Let’s be honest — the OnePlus 9RT didn’t arrive with trumpets blaring or flashy marketing lines promising the moon. But you know what? It kind of didn’t need to. For smartphone enthusiasts, this one felt more like a savvy revision than a brand-new chapter. Positioned between the OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 10, the 9RT is that sibling who borrows your clothes, tops your homework, but still gets credit.
But gimmicks aside, is it worth your ₹42,999? Or is it just a polished “9 with tweaks”? Let’s dive into real-world use, performance highs, quirks, and those awkward misses that nobody puts on the brochure.
Power Under the Hood: Performance That Surprises
No matter how sleek or stylish your phone looks, if it can’t keep up during intense gaming or multitasking marathons, you’ll likely be reaching for your next upgrade by week two. The OnePlus 9RT comes prepared. Packed with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 888 — a chip that still impresses in 2024 — this phone handles heavy apps, demanding games, and multiple open browser tabs with ease.
Gaming Performance
Gamers, this phone has your back. We tested it with titles like Call of Duty Mobile, Genshin Impact, and Asphalt 9. Frame drops were rare, and thermals remained surprisingly stable, avoiding the dreaded overheating that plagues many devices. The OnePlus 9RT managed an impressive AnTuTu score of around 938,580 — placing it ahead of 90% of phones currently on the market. That’s serious muscle, especially considering it’s not even pretending to be a flagship killer this time.
Still Experiencing That “Silk Smooth” Display?
Remember the first time you scrolled on a 120Hz screen? That sensation when your eyes adjusted to buttery transitions? The OnePlus 9RT keeps that vibe alive. Its 6.62-inch AMOLED panel is crisp, responsive, and surprisingly vibrant. Blacks are deep, colors are vibrant without being oversaturated, and sunlight readability performs decently during afternoon commutes.
Display Features
The 120Hz refresh rate ensures every flick and swipe feels intentional, making it a display that enhances even the most mundane activities — yes, even doomscrolling becomes halfway pleasurable.
Warp Speed Charging: A Battery Saviour for Last-Minute Mornings
If you’re the kind of person who realizes your phone’s dying when you’re already late for work or class, you’ll appreciate this feature.
OnePlus’s Warp Charge 65T is like magic — it powers the 4,500mAh battery from 1% to full in under 40 minutes. We’ve tested this, and it’s as impressive in practice as it sounds.
Battery Endurance
As for battery life? It’s slightly above average. You’ll easily last a full day with regular screen usage, music streaming, and a dash of gaming. However, push the device to its limits, and you might find yourself searching for a charger by evening. The good news is that with Warp Charge, all you need is a quick top-up, not an extended wait.
Cameras: Great in Natural Light, Limited in Macro Capabilities
Here’s where the experience starts to get a little bland.
Main Camera Performance
The 50MP main shooter performs well enough. Outdoor shots, especially in natural light, are sharp and perfectly color-balanced. Indoor photos may exhibit cooler tones, but small adjustments can deliver acceptable results.
Ultra-Wide and Macro Limitations
However, the struggle begins with ultra-wide and macro lenses. The 16MP ultra-wide lens gives you that dramatic perspective, but don’t expect edge detail to impress. Distortion is noticeable, and fine textures tend to pixelate. Then there’s the 2MP macro lens — more of a token addition than anything functional.
Bottom line: The main camera excels in daylight, while secondary sensors falter.
OxygenOS: Clean but Questionable Future
Now, for those who’ve long enjoyed OnePlus, you’ll know that OxygenOS used to be the gold standard — clean, responsive, and bloat-free. However, recent versions have been drifting closer to Oppo’s ColorOS territory, and not everyone is thrilled.
Software Version Details
The 9RT ships with Android 11 and OxygenOS 11. Yes, Android 11 in 2024. This is a bit perplexing, right? To be fair, an update to Android 12 has rolled out, albeit with some hiccups. Users have reported bugs, minor UI inconsistencies, and occasional stability issues. OnePlus promises three years of software updates, but many remain skeptical about delivery timing.
Look & Feel: Premium but Repetitive Design
Hold the 9RT and you’ll encounter that signature OnePlus build — premium, solid, and subtly elegant. The matte glass back (especially in the Hacker Black variant) feels luxurious and resists fingerprints reasonably well. Edges curve just enough for comfort, and the resistant alert slider is always a welcome feature.
Design Recognition
However, let’s be honest: it doesn’t look substantially different from the 9 or even the 8T. The innovation in design seems to have taken a short vacation. It’s clean and stylish, yes. But fresh? Not so much.
Is It Still a “Flagship Killer” or Just a Mid-Premium Player?
So here comes the question everyone’s been asking: is the OnePlus 9RT actually worth the investment in 2024?
Pros and Cons
- For Gamers: If you value powerful performance without stretching your budget beyond ₹50K — this checks almost every box.
- Daily Reliability: If reliability, fast charging, and a streamlined user interface are atop your list — you’re covered.
- Software Support and Photography: If having the latest software and a strong camera system is crucial, you may want to continue exploring.
At ₹42,999, the 9RT competes directly with models like the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE and Xiaomi 12 Pro. It excels in several areas but lags in others (notably software experience and camera versatility). Understand what you value most before making a decision.
Quick Yeas and Nays – Should You Buy It?
What works:
- Snapdragon 888 performance is rock solid
- AMOLED 120Hz display — vibrant and smooth
- Warp Charge 65T is superb
- Premium build, clean UI, minimal bloatware
What doesn’t:
- Still running an outdated Android version in 2024
- Underperforming secondary cameras
- Design feels recycled
- OxygenOS edging towards ColorOS
Final Verdict: To Buy or Not to Buy?
The OnePlus 9RT doesn’t pretend to be groundbreaking. It’s more like a refined, “cleaned-up” version of previous successes. For gamers, performance enthusiasts, and those intolerant of slow charging, it’s a worthwhile investment. However, if you yearn for innovation or groundbreaking features, this may leave you wanting more.
Consider it like a well-polished remix of your favorite track — dynamic and enjoyable, but still leaning too heavily on nostalgia.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What processor does the OnePlus 9RT use?
A: It is equipped with the Snapdragon 888 chipset, delivering superior performance ideal for gaming and multitasking.
Q: Is the OnePlus 9RT suitable for gaming?
A: Absolutely! With its powerful processor and effective thermal management, it handles demanding games with ease.
Q: How fast does the OnePlus 9RT charge?
A: Thanks to Warp Charge 65T technology, it can charge from 0% to 100% in under 40 minutes.
Q: Does the OnePlus 9RT have a strong camera system?
A: The 50MP main sensor performs well in well-lit conditions, but the ultra-wide and macro lenses are not as impressive.
Q: Which Android version does it run on?
A: It ships with Android 11 and OxygenOS 11, with eligibility for an Android 12 update.
Q: Is the UI clean or cluttered with bloatware?
A: The UI remains clean with minimal bloat, adhering to OnePlus's reputation for offering a near-stock Android experience.
Q: Is the design significantly different from previous models?
A: Not really. While the build quality is premium, the design language closely resembles earlier OnePlus phones.
Q: What’s the AnTuTu score?
A: The OnePlus 9RT scores around 938,580, placing it well above many competitors in its price bracket.
Now that you’re well-informed about the OnePlus 9RT, whether you’re aiming for that sleek Hacker Black finish or just seeking a reliable performance powerhouse — it’s time to master your choices in the smartphone arena!
