The problem is, its not any cheaper.
If you compare the specs, then on paper, the OnePlus and the Galaxy look very similar.
But theres one standout feature: a collaboration with iconic Swedish camera maker Hasselblad.
OnePlus
“Hasselblad is synonymous with quality and performance for photo imaging.
According to reviews, the new OnePlus flagship models are also a lot better made than previous models.
The 9, then, is not just a budget option anymore.
OnePlus
It is now in direct competition.
There are two new handsets: the 9 and the 9 Pro.
Software-wise, OnePlus doesnt compare to the iPhone.
OnePlus
You cant switch from one to the other and bring your purchased apps with you, for example.
Plus, iOS and Android are significantly different in the way they work and how they feel.
This lock-in is a big advantage for Apple because it discourages switching.
So, is the OnePlus 9s hardware good enough to tempt iPhone users?
The Camera
The big news in the OnePlus 9 Pro is the “Hasselblad” camera.
This is the first fruit of a partnership between OnePlus and the iconic Swedish camera maker.
Then theres a 50 megapixel ultra-wide camera and a 3.3x telephoto.
But what, if anything, doesHasselbladhave to do with this?
Hardware-wise, not much.
Hasselblads contribution is in the software and the sensor calibration.
The result ismore natural-looking colors, compared to the TV-showroom-style over-saturation of most other Android phones.
And yet, despite all these impressive specs and collaborations, the camera doesnt impress.
Or rather, its just fine.
The VergesDieter Bohn saysthat it can over-process images and that the optical zoom is “weak.”
The Screen
The best part of the OnePlus 9 and 9 Plus might be the screen.
It reaches from edge to edge with a cute curve that really makes it seem like an infinity pool.
Instead of an iPhone-style notch, it has a circular cutout.
This punch-hole camera is on the top right, where its less intrusive than the Galaxys central hole.
The screen is a real one-up on the iPhone 12.
This is the technology used by the Apple Watch to enable its always-on display.
It also has a higher resolution than the iPhone.
“The OnePlus 9 pro has the best resolution of 3,2161,440 pixels.”
The iPhone 12 and 12 Pro both have a 2,532-by-1,170 resolution.
Thats quite a difference, but in most cases, will be hard to notice.
What Could the iPhone 13 Take From the OnePlus 9?
The smartphone world is so mature that any changes tend to be minor improvements rather than significant new features.
The next iPhone also could benefit from having both FaceID and a fingerprint reader.
Thats not just handy for mask wearers.
Its also sometimes more convenient or more secure to use TouchID.
But the feature Id really love to see on the iPhone 13 is a small one.
OnePlus phones have a neat, three-way ringer switch.
This lets you quickly select not only ringer or mute, but also to toggle vibration alerts.
