The OnePlus 9 is very, very similar to the OnePlus 9 Pro. Today we’re going to decide if it’s worth buying one over the other – and if it’s time to upgrade from an older OnePlus device. The OnePlus 9 Pro is approximately $240 more than the non-Pro device, comparing both devices with their lowest-tier base pricing. Both have the same display, Hassleblad branding, and a similar camera setup – so what’s the difference?
Display
The OnePlus 9 has a 6.55-inch Fluid AMOLED display panel with 1080 x 2400 pixel resolution, giving it a 402ppi pixel density. This device has a single punch-hole in its upper left-hand corner for a forward-facing camera to peek through. The panel has rounded corners and a flat face.
The OnePlus 9 Pro has a slightly larger display at 6.7-inches, but its left and right side are curved. The display resolution on the OnePlus 9 Pro is 1440 x 3216, giving it a 525ppi pixel density. The OnePlus 9 Pro is both taller and wider (but not thicker) than the OnePlus 9, but because the OnePlus 9 has a flat display, the two devices feel more similar to one another than they would if both devices had the same flatness (or amount of curve).
Because both devices have AMOLED displays, they should be capable of both extreme brightness and extreme dimness. OnePlus suggests that the OnePlus 9 is capable of 1100 nits peak brightness, while the Pro should be able to reach 1300 nits at its peak.
We’re not using any scientific instruments to judge the actual light levels here – but it would appear that both devices can reach almost identical dimness. The peak brightness in the OnePlus 9 Pro is ever-so-slightly noticeably more intense than that of the non-Pro.
The touch polling on the OnePlus 9 isn’t quite as top-tier as it is on the Pro. The Pro has what OnePlus calls “Hyper Touch”, which means we’re getting up to 360Hz touch polling in certain instances, and 240Hz most of the time. The OnePlus 9 has a max 240Hz touch sample rate. NOTE: Simple touch testing suggests we’re certainly MAXED out at 240Hz touch sample rate on OnePlus 9, while OnePlus 9 Pro reaches above 240Hz, unless limited by the active game/app.
Processor, RAM, Storage
Both OnePlus 9 devices have the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor and the same amount of internal data storage – either 128 or 256GB. Both devices have the same LPDDR5 RAM – either 8 or 12GB. Both devices run the same software – save the few features that appear on the OnePlus 9 Pro that do not appear on the non-Pro 9 (mostly dealing with display/touchscreen refresh rates).
Materials, Buttons, Sensors, Speakers
Both devices have Gorilla Glass up front and around back, but the OnePlus 9 has a plastic frame (sandwiched between the glass front and back), while the Pro has aluminum. If you’ve got both devices in cases, you’d never know one had plastic or aluminum.
Both devices feel premium in a way that matches their cost. The industrial design choices OnePlus made for the OnePlus 9 series made for a classic product that’s just different enough from the competition to be uniquely OnePlus’ own.
Both devices have the same hardware buttons and options, USB-C, and front-facing camera. Both devices have the same USB-C tech, NFC capabilities, and fingerprint sensor (optical, under display). Both have the same sensors up front and inside, and the same set of speakers (both facing the same directions, forward and down).
The speaker system is very, very good on the OnePlus 9. The speaker system does not appear to be any less powerful and high-quality than what’s running in the OnePlus 9 Pro. OnePlus 9 has the Qualcomm WCD9385 audio codec, Qualcomm Aqstic platform tech, and the ability to deliver Dolby Atmos audio.
Camera
The OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro both have Hassleblad branding, and both devices have what appear to be fairly similar camera setups. The front camera on both devices is literally the same – both have the same sensor, no difference.
The backside camera array is different in a few key ways. The main sensor on both devices is a 1/1.43″ 48-megapixel sensor with 1.12 μm/48M; 2.24 μm (4 in 1)/12M pixel size, 7P lens array, 23mm equivalent focal length, EIS, and f/1.8 aperture. But they don’t work with the same main image sensor.
The OnePlus 9 has a Sony IMX689 main image sensor, while the Pro has a Sony IMX789 main image sensor. As such, the Pro has optical image stabilization (OIS) and a slightly more expansive set of video capture abilities. With the Pro, for example, you’re able to capture 4K video up to 120fps, while the 4K video with the non-pro can only capture 30 or 60fps.
The Ultra-wide camera on the back of the OnePlus 9 is identical to that of the Ultra-wide camera on the Pro. Your wide photos are going to be able to be just as wide, regardless of which OnePlus 9 device you choose.
The Monochrome camera on both devices is also identical. You’ll be able to take Super Macro photos at as close-range with one device as the other.
The OnePlus 9 Pro has a Telephoto Camera in its back-facing array of cameras. This is an 8-megapixel telephoto camera with 1.0 μm pixel size and an f/2.4 aperture. This telephoto camera delivers 3.3x (77mm) optical zoom, while the OnePlus 9 has no particularly spectacular comparable zoom capabilities.
The OnePlus 9 Pro also has a laser sensor that’s meant to assist with speedy autofocus. The non-Pro OnePlus 9 has no such laser. Based on our tests with the devices, this feature doesn’t seem to make a whole lot of difference between the two devices.
Battery
The battery size on both devices is identical. Both devices can use USB-C wired Warp Charge 65T (10V/6.5A), so they can charge up several hours-worth of battery life in a matter of minutes. They can charge from zero to 100% in under an hour – and the majority of the way in just over 30 minutes.
Both devices have the ability to charge wirelessly with Qi-standard wireless chargers, and both devices can reverse-charge. If you activate said feature, one device can act as a wireless charger to charge any other Qi-standard wireless charge-capable device.
The OnePlus 9 wirelessly charges at a maximum 15W, no matter which wireless charger it’s working with. If you’re using the newest wireless charger from OnePlus – the OnePlus Warp Charge 50 Wireless Charger – you’ll be able to charge the OnePlus 9 Pro at 50W. The OnePlus 9 Pro charges from zero to 100% at under an hour with this charger.
The Warp Charge 50 Wireless Charger works with a fan to keep devices cool while they’re charging. If you’re using either the OnePlus 9 or 9 Pro, you can set a “Bedtime Mode” schedule. Bedtime Mode slows the charging and slows the fan to keep quiet so you can sleep (assuming the charger sits at your bedside.)
The battery very easily lasts a full day on a full charge with the OnePlus 9. When using the device for the most basic of purposes – email, camera, social networking, web browsing, we’ve been able to stretch battery life to nearly two full days on a single full charge.
Wrap-up
OnePlus 9 was announced with three different case color options: Winter Mist, Astral Black, and Arctic Sky. There are two options for RAM+ROM, one with 8+128, the other 12+256, priced at $729 and $829 respectively.
The OnePlus 9 Pro was announced in Morning Mist and Pine Green. There are two RAM+ROM sizes here too, one with 8+128, the other 12+256, priced at $969 and $1069 respectively.
The most major differences between these devices are in the display size and shape, touch polling, wireless charging speed, and price. If you’re comparing the lesser of the OnePlus 9 models to the lesser of the OnePlus 9 Pro devices, the $240 difference in price is pretty significant – more significant than we’d judge sensible for the benefits.
You’re still getting 120Hz image refresh rate on the display, it’s still an AMOLED display, and the differences between camera systems are almost non-existent. Use the extra cash on a OnePlus protective case and buy yourself a dinner or two instead.
The federal government is ordering the dissolution of TikTok’s Canadian business after a national security review of the Chinese company behind the social media platform, but stopped short of ordering people to stay off the app.
Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne announced the government’s “wind up” demand Wednesday, saying it is meant to address “risks” related to ByteDance Ltd.’s establishment of TikTok Technology Canada Inc.
“The decision was based on the information and evidence collected over the course of the review and on the advice of Canada’s security and intelligence community and other government partners,” he said in a statement.
The announcement added that the government is not blocking Canadians’ access to the TikTok application or their ability to create content.
However, it urged people to “adopt good cybersecurity practices and assess the possible risks of using social media platforms and applications, including how their information is likely to be protected, managed, used and shared by foreign actors, as well as to be aware of which country’s laws apply.”
Champagne’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment seeking details about what evidence led to the government’s dissolution demand, how long ByteDance has to comply and why the app is not being banned.
A TikTok spokesperson said in a statement that the shutdown of its Canadian offices will mean the loss of hundreds of well-paying local jobs.
“We will challenge this order in court,” the spokesperson said.
“The TikTok platform will remain available for creators to find an audience, explore new interests and for businesses to thrive.”
The federal Liberals ordered a national security review of TikTok in September 2023, but it was not public knowledge until The Canadian Press reported in March that it was investigating the company.
At the time, it said the review was based on the expansion of a business, which it said constituted the establishment of a new Canadian entity. It declined to provide any further details about what expansion it was reviewing.
A government database showed a notification of new business from TikTok in June 2023. It said Network Sense Ventures Ltd. in Toronto and Vancouver would engage in “marketing, advertising, and content/creator development activities in relation to the use of the TikTok app in Canada.”
Even before the review, ByteDance and TikTok were lightning rod for privacy and safety concerns because Chinese national security laws compel organizations in the country to assist with intelligence gathering.
Such concerns led the U.S. House of Representatives to pass a bill in March designed to ban TikTok unless its China-based owner sells its stake in the business.
Champagne’s office has maintained Canada’s review was not related to the U.S. bill, which has yet to pass.
Canada’s review was carried out through the Investment Canada Act, which allows the government to investigate any foreign investment with potential to might harm national security.
While cabinet can make investors sell parts of the business or shares, Champagne has said the act doesn’t allow him to disclose details of the review.
Wednesday’s dissolution order was made in accordance with the act.
The federal government banned TikTok from its mobile devices in February 2023 following the launch of an investigation into the company by federal and provincial privacy commissioners.
— With files from Anja Karadeglija in Ottawa
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 6, 2024.
LONDON (AP) — Most people have accumulated a pile of data — selfies, emails, videos and more — on their social media and digital accounts over their lifetimes. What happens to it when we die?
It’s wise to draft a will spelling out who inherits your physical assets after you’re gone, but don’t forget to take care of your digital estate too. Friends and family might treasure files and posts you’ve left behind, but they could get lost in digital purgatory after you pass away unless you take some simple steps.
Here’s how you can prepare your digital life for your survivors:
Apple
The iPhone maker lets you nominate a “ legacy contact ” who can access your Apple account’s data after you die. The company says it’s a secure way to give trusted people access to photos, files and messages. To set it up you’ll need an Apple device with a fairly recent operating system — iPhones and iPads need iOS or iPadOS 15.2 and MacBooks needs macOS Monterey 12.1.
For iPhones, go to settings, tap Sign-in & Security and then Legacy Contact. You can name one or more people, and they don’t need an Apple ID or device.
You’ll have to share an access key with your contact. It can be a digital version sent electronically, or you can print a copy or save it as a screenshot or PDF.
Take note that there are some types of files you won’t be able to pass on — including digital rights-protected music, movies and passwords stored in Apple’s password manager. Legacy contacts can only access a deceased user’s account for three years before Apple deletes the account.
Google
Google takes a different approach with its Inactive Account Manager, which allows you to share your data with someone if it notices that you’ve stopped using your account.
When setting it up, you need to decide how long Google should wait — from three to 18 months — before considering your account inactive. Once that time is up, Google can notify up to 10 people.
You can write a message informing them you’ve stopped using the account, and, optionally, include a link to download your data. You can choose what types of data they can access — including emails, photos, calendar entries and YouTube videos.
There’s also an option to automatically delete your account after three months of inactivity, so your contacts will have to download any data before that deadline.
Facebook and Instagram
Some social media platforms can preserve accounts for people who have died so that friends and family can honor their memories.
When users of Facebook or Instagram die, parent company Meta says it can memorialize the account if it gets a “valid request” from a friend or family member. Requests can be submitted through an online form.
The social media company strongly recommends Facebook users add a legacy contact to look after their memorial accounts. Legacy contacts can do things like respond to new friend requests and update pinned posts, but they can’t read private messages or remove or alter previous posts. You can only choose one person, who also has to have a Facebook account.
You can also ask Facebook or Instagram to delete a deceased user’s account if you’re a close family member or an executor. You’ll need to send in documents like a death certificate.
TikTok
The video-sharing platform says that if a user has died, people can submit a request to memorialize the account through the settings menu. Go to the Report a Problem section, then Account and profile, then Manage account, where you can report a deceased user.
Once an account has been memorialized, it will be labeled “Remembering.” No one will be able to log into the account, which prevents anyone from editing the profile or using the account to post new content or send messages.
X
It’s not possible to nominate a legacy contact on Elon Musk’s social media site. But family members or an authorized person can submit a request to deactivate a deceased user’s account.
Passwords
Besides the major online services, you’ll probably have dozens if not hundreds of other digital accounts that your survivors might need to access. You could just write all your login credentials down in a notebook and put it somewhere safe. But making a physical copy presents its own vulnerabilities. What if you lose track of it? What if someone finds it?
Instead, consider a password manager that has an emergency access feature. Password managers are digital vaults that you can use to store all your credentials. Some, like Keeper,Bitwarden and NordPass, allow users to nominate one or more trusted contacts who can access their keys in case of an emergency such as a death.
But there are a few catches: Those contacts also need to use the same password manager and you might have to pay for the service.
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Is there a tech challenge you need help figuring out? Write to us at onetechtip@ap.org with your questions.
LONDON (AP) — Britain’s competition watchdog said Thursday it’s opening a formal investigation into Google’s partnership with artificial intelligence startup Anthropic.
The Competition and Markets Authority said it has “sufficient information” to launch an initial probe after it sought input earlier this year on whether the deal would stifle competition.
The CMA has until Dec. 19 to decide whether to approve the deal or escalate its investigation.
“Google is committed to building the most open and innovative AI ecosystem in the world,” the company said. “Anthropic is free to use multiple cloud providers and does, and we don’t demand exclusive tech rights.”
San Francisco-based Anthropic was founded in 2021 by siblings Dario and Daniela Amodei, who previously worked at ChatGPT maker OpenAI. The company has focused on increasing the safety and reliability of AI models. Google reportedly agreed last year to make a multibillion-dollar investment in Anthropic, which has a popular chatbot named Claude.
Anthropic said it’s cooperating with the regulator and will provide “the complete picture about Google’s investment and our commercial collaboration.”
“We are an independent company and none of our strategic partnerships or investor relationships diminish the independence of our corporate governance or our freedom to partner with others,” it said in a statement.
The U.K. regulator has been scrutinizing a raft of AI deals as investment money floods into the industry to capitalize on the artificial intelligence boom. Last month it cleared Anthropic’s $4 billion deal with Amazon and it has also signed off on Microsoft’s deals with two other AI startups, Inflection and Mistral.
