OnePlus 9 mobile The OnePlus 9 is a flagship smartphone released by OnePlus in March 2021 as part of the OnePlus 9 series, alongside the OnePlus 9 Pro and later the OnePlus 9R.
Key Specifications:
- Display: 6.55-inch Fluid AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate, Full HD+ (2400 × 1080 pixels), HDR10+
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (5nm, flagship chipset)
- RAM & Storage:
- 8GB/12GB LPDDR5 RAM
- 128GB/256GB UFS 3.1 storage (no microSD slot)
- Cameras (co-developed with Hasselblad):
- Main: 48MP Sony IMX689 (f/1.8, OIS)
- Monochrome: 2MP (for depth/B&W shots)
- Front: 16MP (f/2.4)
- No wireless charging (only available in the 9 Pro)
- OS: Originally launched with Oxygen OS (Android 11), upgradable to Android 14 (final major update).
- Build: Glass front & back, plastic frame (IP68 rating not officially certified).
Pros & Cons:
- Pros:
- Smooth 120Hz display
- Fast charging (65W)
- Hasselblad-tuned cameras (better color science)
- Clean Oxygen OS (near-stock Android)
- Cons:
- No IP68 rating (unofficially water-resistant)
- No wireless charging (unlike the Pro model)
- Average battery life (due to Snapdragon 888 efficiency issues)
Camera Performance Hasselblad Partnership
- The OnePlus 9 marked OnePlus’s first collaboration with Hasselblad, focusing on color calibration and natural tones.
- Strengths:
- Main (48MP Sony IMX689): Good dynamic range, especially in daylight.
- Ultra-wide (50MP Sony IMX766): One of the best ultra-wide cameras in 2021 (minimal distortion).
- Pro Mode: Supports 12-bit RAW for Hasselblad-style editing.
- Weaknesses:
- No telephoto lens (unlike the 9 Pro, which has a 3.3x zoom).
- Low-light performance was decent but not flagship-leading (improved via updates).
- 2MP monochrome sensor was mostly useless (marketing gimmick).
- Verdict: A strong setup for its time, but beaten by newer mid-range phones like the Pixel 7a or iPhone 15 in computational photography.
2. Software & Updates
- Launched with: Android 11 (Oxygen OS 11).
- Final update: Android 14 (Oxygen OS 14).
- Future support: Only security patches (no Android 15).
- Oxygen OS vs. Color OS: After the OnePlus-OPPO merger, Oxygen OS became more Color OS-like, losing some of its “stock Android” feel.
- Tip: Custom ROMs (like Lineage S) can extend its life if you’re comfortable with MODDING.
3. Gaming & Performance
- Snapdragon 888: A powerful chip but notorious for overheating and throttling under heavy loads (like Gen shin Impact).
- Cooling system: Passive cooling (no vapor chamber like the 9 Pro).
- OnePlus 9 mobile 120Hz display: Smooth for casual and competitive gaming (COD Mobile, PUBG).
- Verdict: Still handles most games well in 2024, but newer phones (like OnePlus 12R or POCO F6 Pro) offer better thermals.
4. Battery Life & Charging
- 4,500mAh battery: Average endurance (4-6 HRS SOT).
- Warp Charge 65T: Extremely fast (0-100% in ~29 mins).
- No wireless charging: A notable omission (only in 9 Pro).
- Tip: Battery degradation is common after 2-3 years—replacement costs ~$30-$50.
5. Pricing (Then vs. Now)
- Launch price (2021):
- $729 (8GB/128GB)
- $829 (12GB/256GB)
- 2024/2025 used prices:
- Good condition: ~$200-$250
- Refurbished: ~$180-$220
Is it worth buying in 2025?
- Yes if: You want a cheap flagship with fast charging and clean software.
- No if: You need long-term updates or better battery life.
Hidden Features & Tricks
- Underrated Oxygen OS Features:
- Quick Launch: Hold power button + volume up to instantly open camera (even when locked).
- Canvas AOD: Turns your lock screen photo into a line-drawing always-on display.
- Parallel Apps: Run two instances of WhatsApp, Instagram, etc.
- Screen Recorder with Audio: Can record internal sound (not just mic).
- Developer Tricks:
- Enable 90Hz/120Hz globally:
- Settings > About Phone > Tap “Build Number” 7 times > Developer Options > Set “Peak Refresh Rate” to 120Hz.
- Force 4K/60FPS on all apps: Use “Set Edit” app to modify ro. surface_ flinger. max_ frame _buffer_* values (requires root).
2. Long-Term Durability (2025 Check)
- Battery Health After 3-4 Years:
- OnePlus 9 mobile Most OnePlus 9 units now have ~80-85% battery health (expect ~4-5 HRS SOT vs. 5-6 HRS when new).
- Replacement cost: ~$30-$50 (DIY kits available on i Fixit).
- Common Hardware Issues:
- Green line on display: Some users report sudden green/pink lines (a known AMOLED issue, more common after updates).
- Charging port wear: Warp Charge 65T’s high current can degrade the port over time (use wireless charging if possible).
- Survivability:
- No IP68, but splash-resistant: Survives rain/spills, but avoid submersion.
- Plastic frame > metal: Less prone to dents but scratches easily.
3. MODDING & Custom ROMs (2025 Scene)
The OnePlus 9 has a strong MODDING community thanks to its unlockable bootloader.
Best Custom ROMs in 2025:
ROM Android Version Key Feature
Lineage OS 21 Android 14 Stock-like, stable
Pixel Experience Android 14 Google Pixel features
Nameless AOSP Android 14 Performance-focused
Evolution X Android 14 Heavy customization
Rooting Benefits:
- Battery tweaks: Use Franco Kernel Manager to underclock CPU for better thermals.
- OnePlus 9 mobile Camera mods: Enable 1080P/240FPS slow-MO (disabled by default).
- Ad-blocking: System-wide ad-free experience with AdAway.
- Warning: Rooting voids warranty (if still active) and can trip Wide vine L1 (Netflix HD won’t work).
4. Best Accessories (2025 Edition)
- Must-Have Add-Ons:
- Official Sandstone Case: Grippy texture, protects the plastic frame.
- Warp Charge 65T Car Charger: Fast charging on the go.
- USB-C to 3.5mm DAC: For wired audio lovers (OnePlus doesn’t include an adapter).
- Avoid:
- Magnetic cases (can interfere with GPS signal).
5. Should You Buy It in 2025?
- Best For:
- Budget flagship seekers ($200-$250 used).
- Fast charging addicts (65W still beats most 2025 phones).
- MODDERS/tinkerers (great ROM support).
- Avoid If:
- You need long-term updates (no Android 15).
- You’re a mobile gamer (Snapdragon 888 throttles).
- You want flagship cameras (outclassed by Pixel 7a/iPhone SE 4).
Hardware Secrets & Untapped Potential
- Underclocked Hardware?
- The Snapdragon 888 was intentionally throttled by OnePlus to manage heat. With root access, you can:
- Re-enable full GPU frequencies (840MHz → 1GHz) for 15% better gaming performance
- Hidden Sensor Capabilities
- The Sony IMX766 ultra-wide sensor can actually shoot 4K/60FPS video (disabled in stock firmware)
- The selfie camera supports 1080p/60FPS (limited to 30FPS in official software)
- Overclock the Display
- Using kernel tweaks, the panel can run at 135Hz (vs stock 120Hz) with minor color accuracy tradeoffs
2. The Hasselblad Partnership: Marketing or Real?
- What Hasselblad Actually Contributed
- OnePlus 9 mobile Color Calibration: True-to-life “Hasselblad Natural Color” mode
- Pro Mode UI: Inspired by Hasselblad’s mirrorless cameras
- The 2025 Developer Scene
- Most Advanced Custom ROM
- • CR Droid 10 (Android 14)
- Full Desktop Mode support (via HDMI out)
- GPU Driver Updates to Adreno 660 v@512.510 (vs stock v@415)
- Battery Health Protection (limits charging to 80% when docked)
- Kernel Development
- Radioactive Kernel enables:
- F2FS filesystem for faster storage speeds
- ZRAM swap optimization for better multitasking
5. Camera Hacks for Enthusiasts
- G Cam Port Magic
- The BSG 8.8 Mod unlocks:
- Night Sight on all cameras (including ultra-wide)
- 4K/60FPS on both front and rear cameras
- 50MP full-res mode without pixel binning
- Cinematic Video Tricks
- LOG Profile via Motion Cam Pro app
- 10-bit HEVC Recording with root
- External Mic Support (USB-C or Bluetooth)
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