For the longest time, OnePlus was known as an affordable smartphone manufacturer. The 7 Pro launched for just $669.99 back in 2019, followed by the 8 Pro in 2020 for $899.99. The company is slowly shedding its reputation as affordable, and its latest release seems to have completed the transformation – this year's OnePlus 9 Pro 5G clocks in at a budget-busting $1,069.99.
At that price point, OnePlus is positioning itself to take on the likes of iPhone 12 and Galaxy 21, two of the most popular smartphones on the market. And – despite being the most obscure of the three – the OnePlus 9 Pro gives the others a run for their money. Most surprising, however, is the incredible gaming performance of the 9 Pro, making it one of the best choices you can make when playing Fortnite, Black Desert Mobile, or any other demanding titles while on the road.
OnePlus 9 Pro Specs
- Processor: Snapdragon 888
- Storage: 256GB
- RAM: 12GB
- Camera: 48+50+8+2 MP Quad Camera
- Screen: 6.7-inch AMOLED
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz
- Operating System: Android 11, OxygenOS 11.2.7.7
Another Gorgeous Smartphone
Like most smartphones costing more than $1,000, the OnePlus 9 Pro 5G looks stunning. Featuring a 6.7-inch screen that runs to the very edges of the frame and a tiny hole punch for the camera, there's hardly a centimeter of wasted space on the front of the 9 Pro 5G.
Best of all is the display's 120Hz refresh rate, which gives every action a buttery feel not found on many other devices. That number does vary depending on what software you're using, although you can also lock it into a constant 60Hz if you'd rather have a consistent experience.
On the back of the smartphone, you'll find a quad-camera system, and tucked snuggly into the sides of the phone are the usual assortment of volume and power buttons, along with a silence/vibrate slider to quickly mute your alerts. The only thing it's missing is a 3.5mm jack for wired headsets – but that's become an increasingly common omission with high-end smartphones.
It also comes with a pre-installed screen protector, which saved me more than a few times while out hiking and running errands. It's just a simple plastic one, but you can easily remove it and install a durable glass one without any hassle.
My only issue with the OnePlus 9 Pro 5G's design? The placement of its Power and Volume Buttons. The two sit at exactly the same spot but on opposite sides of the screen, meaning every time I squeeze the phone and press the power button with my index finger, my thumb has a tendency to hit the Volume Down button and snap a screenshot. It's not a big deal, but my Gallery is already full of images I never intended to capture.
Made For Gaming
Aside from its impressive refresh rate, one of the biggest selling points of the OnePlus 9 Pro 5G is its "Hyper Touch" technology, which increases the screen's touch response rate to a staggering 360Hz. Right now the functionality is only available for a few different titles – including Call of Duty: Mobile and PUBG Mobile – but there's the possibility of more being added in the future.
Despite sounding like a marketing gimmick, there's a noticeable improvement in response time when playing Hyper Touch compatible games compared to others on the OnePlus 9 Pro. Input on the screen is instantaneously translated to in-game actions, making the OnePlus 9 Pro 5G the best place to play any title that makes use of the technology. My biggest disappointment with Hyper Touch is the lack of games that support it – after playing Call of Duty: Mobile for hours on end, it's hard to go back to the regular world filled with standard touch sensitivities.
The OnePlus 9 Pro 5G is also one of the few devices that can run Fortnite at 120fps, although you'll be restricted to Low graphics settings while enabled. It's a nice perk, but I found the game to be more enjoyable at a standard 60fps with a few more graphical enhancements – with a screen as vivid as the OnePlus 9 Pro, you're doing yourself a disservice having them turned all the way down.
All told, the OnePlus 9 Pro 5G gave me one of the best gaming experiences I've had across any platform – it's seriously that good. Hyper Touch, combined with a massive AMOLED screen and lightning-fast refresh rate, makes for an incredible mobile gaming setup and is a great alternative to hooking up a Bluetooth controller.
Cameras, Warp Charging, And Everything Else
Gaming might be the star of the show, but the OnePlus 9 Pro 5G isn't a one-trick pony. Features such as Warp Charging that can fully restore your battery in 30 minutes, a robust quad camera setup with impressive low-light performance, and the ability to capture 8K video, the 9 Pro doesn't cut any corners.
It's also fully compatible with T-Mobile and Verizon's 5G network. AT&T is yet to announce when (or if) the latest OnePlus phone will run on its 5G network, which is a bit of a disappointment all these months after launch.
Verdict
If you're looking for one of the best gaming phones on the market, look no further. A massive AMOLED display, 120Hz refresh rate, and Hyper Touch make for a standout experience when playing Fortnite, PUBG Mobile, and other fast-paced games, and all the bells and whistles make for a flagship that matches up well with the iPhone 12 and Galaxy 21.
The lack of 5G on AT&T and the symmetrical side button layout might cause a few complaints, but overall, the OnePlus 9 Pro 5G sits comfortably among the best smartphones on the market.
A OnePlus 9 Pro 5G was provided for this review. To learn more about the smartphone, check out its official website.