OnePlus 9 Pro

The base model with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage is priced at QAR 2,499. The mid-tier variant with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage costs QAR 2,799. For those seeking the highest specifications, the top-end model with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage is available at QAR 3,099.

These prices are based on the current market rates from major retailers in Qatar, including Jarir Bookstore, Lulu Hypermarket, and 51 East. It’s worth noting that prices may fluctuate slightly depending on promotions, discounts, and stock availability.

OnePlus 9 Pro Specifications

Release Date and Availability

The OnePlus 9 Pro was officially released on March 23, 2021. It made its debut in Qatar shortly after, becoming available in stores by early April 2021. Despite being over three years old at this point, the device continues to be sold in Qatar due to its enduring popularity and robust feature set. OnePlus has maintained software support for the device, with regular updates enhancing its functionality and security.

Design and Build Quality

The OnePlus 9 Pro boasts a premium design that still holds up well in 2024. It features a sleek glass and metal construction, with Corning Gorilla Glass 5 on both the front and back for added durability. The phone’s dimensions are 163.2 x 73.6 x 8.7 mm, making it comfortable to hold despite its large screen size. Weighing in at 197 grams, it strikes a good balance between feeling substantial without being too heavy.

The device is available in three elegant colors: Morning Mist, Pine Green, and Stellar Black. Each color option gives the phone a distinct personality, catering to different tastes. The camera module on the rear is neatly arranged, with the Hasselblad branding prominently displayed, highlighting the collaboration between OnePlus and the legendary camera manufacturer.

Display Technology

One of the standout features of the OnePlus 9 Pro is its impressive 6.7-inch Fluid AMOLED display. This screen utilizes LTPO (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide) technology, allowing for an adaptive refresh rate that can dynamically adjust between 1Hz and 120Hz. This feature not only provides incredibly smooth scrolling and animations but also helps conserve battery life when displaying static content.

The QHD+ resolution of 3216 x 1440 pixels results in a crisp pixel density of about 525 ppi, ensuring that text, images, and videos appear sharp and detailed. The display also supports HDR10+ and can reach a peak brightness of 1300 nits, making it easily visible even in bright outdoor conditions. Color accuracy is excellent, thanks to the 10-bit color depth, which can display over 1 billion colors.

Camera System

The camera system on the OnePlus 9 Pro was a significant leap forward for the company when it was released, and it still performs admirably in 2024. The main camera features a 48MP Sony IMX789 sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), capable of capturing detailed and well-exposed photos in various lighting conditions. The 50MP ultra-wide camera uses a Sony IMX766 sensor, which is larger than most ultra-wide sensors, resulting in better low-light performance and reduced distortion.

The 8MP telephoto camera offers 3.3x optical zoom, allowing for closer shots without significant loss in quality. The 2MP monochrome sensor works in conjunction with the main camera to add detail and improve contrast in black and white photos. On the front, the 16MP selfie camera delivers sharp self-portraits and is more than adequate for video calls.

The Hasselblad collaboration brings color science expertise to the OnePlus 9 Pro, resulting in more natural and accurate colors in photos. This partnership also introduced the Hasselblad Pro Mode, giving users more control over their photography with features like 12-bit RAW capture.

Performance and Software

Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor, the OnePlus 9 Pro was a top performer when it was released. In 2024, while newer chips have surpassed it in benchmarks, it still provides smooth and responsive performance for everyday tasks and demanding applications. The 8GB or 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM ensures efficient multitasking, while the UFS 3.1 storage (128GB or 256GB) offers quick app launches and file transfers.

The device originally shipped with OxygenOS 11 based on Android 11. OnePlus has continued to provide software updates, and as of 2024, the OnePlus 9 Pro can run the latest version of OxygenOS, which brings new features and security improvements. The clean and intuitive interface of OxygenOS, combined with useful customization options, contributes to a positive user experience.

Battery Life and Charging

The OnePlus 9 Pro is equipped with a 4500mAh battery, which provides decent battery life for a flagship device. With moderate use, it can easily last a full day. The adaptive refresh rate of the display helps in conserving battery when possible. However, heavy users might find themselves reaching for the charger by the end of the day, especially when using 5G extensively.

Where the OnePlus 9 Pro truly shines is in its charging capabilities. The device supports 65W Warp Charge, which can charge the phone from 0 to 100% in just about 30 minutes. This rapid charging is a significant convenience for users who need quick top-ups. Additionally, the phone supports 50W wireless charging, which is faster than many phones’ wired charging speeds.

There’s also support for reverse wireless charging, allowing you to charge other Qi-compatible devices using the OnePlus 9 Pro.

Comparison with Newer Models and Competitors

When comparing the OnePlus 9 Pro to its successor, the OnePlus 10 Pro, and other competitors, it’s clear that while newer models offer some improvements, the 9 Pro still holds its own in many aspects. The OnePlus 10 Pro features a slightly larger 5000mAh battery and uses the newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, which provides a modest performance boost. However, the camera systems are quite similar, with the 9 Pro arguably having a better ultra-wide camera.

Compared to the base OnePlus 9, the Pro model offers a higher resolution display, better camera system, and wireless charging capabilities, justifying its higher price point. When looking at other brands in a similar price range, such as the Samsung Galaxy S22 or the iPhone 13 Pro, the OnePlus 9 Pro competes well in terms of display quality and charging speeds. However, these competitors might have an edge in long-term software support and ecosystem integration.

In the same price range, you might find newer mid-range devices that offer similar or slightly better performance due to more recent processors. However, the OnePlus 9 Pro often surpasses these in terms of build quality, camera capabilities, and display technology. For instance, the Google Pixel 6a or the Samsung Galaxy A73 might offer comparable performance at a lower price, but they lack the premium feel and advanced features of the OnePlus 9 Pro.

Is the OnePlus 9 Pro Still Worth Buying?

Despite being a few years old, the OnePlus 9 Pro remains a compelling option for smartphone buyers in Qatar in 2024. Its combination of a high-quality display, versatile camera system, fast charging, and solid performance make it a well-rounded device. The continued software support from OnePlus ensures that the phone stays up-to-date with the latest features and security patches.

However, potential buyers should consider a few factors. The price of the OnePlus 9 Pro, while lower than at launch, may still be relatively high compared to newer mid-range devices with similar performance. Additionally, while the Snapdragon 888 is still a capable processor, it may not be as future-proof as the latest chipsets found in newer flagship models.

For those who prioritize having the absolute latest technology, newer models might be more appealing. However, for users who want a premium device with a great display, capable cameras, and fast charging at a potentially discounted price, the OnePlus 9 Pro remains an excellent choice.