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 landscape. Both launched as premium devices, but the Reno6 Pro+ aimed for a more value-focused approach while the OnePlus 9 Pro positioned itself as a no-compromise flagship. Now, with price drops, the lines are blurred, making a direct comparison crucial for discerning buyers.
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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 OnePlus 9 Pro’s Snapdragon 888 provides a performance edge, coupled with a brighter, more refined display. The Reno6 Pro+ remains a compelling option for those prioritizing value.

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, 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, 5GHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat20 2000/200 Mbps, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 -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)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· 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 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesColor spectrum sensor, Dual-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 (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)
Single-16 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 -No
35mm jackNoNo
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, 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
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

  • Faster CPU clock speed (potentially better for burst workloads)
  • Excellent 65W wired charging
  • Generally more affordable

  • Snapdragon 870 is less powerful than the 888
  • Display likely lacks LTPO and peak brightness
  • Limited wireless charging options

OnePlus 9 Pro

  • More powerful Snapdragon 888 chipset
  • Brighter and potentially more color-accurate display
  • 50W wireless and 5W reverse wireless charging

  • Generally more expensive
  • Snapdragon 888 can run hotter under sustained load
  • Software updates may be less frequent than Oppo

Display Comparison

The OnePlus 9 Pro boasts a notably brighter display, reaching a measured 859 nits. While the Reno6 Pro+’s display specs aren’t provided, OnePlus’s panel offers superior visibility in direct sunlight. The OnePlus 9 Pro’s display technology likely incorporates LTPO, enabling variable refresh rates for improved efficiency, a feature not confirmed for the Reno6 Pro+. The OnePlus 9 Pro’s display is geared towards a more immersive and visually accurate experience.

Camera Comparison

Both devices are marketed as having strong photo and video capabilities, but detailed sensor information is limited. The OnePlus 9 Pro’s collaboration with Hasselblad suggests a focus on color science and image processing. Without specific sensor size or aperture details for the Reno6 Pro+, it’s difficult to make a direct comparison. However, the OnePlus 9 Pro’s likely larger main sensor and advanced image processing algorithms will likely result in superior low-light performance and dynamic range. The Reno6 Pro+ may excel in specific scenarios, but the OnePlus 9 Pro offers a more consistent and refined camera experience.

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 power efficiency and thermal performance compared to the 7nm 870. The 888’s Cortex-X1 prime core (2.84 GHz) provides a significant performance boost over the 870’s Kryo 585 (3.2 GHz), particularly in single-core tasks. While the 870 is no slouch, the 888 delivers a more responsive and capable experience for demanding applications and gaming. Both phones likely utilize LPDDR5 RAM, but the 888’s superior architecture will maximize its potential.

Battery Life

Both phones share an endurance rating of 86 hours, indicating similar real-world battery life despite potentially different battery capacities. The key differentiator is charging speed. Both support 65W wired charging, achieving a full charge in approximately 29 minutes for the OnePlus 9 Pro. However, the OnePlus 9 Pro adds 50W wireless charging (43 minutes to full) and 5W reverse wireless charging, offering greater versatility. The Reno6 Pro+’s 65W wired charging is excellent, but lacks the wireless options of the OnePlus 9 Pro.

Buying Guide

Buy the Oppo Reno6 Pro+ 5G if you need a powerful phone with incredibly fast charging at a significantly lower price point. It’s ideal for users who prioritize quick top-ups and don’t necessarily demand the absolute peak performance. Buy the OnePlus 9 Pro if you prefer a more polished overall experience, a brighter and more color-accurate display, and the extra processing power of the Snapdragon 888, especially if you’re a demanding gamer or content creator.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 888 in the OnePlus 9 Pro suffer from overheating issues during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 888 is known to generate more heat than the 870. However, OnePlus implemented a multi-layered cooling system in the 9 Pro, including vapor chamber cooling, to mitigate thermal throttling. While some heat is expected during extended gaming, the 9 Pro generally manages temperatures well enough to maintain consistent performance.
❓ How does the image processing differ between the Oppo Reno6 Pro+ and the OnePlus 9 Pro, considering the Hasselblad partnership?
OnePlus’s collaboration with Hasselblad focused on improving color accuracy and natural-looking image processing. The 9 Pro aims for a more realistic and less overly-saturated look compared to some other smartphone cameras. The Reno6 Pro+ likely employs Oppo’s own image processing algorithms, which may prioritize vibrant colors and sharper details, appealing to a different aesthetic preference.
❓ Is the 65W charging on both phones compatible with Power Delivery (PD) chargers?
The OnePlus 9 Pro explicitly supports PD charging alongside its proprietary 65W standard. The Reno6 Pro+’s PD compatibility isn’t explicitly stated, but it’s likely to support it to some degree, allowing for faster charging with compatible PD chargers, though potentially not at the full 65W speed.