The Google Pixel 6 arrived at the 2021 smartphone party fashionably late, but with to its striking design, unique technology, and sharp software, it undoubtedly had an immediate effect.
It entered a market segment, the “not-quite-flagship,” which was previously dominated by the excellent OnePlus 9. Here was a phone that offered premium performance, a respectable camera, and sophisticated software at a very affordable price.
Which of these two phones is a better investment, then? Techpotamus had plenty of time to learn the ins and outs of both, so let’s examine what each has to offer in more detail.
Oneplus 9 vs Pixel 6: price and availability
On October 28, 2021, Google announced its Pixel 6 smartphone. Prices for 128GB starting at $599, £599, or AU$999. Additionally, a 256GB model is offered in the US and Australia for $699/AU$1,129.
On March 26, 2021, the OnePlus 9 was released in the other corner. 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage are available for $729/£629, while 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage are available for $829/£729 as an upgrade.
Although the OnePlus 9 is the more costly of the two phones, you are more likely to get a cheaper deal because it is also seven months older.
Oneplus 9 vs Pixel 6: Design
On October 28, 2021, Google announced their Pixel 6 smartphone. Prices for 128GB start at $599, £599, or AU$999. Additionally, a 256GB model is offered in the US and Australia for $699/AU$1,129.
On March 26, 2021, the OnePlus 9 was released in the other corner. 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage are available for $729/£629, while 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage are available for $829/£729 as an upgrade.
Although the OnePlus 9 is the more costly of the two phones, you are more likely to get a cheaper deal because it is also seven months older.
However, they are comparable in size. The Pixel 6 weighs 207g, with dimensions of 158.6 x 74.8 mm, and a thickness of 8.9 mm. In contrast, the OnePlus 9 measures 160 x 74.2 x 8.7 mm and weighs 192g. So, in terms of usability, the OnePlus only barely prevails.
With its use of quality glass and metal sandwich construction, Google triumphs in terms of materials. Instead of using aluminium, OnePlus used a fiberglass-reinforced polymer frame, which is fancy plastic and gives the device a slightly cheap feel.
Google uses Stormy Black, Sorta Seafoam, and Kinda Coral as its primary colour palette. Winter Mist, Arctic Sky, and Astral Black are the colours that OnePlus chooses, which are a little less exciting.
Both devices have an IP68 classification for dust and water protection, although the Pixel 6 has inferior Gorilla Glass Victus for the front while the OnePlus 9 features Gorilla Glass 5.
One feature that sets the OnePlus 9 distinct is its patented alert slider, which makes going silent much easier to do. Other than that, Google has won the design competition.
Oneplus 9 vs Pixel 6 Display
OnePlus clearly wins in terms of display count. Both devices have brilliant, punchy OLED screens, but the OnePlus 9’s screen is larger and more fluid.
A 6.55-inch FHD+ OLED screen with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate is available. On the other side, the Pixel 6 features a 6.4-inch FHD+ OLED with a refresh rate of 90Hz.
The last parameter, though it doesn’t make a hugely significant difference, is what actually gives OnePlus this victory. It would take careful comparison of the two incredibly responsive screens to detect any differences.
In our opinion, neither phone offers the finest in-display fingerprint solution, but we’d definitely give the OnePlus 9 the edge in this area as well. Google had several well-publicized difficulties developing its biometric system.
The other distinction to be made in this case is a minor one. The Pixel 6 places its hole-punch notch directly in the middle, as opposed to the OnePlus 9, which sets it in the top-left corner.
Although there is something to be argued for the symmetry of the OnePlus approach, we are neutral in this regard.
Oneplus 9 vs Pixel 6: Camera
With these phones, both manufacturers have improved the cameras, but Google had a considerably better starting point. The Pixel 6 is the champion in the camera category as a result.
The new 1/1.31-inch 50-megapixel wide sensor used in the Google phone produces 1.2-m pixels with the help of an f/1.85 aperture. A 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera with an f/2.2 aperture is also included.
The 48-megapixel Sony IMX689 picture sensor, which also dazzled us in the OnePlus 8 Pro, is present in the OnePlus 9 and is equally impressive. The 50-megapixel Sony IMX 766 ultra-wide sensor, when combined with a freeform lens, produces images that are admirably close to the primary sensor in quality, which is maybe even more amazing.
The main problem with both camera systems is that neither phone has a specialized telephoto sensor.
The main camera on the OnePlus 9 lacks OIS, in contrast to the Pixel 6’s. The Pixel 6 captures better low-light images than the competition thanks to Google’s improved Night mode algorithms.
The Pixel 6 does, in fact, capture better pictures overall. Despite all the discussion about hardware, Google’s algorithmic superiority is the key. Simply said, it simply possesses greater expertise in picture processing than OnePlus, producing images with higher contrast and pop.
Hasselblad helped OnePlus improve its product, giving images a somewhat more recognizable tone than before. However, the Pixel 6 performs better overall and under more challenging circumstances.
Additionally, the Pixel 6 offers a number of new features. Face Unblur removes human subjects from hazy pictures, and Magic Eraser lets you tap away atfenders from photos.
The Google Pixel 6 can capture 4K video at 60 frames per second. The OnePlus 9 is also capable of 8K video at 30 frames per second.
Oneplus 9 vs Pixel 6: Specs and performance
Google made a huge deal out of the release of its own new Tensor chip, which replaces the Pixel 6’s standard Qualcomm SoC.
The Snapdragon 888 in the OnePlus 9 may be the more common chip, but the fact of the matter is that it performs better. at least based on standard measures of GPU and CPU performance.
The OnePlus 9 obtained a multicore score of 3587 on Geekbench 5, compared to the Pixel 6’s 2837. That is a sizable margin, and the results of GPU-focused testing are consistent.
However, in everyday use, you wouldn’t notice that the Pixel 6 is actually the slower gadget. Both phones appear to be quick enough and smoothly run games at full speed.
The Tensor chip from Google does really excel in other areas. These cutting-edge camera functions, for instance, are made possible by its machine learning boost.
Although not available in all regions, both phones include internal storage options of 128GB or 256GB.
Picking a champion in the software category might be challenging. Given its status as the creator of Android, Google has a significant advantage when it comes to rapid updates and optimization, which likely gives it a slim victory in this case.
However, OnePlus’ unique Oxygen OS is likely the best of its class, adding smart improvements and giving the OS a unique look.
Both phone manufacturers stated that their devices would receive three complete Android updates, but the Pixel 6 has a little bit more assurance. especially given that with the release of the OnePlus 9, OnePlus and Oppo have combined their software development teams.
Oneplus 9 vs Pixel 6: Battery
The OnePlus 9 offers a 4,500mAh battery, compared to the Google Pixel 6’s 4,612mAh. It’s a small edge for Google, especially with a less demanding display.
However, benchmark tests indicate that they are relatively well matched. Insofar as you don’t hit the media too hard, these two phones can be used all day.
When it comes to recharging, there is a significant difference. The OnePlus 9 establishes a strong lead in this area.
A 65W charger that can charge your device from 1% to 100% in just 28 minutes is included in the box. Despite false claims to the contrary, Google can only support 21W charging and does not include a charging brick with its products.
Oneplus 9 vs Pixel 6: Takeaway
Google’s Pixel 6 certainly had a late impression. It distinguishes itself from the me too crowd, including the OnePlus 9, with a beautiful design, fantastic main camera system, and clean software.
However, Google’s phone falls short of the previous model in a number of crucial respects. Its performance isn’t as strong, its performance isn’t as stunning, and its charging capability is far from adequate.
We’d say that the Pixel 6 falls just a little short of its seasoned competitor in the “best purchase stakes” given these factors, as well as the fact that the OnePlus 9 can be had for less money if you shop about it.
Oneplus 9 vs Pixel 6: Price
Pixel 6: starting at £599
OnePlus 9 – starting at £629
If you compare the OnePlus 9 and Pixel 6 at their full suggested retail pricing, the OnePlus 9 is marginally more expensive. It costs £30 more in the UK than the Google phone.
However, since the OnePlus 9 is no longer brand-new and the Pixel 6 is, you’ll probably be able to find the OnePlus phone for less, making it a truly amazing value if you discover a discount.
Conclusion
Overall, I believe that the design and the cameras of these two phones are the only two elements that have a significant impact on the user experience. The Pixel is the ideal option if you want the best camera results with the least amount of work. Additionally, it boasts a more robust construction with Android 12.
The OnePlus 9 does, however, have some charm. It is unquestionably smaller and more comfortable to operate with one hand, yet it still has that somewhat faster/zippy sensation from the higher refresh rate screen. It also charges more quickly.