OnePlus 9R review: R is for recycling old ideas

With the OnePlus 9 Pro, OnePlus has proven that it may ship an all-round package deal that measures as much as the best Android phones out there right now. The OnePlus 9 takes that very same method however at a extra accessible worth level.

Then we’ve got the OnePlus 9R. The cellphone is positioned as the worth possibility within the OnePlus 9 lineup, slotting in at ₹10,000 ($135) lower than the OnePlus 9. But in actuality, the OnePlus 9R is only a rebranded OnePlus 8T with a brand new design for the rear digital camera housing.

Of course, this is not the primary time OnePlus did this. The OnePlus 7 was successfully the identical cellphone because the OnePlus 6T, however with new digital camera modules and an upgraded chipset. It’s no shock, then, that the OnePlus 9R is restricted to India and China. OnePlus is not launching the cellphone in different markets as a result of it additionally understands that the 9R does not supply something considerably completely different to the 8T.

So why is OnePlus even launching the 9R? With the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro costing a hefty premium in India, OnePlus wanted a lower-cost possibility within the OnePlus 9 sequence, so it determined to rebrand the 8T. The OnePlus 9R is occurring sale for ₹39,999 ($545) in India, or ₹3,000 ($40) lower than the 8T. The motive for this is fairly apparent; the 9R has only one 5G band (N78), whereas the 8T has three (N1, 3, 78).

So must you purchase the OnePlus 9R in India? Let’s discover out.

About this overview

I’m scripting this overview after utilizing the OnePlus 9R for 4 days on Airtel’s 4G community in Hyderabad, India. The unit was operating OxygenOS 11.2.LE28DA out of the field, and didn’t obtain any updates in the course of the testing window.

OnePlus 9R: Price and world availability

The OnePlus 9R is occurring sale from April 14 in India, and will probably be obtainable in two variants: an 8GB/128GB mannequin that retails at ₹39,999 ($545), and a 12GB/256GB model for ₹43,999 ($600). The cellphone is restricted to India and China, and will not be making its strategy to different markets.

You’ll be capable of decide up the OnePlus 9R in Carbon Black and Lake Blue shade choices. OnePlus is incentivizing the launch by providing a ₹2,000 ($28) low cost for SBI clients, and when you’re utilizing an American Express card, you will get ₹4,399 when you decide up the 12GB mannequin.

OnePlus 9R: Design and show

The OnePlus 9R has the identical design aesthetic as the remainder of the OnePlus 9 sequence. That consists of the brand new digital camera housing that prominently highlights the first and wide-angle lenses, with the macro and monochrome modules sitting beneath. The key distinction is the omission of the Hasselblad emblem — that exact partnership is restricted to the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro.

The OnePlus 9R borrows the flat show from the 8T and the digital camera housing from OnePlus 9.

The spotlight right here is clearly the flat show. With each the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro providing dual-curved panels, the 9R is the one gadget within the sequence with a flat show. That mentioned, I did not have any points with the curved panels on the OnePlus 9 or 9 Pro; the curvature is not anyplace as excessive because the OnePlus 8 Pro, and I did not really feel the necessity to put a case on both gadget.

It has been attention-grabbing to see how the digital camera housing has advanced on OnePlus telephones during the last 12 months. The OnePlus 8 sequence had the rectangular digital camera housing that jutted out fairly a bit from the physique, and the Nord retained the identical design however modified the positioning to the left.

Then we bought the flatter and wider rectangular housing on the 8T — it is virtually as if OnePlus took a rolling pin to the OnePlus 8 Pro’s digital camera island and flattened it — and I appreciated the modifications. For one factor, the cellphone wasn’t as wobbly, and the dual-column structure made the 8T really feel simply that little bit extra elegant.

OnePlus is retaining that rectangular housing this yr, however by encasing the first modules in giant rings and transferring the remainder of the sensors beneath, it has created a cleaner look that makes the OnePlus 9 sequence look rather more upmarket. However, the design on the OnePlus 9R does not really feel practically as premium as its costlier siblings — the 2 major modules are clustered collectively, and it simply finally ends up trying busy.

The modules throughout the island look drab with out the chrome accents, and whereas OnePlus was undoubtedly making an attempt to keep up visible consistency between all three fashions within the OnePlus 9 sequence, it has failed to tug that off with the 9R.

Like the OnePlus 9, the 9R has a glass again with a polymer mid-frame. The again is protected by a layer of Gorilla Glass 5, as is the entrance. The cellphone has the identical refined curves on the again the place the glass panel meets the mid-frame, and it has an incredible in-hand really feel. The 9R has the very same dimensions because the 8T, and coming in at 189g, it does not really feel cumbersome in day-to-day use.

As for the show, the OnePlus 9R provides the identical AMOLED panel because the 8T. There’s no distinction between the 2 telephones on this specific space, and that is a very good factor as a result of I appreciated the panel on the 8T fairly a bit. I ended up utilizing the 8T over the 8 Pro on the finish of final yr due to the flat show, and also you’re getting the identical show with the 9R.

If you need a flat show with 120Hz refresh, you’ll love what the OnePlus 9R has to supply.

Now for some numbers: the OnePlus 9R has a 6.55-inch show with an FHD+ (2400 x 1080) decision, and the refresh charge goes as much as 120Hz. The 120Hz mode is enabled out of the field, so you may instantly really feel a distinction when you’re making the swap from an older cellphone with a 60Hz refresh.

You can change the refresh charge between 60Hz and 120Hz, and there are many customization choices obtainable for the panel itself. You get to alter the display calibration between Vivid and Natural shade modes, and there is additionally an Advanced possibility that permits you to swap between AMOLED Wide Gamut, sRGB, and DCI-P3. Then there’s the power to manually tweak the white steadiness of the panel itself.

OnePlus additionally features a Vibrant Color Effect that mechanically optimizes video colours, however the cellphone misses out on AI video upscaling — obtainable on the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro — and movement smoothing (MEMC), a characteristic that is restricted to the 9 Pro.

The panel itself on the OnePlus 9R is unbelievable, with glorious colours and distinction ranges. It goes as much as 1100nits for HDR10+ content material, and I did not have any points in any way with brightness ranges — the display will get sufficiently vibrant outside and dims mechanically at evening.

You get the identical stereo configuration because the 8T, and that makes streaming movies or taking part in video games that rather more satisfying on the 9R. I lastly began streaming YouTube movies on my cellphone (I beforehand solely did so on my TV), and the stereo audio system make an enormous distinction. The cellphone does not have the loudest audio system I’ve used — that honor belongs to the Mi 11 — however it will get loud and does not distort even with the amount turned up.

The show is top-of-the-line attributes of the OnePlus 9R. It has vibrant colours, 120Hz refresh charge makes it satisfying to learn content material on the cellphone, and stereo sound is nice for taking part in video games or movies.

OnePlus 9R: Performance and battery

The solely main addition on the OnePlus 9R is the Snapdragon 870 chipset. Much just like the cellphone itself, the chipset is a rebranded model of final yr’s flagship, the Snapdragon 865. Qualcomm took the higher-binned Snapdragon 865+, elevated the clocks by as much as 3.20GHz (from 3.09GHz) and is promoting it in 2021 because the Snapdragon 870.

Other than that, the Snapdragon 870 is equivalent to the Snapdragon 865 and 865+. It is sensible for Qualcomm to do that; the Snapdragon 865+ did not discover many takers, and the platform itself nonetheless has loads of energy to supply in 2021. The 870 encompasses a Cortex A77 prime core that now goes as much as 3.20GHz, and it is joined by three A77 cores at 2.42GHz and 4 Cortex A55 derivatives at 1.80GHz. Other than the prime core, the frequencies for the remainder of the cores are equivalent to the usual Snapdragon 865.

The Adreno 650 GPU is additionally clocked increased at 670MHz, versus 587MHz on the Snapdragon 865. Basically, the Snapdragon 870 is an overclocked Snapdragon 865 for 2021, and it delivers superlative efficiency. I didn’t see any slowdowns on the OnePlus 9R, and the chipset dealt with every thing I threw at it with ease.

I did not discover any distinction between the 9R and 8T by way of efficiency, and even in artificial exams the variance is round Three to five%. So you are probably not gaining a lot right here, however it’s good to know that the cellphone will proceed to ship standout efficiency for a number of years to return.

Elsewhere, you may discover Wi-Fi 6 connectivity with 2×2 MIMO, Bluetooth 5.1, AptX HD and LDAC audio codecs, and NFC. I did not face any issues with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity, and calls additionally went by way of simply high-quality. Both Airtel and Jio now supply Wi-Fi calling as normal, and the cellphone has the characteristic enabled out of the field. Just slot in a suitable SIM and it is best to be capable of make calls over Wi-Fi.

As for safety, the OnePlus 9R options the identical in-screen fingerprint sensor because the 8T. It is quick and dependable in day by day use, and there is additionally a face unlock characteristic. The face unlock mode is not as safe because the fingerprint reader, however it is sooner. The OnePlus 9R does not have an IP score, however it is waterproof — similar to the 8T. But as a result of there isn’t any official declare for water resistance, you are higher off not utilizing the cellphone close to a pool.

Just just like the OnePlus 8T, the 9R misses out on wi-fi charging. With even the OnePlus 9 not providing the characteristic in India — despite the fact that the worldwide mannequin has 15W Qi charging — it was an excessive amount of to anticipate that the extra reasonably priced model would decide up wi-fi charging.

But what you do get is 65W wired charging, and it is simply as nice to make use of on the 9R because the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro. The 4500mAh battery and 39-minute charging time with 65W quick charging are equivalent to that of the 8T, and in my restricted utilization, I bought a day’s price of battery from a full cost.

Having used the cellphone for simply 4 days, I’m not able to cross full judgement on the battery life, however it appears to be on par with the 8T. The OnePlus 9 Pro fares notably poorly on this regard, however it does not appear like these points are plaguing the 9R. I’ll replace the publish with my findings in every week’s time, so in case you are seeking to decide up the 9R, verify again shortly.

OnePlus 9R: 5G connectivity

Now, whereas the OnePlus 9R is technically a 5G cellphone, it has only one 5G band in India: N78. The N78 bands covers spectrum within the vary of three.3 – 3.8GHz, and that is in keeping with the Indian authorities’s preliminary 5G public sale, which is set to supply spectrum within the 3.3 – 3.6GHz frequencies.

The OnePlus 9R is a 5G cellphone in identify solely — it has only one 5G band in India.

However, Airtel not too long ago carried out 5G trials utilizing the 1800MHz band, so it is solely attainable the service will decide up some spectrum inside this frequency. Similarly, Jio is eyeing the 700MHz band for 5G protection. For the OnePlus 9R to work successfully in these frequencies, it wants bands N3, 28, and 29. Sadly, it does not have them.

This is a poor displaying for OnePlus, as a result of as soon as 5G service does roll out in India, the cellphone will probably be restricted in its usability. Because there’s nonetheless uncertainty round what bands the carriers will find yourself utilizing, most producers like Xiaomi, Samsung, and OPPO are hedging their bets and together with a big selection of 5G bands.

For context, Xiaomi’s Mi 10T Pro prices the identical because the 9R however has ten 5G bands in India: N1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78. Similarly, the Reno 5 Pro 5G has 5G bands N1, 3, 7, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78. More 5G bands result in a extra complicated RF front-end design and extra antennae, and these modules aren’t precisely reasonably priced. So OnePlus took the straightforward means out and restricted the 5G bands on the 9R to avoid wasting money.

So whereas OnePlus will inevitably tout the truth that the 9R is a 5G-enabled cellphone, I would not suggest it when you’re out there for a tool that may have full compatibility with India’s 5G networks as soon as they go stay. OnePlus has been notably stingy round providing 5G bands on its units in India — even the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro have simply two bands (N77, 78) — and this wants to alter. The OnePlus 9R that will probably be offered in China has 5G bands N1, 3, 41, 78, and 79, so as soon as once more it is simply the Indian mannequin that is being shortchanged.

OnePlus 9R: Cameras

The OnePlus 9R has 4 cameras on the again: a 48MP Sony IMX586 major lens, 16MP wide-angle shooter, 5MP macro, and 2MP monochrome lens. If all of that sounds acquainted, it is as a result of it is the very same configuration because the 8T. The OnePlus 9R makes use of the identical digital camera modules as properly, and the resultant photographs are equivalent to that of the 8T.

The digital camera interface hasn’t modified from final yr, and since the 8T did not have 8K video recording, the 9R misses out on it as properly. That specific characteristic is restricted to the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro. You do get 4K video at 60fps for each the first and wide-angle lenses.

OnePlus tweaked the software program processing of the 8T a couple of months after launch, resulting in significantly better photographs. Those tweaks have service over to the 9R out of the field, and the cellphone does a stellar job in daylight eventualities, providing good dynamic vary, loads of element, and saturated colours.

But as was the case with the 8T, the digital camera struggles with low-light situations; photographs are typically delicate, you lose out on quite a lot of element within the shadows, and there is seen noise across the edges. For what it is price, the digital camera retains the colour steadiness even in low-light situations, and the devoted evening mode does an incredible job fixing the main points and minimizing noise.

The 16MP wide-angle lens is respectable sufficient in its personal proper, producing photographs with correct colours and nice dynamic vary. Like the first lens, the wide-angle struggles with noise ranges in low-light eventualities. The 5MP fixed-focus macro lens is an excessive amount of of a problem to be of any precise use, and the 2MP monochrome achieves the identical impact as a software program filter.

The OnePlus 9R does not measure as much as the OnePlus 9 or the 9 Pro on this regard, and it does not cross muster in opposition to the likes of the Mi 10 or the Galaxy S20 FE. So in case your major consideration is taking quite a lot of photographs, you may discover higher alternate options on this class.

OnePlus 9R: Software

OnePlus rolled out the steady model of OxygenOS 11 alongside the OnePlus 8T, providing a slew of latest options and a bolder design aesthetic. The OnePlus 9R has the identical set of options because the 8T, and nothing actually has modified on the software program entrance within the intervening six months. If you are trying for a extra detailed tackle the brand new additions, be certain to try my OnePlus 8T and OnePlus 9 Pro opinions.

OxygenOS continues to be unbelievable, however OnePlus wants to supply extra platform updates.

OxygenOS 11 has loads of options: you now get an always-on show with distinctive clock kinds, dynamic backgrounds, new options for Zen Mode — which helps you to take a break out of your cellphone — all the brand new options that debuted with Android 11, much more customization choices, and a brand new system font.

The gist of it is that the UI is top-of-the-line you may discover on Android. It has been optimized for 120Hz shows, so navigating the interface feels easy and fluid, and the perfect half is that you just will not discover any bloatware. In 2021, that is the largest differentiator for OxygenOS.

Xiaomi is reducing down on the variety of pre-installed apps on its mid-range and high-end telephones; Samsung, in the meantime, is discovering new and modern methods so as to add bloatware to its telephones. Right now, when you’re trying for an Android gadget with none bloatware, your greatest guess is OnePlus. And no, Pixels do not rely as a result of Google does not care in regards to the Indian market for its {hardware} ambitions.

While OxygenOS is devoid of any extraneous options in the intervening time, it does appear like which will change within the coming months. OnePlus is closely pushing its Red Cable Club in India — its loyalty program — and it additionally has a cloud storage service just like Google Drive (it is inferior to Google’s providing and prices more cash). With the inevitable push to providers, OnePlus is more likely to begin bombarding customers to check out its choices, and I’m already seeing that with the OnePlus 9R.

OnePlus wants to begin providing three assured updates to its telephones.

I see a notification to check out the cloud service every time I head into the Gallery; there is a banner about logging in to Red Cable Club every time I’m going into Settings. OnePlus is not being too aggressive about these proper now — at the very least it does not spam you with push notifications — however this is a degree to think about when you’re investing in OnePlus.

Another level of fear is platform updates. Samsung now provides three assured updates to its mid-range telephones, however OnePlus nonetheless provides simply two platform updates and three years of safety patches. With Samsung elevating the bar on this space, simply two updates is now not sufficient for this class.

We must see at the very least three assured updates — the {hardware} on supply ought to run with none points for 4 or extra years, and it is time OnePlus provided software program updates to match.

OnePlus 9R: The competitors

The apparent selection on this class is the Galaxy S20 FE. Samsung initially launched the Exynos variant of the S20 FE in India, however it not too long ago rolled out the 5G-enabled Snapdragon 865 model within the nation for ₹47,999 ($655). The S20 FE has a 120Hz AMOLED panel, nice cameras, and all of the extras that Samsung has to supply, and is a standout cellphone in 2021.

The Reno 5 Pro 5G is additionally an incredible possibility on this specific section. The cellphone has a 6.5-inch 90Hz AMOLED, Dimensity 1000+ chipset, 64MP digital camera on the again that takes nice photographs, and 65W quick charging. Coming in at ₹35,990 ($490), it is extra reasonably priced than the 9R.

I additionally just like the Xiaomi Mi 10 fairly a bit. It has a significantly better digital camera than the 9R, stellar inside {hardware}, 30W wired and wi-fi charging, 90Hz AMOLED panel, and a beautiful design. MIUI 12 is not as simple to make use of as OxygenOS 11, however it has loads of customizability. But at ₹49,999 ($680), it is a pricey possibility.

The Mi 11 is additionally slated for a launch in India quickly, so you could wish to wait for that exact gadget. Then there’s the Nord 2; OnePlus’ 2021 mid-range cellphone will probably be powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 1200 chipset, and we should always hear extra about it within the coming months.

You should purchase this if …

You need the perfect efficiency

The OnePlus 9R options the Snapdragon 870, which has loads of energy to supply. You will not discover any slowdowns in any way on this cellphone, and it is notably nice for gaming.

You want a clear software program with out bloatware

OxygenOS 11 continues to set the usual for third-party skins. It has a brand new design language, however you will not discover any bloatware right here, and the clear UI is a delight to make use of.

You want quick charging

With 65W wired charging, it takes simply 39 minutes to completely cost the battery on the OnePlus 9R. That means you do not have to plug it in in a single day, however when you do, the optimized charging tech extends your battery longevity.

You need dependable cameras

The OnePlus 9R does not have the perfect cameras on this class, however it takes respectable photographs in most lighting situations. You’re additionally getting an incredible wide-angle lens.

You shouldn’t purchase this if …

You want a cellphone with full 5G protection

With only one 5G band, the OnePlus 9R might not ship full-fledged 5G connectivity in India. Even units that value half as a lot because the 9R have extra 5G bands, and for OnePlus to restrict the gadget in such a way makes it a non-starter for 5G. So when you’re seeking to purchase a cellphone that will probably be totally suitable with India’s 5G networks as soon as they go stay, it is best to take into account the Galaxy S20 FE or Xiaomi Mi 10.

You’re trying for long-term software program updates

Samsung ensures three Android updates to its flagships and Galaxy A units — together with the Galaxy A52 and Galaxy A72 — and 4 years of safety patches. OnePlus must match Samsung’s efforts on this space, as a result of proper now, the 9R will get two platform updates and three years of safety updates.

You need wi-fi charging

Like the Indian model of the OnePlus 9, the 9R misses out on wi-fi charging. There are different units on this section that supply the characteristic, so that you’re higher off with the S20 FE or Mi 10 in order for you wi-fi charging.

I’m struggling to grasp the purpose of the OnePlus 9R. The OnePlus 8T launched simply six months in the past and continues to be an incredible total possibility in 2021. The OnePlus 9R provides the very same {hardware}, with the one distinction being the design prospers on the again and barely sooner chipset.

You’re not getting something new on the software program entrance both; the 8T was one of many first units with Android 11 out of the field, so each telephones will get the identical platform updates. The 9R will obtain an extra six months of safety updates, and that is about it.

4
out of 5

Instead of launching the 9R, OnePlus ought to have discounted the OnePlus 8T as an alternative. Because on the finish of the day, these units are equivalent — cowl up the rear digital camera housing and also you would not be capable of distinguish between the 2. But it is evident that OnePlus wished a cellphone labeled beneath the OnePlus 9 sequence for beneath ₹40,000 ($545), and that is the only real motive for the existence of the 9R.

At the top of the day, the cellphone itself is an honest total selection within the worth flagship class, however there are dozens of fantastic choices obtainable. The points round 5G make it a non-starter as soon as mainstream 5G providers roll out in India, however when you do not care about that proper now and need a cellphone with a 120Hz AMOLED panel, clear software program, and dependable cameras, the OnePlus 9R has you lined.