OnePlus 9 Pro or S21 Ultra
Discussion
Hi everyone,
Long time lurker but thought i'd look for some opinions from those that may already have had experience with one or both of the phones i mention in the thread title.
I'm currently running an iPhone X which is coming up to 2 1/2 years old and probably time for an upgrade. I switched from Android to Apple for this iPhone but haven't really been sucked into the whole Apple ecosystem so switching back to Android shouldn't be to much of a challenge. My main laptop device for personal use are Chromebooks which obviously integrate seamlessly with Android when it comes to apps, photos, mail, tasks, drive, notes. I like the idea of only really having to interact with my phone for phone calls as everything else can be done via the desktop. I'm also a fan of a more stock Android experience, but, having had a number of bad experiences with the Pixel earlier models I'm probably edging away from that device.
I'm looking for a slightly larger phone hence the 9 Pro and S21 Ultra. Main usage of the device is the norm (calls, messages which are largely WhatsApp, popular apps for social media, news, videos). The one area where i can tell the technology has moved on (although the iPhone still takes great photos) is with the photography. I've watched enough YouTube comparisons to send me round in circles and I really cannot see a significant difference between the 9 Pro and the S21 Ultra especially when you consider the price difference between the two.
Considering its difficult to try out a device (i buy the phone out-right) before sticking with it i was wondering if anyone has had experience with one or both of these devices and what any real world feedback may be. I've read the S21 thread in detail but still coming back to the 9 Pro - however as it will likely be with me for 2+ years (as i type that reminds me i need to look into how long software updates will be provided for).
Thank you in advance.
Dan
Long time lurker but thought i'd look for some opinions from those that may already have had experience with one or both of the phones i mention in the thread title.
I'm currently running an iPhone X which is coming up to 2 1/2 years old and probably time for an upgrade. I switched from Android to Apple for this iPhone but haven't really been sucked into the whole Apple ecosystem so switching back to Android shouldn't be to much of a challenge. My main laptop device for personal use are Chromebooks which obviously integrate seamlessly with Android when it comes to apps, photos, mail, tasks, drive, notes. I like the idea of only really having to interact with my phone for phone calls as everything else can be done via the desktop. I'm also a fan of a more stock Android experience, but, having had a number of bad experiences with the Pixel earlier models I'm probably edging away from that device.
I'm looking for a slightly larger phone hence the 9 Pro and S21 Ultra. Main usage of the device is the norm (calls, messages which are largely WhatsApp, popular apps for social media, news, videos). The one area where i can tell the technology has moved on (although the iPhone still takes great photos) is with the photography. I've watched enough YouTube comparisons to send me round in circles and I really cannot see a significant difference between the 9 Pro and the S21 Ultra especially when you consider the price difference between the two.
Considering its difficult to try out a device (i buy the phone out-right) before sticking with it i was wondering if anyone has had experience with one or both of these devices and what any real world feedback may be. I've read the S21 thread in detail but still coming back to the 9 Pro - however as it will likely be with me for 2+ years (as i type that reminds me i need to look into how long software updates will be provided for).
Thank you in advance.
Dan
Hi
Have the s21 ultra
Superb phone, cannot fault it in any way (apart from price)
The 9 has great reviews and possibly is a match for the samsung
I had a great deal buying direct from Samsung, with discounts and part ex (S10) it was sub £700 and that was when they came out first
Whichever you get you will be happy, best of luck
Have the s21 ultra
Superb phone, cannot fault it in any way (apart from price)
The 9 has great reviews and possibly is a match for the samsung
I had a great deal buying direct from Samsung, with discounts and part ex (S10) it was sub £700 and that was when they came out first
Whichever you get you will be happy, best of luck
OnePlus have been going down in popularity in the past year, this is mainly due to them committing to moving to ColorOS as their Android skin instead of OxygenOS. It is a much more 'Chinese skin' version of Android and not at all clean and like 'stock' Android as it has been in the past.
Usually people rave about their top phones, but the 9 series seems to be a bit of a flop.
Personally (without using either, purely speculation), the S21 Ultra is almost certainly going to be a better phone. Better camera, better battery, better screen... I expect it'll get updates for longer too.
Again, this is purely speculation from me, but I just think the 9 Pro is a beefed up mid range phone for top tier price. Do look into the ColorOS move though, you may hate it, I really dislike the look of it.
I've been a OnePlus user and Samsung user, on a Pixel currently...
Good luck!
Usually people rave about their top phones, but the 9 series seems to be a bit of a flop.
Personally (without using either, purely speculation), the S21 Ultra is almost certainly going to be a better phone. Better camera, better battery, better screen... I expect it'll get updates for longer too.
Again, this is purely speculation from me, but I just think the 9 Pro is a beefed up mid range phone for top tier price. Do look into the ColorOS move though, you may hate it, I really dislike the look of it.
I've been a OnePlus user and Samsung user, on a Pixel currently...
Good luck!
I'm on my Second OnePlus (Currently have a 7TPro and had a 5T previously). The OnePlus phones have always lagged behind the competition when it comes to cameras. Mrs B had a Mate P20 Pro and now has a Samsung S20 FE and both had far superior cameras compared to my OnePlus.
However the OnePlus Fast Charge is one of the best of all the big manufacturers and Wife's Samsung is no where near as fast and rumour has it, OnePlus is bringing 80W fast chargig with the 10 and given Oppo are launching 100W this year its certain that the next OnePlus will be 100W.
All this basically means, that you can get 80% in about 20 minutes.
The biggest downside of OnePlus phones is the resale/Trade In. At two years old they are practically worthless and you may as well keep them in your drawer for a spare. I paid £550 for my 5T and traded it in for £80 at 2 year old. What's worse is I paid list for my 7T Pro (£700) and I recon it will be worth about £100 when I come to replace it with either a 9 or 10 Pro. OnePlus are charging flagship money now and I don't think the public are quite willing to pay top money for a OnePlus.
I've reached the conclusion that if you are going to buy a OnePlus, do it on Black Friday as I don't think the phones are worth their RRPs any more. They usually have decent discounts on Black Friday. They don't discount older models when they launch new ones too
However the OnePlus Fast Charge is one of the best of all the big manufacturers and Wife's Samsung is no where near as fast and rumour has it, OnePlus is bringing 80W fast chargig with the 10 and given Oppo are launching 100W this year its certain that the next OnePlus will be 100W.
All this basically means, that you can get 80% in about 20 minutes.
The biggest downside of OnePlus phones is the resale/Trade In. At two years old they are practically worthless and you may as well keep them in your drawer for a spare. I paid £550 for my 5T and traded it in for £80 at 2 year old. What's worse is I paid list for my 7T Pro (£700) and I recon it will be worth about £100 when I come to replace it with either a 9 or 10 Pro. OnePlus are charging flagship money now and I don't think the public are quite willing to pay top money for a OnePlus.
I've reached the conclusion that if you are going to buy a OnePlus, do it on Black Friday as I don't think the phones are worth their RRPs any more. They usually have decent discounts on Black Friday. They don't discount older models when they launch new ones too
Thank you all for your help. re the S21 Ultra and camera I don't think i have ever had the need to do 100x or even 30x zoom :-)
I've just ordered from John Lewis the oneplus 9 pro as i can return for a full refund (chat transcript saved!).
Will let you know how it goes..
thanks again
Dan
I've just ordered from John Lewis the oneplus 9 pro as i can return for a full refund (chat transcript saved!).
Will let you know how it goes..
thanks again
Dan
danf1983 said:
Thank you all for your help. re the S21 Ultra and camera I don't think i have ever had the need to do 100x or even 30x zoom :-)
I've just ordered from John Lewis the oneplus 9 pro as i can return for a full refund (chat transcript saved!).
Will let you know how it goes..
thanks again
Dan
Will be interested to hear your initial thoughts. Good shout on John Lewis. My 7T Pro came from there because of the two year warranty. I've just ordered from John Lewis the oneplus 9 pro as i can return for a full refund (chat transcript saved!).
Will let you know how it goes..
thanks again
Dan
Once you have used OnePlus Warp Chargers, you won't want to go back to old fashioned over night charging. I'll be interested to see what the new 10 offers.
bakerstreet said:
I'm on my Second OnePlus (Currently have a 7TPro and had a 5T previously). The OnePlus phones have always lagged behind the competition when it comes to cameras. Mrs B had a Mate P20 Pro and now has a Samsung S20 FE and both had far superior cameras compared to my OnePlus.
However the OnePlus Fast Charge is one of the best of all the big manufacturers and Wife's Samsung is no where near as fast and rumour has it, OnePlus is bringing 80W fast chargig with the 10 and given Oppo are launching 100W this year its certain that the next OnePlus will be 100W.
All this basically means, that you can get 80% in about 20 minutes.
The biggest downside of OnePlus phones is the resale/Trade In. At two years old they are practically worthless and you may as well keep them in your drawer for a spare. I paid £550 for my 5T and traded it in for £80 at 2 year old. What's worse is I paid list for my 7T Pro (£700) and I recon it will be worth about £100 when I come to replace it with either a 9 or 10 Pro. OnePlus are charging flagship money now and I don't think the public are quite willing to pay top money for a OnePlus.
I've reached the conclusion that if you are going to buy a OnePlus, do it on Black Friday as I don't think the phones are worth their RRPs any more. They usually have decent discounts on Black Friday. They don't discount older models when they launch new ones too
OP always take the piss with their trade in prices (as do other manufacturers tbf) if you are looking to claw back some money from an old phone you are better off taking your chances with ebay or some other exchange that will buy the phone off you.However the OnePlus Fast Charge is one of the best of all the big manufacturers and Wife's Samsung is no where near as fast and rumour has it, OnePlus is bringing 80W fast chargig with the 10 and given Oppo are launching 100W this year its certain that the next OnePlus will be 100W.
All this basically means, that you can get 80% in about 20 minutes.
The biggest downside of OnePlus phones is the resale/Trade In. At two years old they are practically worthless and you may as well keep them in your drawer for a spare. I paid £550 for my 5T and traded it in for £80 at 2 year old. What's worse is I paid list for my 7T Pro (£700) and I recon it will be worth about £100 when I come to replace it with either a 9 or 10 Pro. OnePlus are charging flagship money now and I don't think the public are quite willing to pay top money for a OnePlus.
I've reached the conclusion that if you are going to buy a OnePlus, do it on Black Friday as I don't think the phones are worth their RRPs any more. They usually have decent discounts on Black Friday. They don't discount older models when they launch new ones too
Samsung do a fast charger (that you have to buy separately, thieving bar stewards) which will go from 20-80% in about half an hour which is what I tend to do, I rarely let it go below 20 and stop charging at 80/85.
To be honest all sites were a little tight when it came to trade in value. Looking on eBay i have budgeted between £180 to £200 given the condition mine is in (used - good with unused charger, headphones and original box still).
Will have a play at home for 48 hours and let you know. I got a bit spread sheet happy as when i costed up the extras that i would need (charger, case, screen protector) the OnePlus came out nearly £300 cheaper when compared to others (i went for the 256GB OnePlus).
Will have a play at home for 48 hours and let you know. I got a bit spread sheet happy as when i costed up the extras that i would need (charger, case, screen protector) the OnePlus came out nearly £300 cheaper when compared to others (i went for the 256GB OnePlus).
Careful with John Lewis with returning. I have seen more than a few posts on here about them not accepting returns of phones that have been set up and used etc... (This is even with chat transcripts saved beforehand)
May just be freak incidents and you may well be fine to return if need be, but just be mindful of it!
Hopefully you'll like it anyway, i'm sure it'll serve you well!
Best of luck
May just be freak incidents and you may well be fine to return if need be, but just be mindful of it!
Hopefully you'll like it anyway, i'm sure it'll serve you well!
Best of luck
I've just had chance to come back and say thank you all for your input and if at all interested an update on my decision.
The OP9 Pro was a powerhouse, nice to hold, amazing value for money when you consider it comes with a charger / case / screen protector all in the box. For me the camera was good but in normal light it just didn't feel like something i'd still be happy to use in 2 or 3 years time. The switch from iOS to Android was greater in terms of usability than i'd realised.
I then went against everything i said and took a look on the Apple website. With a sale of my iPhone X i secured a 256GB 13 pro for the same price as the OP9 Pro. I've now had the 13 pro for a week or so and couldn't be happier with it and will easily last me 3 years.
Re the john lewis return thankfully no issues there and they refunded the full amount.
The OP9 Pro was a powerhouse, nice to hold, amazing value for money when you consider it comes with a charger / case / screen protector all in the box. For me the camera was good but in normal light it just didn't feel like something i'd still be happy to use in 2 or 3 years time. The switch from iOS to Android was greater in terms of usability than i'd realised.
I then went against everything i said and took a look on the Apple website. With a sale of my iPhone X i secured a 256GB 13 pro for the same price as the OP9 Pro. I've now had the 13 pro for a week or so and couldn't be happier with it and will easily last me 3 years.
Re the john lewis return thankfully no issues there and they refunded the full amount.
danf1983 said:
I've just had chance to come back and say thank you all for your input and if at all interested an update on my decision.
The OP9 Pro was a powerhouse, nice to hold, amazing value for money when you consider it comes with a charger / case / screen protector all in the box. For me the camera was good but in normal light it just didn't feel like something i'd still be happy to use in 2 or 3 years time. The switch from iOS to Android was greater in terms of usability than i'd realised.
I then went against everything i said and took a look on the Apple website. With a sale of my iPhone X i secured a 256GB 13 pro for the same price as the OP9 Pro. I've now had the 13 pro for a week or so and couldn't be happier with it and will easily last me 3 years.
Re the john lewis return thankfully no issues there and they refunded the full amount.
Ideal! The 13 series really are top notch, so you've made a good choice there. Enjoy!The OP9 Pro was a powerhouse, nice to hold, amazing value for money when you consider it comes with a charger / case / screen protector all in the box. For me the camera was good but in normal light it just didn't feel like something i'd still be happy to use in 2 or 3 years time. The switch from iOS to Android was greater in terms of usability than i'd realised.
I then went against everything i said and took a look on the Apple website. With a sale of my iPhone X i secured a 256GB 13 pro for the same price as the OP9 Pro. I've now had the 13 pro for a week or so and couldn't be happier with it and will easily last me 3 years.
Re the john lewis return thankfully no issues there and they refunded the full amount.
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