The One Plus 9 arrived in March 2021 as the more affordable half of the OnePlus 9 series, pairing a flagship Snapdragon 888 platform with the brand’s first Hasselblad-tuned camera system. It set out to deliver a fast, fluid, high-refresh experience without the premium price tag of its Pro sibling, and it remains a compelling value proposition on the second-hand and clearance market today.
This article breaks down where the One Plus 9 still shines, where it makes compromises, and who it makes the most sense for in a landscape now crowded with newer mid-range and flagship options. Pricing shown in source listings appears to reflect used or clearance stock, so treat any figures as indicative and verify current availability before buying.
Full Specifications
Network
| Technology: | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| 2G bands: | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| CDMA 800 / 1900 | |
| 3G bands: | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands: | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 – EU |
| 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66, 71 – NA | |
| 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46 – IN | |
| 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 – CN | |
| 5G bands: | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 78 SA/NSA – EU |
| 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA – NA | |
| 41, 78 SA/NSA – IN | |
| 1, 3, 28, 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA – CN | |
| Speed: | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (CA) Cat20 2000/200 Mbps, 5G |
Launch
| Announced: | 2021, March 23 |
| Status: | Available. Released 2021, March 26 |
Body
| Dimensions: | 160 x 74.2 x 8.7 mm (EU/NA)160 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm (IN/CN) |
| Weight: | 192 g (EU/NA)183 g (IN/CN) (6.46 oz) |
| Build: | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame |
| SIM: | Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| IP68 dust tight and water resistant (T-Mobile version only) |
Display
| Type: | Fluid AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1100 nits (peak) |
| Size: | 6.55 inches, 103.6 cm2 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Resolution: | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~402 ppi density) |
| Protection: | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
Platform
| OS: | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, OxygenOS 13 |
| Chipset: | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) |
| CPU: | Octa-core (1×2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3×2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4×1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| GPU: | Adreno 660 |
Memory
| Card slot: | No |
| Internal: | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| UFS 3.1 |
Main Camera
| Triple: | 48 MP, f/1.8, 23mm (wide), 1/1.43″, 1.12µm, multi-directional PDAF 50 MP, f/2.2, 14mm (ultrawide), 1/1.56″, 1.0µm, AF 2 MP, f/2.4, (monochrome) |
| Features: | Hasselblad Color Calibration, color spectrum sensor, dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Video: | 8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, Auto HDR, gyro-EIS |
Selfie camera
| Single: | 16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.06″, 1.0µm |
| Features: | HDR |
| Video: | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
Sound
| Loudspeaker: | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| 3.5mm jack: | No |
| 24-bit/192kHz Hi-Res audio |
Comms
| WLAN: | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA |
| Bluetooth: | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| Positioning: | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a) |
| NFC: | Yes |
| Radio: | No |
| USB: | USB Type-C 3.1, OTG |
Features
| Sensors: | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
Battery
| Type: | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Charging: | 65W wired, PD, 100% in 29 min 15W wireless (EU/NA) |
Misc
| Colors: | Winter Mist, Arctic Sky, Astral Black |
| Models: | LE2113, LE2111, LE2110, LE2117, LE2115 |
| Price: | € 229.99 / $ 174.00 / £ 169.99 |
Our Tests
| Display: | 821 nits max brightness (measured) |
| Camera: | Photo / Video |
| Loudspeaker: | -24.5 LUFS (Very good) |
| Battery (old): | Endurance rating 87h |
Price and Availability
The One Plus 9 offers a compelling combination of features and performance. While the base price is around €230, the actual cost may vary depending on your location and retailer. Below, you’ll find the approximate price of the One Plus 9 converted into various currencies. Please note that these are estimates based on recent exchange rates as of July 9, 2026 and may not reflect the exact price you’ll find at a retailer.
- United States: $263
- Japan: ¥42,667
- United Kingdom: £196
- Australia: A$379
- Canada: C$372
- Taiwan: NT$8,423
- Denmark: kr1.717
- Saudi Arabia: ﷼984
- South Korea: ₩395,754
- Germany: €230
- Brazil: R$1.353
- Vietnam: ₫6.882.538
- Kenya: KSh 33,928
- India: ₹25,070
- Indonesia: Rp 4.725.734
- Nigeria: ₦358,208
- Pakistan: ₨73,095
- Philippines: ₱16,155
- Bangladesh: ৳৩২,৩৭৭
Is the One Plus 9 Still Good Value?
As a former flagship, the One Plus 9 punches above its current asking price. You get a Snapdragon 888 chipset, a 120Hz Fluid AMOLED panel, and 65W wired charging — a specification sheet that would still cost considerably more in a brand-new device. For buyers comfortable with a 2021 handset, the combination of top-tier silicon and fast charging makes it one of the smarter value picks in the used-flagship segment, especially against newer mid-rangers that skimp on charging speed or screen quality.
Design and Build Quality
The One Plus 9 keeps things clean and familiar. It uses a Gorilla Glass 5 front and back with a plastic frame, which helps keep the weight down to between 183g and 192g depending on the regional variant. Measuring around 8.1–8.7mm thick, it feels comfortable in hand rather than bulky. It ships in Winter Mist, Arctic Sky, and Astral Black finishes. One important caveat: an official IP68 water and dust rating applied only to the T-Mobile version, so unlocked and international units should be treated as splash-resistant at best.
Display Experience
The 6.55-inch Fluid AMOLED display is a highlight. It runs at a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, supports HDR10+, and outputs Full HD+ (1080 x 2400) resolution at roughly 402 ppi. OnePlus quotes a 1100-nit peak, and independent testing measured around 821 nits of maximum brightness — bright enough for confident outdoor use in most conditions. The flat panel, high refresh rate, and rich contrast make everyday scrolling, streaming, and gaming feel responsive and vivid.
Performance and Everyday Speed
Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 888 (5nm) with an Adreno 660 GPU, the One Plus 9 was built for speed. The octa-core CPU, led by a 2.84GHz Cortex-X1 core, handles demanding apps and modern games with ease, backed by up to 12GB of RAM and fast UFS 3.1 storage in 128GB or 256GB configurations. Like many Snapdragon 888 phones, it can run warm under sustained load, but for typical use and short gaming sessions it remains snappy. Note there is no microSD card slot, so choose your storage tier carefully.
Camera System and Hasselblad Tuning
This was OnePlus’s first phone with Hasselblad Color Calibration. The triple rear setup combines a 48MP f/1.8 wide (with a Sony IMX689-class sensor), a 50MP f/2.2 ultrawide using a freeform lens to reduce edge distortion, and a 2MP monochrome helper. Video tops out at 8K@30fps with 4K@60fps and gyro-EIS stabilization. The front camera is a 16MP f/2.4 shooter with HDR. The main and ultrawide cameras are genuinely strong for the price, while the monochrome unit is more of a supporting player than a standout feature.
Battery and Charging
A 4500mAh battery keeps the One Plus 9 running through a full day for most users, with independent endurance testing rating it around 87 hours in an older test suite. Where it truly excels is charging: 65W wired Warp Charge can refill the battery to 100% in roughly 29 minutes, and EU/NA models add 15W wireless charging. That fast top-up remains one of the phone’s most practical advantages, even by current standards.
Software and Updates
The One Plus 9 launched on Android 11 and was upgradable to Android 13 with OxygenOS 13. Its major OS update window is now closing, so prospective buyers should assume it is near or at the end of its guaranteed software support and may not receive further major Android versions. It can still run current apps comfortably, but security-conscious users should factor the update timeline into their decision.
Connectivity and Extras
Connectivity is comprehensive for a flagship of its era: 5G (SA/NSA) with wide regional band support, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX HD, NFC, and USB Type-C 3.1 with OTG. Positioning covers GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, and Galileo. An under-display optical fingerprint sensor handles biometrics, and stereo speakers with 24-bit/192kHz Hi-Res audio round out the media experience. There is no 3.5mm headphone jack and no FM radio.
Who Should Buy the One Plus 9?
The One Plus 9 suits buyers who want flagship-level speed, a great 120Hz screen, and extremely fast charging at a reduced price, and who don’t mind buying a device that is past its peak update cycle. It’s a strong pick for value hunters and enthusiasts. Those who need long-term software guarantees, universal water resistance, or a telephoto zoom lens may prefer a newer alternative.
Conclusion
The One Plus 9 remains a well-rounded former flagship that delivers where it counts: a fast Snapdragon 888 chip, a smooth 120Hz AMOLED display, capable Hasselblad-tuned cameras, and class-leading 65W charging. Its main compromises — a plastic frame, limited water resistance on most units, no memory card slot, and a software update window that is winding down — are easier to accept given its current value pricing. If you can find one in good condition at a fair price and don’t require the newest software support, the One Plus 9 is an easy recommendation for buyers who prioritize performance and charging speed over long-term updates. Always confirm the exact model, region, and current price before purchasing.
References
- OnePlus 9 Specs – Official manufacturer specification sheet for dimensions, display, chipset, RAM/storage, battery, charging, cameras, connectivity bands, sensors, ports, audio, and in-box contents.
- OnePlus 9 Product Page – Official product overview for feature claims such as Hasselblad camera branding, design colors, charging features, and OnePlus marketing names.
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G Mobile Platform – Official chipset reference for the Snapdragon 888 platform used in the OnePlus 9, including processor, graphics, modem, and connectivity capabilities.
- GSMArena OnePlus 9 – Full phone specifications – Well-known independent phone specification database useful for cross-checking official specs, release timing, variants, camera details, and network support.
- WIRED Review: OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro – Reputable independent review source for launch-era context, pricing, performance impressions, display and camera evaluation, and software support notes.
