The OnePlus 9RT 5G and vivo S9 represent compelling options in the mid-range smartphone market, but cater to slightly different priorities. The 9RT, leveraging Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 888, aims for raw power, while the vivo S9 focuses on a balanced experience with MediaTek’s Dimensity 1100. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing peak performance and faster charging, the OnePlus 9RT 5G is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 888 chipset delivers a noticeable performance edge, and the 65W charging significantly reduces downtime. However, the vivo S9 remains a strong contender for those seeking a well-rounded experience at a potentially lower price point.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - Global |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 78 SA/NSA - Global |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/200 Mbps, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, March 03 | 2021, October 13 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, March 12 | Available. Released 2021, October 19 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 158.4 x 73.9 x 7.4 mm (6.24 x 2.91 x 0.29 in) | 162.2 x 74.6 x 8.3 mm (6.39 x 2.94 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 173 g (6.10 oz) | 198.5 g (7.02 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~397 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.44 inches, 100.1 cm2 (~85.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.62 inches, 106.3 cm2 (~87.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+ | AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+ |
| | - | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.6 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) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 1100 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G77 MC9 | Adreno 660 |
| OS | Android 11, OriginOS 1.0 | 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 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| | UFS 3.1 | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 44 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF
8 MP, f/2.3, 105˚ (ultrawide) | - |
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | 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 |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, Auto HDR, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Dual | 44 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF
8 MP, f/2.3, 105˚ (ultrawide) | - |
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a) |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 66% in 30 min | 65W wired, 100% in 29 min |
| Type | 4000 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Gradient Blue | Hacker Black, Nano Silver, Blue |
| Models | V2072A | MT2110, MT2111 |
| Price | About 390 EUR | About 590 EUR |
vivo S9
- Faster Snapdragon 888 processor
- 65W SuperVOOC charging for rapid refills
- Potentially better camera image processing
- May run hotter under sustained load
- Potentially higher price point
OnePlus 9RT 5G
- Balanced performance with Dimensity 1100
- Sleek and stylish design (based on vivo’s brand image)
- Potentially more affordable
- Slower 33W charging
- Less powerful processor for demanding tasks
Display Comparison
While both phones likely feature AMOLED panels (based on market positioning), specific details like peak brightness and refresh rates are missing. However, the core difference lies in the chipsets powering the displays. The Snapdragon 888 in the 9RT has a more powerful ISP, potentially leading to better image processing for display output. Bezels are likely comparable given the similar target market. Color accuracy will depend on software calibration, a factor not specified in the provided data.
Camera Comparison
Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct camera comparison is limited. However, the Snapdragon 888’s superior ISP in the OnePlus 9RT 5G offers more advanced image processing capabilities, including better noise reduction and dynamic range. This translates to potentially sharper and more detailed photos, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The 9RT’s ISP also supports faster autofocus and more sophisticated computational photography features. The vivo S9 likely relies on MediaTek’s image signal processor, which is capable but generally lags behind Qualcomm’s offerings.
Performance
The OnePlus 9RT 5G’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5nm) demonstrably outperforms the vivo S9’s MediaTek Dimensity 1100 (6nm) in raw CPU and GPU power. The Snapdragon 888’s Cortex-X1 prime core, clocked at 2.84 GHz, provides a significant advantage over the Dimensity 1100’s Cortex-A78 cores at 2.6 GHz. The 5nm fabrication process of the Snapdragon 888 also contributes to better thermal efficiency, potentially mitigating throttling during sustained workloads. While the Dimensity 1100 is no slouch, the 9RT is the superior choice for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. The 9RT likely utilizes LPDDR5 RAM, further enhancing performance compared to the S9's likely LPDDR4X.
Battery Life
The vivo S9’s 33W charging is significantly slower than the OnePlus 9RT 5G’s 65W charging. The 9RT can reach 100% charge in just 29 minutes, while the S9 takes approximately 30 minutes to reach 66%. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging of the 9RT is a major convenience factor. The Snapdragon 888’s 5nm process also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially offsetting any capacity difference. Users who frequently top up their phones will greatly benefit from the 9RT’s charging speed.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo S9 if you need a reliable daily driver with a good balance of features and a focus on design. It’s ideal for social media users, casual gamers, and those who value a sleek aesthetic. Buy the OnePlus 9RT 5G if you prioritize gaming, demanding applications, and rapid charging. It’s the better choice for power users and anyone who frequently pushes their phone to its limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 888 in the OnePlus 9RT 5G overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 888 is known to generate heat under sustained load. However, the OnePlus 9RT 5G likely incorporates thermal management solutions like vapor chamber cooling to mitigate throttling. While some heat is expected, it shouldn't significantly impact performance for most gaming scenarios. The 5nm process helps compared to earlier Snapdragon generations.
❓ Is the Dimensity 1100 in the vivo S9 capable of running demanding games like Genshin Impact?
The Dimensity 1100 can run Genshin Impact, but you may need to lower graphics settings to maintain a stable frame rate. It’s not as powerful as the Snapdragon 888, so expect some compromises in visual fidelity. The experience will be playable, but not optimal for users seeking the highest possible graphics settings.
❓ How does the charging speed difference impact daily use between the two phones?
The 65W charging on the OnePlus 9RT 5G is a game-changer for users who frequently need to top up their battery. A quick 10-minute charge can provide hours of usage, while the vivo S9’s 33W charging requires a significantly longer time to achieve a similar level of charge. This difference is particularly noticeable for users with busy lifestyles.
