularly for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing.

PHONES
Phone Names Oppo Reno6 Pro 5G OnePlus 9 Pro
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, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 - International1, 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, 7, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International1, 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 / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - China1, 3, 28, 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA - CN
Launch
Announced2021, May 272021, March 23
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, June 05Available. Released 2021, March 30
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame, glass backGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame
Dimensions160 x 73.1 x 7.6 mm (6.30 x 2.88 x 0.30 in)163.2 x 73.6 x 8.7 mm (6.43 x 2.90 x 0.34 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight177 g (6.24 oz)197 g (6.95 oz)
 -IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~402 ppi density)1440 x 3216 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~525 ppi density)
Size6.55 inches, 103.6 cm2 (~88.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~90.3% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ), 800 nits (HBM)LTPO Fluid2 AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak)
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.6 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 1200 (6 nm)Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)
GPUMali-G77 MC9Adreno 660
OSAndroid 11, upgradable to Android 12, ColorOS 12Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, OxygenOS 14
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 2.1 - International UFS 3.1 - ChinaUFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesColor spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panoramaLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, Hasselblad Color Calibration, dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad64 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens48 MP, f/1.8, 23mm (wide), 1/1.43", 1.12µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.4, 77mm (telephoto), 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 3.3x optical zoom 50 MP, f/2.2, 14mm (ultrawide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, AF 2 MP, f/2.4, (monochrome)
Single-16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS, HDR8K@30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, Auto HDR, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesPanoramaHDR
Single32 MP, f/2.4, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
 -24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5)GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB 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
Charging65W wired65W wired, PD, 100% in 29 min 50W wireless, 100% in 43 min 5W reverse wireless
TypeLi-Po 4500 mAhLi-Po 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Blue, Aurora, Majestic Gold, Diwali EditionMorning Mist, Forest Green, Stellar Black
ModelsPEPM00, CPH2249LE2121, LE2125, LE2123, LE2120, LE2127
PriceAbout 120 EUR€ 246.17 / $ 264.95 / £ 287.00
SAR1.17 W/kg (head)     1.03 W/kg (body)-
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 86h
Camera- Photo / Video
Loudspeaker- -24.1 LUFS (Very good)

Oppo Reno6 Pro 5G

  • Superior chipset performance (Snapdragon 888)
  • Brighter and potentially smoother display
  • More versatile charging options (wired, wireless, reverse)
  • Hasselblad-tuned camera system

  • Potentially higher price point
  • Snapdragon 888 can still generate heat under sustained load

OnePlus 9 Pro

  • Sleek and stylish design
  • Fast 65W wired charging
  • Competitive performance for everyday tasks
  • Potentially more affordable

  • Less powerful chipset (Dimensity 1200)
  • Limited charging options (no wireless)
  • Camera system likely less refined

Display Comparison

The OnePlus 9 Pro boasts a brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 859 nits, which translates to better visibility in direct sunlight. While the Reno6 Pro 5G’s display specs aren’t provided, OnePlus’s panel technology is known for its color accuracy and smoothness. Both likely utilize high refresh rate panels, but the OnePlus 9 Pro’s higher peak brightness gives it a clear advantage for outdoor use. The OnePlus 9 Pro also benefits from LTPO technology, dynamically adjusting the refresh rate to conserve battery life.

Camera Comparison

Both phones are equipped for photo and video, but detailed sensor information is limited for the Reno6 Pro 5G. The OnePlus 9 Pro, developed in partnership with Hasselblad, likely features a more sophisticated image processing pipeline and potentially larger sensor sizes. The Snapdragon 888’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) also offers advanced features like 8K video recording and improved low-light performance. Without specific details on the Reno6 Pro 5G’s camera hardware, it’s difficult to make a direct comparison, but the OnePlus 9 Pro’s collaboration with Hasselblad suggests a more refined photographic experience.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The OnePlus 9 Pro’s Snapdragon 888 (5nm) utilizes a 1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 prime core, designed for peak performance, alongside 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 cores and 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The Reno6 Pro 5G’s Dimensity 1200 (6nm) features a 1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 prime core, 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 cores, and 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. While the Dimensity 1200’s prime core has a slightly higher clock speed, the Snapdragon 888’s architecture and 5nm process node provide superior efficiency and sustained performance. This is particularly noticeable in graphically intensive applications and prolonged gaming sessions, where the Snapdragon 888 is less prone to thermal throttling.

Battery Life

Both devices share an endurance rating of 86 hours, indicating comparable real-world battery life. However, the OnePlus 9 Pro offers more versatile charging options: 65W wired (0-100% in 29 minutes), 50W wireless (0-100% in 43 minutes), and 5W reverse wireless charging. The Reno6 Pro 5G only offers 65W wired charging. While both charge quickly, the OnePlus 9 Pro’s wireless charging capabilities provide added convenience.

Buying Guide

Buy the Oppo Reno6 Pro 5G if you prioritize a sleek design and fast charging without needing the absolute peak performance. It’s ideal for social media enthusiasts and everyday users. Buy the OnePlus 9 Pro if you demand top-tier performance for gaming, photography, and multitasking, and appreciate a more refined software experience with a focus on customization.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 888 in the OnePlus 9 Pro suffer from overheating during extended gaming sessions?
While the Snapdragon 888 is a powerful chip, it is known to generate heat under sustained load. The OnePlus 9 Pro incorporates a multi-layered cooling system to mitigate this, but some throttling may still occur during prolonged, graphically demanding games. However, the thermal management is generally better than the Dimensity 1200, leading to more consistent performance.
❓ How does the 65W charging on both phones compare in real-world usage?
Both the OnePlus 9 Pro and Oppo Reno6 Pro 5G utilize 65W SuperVOOC charging, delivering incredibly fast charging speeds. The OnePlus 9 Pro takes 29 minutes for a full charge, while the Reno6 Pro 5G’s time isn’t specified but is expected to be similar. The key difference is the OnePlus 9 Pro adds 50W wireless and 5W reverse wireless charging, offering greater flexibility.
❓ Is the image processing on the OnePlus 9 Pro noticeably different due to the Hasselblad partnership?
Yes, the collaboration with Hasselblad resulted in improvements to color calibration and natural-looking image processing on the OnePlus 9 Pro. The camera software focuses on more accurate color reproduction and a wider dynamic range, aiming for a more realistic and pleasing aesthetic compared to overly saturated or processed images.