As 2020 draws to a close, two of the world’s biggest smartphone manufacturers have launched their premium flagship devices. We are talking about Google with its Pixel 5 and OnePlus with the OnePlus 9.
The Pixel 5 is Google’s fifth iteration in its flagship phone line-up and comes equipped with the latest hardware and software. On the other hand, the OnePlus 9 is the latest flagship device from OnePlus that features top-of-the-line specs.
Google Pixel 5
The Google Pixel 5 is not the flagship pixel phone we were expecting. This mid-level model has a Snapdragon 765G chipset, 8GB RAM, and 128GB storage – perfect for light to moderate users. The back has two cameras and a fingerprint sensor, while at the front lies a 6-inch OLED screen with 90Hz refresh rate and 8MP selfie camera. Battery life should be good considering it’s powered by a 4080mAh battery and Android 11 as its OS. In terms of price, all these features come together at an affordable $700 tag.
OnePlus 9
The OnePlus 9 is an impressively powerful phone with a gorgeous 6.5-inch OLED display, offering an impressive 120 Hz refresh rate and a 20:9 ratio for optimised multi-tasking. The device packs Qualcomm’s latest powerhouse Snapdragon 888 chipset, accompanied with 8 or 12 GB of RAM and 128 or 256 GB of storage space respectively, leaving users with plenty of power to work and play on their device. With its quad camera setup, consisting of a 48MP main snapper and 50MP ultra-wide camera, the OnePlus 9 has everything it needs to make capturing stunning photos a breeze.
So how do these two phones compare when it comes down to design, battery life, display, hardware, software, camera, and price ? Let us take a look at each one individually.
Design
When it comes to design, both phones come with similar looking designs. They both have glass backs and an aluminum frame. The Pixel 5 has a more rectangular look compared to the curved edges of the OnePlus 9.
Both phones also have a fingerprint scanner on the back but the Pixel 5 has its sensor embedded into the power button while the OnePlus has its sensor on the front.
Display
When it comes to displays, both phones have large 6.5-inch OLED panels with HDR10+ compatibility. However, the Pixel 5 has a higher resolution of 1080×2340 pixels compared to the 1080×2400 pixels of the OnePlus 9.
The Pixel 5 also offers a 90Hz refresh rate while the OnePlus 9 can go up to 120Hz.
Battery Life
The Pixel 5 packs a 4,500 mAh battery while the OnePlus 9 packs a 4080 mAh battery. Both phones support wireless charging but only the OnePlus 9 supports fast wired charging.
In terms of battery life, the Pixel 5 offers slightly better performance than the OnePlus 9, thanks to its larger battery capacity.
Hardware & Software
When it comes to hardware, both phones have the latest Snapdragon 888 chipsets. But the Pixel 5 comes with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage while the OnePlus 9 has 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.
In terms of software, both phones run on Android 11 out of the box. The Pixel 5 has access to Google’s exclusive features such as the Google Assistant and Google Photos, while the OnePlus 9 runs on OxygenOS which provides a near-stock Android experience.
Camera
When it comes to cameras, the Pixel 5 and OnePlus 9 offer some of the best in class cameras. The Pixel 5 has a dual rear camera setup with a 12.2MP main lens and a 16MP ultra-wide angle lens. It also has an 8MP selfie shooter.
On the other hand, the OnePlus 9 has a triple rear camera setup with a 48MP main lens, a 50MP ultra-wide angle lens and a 2MP macro lens. It also has a 16MP selfie camera.
Price
In terms of price, the Pixel 5 is cheaper than the OnePlus 9. The Pixel 5 retails for $699 while the OnePlus 9 retails for $799.
Verdict
Overall, the Pixel 5 and OnePlus 9 are great phones that offer different features for different users. For those who want a pure Android experience, the Pixel 5 is the way to go. But if you are looking for a powerful device with top-of-the-line specs, then the OnePlus 9 is your best bet.