Editor’s be aware, Jan. 12: The OnePlus 10 Pro simply launched in China, and we’re nonetheless studying about OnePlus’ 2022 cellphone line. But in case you are contemplating the OnePlus 9, know that despite the fact that it is not the highest-performing cellphone within the lineup, it is nonetheless obtained nice specs all spherical and comes at a worth that makes it a strong choice for anybody procuring on a finances. And regardless of a delay in its Android 12 rollout in December, the OnePlus 9 is now receiving OxygenOS 12, which relies on Google’s latest working system. That steadiness of options and worth has earned it a CNET Editors’ Choice Award. Our up to date evaluation follows.  When I reviewed the OnePlus 9 final 12 months, I mentioned it was the most effective and extra reasonably priced telephones you should purchase. Its glorious efficiency, very good battery life, first rate digicam and tremendous quick charging meant it was a greater worth than its pricier OnePlus 9 Pro sibling. That’s why it earned that coveted CNET Editors’ Choice Award. But since then we have seen the launch of telephones just like the Google Pixel 6, which additionally earned a glowing evaluation because of its nice digicam, slick Android 12 interface and good general efficiency. And at $599, the Pixel 6 is precisely the identical worth because the OnePlus 9. Undoubtedly the OnePlus 9’s largest competitors immediately, the Pixel is the higher alternative if you’d like the neat options of Android 12 and a superior major digicam. Sure, Google’s Tensor processor guarantees enhancements to AI, however we’ve not seen a lot of that but. The OnePlus 9’s top-end Qualcomm chip makes it an absolute powerhouse, whereas its stronger battery life and stellar quick charging makes it excel if energy is a matter. That mentioned, The Pixel 6’s aluminum and glass design feels markedly extra premium than the OnePlus 9’s. Plus, the Pixel comes with an IP68 ranking for waterproofing — one thing not discovered on the OnePlus 9. Then there’s the newly-launched Samsung Galaxy S21 FE, which additionally carried out nicely in our evaluation and presents a number of high-end options at a extra affordable worth than the flagship S21. But it nonetheless prices $700, making the OnePlus 9 the extra economical alternative for cash-strapped consumers. And let’s not neglect the upcoming Galaxy S22, which is predicted in February. While it is prone to pack some superior options, we count on it to price significantly greater than the OnePlus 9, so it is not value ready for the launch if price is a priority. From its lightning-fast efficiency to its very good battery, the OnePlus 9 has sturdy options that make it a superb on a regular basis cellphone for 2022. Sure, it won’t have a few of the extra glitzy parts or bleeding-edge cellular tech just like the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra or the iPhone 13 Pro, however its extra approachable price ticket makes it the most effective midrange handsets to contemplate. 

LikeSupercharged processorAwesome battery lifeIncredible quick chargingAffordable worth

Don’t LikeNo official waterproofingCamera is nice for the cash, however not nice

Here are 5 explanation why that is the most effective OnePlus cellphone to purchase proper now.Better battery lifeThe OnePlus 9 has the identical measurement battery as its 9 Pro sibling, but I discovered its battery life to be fairly a bit higher. Why is that? It’s in all probability all concerning the display screen. At 6.55 inches and a pair of,400×1,080 pixels, it is barely smaller and decrease decision than the 9 Pro. That means fewer pixels to gentle up so there’s much less of a drain on the battery. On our rundown checks it stored going for a powerful 23 hours, which places it on par with the S21 Ultra and laughs within the face of the 15 hours the 9 Pro achieved. 

And don’t fret about that decrease decision — I actually cannot inform the distinction between the 2 screens, and it is not one thing you’d discover 99% of the time. Incredible quick chargingIf you do handle to hammer the battery and end up working low within the afternoon, the OnePlus 9 has the identical 65-watt quick charging because the Pro. It’s wonderful and shockingly fast — it could possibly go from empty to full in about 30 minutes. It’s nice for these events once you’ve forgotten to cost and simply want to provide it a fast prime up earlier than you head out.Even higher is {that a} 65-watt quick charger comes within the field, so there isn’t any must scour Amazon to discover a third-party one which’s appropriate. It helps wi-fi charging too, though it does not have the quick 50-watt wi-fi charging of the 9 Pro. Personally, I do not assume that is a lot of a loss, but it surely’s value holding in thoughts.
Andrew Hoyle/CNET
Massive powerI totally anticipated the OnePlus 9 to have a lower-end processor than the Pro, however no, it is packing the very same Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chip, which is an absolute powerhouse. Gaming, picture enhancing, video streaming — all dealt with with zero fuss. In reality, there’s nothing I might actually throw at it that slowed it down. It’s a pleasure to make use of to your on a regular basis duties too, thanks partially to the 120Hz display screen refresh price and the neat and easy-to-use Android 11-based software program — each options you may additionally get on the 9 Pro.
Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Discover the newest information and finest opinions in smartphones and carriers from CNET’s cellular specialists.

Decent cameraI argued with the 9 Pro that its digicam is nice, but it surely’s not up there with the Galaxy S21 Ultra or the iPhone 12 Pro Max. While the identical is true on the OnePlus 9, this cellphone is not attempting to compete with absolutely the elite of the smartphone world, so I generally is a lot extra forgiving right here.That mentioned, there have been some compromises on the digicam from the Pro model. It has no optical zoom, for instance, so you may be utilizing the usual and super-wide lenses, and the primary digicam has a bodily smaller sensor. For most photographs you in all probability will not be capable to inform the distinction, as it could possibly take some actually attractive images with even exposures and loads of element. The colours from the OnePlus 9’s digicam can generally look extra muted in comparison with these from the 9 Pro, however there are a number of built-in coloration filters to pick out from if you wish to give issues a punchier look.This outside scene is vivid and filled with element.
Andrew Hoyle/CNET
And it is the identical story with this sweeping waterfront in Edinburgh.
Andrew Hoyle/CNET
Switching to the super-wide lens, it is clear that it is captured much more of the scene, but it surely nonetheless has nice management of the publicity, with a well-balanced sky and loads of element within the shadows.
Andrew Hoyle/CNET
Shot with the usual lens, this scene has beautiful, natural-looking colours and plenty of element in each the intense highlights of the sky and within the extra shadowy areas.
Andrew Hoyle/CNET
Rich, heat tones on this leafy scene.
Andrew Hoyle/CNET
A brand new panorama mode simulates Hasselblad’s X-Pan extensive format movie cameras. It’s a enjoyable characteristic, though it basically simply crops your photos throughout the center, which you would do your self in apps like Snapseed. 
Andrew Hoyle/CNET
The evening mode is okay, although definitely not stellar. I’ve seen higher outcomes from equally priced telephones, such because the Pixel 5. It’s ok, but when nighttime images is your precedence, look elsewhere.
Andrew Hoyle/CNET
You can take evening mode images within the super-wide lens too, though the outcomes usually are not nice. 
Andrew Hoyle/CNET
The evening mode works nicely (in the usual zoom, anyway) and selfies from the entrance digicam are sharp and nicely uncovered, too. All in all, it is a terrific digicam for all your on a regular basis snaps, however for those who do need the most effective photos round, you may must look additional up the vary. Attractive designI just like the 9 Pro’s stylish design, and the usual OnePlus 9 has a lot of the identical visible attraction. There’s the shiny again and metallic edging, the neat digicam unit — and I just like the purpley-bluey tones on my evaluation mannequin, too. Its display screen does not curve properly on the edges just like the Pro and general it feels extra midrange than high-end, however is that basically a motive to spend the additional? For me, it is a completely good trade-off.It additionally does not have any official waterproofing, and whereas OnePlus reckons it could possibly nonetheless shrug off a spilled drink or two, it is best to be further cautious subsequent time you are round clumsy mates carrying beer.
Andrew Hoyle/CNET
It’s one of many only a few compromises you may want to contemplate when debating the OnePlus 9 versus the OnePlus 9 Pro. This factor is cheaper, it is simply as highly effective, it has an honest digicam for many of your every day snaps and it has a battery that places up extra of a combat.In quick, it is a very good do-it-all cellphone that will not break the financial institution. That’s why I feel it is the most effective OnePlus cellphone to purchase proper now.