Intro
The OnePlus 9R is the latest addition to the OnePlus smartphone lineup, offering a refined flagship experience. In this review, you'll discover the key differences between the OnePlus 9R and its predecessor, the OnePlus 8T, and gain valuable insights into whether the OnePlus 9R is a worthy investment.
Design
Differences in Design
The OnePlus 9R shares many similarities with its predecessor, the OnePlus 8T, particularly in weight and dimensions, providing a comfortable in-hand feel. However, notable differences lie in the updated back design, featuring new colors and a sleek camera cutout reminiscent of the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro. Furthermore, the absence of the "OnePlus" text on the back sets the 9R apart from the 8T, enhancing its modern aesthetic.
- Newer colors and sleek camera cutout
- Absence of "OnePlus" text on the back
- Aluminium frame and fast, accurate fingerprint scanner
Performance
The OnePlus 9R comes equipped with the Snapdragon 870 chipset, offering up to 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage. It's important to note that the Snapdragon 870 is essentially a rebranded version of the Snapdragon 865, with the main difference being the higher clock speed. This raises the question: does the Snapdragon 870's performance differ significantly from the Snapdragon 865?
Benchmark Scores
When comparing benchmark scores, the Snapdragon 870 outperforms the Snapdragon 865. The CPU scores of the 870 are marginally higher, indicating a slight performance advantage. Despite the similarities between the two chipsets, the higher clock speed of the 870 seems to make a noticeable difference in performance.
Battery Drain and Temperature
Conducting various tests, it was observed that the OnePlus 9R exhibited commendable performance in terms of battery drain and temperature regulation. During a gaming session playing COD Mobile at maximum brightness and graphics settings, the 9R demonstrated efficient battery management with only a 19% drain, compared to 22% on the 8T. Additionally, the 9R maintained lower temperatures, peaking at around 38 degrees, while the 8T reached approximately 40-41 degrees.
Thermal Optimization
The OnePlus 9R's thermal performance was notably better than the OnePlus 9, showcasing improved thermal management and optimization. Users reported that the 9R did not exhibit excessive heating, even during demanding tasks, in contrast to the heating issues experienced with the OnePlus 9. Furthermore, the CPU throttling test revealed that the Snapdragon 888 in the OnePlus 9 throttled to 70% of its maximum performance, while the 870 in the 9R throttled to 95%, showcasing superior thermal efficiency.
Display
When comparing the OnePlus 9R's display to that of the 8T, the 9R's screen appears slightly brighter and exhibits more accurate colors. Despite sharing the same 120Hz Fluid AMOLED panel and Gorilla Glass 5 protection with similar bezels and punch hole design as the 8T, the 9R's display offers an enhanced visual experience, making it a notable improvement over its predecessor.
Key Features
- 120Hz Fluid AMOLED panel
- Brighter display with accurate colors
- Gorilla Glass 5 protection
Camera
Although the OnePlus 9R shares the same camera specifications as the 8T, the performance of its cameras remains largely unchanged. Comparing photos taken with both devices in various lighting conditions revealed minimal differences, indicating a lack of significant upgrades in the 9R's camera performance. While the main camera captures photos with good natural colors and commendable dynamic range, there are occasional shortcomings in terms of detail and softness. In low-light conditions, the 9R's night mode effectively enhances photo detail and exposure, albeit with occasional white balance inconsistencies. The ultra-wide-angle lens, while usable, exhibits noticeable distortion around the edges, potentially impacting overall image quality.
Video Capabilities
The OnePlus 9R's video recording capabilities feature optical image stabilization (OIS), ensuring stable footage even during swift movements. The recorded videos exhibit sharpness, albeit with slightly heightened contrast. Additionally, the front-facing camera captures selfies with good exposure in the viewfinder, although the final images may appear overly processed and brighter than expected.
Battery
The OnePlus 9R features the same battery specifications and charging capabilities as the OnePlus 8T. With the screen set to 120Hz, users can expect a screen-on time of approximately four and a half to five hours, as demonstrated by various screen shots. While the battery performance is satisfactory, it does not offer exceptional longevity. However, the 65W charger delivers rapid charging, efficiently taking the phone from 10 to 100 percent in around 35 minutes, ensuring minimal downtime.
Software
The OnePlus 9R runs on OxygenOS 11, based on Android 11, providing a clean and bloatware-free user experience. The absence of unnecessary pre-installed apps enhances the overall usability of the device. Additionally, the phone offers support for NFC, enabling convenient contactless transactions and connectivity with compatible devices. Notably, the OnePlus 9R also boasts support for carrier aggregation, ensuring seamless network connectivity. Through testing with Vodafone, Airtel, and Jio, the device demonstrated compatibility with multiple frequencies, indicating reliable network performance across various carriers. Furthermore, the device features support for 5G connectivity, with the inclusion of the N78 5G band.
Connectivity
The OnePlus 9R offers commendable connectivity features, with support for carrier aggregation across multiple networks, including Vodafone, Airtel, and Jio. This ensures reliable network performance and seamless connectivity across various carriers. Additionally, the device boasts support for 5G connectivity, featuring the inclusion of the N78 5G band. While the 5G band may be limited, it aligns with the standards of most 5G phones in India, providing users with access to the latest network technology.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the OnePlus 9R presents itself as a compelling choice for users seeking a well-rounded smartphone experience within a budget of 40k. With enhancements in design, display, performance, and price compared to its predecessor, the OnePlus 9R offers a refined flagship experience. Furthermore, the absence of heating issues, often associated with the Snapdragon 888 in the OnePlus 9, positions the 9R as a reliable and efficient option. While the 9R may not offer a complete flagship package, it stands as a solid choice for users prioritizing value and performance. However, for those willing to invest a little more for a comprehensive flagship experience, exploring higher-end options may be worthwhile.
FAQ
Are there significant differences between the OnePlus 9R and the OnePlus 8T?
- What are the key performance differences between the Snapdragon 870 in the OnePlus 9R and the Snapdragon 865 in the OnePlus 8T?
- Does the OnePlus 9R exhibit any heating issues, particularly in comparison to the OnePlus 9?
- How does the battery life of the OnePlus 9R compare to its predecessor, the OnePlus 8T?
- What are the notable improvements in the display of the OnePlus 9R compared to the OnePlus 8T?
- Are there any significant upgrades in the camera performance of the OnePlus 9R compared to the OnePlus 8T?
