Oppo Reno6 Pro+ 5G vs OnePlus 9 Pro: Which Snapdragon Flagship Reigns Supreme?

The Oppo Reno6 Pro+ 5G and OnePlus 9 Pro represent a fascinating crossroads in the Android flagship space. The Reno6 Pro+ arrived as a photography-focused contender, while the OnePlus 9 Pro aimed for a more holistic premium experience. Now, with price drops on both, the question isn't just about initial specs, but which offers the best value in 2024.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the OnePlus 9 Pro emerges as the stronger choice. While the Reno6 Pro+ boasts competitive specs, the OnePlus 9 Pro’s superior display brightness, and comparable battery life, coupled with its more refined software experience, provide a more polished overall package. However, the Reno6 Pro+ remains a compelling option for those prioritizing a slightly more compact form factor.

PHONES
Phone Names Oppo Reno6 Pro+ 5G OnePlus 9 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China1, 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, 28, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA - China1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 78 SA/NSA - EU
SpeedHSPA, LTE-A (CA), 5GHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat20 2000/200 Mbps, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1x 1, 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), glass backGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame
Dimensions160.8 x 72.5 x 8 mm (6.33 x 2.85 x 0.31 in)163.2 x 73.6 x 8.7 mm (6.43 x 2.90 x 0.34 in)
SIMDual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight188 g (6.63 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 (~88.8% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~90.3% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ), 800 nits (HDR), 1100 nits (peak)LTPO Fluid2 AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak)
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585)Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55
ChipsetQualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm)Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)
GPUAdreno 650Adreno 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 3.1UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesDual LED flash, HDR, panoramaLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, Hasselblad Color Calibration, dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/2.4, 52mm (telephoto), 1/3.4", 1.0µm, PDAF, 2x optical zoom 16 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro)48 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)
Single32 MP, f/2.4, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps; 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@30fps, gyro-EIS1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jack-No
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, 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, compass, color spectrumFingerprint (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 mAh, non-removableLi-Po 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsArctic Blue, Lunar GreyMorning Mist, Forest Green, Stellar Black
ModelsPENM00LE2121, LE2125, LE2123, LE2120, LE2127
PriceAbout 520 EUR€ 246.17 / $ 264.95 / £ 287.00
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 86h
Camera- Photo / Video
Loudspeaker- -24.1 LUFS (Very good)

Oppo Reno6 Pro+ 5G

  • Potentially more compact design
  • Competitive Snapdragon 870 performance
  • 65W fast wired charging

  • Lacks wireless charging
  • Less refined software experience (potentially)
  • Display likely inferior to OnePlus 9 Pro

OnePlus 9 Pro

  • Brighter, potentially LTPO AMOLED display
  • More powerful Snapdragon 888 chipset
  • Versatile charging options (wired, wireless, reverse wireless)

  • Larger and heavier form factor
  • Potentially more expensive (depending on current deals)
  • Software can be resource intensive

Display Comparison

The OnePlus 9 Pro clearly leads in display technology. Its measured peak brightness of 859 nits significantly surpasses what’s expected from the Reno6 Pro+, offering superior visibility in direct sunlight. While both likely utilize AMOLED panels, the OnePlus 9 Pro’s panel is likely LTPO, enabling variable refresh rates for improved power efficiency. The Reno6 Pro+’s display specs are less detailed, suggesting a standard AMOLED experience. Bezels are likely comparable, but the OnePlus 9 Pro’s higher resolution contributes to a sharper image.

Camera Comparison

Both phones are marketed as photography powerhouses, but details are sparse. The OnePlus 9 Pro’s camera system, developed in partnership with Hasselblad, likely prioritizes color accuracy and dynamic range. While both phones offer photo and video capabilities, the OnePlus 9 Pro’s larger sensor size (likely) and advanced image processing algorithms give it an edge in low-light performance and overall image quality. The Reno6 Pro+’s camera system is capable, but lacks the brand recognition and software optimization of the OnePlus 9 Pro. We can assume both have OIS on the main sensor.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets: the Oppo Reno6 Pro+ utilizes the Snapdragon 870 5G (7nm), while the OnePlus 9 Pro features the Snapdragon 888 5G (5nm). The 5nm process of the 888 offers improved thermal efficiency and transistor density compared to the 870’s 7nm node. This translates to potentially less throttling under sustained load, benefiting gamers and heavy multitaskers. The 888’s Cortex-X1 prime core also provides a performance edge over the 870’s Kryo 585. Both phones likely feature LPDDR5 RAM, but the 888’s superior GPU will deliver a more noticeable difference in graphics-intensive tasks.

Battery Life

Both devices achieve an endurance rating of 86 hours, suggesting comparable real-world battery life despite potential differences in battery capacity (not specified for the Reno6 Pro+). However, the OnePlus 9 Pro offers significantly 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+ is limited to 65W wired charging, lacking wireless charging capabilities. This makes the OnePlus 9 Pro more convenient for users who frequently utilize wireless charging or need to top up other devices.

Buying Guide

Buy the Oppo Reno6 Pro+ 5G if you prioritize a slightly more manageable size and are comfortable with a potentially less refined software experience. It’s a strong contender for users who want flagship-level performance without the bulk of larger phones. Buy the OnePlus 9 Pro if you value a brighter, more vibrant display, a more mature software ecosystem, and a consistently smooth user experience. It’s the better choice for power users, content creators, and those who demand the best possible multimedia experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 888 in the OnePlus 9 Pro suffer from overheating issues during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Snapdragon 888 is a powerful chip, it was known to run warmer than its predecessors. However, OnePlus implemented several thermal management solutions, including a vapor chamber cooling system, to mitigate overheating. While some throttling may occur during extremely demanding games, the OnePlus 9 Pro generally maintains stable performance for extended gaming sessions.
❓ How does the software experience differ between ColorOS on the Oppo Reno6 Pro+ and OxygenOS on the OnePlus 9 Pro?
OxygenOS, on the OnePlus 9 Pro, is generally regarded as a cleaner, more streamlined Android experience, closer to stock Android with useful additions. ColorOS, on the Reno6 Pro+, is more heavily customized with a wider range of features and visual tweaks. Some users may prefer the added functionality of ColorOS, while others may find it bloated or intrusive.
❓ Is the 65W charging on both phones equally effective, considering the OnePlus 9 Pro also has wireless charging?
Both phones utilize 65W SuperVOOC charging, delivering incredibly fast wired charging speeds. However, the OnePlus 9 Pro’s inclusion of 50W wireless charging and 5W reverse wireless charging adds significant convenience. While wired charging is faster, wireless charging offers a cable-free experience, and reverse wireless charging can be useful for topping up accessories.