OnePlus 9

Diving Back In: My Revisited Take on the OnePlus 9

I've recently had the opportunity to spend a considerable amount of time re-acquainting myself with the OnePlus 9. Even a few years down the line, revisiting a device like this offers a valuable perspective on its staying power and relevance. For its time, the OnePlus 9 landed in a competitive space, aiming to deliver flagship-level experiences without the absolute top-tier price tag. My testing involved daily use across various scenarios, from content consumption and photography to more demanding tasks like gaming and multitasking. At its launch price, the OnePlus 9 was clearly targeting the discerning user who valued performance and a clean software experience.

Looking back, the OnePlus 9's arrival was significant. It represented a continuation of OnePlus's strategy of delivering high-performance devices, and the collaboration with Hasselblad on the camera front was a noteworthy step. It entered a market saturated with compelling options, each vying for attention with unique features and price points. From my perspective, the pricing felt like a strategic move to capture users who wanted premium features without breaking the bank, positioning it nicely against some of the more established flagship players.

Picking up the OnePlus 9 again, the design still holds its own. The "Winter Mist" color variant I tested is genuinely eye-catching, the subtle shifts in hue under different lighting conditions lending it a sophisticated air. It feels reassuringly solid in hand, the 192g weight and 8.7mm thickness providing a comfortable heft without feeling cumbersome. While my personal preference sometimes leans towards slightly smaller devices, the dimensions (160mm x 74.2mm) strike a good balance, making it manageable for single-handed use while still offering a generous screen real estate. The build quality feels premium, with the smooth glass back and the seamlessly integrated camera module contributing to a sleek aesthetic. While I didn't intentionally put it through rigorous drop tests, the overall feel suggests a level of durability that inspires confidence in everyday use.

The 6.55-inch Fluid AMOLED display remains a standout feature. Even by today's standards, the colors are vibrant and engaging, making everything from scrolling through social feeds to watching videos a genuinely enjoyable experience. The 120Hz refresh rate, a feature that was becoming increasingly sought after at the time of its release, contributes significantly to the smooth and fluid feel of the interface. Having used predominantly 60Hz displays before, the upgrade was immediately noticeable and remains a key aspect of the phone's appeal. The peak brightness of 1100 nits is impressive, ensuring excellent visibility even under bright sunlight – a claim I can personally attest to from my testing outdoors. Whether I was catching up on shows or indulging in some mobile gaming, the display delivered crisp visuals and immersive colors.

Under the hood, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset is still a capable performer. Throughout my testing, which included juggling numerous apps, browsing, and extended gaming sessions, the phone handled everything with remarkable fluidity. I didn't encounter any significant lag or stuttering, reinforcing its reputation as a powerful device. Even when pushing it with graphically demanding games, the OnePlus 9 maintained smooth frame rates and consistent performance. While the phone can get slightly warm during intensive tasks, I didn't observe any concerning levels of overheating or performance throttling that would significantly impact the user experience.

The camera system, bearing the Hasselblad branding, was a major talking point when the OnePlus 9 was released, and my experience with it has been largely positive. The primary 48MP Sony IMX689 sensor captures images with excellent detail and impressive dynamic range. I specifically recall capturing a stunning sunset where the phone managed to retain both the vivid colors of the sky and the subtle shadows in the foreground, a testament to its imaging capabilities. The 50MP ultrawide lens, utilizing the Sony IMX766 sensor, is another strong performer, providing a wide field of view that's perfect for landscapes and group shots. I appreciate the consistent color profile between the main and ultrawide lenses, a detail that contributes to a more cohesive photographic experience. While the lack of a dedicated telephoto lens was a point of contention for some, the digital zoom capabilities are adequate for casual use. The 16MP front-facing camera delivers sharp and detailed selfies, performing well in various lighting conditions. Video recording capabilities are also robust, offering up to 8K resolution at 30fps, with effective stabilization ensuring smooth footage.

Battery life from the 4500mAh cell is generally sufficient for a full day of moderate use. On days with heavier usage, involving more demanding tasks like GPS navigation and video streaming, I did find myself needing to top up before the end of the day. However, the inclusion of 65W Warp Charging is a game-changer. In my tests, it consistently delivered incredibly fast charging speeds, taking the phone from near empty to full in well under 40 minutes. This rapid charging capability significantly mitigates any concerns about battery endurance. The addition of 15W wireless charging provides a convenient alternative for overnight or desktop charging.

The software experience on the OnePlus 9, initially running Android 11, was smooth and intuitive. Having since updated to Android 13, the core principles of OxygenOS – a clean interface, minimal bloatware, and a focus on performance – remain. I found the user interface to be responsive and easy to navigate, with useful customization options. OnePlus's commitment to updates, at least for the initial years of the phone's lifecycle, ensured access to the latest Android features and security patches, enhancing the overall user experience.

Assessing the value of the OnePlus 9 requires considering its original price point and its current market position as a used or refurbished device. At its launch, it offered a compelling package of features for the asking price. Today, as prices have naturally come down, it represents an even more attractive option for those seeking a capable and reliable smartphone without spending a fortune. I believe this phone is ideally suited for users who prioritize performance, a high-quality display, and a capable camera system. Those who heavily rely on telephoto capabilities or demand the absolute latest features might look towards newer devices, but for a vast majority of users, the OnePlus 9 still delivers a premium experience.

In conclusion, my revisited experience with the OnePlus 9 reaffirms its position as a solid and well-rounded smartphone. It strikes a commendable balance between performance, design, and camera capabilities, and the fast charging is a genuine convenience. While it may not be the newest device on the market, the OnePlus 9 still holds significant appeal for anyone seeking a reliable and enjoyable smartphone experience without breaking the bank. If you can find it at a good price, the OnePlus 9 remains a worthy contender.