OnePlus 9 Pro 5G: In the fast-paced world of smartphones, where new models seem to launch every other week, it’s rare for a device to maintain its relevance beyond a few months. Yet, the OnePlus 9 Pro 5G, released in March 2021, continues to hold its ground as a formidable contender in the flagship smartphone market. As we approach the end of 2024, let’s take a fresh look at this device and see how it stacks up against the latest offerings.
Design That Stands the Test of Time
The OnePlus 9 Pro 5G’s design philosophy of “burdenless design” has aged remarkably well. Its sleek glass and metal construction, with the signature alert slider, still feels premium in hand. The device’s dimensions (163.2 x 73.6 x 8.7 mm) strike a balance between screen real estate and ergonomics, making it comfortable for extended use.
Available in Morning Mist, Pine Green, and Stellar Black, the color options remain tasteful and timeless. The frosted glass back, which resists fingerprints, has proven durable over time, maintaining its aesthetic appeal even after years of use.
Display: Still a Visual Treat
The 6.7-inch Fluid AMOLED display, with its 120Hz refresh rate and 1440 x 3216 pixel resolution, continues to impress. The adaptive refresh rate, which can drop as low as 1Hz for static content, has helped many users squeeze extra battery life out of their devices.
HDR10+ support and a peak brightness of 1300 nits ensure that content remains vibrant and visible even in bright sunlight. The LTPO technology, which was cutting-edge at the time of release, is now a standard feature in many flagship phones, showcasing OnePlus’s forward-thinking approach.
Performance: Holding Its Own
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G chipset, the OnePlus 9 Pro 5G still delivers snappy performance for most tasks. While newer chips offer incremental improvements, the 888’s octa-core CPU (1×2.84 GHz Kryo 680 & 3×2.42 GHz Kryo 680 & 4×1.80 GHz Kryo 680) and Adreno 660 GPU continue to handle demanding applications and games with ease.
The device’s 8GB/128GB and 12GB/256GB configurations provide ample RAM and storage for multitasking and media storage. The UFS 3.1 storage, while no longer the latest standard, still offers rapid app loading and file transfer speeds.
Camera System: Hasselblad’s Lasting Impact
The partnership with Hasselblad, which began with the OnePlus 9 series, has stood the test of time. The quad-camera setup remains competitive:
- 48 MP main sensor (f/1.8, 23mm, 1/1.43″, 1.12µm)
- 50 MP ultrawide lens (f/2.2, 14mm, 1/1.56″, 1.0µm)
- 8 MP telephoto lens (f/2.4, 77mm, 1/4.4″, 1.0µm)
- 2 MP depth sensor
The Natural Color Calibration with Hasselblad has ensured that photos maintain a natural, true-to-life color profile. While newer phones may boast higher megapixel counts or more advanced AI features, the OnePlus 9 Pro 5G still captures stunning images, especially in well-lit conditions.
The 16 MP front-facing camera continues to deliver sharp selfies and smooth video calls, a feature that has become increasingly important in our hybrid work environments.
Battery Life and Charging: Still Leading the Pack
The 4500 mAh battery, coupled with OxygenOS’s optimization, provides all-day battery life for most users. But it’s in the charging department where the OnePlus 9 Pro 5G continues to shine.
The 65W Warp Charge technology, which can fully charge the device in about 30 minutes, remains one of the fastest charging solutions on the market. The 50W wireless charging capability is still faster than many competitors’ wired charging options.
Software: The OxygenOS Evolution
Originally launched with OxygenOS 11 based on Android 11, the OnePlus 9 Pro 5G has received consistent updates. As of 2024, it runs on OxygenOS 14, based on Android 14, thanks to OnePlus’s commitment to three years of major Android updates.
The evolution of OxygenOS has brought new features and optimizations, keeping the device feeling fresh. However, some long-time OnePlus fans have expressed mixed feelings about the closer integration with OPPO’s ColorOS, a move that began in 2021.
5G Connectivity: Future-Proofed
The OnePlus 9 Pro 5G’s support for multiple 5G bands has ensured that users can take advantage of high-speed networks as they’ve rolled out globally. This future-proofing has been a key factor in the device’s longevity.
Market Position in 2024
As newer flagships have entered the market, the OnePlus 9 Pro 5G has naturally seen a price reduction, making it an attractive option for those seeking flagship features at a more accessible price point. It competes with mid-range devices in terms of pricing while offering many high-end features.
However, it faces stiff competition from newer models that boast more advanced AI capabilities, higher refresh rate displays, and more versatile camera systems. The lack of a periscope zoom lens, which has become common in newer flagships, is one area where the OnePlus 9 Pro 5G shows its age.
User Experience: A Community Favorite
The OnePlus community, known for its passion and engagement, continues to support the OnePlus 9 Pro 5G. Many users report satisfaction with their devices, citing the balanced feature set, consistent performance, and the value proposition it now offers at its reduced price point.
Custom ROM development remains active for the device, providing options for users who prefer a more customizable experience or want to extend the life of their phone beyond official software support.
Environmental Impact and Longevity
In an era of increasing environmental awareness, the OnePlus 9 Pro 5G’s ability to remain relevant and functional years after its release is noteworthy. This longevity contributes to reducing electronic waste and aligns with growing consumer desires for more sustainable tech products.
Conclusion: A Testament to Thoughtful Design
The OnePlus 9 Pro 5G’s continued relevance in the smartphone market is a testament to OnePlus’s thoughtful design and feature implementation. While it may not boast the latest and greatest specifications, its balanced approach to performance, camera quality, and user experience ensures that it remains a viable option for many users.
For those in the market for a high-performance smartphone that doesn’t break the bank, the OnePlus 9 Pro 5G presents a compelling case. It serves as a reminder that a well-designed device can stand the test of time, even in the rapidly evolving world of mobile technology.
As we look to the future, the OnePlus 9 Pro 5G sets a benchmark for longevity that newer models will be measured against. It challenges the notion of yearly upgrade cycles and showcases the value of investing in a device that’s built to last.