Introduction of OnePlus 9 Pro 5G
The OnePlus 9 Pro launched as OnePlus’s 2021 flagship and remains a compelling phone four years on thanks to its Hasselblad-tuned camera, 120 Hz AMOLED display, and a still-respectable Snapdragon 888 platform. But the mobile market has moved fast: newer OnePlus models and competing flagships have arrived, prices have shifted, and software update promises matter more than ever. This guide evaluates the OnePlus 9 Pro for buyers in Saudi Arabia today — covering performance, camera, battery, software, price and value, and who should (and shouldn’t) pick it up right now.
Where it stands today: price & availability in Saudi Arabia
The OnePlus 9 Pro is widely available in the Saudi market through local resellers and marketplaces. Recent listings show the phone offered around SAR 1,900–3,300(approx.) depending on seller, storage, and condition (new vs refurbished). This means you can often pick a new or lightly discounted unit at a significant markdown from its original launch prices. If you can buy a new OnePlus 9 Pro near SAR 1,900–2,000(approx.), that represents solid value for a flagship-grade display and camera package.
Design & display — still a highlight
The OnePlus 9 Pro features a premium glass-and-metal build and a 6.7-inch QHD+ Fluid AMOLED with a 120 Hz adaptive refresh rate. That screen remains one of the phone’s strongest assets: sharp, very smooth in animation, and great for media or gaming. If a high-quality, fluid OLED display is a top priority, the OnePlus 9 Pro competes well with more recent phones — though newer OnePlus devices offer incremental brightness, efficiency and software tuning improvements.
Performance — still capable, but not cutting-edge
Powered by the Snapdragon 888 and up to 12 GB RAM at launch, the OnePlus 9 Pro performs well for almost every daily task, heavy multitasking, and demanding games. Real-world users will find the phone smooth for 90–95% of uses. That said, the chipset is now two or three generations old; modern flagships use more power-efficient and faster silicon which translates into better battery life and longer software optimization windows. If raw long-term performance headroom matters (and you plan to keep your phone 3+ years), newer SoCs are preferable.
Cameras — Hasselblad tuning still relevant
OnePlus partnered with Hasselblad for color tuning and camera processing on the 9 Pro, and the results are very good for still photography: accurate colors, strong dynamic range, and excellent wide-angle shots. For everyday photography (social posts, travel, family shots) the camera system remains competitive. However, in the zoom and low-light video departments, more recent flagships and camera-focused phones have advanced computational photography further. If photography is a top priority and you want the absolute best zoom/low-light results, consider current 2024–2025 flagships; otherwise the 9 Pro still captures excellent photos.
Battery & charging — fast, but aging
The 4,500 mAh battery with 65W Warp Charge (and 50W wireless) gave the 9 Pro class-leading charging speeds at launch. Day-to-day battery endurance today depends a lot on battery wear, OS efficiency, and your use pattern. Newer phones have improved battery life thanks to more efficient processors and larger batteries in some models, so if you require the longest possible runtime out of the box, newer alternatives may be better. If you prioritize very fast wired charging and wireless charging, the 9 Pro remains attractive.
Software & updates — a key consideration
One of the most important questions is software longevity. The OnePlus 9 Pro launched with OxygenOS based on Android 11. As a 2021 flagship, its guaranteed update window is shorter than modern launch promises (many 2024–2025 flagships promise 3–5 years of major Android updates plus security updates). This matters if you plan to keep the phone for multiple years — you’ll likely get fewer OS upgrades and security patches compared with a current flagship bought today. Factor this into your decision if long-term support is important.
Value proposition in Saudi Arabia right now
-
Best case: If you can buy the OnePlus 9 Pro at SAR 1,900–2,200(approx.) (new or factory-refurbished with warranty), it’s a strong value for the display, camera, and fast charging.
-
Middle ground: At SAR 2,500–3,300(approx.), it’s still reasonable but you should weigh it against newer mid-range flagships or older-flagship replacements that offer longer update support.
-
Avoid paying near launch price: If a seller expects close to the original 2021 launch price, that’s poor value compared to current alternatives.
Alternatives to consider in Saudi Arabia
-
Newer OnePlus models (OnePlus 11 / 13 / 15) — faster chips, better future-proofing and software support; often similar or better camera performance.
-
Recent flagship contenders from Samsung, Google, Xiaomi or Motorola — they may offer longer update guarantees or superior battery life. Check local offers and trade-in deals to compare effective prices.
Who should buy the OnePlus 9 Pro today?
-
You want a premium display and very fast wired charging at a discount.
-
You prioritize still photography (Hasselblad tuning) and a refined OxygenOS experience.
-
You prefer saving money by buying last-generation flagships that still feel flagship-class.
Who should avoid it?
-
You want the latest chipset and longest software update support.
-
You require the best-in-class battery life seen in 2024–2025 flagships.
-
You plan to keep the phone 4+ years and want guaranteed Android upgrades.
Buying tips for Saudi buyers
-
Compare local sellers and check if the price includes warranty and returns.
-
Check whether the unit is new, open-box or refurbished; battery health matters for older phones.
-
Ask about software update status and warranty—some resellers provide short-term warranties that can be valuable.
-
Consider certified refurbished units with battery and warranty if the price is attractive.
-
Test the camera and charging promptly if buying in-person; fast charging is a key feature that should still work flawlessly.
Final recommendation
The OnePlus 9 Pro is worth considering in Saudi Arabia if you find it at a strong discount (around SAR 1,900–2,200). It delivers a premium screen, strong still photography, and very rapid charging — features that remain desirable. However, if you're focused on long-term software support, maximum battery life, or the absolute latest performance, look at newer models and compare trade-in or promotional pricing. Price and warranty will be the deciding factors; buy smart, and the OnePlus 9 Pro still gives flagship value for money.
FAQs of OnePlus 9 Pro 5G
Q.1. Is the OnePlus 9 Pro still supported with updates?
It receives security updates but its guaranteed major Android update window is shorter than current flagships; expect fewer OS upgrades compared to 2024–2025 launches.
Q.2. What price makes the OnePlus 9 Pro a good buy in Saudi Arabia?
Around SAR 1,900–2,200(approx.) for a new or certified-refurbished unit is a strong value; higher than SAR 2,500(approx.) requires careful comparison.
Q.3. How does camera performance compare with newer phones?
Excellent for stills thanks to Hasselblad tuning, but newer phones may beat it in zoom and low-light video.
Q.4. Is battery life still acceptable for daily use?
Yes for typical daily use, and charging is very fast; however, battery wear and newer efficient chipsets in recent phones may offer better runtime.
Q.5. Where can I buy one in Saudi Arabia?
Local marketplaces like Fonezone, Noon, and Amazon.sa list the OnePlus 9 Pro; compare prices, warranty and seller reputation before buying.
