OnePlus 9 Pro

Revisiting a Former Flagship: My Time with the OnePlus 9 Pro

I've spent the past few weeks putting the OnePlus 9 Pro through its paces, and it's been an interesting exercise in revisiting a former flagship. Launched at a time when OnePlus was still aggressively chasing the premium market, the 9 Pro, with its initial price point, aimed squarely at the top tier. My testing involved daily use as my primary device, pushing it with everything from social media and media consumption to gaming and photography. After this thorough evaluation, I've got some clear thoughts on where this phone stands today and who might still find value in it.

Market Context: A Stepping Stone

Back in 2021, the OnePlus 9 Pro was a statement phone for the brand. It marked a significant step in their camera ambitions through their partnership with Hasselblad, a move that signaled their intent to compete directly with established players like Samsung and Apple. From my perspective, it was a necessary evolution for OnePlus, moving beyond their “flagship killer” mantra to deliver a truly premium experience. The price, while higher than previous OnePlus devices, was still often seen as offering a compelling alternative to the more expensive competition, especially for users deeply embedded in the Android ecosystem. Looking back now, it represents a crucial phase in OnePlus’s trajectory, as they solidified their presence in the premium segment.

Design & Hardware: Sleek, But Familiar

Picking up the OnePlus 9 Pro, the immediate impression is one of refinement. The design, while evolutionary rather than revolutionary, feels undeniably premium. The glass back, in the "Morning Mist" finish I tested, is visually striking, shimmering and shifting in the light. However, as with many glass-backed phones, it's a fingerprint magnet, requiring frequent cleaning to maintain its pristine look. The curved edges of the display contribute to a comfortable in-hand feel, though I did find myself occasionally triggering unintended touches – a common trade-off with curved screens. The build quality feels solid and reassuring. While I haven't intentionally tested its durability with drops, the materials feel high-grade, and the weight of 197 grams lends a sense of heft without feeling overly bulky. A case is definitely recommended, not just for grip, as the smooth glass can be a bit slippery.

Display: A Visual Treat

The 6.7-inch AMOLED display on the OnePlus 9 Pro remains a standout feature. Firing it up, the vibrancy and color accuracy are immediately noticeable. Scrolling through feeds and watching videos is a genuinely enjoyable experience, thanks to the silky smooth 120Hz refresh rate. The LTPO technology allows for dynamic refresh rate adjustment, which likely contributes to battery efficiency in less demanding tasks. What impressed me most during my testing was the peak brightness of 1300 nits. Even under harsh sunlight, visibility was excellent – a crucial factor for outdoor use. Media consumption on this display is immersive, with HDR content looking particularly impressive. Gaming also benefits from the smooth refresh rate and responsive touch sampling. For daily use, the display is sharp, clear, and a pleasure to interact with, despite the occasional accidental touch on the curved edges.

Performance: Still Got It Where It Counts

Under the hood, the Snapdragon 888, paired with ample RAM (my unit had 8GB), continues to deliver a fluid and responsive experience. In my testing, the OnePlus 9 Pro handled everything I threw at it with ease. Switching between numerous apps was seamless, and multitasking felt snappy. Gaming performance remains strong; demanding titles ran smoothly with high graphics settings, thanks to the Adreno 660 GPU. While it's not the absolute latest silicon, the 888 still packs a punch. During extended gaming sessions, I did notice the phone getting warm, but it wasn't excessively hot to the point of discomfort. Overall, the performance of the OnePlus 9 Pro holds up remarkably well, demonstrating that flagship-level processors retain their capabilities for years.

Camera System: A Hasselblad Collaboration with Nuances

The camera system, co-engineered with Hasselblad, was a major talking point at the launch. My experience reflects a capable system with some distinct strengths and minor weaknesses. The primary 48MP sensor captures detailed images with vibrant colors, especially in good lighting conditions. Snapping photos at a local market, I was impressed with the level of detail and the natural-looking color reproduction. The 50MP ultrawide lens is also excellent, offering a broad perspective for landscapes and group shots, and I appreciated the consistent color profile with the main sensor. I managed to capture some wide, sweeping shots during a hike that really showcased its capabilities.

However, the 8MP telephoto lens is where I found some compromise. While it provides optical zoom, the level of detail isn't on par with the main and ultrawide lenses, particularly when zooming beyond the optical range. The dedicated 2MP monochrome sensor feels somewhat underutilized; while it can add a certain artistic flair to black and white photos, it doesn't feel as impactful as it could be. The 16MP front-facing camera delivers good quality selfies for social media and video calls. Video recording capabilities are strong, with options up to 8K, although I found the 4K at 60fps and even 120fps to be more practical for most scenarios, offering a good balance of detail and file size. Compared to newer flagships, the zoom capabilities might feel a step behind, but for general photography, the OnePlus 9 Pro still delivers impressive results.

Battery & Charging: Speed is the Name of the Game

Battery life from the 4500mAh cell is adequate for a full day of moderate use. In my testing, I typically ended the day with some charge to spare, but heavy users might find themselves reaching for the charger before bedtime. However, the real star here is the 65W Warp Charge. It's incredibly fast – plugging the phone in for just 20 minutes provides a significant boost, often enough to get through several more hours. This fast charging is a genuine lifesaver and mitigates concerns about battery endurance. While wireless charging is also supported, it's not quite as rapid as the wired option. Power management seems generally efficient, but as with any smartphone, background activity can impact battery life.

Software: Familiar and Functional

The OnePlus 9 Pro launched with OxygenOS, known for its clean and near-stock Android experience with useful customizations. My daily usage has been smooth and intuitive. The interface is uncluttered, and the included features feel genuinely helpful rather than bloatware. OnePlus has generally been good with updates, though the longevity of software support for older devices is always a consideration. While this phone is slated to receive Android 14, it's important to consider the update policy if long-term software support is a priority.

Value Analysis: A Compelling Option in the Used Market

Assessing the value of the OnePlus 9 Pro today requires considering its current market price. As a used device, it often represents a significant discount compared to its initial launch price. At this lower price point, the feature set, including the excellent display, strong performance, and capable camera, makes it a compelling option for those seeking a premium experience without the flagship price tag. I believe this phone is a good fit for users who prioritize a smooth and responsive Android experience, enjoy media consumption, and appreciate fast charging. However, those who are heavy mobile photographers, particularly those relying on zoom capabilities, or those requiring exceptional battery life might find newer devices more suitable. In the current market, it competes with other used flagships from around the same period, and its strengths in display and charging make it stand out.

Conclusion: Still a Solid Performer

Overall, my time with the OnePlus 9 Pro has been a positive one. It's a reminder of how good older flagship phones can still be. While it may not have the absolute latest specifications or the most cutting-edge camera technology, it delivers a well-rounded and premium user experience. The excellent display, strong performance, and incredibly fast charging remain significant advantages. For someone looking for a high-quality smartphone on a budget in the used market, the OnePlus 9 Pro is definitely worth considering. Its blend of premium features and mature software make it a solid and reliable daily driver.