OnePlus 9RT 5G

OnePlus 9RT 5G Review: Settling into its Sweet Spot

I've spent the better part of a month living with the OnePlus 9RT 5G, and it's been an interesting experience, to say the least. Coming from a long line of OnePlus devices myself, I was keen to see where this particular model fits into their increasingly crowded portfolio. My testing involved everything from the usual daily grind of emails and social media to more demanding tasks like gaming and photo editing. First impressions? This feels like a phone that knows exactly what it's trying to be, and for the most part, it executes that vision quite well. Priced in the mid-range segment, the 9RT seems laser-focused on delivering a smooth, powerful experience without breaking the bank.

Navigating the Mid-Range Maze

The OnePlus 9RT arrives at a fascinating point in the market. We're seeing a real blurring of lines between mid-range and flagship devices, and OnePlus has been a key player in that evolution. From my perspective, the 9RT feels like a strategic move to capture the value-conscious user who still craves premium performance. OnePlus seems to be understanding that not everyone needs the absolute bleeding edge of technology, but everyone appreciates a phone that feels fast and responsive.

The pricing of the 9RT feels just about right. It undercuts true flagship models while offering a significant step up from more budget-oriented devices. This puts it in direct competition with phones from Samsung's 'FE' series and Xiaomi's higher-end offerings, making for a compelling battleground.

Design & Hardware: Familiar Territory, Solid Execution

Picking up the OnePlus 9RT, the design immediately feels familiar. It's a refinement of previous OnePlus aesthetics, and that's not necessarily a bad thing. The smooth glass back, while admittedly a fingerprint magnet (especially on the glossy color options), feels premium in hand. My review unit is the blue variant, and the subtle shimmer is quite appealing. The phone has a noticeable heft to it, tipping the scales at nearly 200 grams, which contributes to that solid, well-built feeling. Personally, I appreciate the weight; it makes the phone feel substantial and less likely to slip out of my grasp, though others might find it a tad heavy.

While there's no official IP rating for dust or water resistance, it's reassuring to know that OnePlus often includes some level of internal sealing for added peace of mind. In terms of durability, the Gorilla Glass 5 on both the front and back should offer decent protection against everyday scratches and minor drops. The button placement is standard OnePlus fare – a tactile power button on the right and a convenient alert slider on the left, a feature I still find incredibly useful for quickly switching between sound profiles.

Display: A Visual Treat

The display is where the OnePlus 9RT truly shines, and it's an area that immediately impressed me. This 6.62-inch AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate is simply gorgeous. Scrolling through feeds and navigating the interface is buttery smooth, making everything feel incredibly responsive. I've found the brightness levels to be more than adequate even under direct sunlight, making outdoor use a breeze.

Media consumption on this display is a joy. Colors are vibrant and punchy, and the HDR10+ support brings a noticeable richness to compatible content. Whether I was watching YouTube videos, catching up on Netflix shows, or browsing photos, the clarity and detail were consistently impressive. Even for casual gaming, the display's responsiveness and vivid colors make for an immersive experience. The flat display is also a welcome choice for many, minimizing accidental touches and reflections compared to curved alternatives. In my daily use, the display has been a standout feature, making everything from reading articles to editing photos a more enjoyable experience.

Performance: Still Got the Goods

Under the hood, the OnePlus 9RT is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset. While not the absolute latest silicon, it's still a powerhouse that delivers flagship-level performance. In my testing, the phone handled everything I threw at it with ease. Gaming sessions, even with demanding titles, were smooth and lag-free. I spent a good amount of time playing Genshin Impact and Call of Duty Mobile, and the 9RT maintained consistent frame rates without any noticeable stuttering.

Multitasking is also a breeze. Switching between numerous apps, including social media, productivity tools, and web browsers, was seamless. I didn't encounter any slowdowns or app reloads, which speaks volumes about the phone's processing power and efficient RAM management. Temperature management is also commendable. While the phone can get slightly warm during intense gaming sessions, it never became uncomfortably hot in my experience. Overall, the performance of the OnePlus 9RT is a major strength, offering a fluid and responsive user experience that rivals more expensive devices.

Camera System: A Tale of Two Sensors

The camera system on the OnePlus 9RT is a bit of a mixed bag, but with a clear highlight. The main 50MP Sony IMX766 sensor is excellent, consistently producing sharp, detailed images with impressive dynamic range. I've taken countless photos in various lighting conditions, and I've been consistently pleased with the results. Colors are generally accurate, and the autofocus is quick and reliable. Low-light performance is also respectable, capturing usable images with good detail and minimal noise.

However, the other lenses don't quite measure up to the main sensor's prowess. The 16MP ultrawide lens is decent for capturing expansive scenes, but the image quality isn't as sharp or detailed as the main camera, especially around the edges. The color science also seems slightly different, leading to some inconsistencies between the main and ultrawide shots. The 2MP macro lens feels more like a spec-sheet filler than a genuinely useful tool. Image quality is underwhelming, and I found myself rarely using it.

Video recording on the 9RT is solid, offering up to 4K resolution at 60fps with electronic image stabilization (EIS). The footage is generally stable and detailed, making it suitable for capturing everyday moments. The 16MP front-facing camera is perfectly adequate for selfies and video calls, producing clear images in good lighting conditions. Compared to other phones in this price range, the OnePlus 9RT's main camera punches above its weight, but the supporting lenses leave something to be desired. In real-world usage, I primarily relied on the main sensor for most of my photography needs.

Battery & Charging: Speed and Endurance

Battery life on the OnePlus 9RT is generally good. The 4500mAh battery comfortably got me through a full day of moderate use, including browsing, social media, emails, and some light gaming. Even on heavier usage days, I rarely found myself desperately searching for a charger before the evening. Power management seems to be well-optimized, contributing to the phone's decent endurance.

However, the real star of the show here is the 65W Warp Charge. This charging technology is incredibly fast. In my testing, I could go from nearly empty to a substantial charge in a matter of minutes. A full charge takes around 35-40 minutes, which is incredibly convenient when you're in a rush. This rapid charging significantly reduces any battery anxiety, as even a short top-up can provide hours of usage. While the 9RT lacks wireless charging, the sheer speed of the wired charging makes it a minor omission in my book. The included 65W charger is a welcome addition, unlike some manufacturers who have started omitting chargers from the box.

Software: Clean and Customizable

The OnePlus 9RT launched with Android 11 and has since been updated to Android 13, running OnePlus' OxygenOS skin. OxygenOS is known for its clean, near-stock Android feel, and that remains true here. The interface is smooth and intuitive, and I appreciate the minimal bloatware. Navigating the system is fluid, and the animations are pleasing to the eye.

OnePlus also offers a good level of customization options, allowing you to tailor the experience to your preferences. Features like the dark mode, always-on display, and various gesture controls add to the overall usability. The update policy for OnePlus has been generally reliable, and receiving the Android 13 update during my review period is a testament to that. In my daily usage, I found the software experience on the 9RT to be polished and efficient, contributing to the overall enjoyable user experience.

Value Analysis: Hitting the Sweet Spot

Assessing the value of the OnePlus 9RT, I'd say it strikes a pretty good balance. You're getting a phone with a fantastic display, powerful performance, a capable main camera, and incredibly fast charging, all at a competitive mid-range price. For those who prioritize a smooth and responsive user experience, the 9RT delivers in spades.

This phone is definitely for users who want a taste of the flagship experience without the flagship price tag. It's ideal for students, young professionals, and anyone who consumes a lot of media and appreciates snappy performance. However, if you're a photography enthusiast who relies heavily on ultrawide and macro lenses, or if wireless charging and an official IP rating are must-haves, you might want to look elsewhere. Competitors like the Samsung Galaxy A54 or Google Pixel 7a offer strong alternatives in this price bracket, each with their own strengths and weaknesses.

Conclusion: A Strong Contender

The OnePlus 9RT 5G has proven to be a compelling mid-range option. While it might not be the flashiest phone on the market, it excels in the areas that truly matter for everyday use: a vibrant and smooth display, powerful performance, a reliable main camera, and incredibly fast charging. In my experience, it offers a refined and enjoyable Android experience that punches above its weight class.

Ultimately, I would recommend the OnePlus 9RT to anyone looking for a capable and reliable smartphone in the mid-range segment. It's a well-rounded device that delivers on its promises and offers excellent value for the asking price. If you're seeking a phone that prioritizes speed, smoothness, and a solid core experience, the OnePlus 9RT is definitely worth considering.