OnePlus 9R

The OnePlus 9R is part of OnePlus’s lineup, which is known for offering high-quality smartphones with a focus on performance and user experience. The OnePlus 9R is positioned as a more affordable alternative within the OnePlus 9 series. Here’s an in-depth review of the OnePlus 9R:

Overview:

Launched in 2021, the OnePlus 9R aims to provide users with a combination of solid performance, camera capabilities, and design aesthetics at a more competitive price point compared to the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 11, with OnePlus’s OxygenOS on top.
  2. Display: 6.55-inch Fluid AMOLED with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 870.
  4. Memory: Options of 8/12 GB RAM with 128/256 GB internal storage.
  5. Camera: Quad rear camera setup – 48 MP primary sensor, 16 MP ultrawide lens, 5 MP macro camera, and a 2 MP monochrome sensor. The front camera is a 16 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 4500 mAh non-removable battery with 65W fast charging (Warp Charge 65T).
  7. Other Features: In-display fingerprint scanner, 5G connectivity, USB Type-C port, and stereo speakers.

Pros:

  1. Display: The 120Hz Fluid AMOLED ensures a smooth user experience, making scrolling and animations feel fluid, combined with vibrant colors and deep blacks.
  2. Performance: The Snapdragon 870 chipset provides flagship-level performance for everyday tasks and gaming.
  3. Fast Charging: The 65W Warp Charge can charge the device from 0 to 100% in just about 40 minutes.
  4. OxygenOS: Known for its clean and user-friendly interface, OxygenOS offers a near-stock Android experience with added features and customizations.
  5. Value for Money: Given its specifications, the device offers excellent value, especially when compared to other phones in the OnePlus 9 series.

Cons:

  1. Camera: While the camera setup is decent, it doesn’t match the performance of the more premium OnePlus 9 or 9 Pro.
  2. Lack of Wireless Charging: Unlike the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro, the 9R doesn’t support wireless charging.
  3. No Official IP Rating: The device lacks an official IP rating for water and dust resistance.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the OnePlus 9R faced competition from:

  • Samsung Galaxy S20 FE: Offering a 120Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 865, and a versatile camera setup.
  • Vivo X60: Featuring a 120Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 870, and a Zeiss-branded camera setup.
  • Mi 11X: With its 120Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 870, and a 48 MP primary camera.

Launch Date:

The OnePlus 9R was announced in March 2021.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Updates: Some users reported delays in receiving software updates compared to other OnePlus devices.
  2. Camera Processing: While the hardware is decent, some users felt the camera software processing could be inconsistent, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
  3. Heating Issues: Some users reported the device getting warm during extended gaming sessions or while using the camera for prolonged periods.

Conclusion:

The OnePlus 9R is a commendable offering in the premium mid-range segment, especially for users who prioritize performance and display quality. With its 120Hz AMOLED display, flagship-level performance, and fast charging, it provides a balanced smartphone experience for its price. While there are certain areas where compromises are evident, such as the camera performance and lack of wireless charging, the overall package is compelling for those seeking a balance between features, performance, and price. For users who want a OnePlus experience without the flagship price tag, the OnePlus 9R is a strong contender.

OnePlus 9

Oneplus 9
Oneplus 9

The OnePlus 9 was a significant release for OnePlus, emphasizing its partnership with Hasselblad for camera improvements. Here’s an in-depth review of the OnePlus 9:

Overview:

Launched in 2021, the OnePlus 9 was part of OnePlus’s continued effort to offer flagship-level specifications and features at a competitive price point. The device, alongside its Pro sibling, was particularly marketed for its camera capabilities, thanks to a partnership with the renowned camera brand, Hasselblad.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 11, overlaid with OnePlus’s OxygenOS 11.
  2. Display: 6.55-inch Fluid AMOLED with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, supporting a 120Hz refresh rate.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888.
  4. Memory: Options of 8/12 GB RAM with 128/256 GB internal storage.
  5. Camera: Triple rear camera setup – 48 MP primary sensor, 50 MP ultrawide lens, and a 2 MP monochrome sensor. A 16 MP front camera. The camera system was co-developed with Hasselblad, emphasizing color accuracy and improvements in software processing.
  6. Battery: 4500 mAh non-removable battery with Warp Charge 65T fast charging.
  7. Other Features: In-display fingerprint scanner, 5G connectivity, stereo speakers, and an aluminum frame.

Pros:

  1. Performance: The Snapdragon 888, combined with OxygenOS, ensured top-tier performance, making the device suitable for everything from daily tasks to gaming.
  2. Display: The 120Hz Fluid AMOLED display offered vibrant colors, deep blacks, and smooth animations.
  3. Fast Charging: Warp Charge 65T provided a rapid charging experience, with the ability to charge the device from 1% to 100% in around 29 minutes.
  4. Camera Improvements: The partnership with Hasselblad brought noticeable improvements in color accuracy and overall image processing.
  5. OxygenOS: Known for its near-stock experience, speed, and customization features, OxygenOS was a highlight for many users.

Cons:

  1. Lack of Telephoto Lens: Unlike its Pro sibling, the OnePlus 9 lacked a dedicated telephoto lens.
  2. No Official IP Rating: While the device had some form of water resistance, it lacked an official IP rating for water and dust resistance (except for T-Mobile’s variant in the US).
  3. Plastic Frame: The frame, although looking metallic, was made of plastic, which felt less premium compared to the Pro version.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2021, the OnePlus 9 faced competition from various flagship devices:

  • Samsung Galaxy S21: Samsung’s flagship with its Dynamic AMOLED display, versatile camera system, and One UI software.
  • iPhone 12: Apple’s offering with its A14 Bionic chip, OLED display, and iOS ecosystem.
  • Google Pixel 5: Known for its clean software, consistent updates, and camera capabilities.

Launch Date:

The OnePlus 9 was announced in March 2021 and released later that month.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Camera Expectations: While the Hasselblad partnership brought improvements, some users felt the camera system still lagged behind some competitors, especially in terms of versatility.
  2. Heating Issues: Some users reported the device getting warm, especially during intensive tasks or prolonged camera usage.
  3. Software Bugs: As with any device, some users encountered occasional software glitches, though OnePlus was relatively quick with updates to address reported issues.

Conclusion:

The OnePlus 9 continued the brand’s tradition of offering high-end specifications at a competitive price point. With its focus on camera improvements through the Hasselblad partnership, it aimed to address one of the longstanding criticisms of OnePlus devices. While it made strides in this area, some felt there was still room for improvement. Overall, the OnePlus 9 offered a balanced package of performance, design, and features, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a flagship experience without the highest flagship price.

OnePlus 8T

OnePlus 8T
OnePlus 8T

The OnePlus 8T is a notable release from OnePlus, building upon the foundation set by the OnePlus 8 and introducing several enhancements. Here’s an in-depth review of the OnePlus 8T:

Overview:

Launched in late 2020, the OnePlus 8T was positioned between the OnePlus 8 and the OnePlus 8 Pro, offering a blend of features from both. With a focus on fast charging, a smooth display, and a refined software experience, the 8T aimed to solidify OnePlus’s position in the premium smartphone segment.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 11, with OxygenOS 11 on top.
  2. Display: 6.55-inch Fluid AMOLED with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, boasting a 120Hz refresh rate.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865.
  4. Memory: Options of 8/12 GB RAM with 128/256 GB UFS 3.1 internal storage.
  5. Camera: Quad rear camera setup – 48 MP primary sensor, 16 MP ultrawide lens, 5 MP macro sensor, and a 2 MP monochrome sensor. The front camera is a 16 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 4500 mAh non-removable battery with an impressive 65W Warp Charge, promising a 0 to 58% charge in just 15 minutes and 0 to 100% in 39 minutes.
  7. Other Features: In-display fingerprint scanner, stereo speakers, 5G connectivity, and an aluminum frame.

Pros:

  1. Fast Charging: The 65W Warp Charge is one of the device’s standout features, ensuring ultra-rapid battery top-ups.
  2. Display: The 120Hz Fluid AMOLED display provides a buttery-smooth and vibrant viewing experience.
  3. Performance: Powered by the Snapdragon 865, the device offers top-tier performance, suitable for everything from multitasking to gaming.
  4. OxygenOS: Widely praised for its speed, customization options, and near-stock experience.
  5. Build and Design: The device offers a premium feel with its glass back and aluminum frame.

Cons:

  1. Camera Performance: While the camera setup is versatile, it might not be the best in its class, especially when compared to more premium flagships.
  2. Lack of Wireless Charging: Unlike the OnePlus 8 Pro, the 8T does not support wireless charging.
  3. Lack of Official IP Rating: While OnePlus claimed the phone had some form of water and dust resistance, it didn’t come with an official IP rating.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the OnePlus 8T faced competition from:

  • Samsung Galaxy S20 FE: Offering a 120Hz AMOLED display, versatile camera setup, and wireless charging.
  • Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro: With its 144Hz IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 865, and 108 MP primary camera.
  • Google Pixel 5: Known for its stock Android experience, excellent camera software processing, and compact size.

Launch Date:

The OnePlus 8T was announced in October 2020.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Camera Inconsistencies: Some users found the camera software processing to be inconsistent, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
  2. Thermal Management: A few users reported the device getting warm during extended gaming or high-performance tasks.
  3. OxygenOS 11 Controversies: While OxygenOS is generally well-received, the 11th iteration brought some design changes that weren’t universally loved.

Conclusion:

The OnePlus 8T is a testament to OnePlus’s commitment to delivering a premium experience at a relatively more accessible price point. It offers a combination of features and performance that challenges many flagship devices in the market. While there are areas that could be improved, especially in the camera department, the overall package is compelling for those seeking a high-end experience without the traditionally high-end price tag. The device further solidified OnePlus’s position in the premium smartphone market.

OnePlus Nord

The OnePlus Nord marked OnePlus’s return to the more affordable segment after their main series started inching towards the premium price range. Here’s an in-depth review of the OnePlus Nord:

Overview:

Introduced in 2020, the OnePlus Nord was a significant release for OnePlus, aiming to capture the mid-range market while offering a near-flagship experience. It was seen as a return to the company’s “flagship killer” roots, providing excellent value for its price.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 10, overlaid with OnePlus’s OxygenOS 10.
  2. Display: 6.44-inch Fluid AMOLED with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, supporting a 90Hz refresh rate.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G, ensuring 5G connectivity and decent performance.
  4. Memory: Options of 6/8/12 GB RAM with 64/128/256 GB internal storage.
  5. Camera: Quad rear camera setup – 48 MP primary sensor, 8 MP ultrawide lens, 5 MP depth sensor, and a 2 MP macro sensor. Dual front camera setup with a 32 MP main sensor and an 8 MP ultrawide sensor.
  6. Battery: 4115 mAh non-removable battery with Warp Charge 30T fast charging.
  7. Other Features: In-display fingerprint scanner, 5G connectivity, and Gorilla Glass 5 protection.

Pros:

  1. Value for Money: The Nord offered a compelling package of features and performance for its price point.
  2. Display: The 90Hz Fluid AMOLED display provided a smooth experience, vibrant colors, and deep blacks.
  3. OxygenOS: OnePlus’s software experience continued to be a highlight, offering a clean, near-stock Android experience with added features and optimizations.
  4. 5G Connectivity: The Snapdragon 765G ensured that the device was future-proofed with 5G capabilities.
  5. Camera Capabilities: The versatile camera setup, especially the primary 48 MP sensor, delivered good results for its price range.

Cons:

  1. No IP Rating: While OnePlus claimed the device had some water resistance, it lacked an official IP rating.
  2. No Expandable Storage: The Nord did not feature a microSD card slot for storage expansion.
  3. Plastic Frame: While the device had a glass back and front, the frame was made of plastic, which felt less premium compared to metal frames.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2020, the OnePlus Nord faced competition from various mid-range devices:

  • Samsung Galaxy A51: Samsung’s mid-range offering with a Super AMOLED display and a versatile camera system.
  • Realme X50: Known for its performance, high-refresh-rate display, and competitive pricing.
  • Google Pixel 4a: Offering a clean software experience, consistent updates, and excellent camera capabilities at a similar price point.

Launch Date:

The OnePlus Nord was announced in July 2020 and released later that month.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Macro and Depth Sensors: Some users felt that the macro and depth sensors were not very useful and would have preferred other features or better primary camera hardware.
  2. Software Bugs: As with many devices, some users encountered occasional software glitches, but OnePlus was relatively quick with updates to address reported issues.
  3. Battery Life: While the battery life was generally decent, the combination of 5G and the 90Hz display could lead to faster drain under heavy use.

Conclusion:

The OnePlus Nord was a strategic move by OnePlus to capture a segment of the market that wanted a premium experience without the flagship price. It successfully combined many of the features and qualities that users loved about OnePlus devices, such as the display and software experience, while making necessary compromises to achieve its price point. Overall, the Nord was well-received and further solidified OnePlus’s reputation for delivering value-packed devices.