OPPO K9 vs K9 Pro: Which Mid-Range Phone Wins?

OPPO K9 / K9 Pro (2021): Mid-Range Value Flagship Series

Definition

The OPPO K9 Series (2021)—including the K9 (launched May 6, 2021) and K9 Pro (launched September 26, 2021)—is OPPO’s mid-range 5G smartphone lineup targeting budget-conscious performance users and content creators. The series emphasizes fast charging, high-refresh-rate displays, and versatile triple-camera systems, with tiered performance from Snapdragon 768G (K9) to Dimensity 1200 (K9 Pro). Both models run Android 11-based ColorOS 11.x and feature AI-enhanced imaging for daily photography and video recording.

Core Model Differentiation Overview

Feature	OPPO K9 (PEYM00)	OPPO K9 Pro (PEYM00)
Launch Date (China)	May 6, 2021 (released May 11)	September 26, 2021 (released September 30)
Key Chipset	Qualcomm Snapdragon 768G 5G (6 nm)	MediaTek Dimensity 1200 5G (6 nm)
Display	6.43-inch FHD+ AMOLED, 90 Hz	6.43-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED, 120 Hz
Rear Camera	64 MP main (f/1.7, PDAF) + 8 MP ultra-wide + 2 MP macro	64 MP main (f/1.7, PDAF) + 8 MP ultra-wide + 2 MP macro
Front Camera	32 MP (f/2.4)	16 MP (f/2.4)
Battery/Charging	4300 mAh, 65W SUPERVOOC	4500 mAh, 60W SUPERVOOC
China Launch Price	¥1,999 (8+128 GB)	¥2,199 (8+128 GB)

Detailed Hardware Specifications

1. Display

Model	Panel & Resolution	Refresh Rate & Brightness	Key Features
K9	6.43-inch flat AMOLED; 2400×1080 (FHD+); 410 ppi	90 Hz; 600 nits peak	16.7M colors; 1000000:1 contrast; 240 Hz touch sampling
K9 Pro	6.43-inch flat Super AMOLED; 2400×1080 (FHD+); 410 ppi	120 Hz; 600 nits peak	16.7M colors; 1000000:1 contrast; 360 Hz touch sampling

2. Processor & Memory

Model	Chipset & CPU	RAM & Storage	Performance
K9	Snapdragon 768G 5G (6 nm); 1×2.8 GHz A76 + 1×2.4 GHz A76 + 6×1.8 GHz A55	8/12 GB LPDDR4X; 128/256 GB UFS 2.2	AnTuTu ~450K; Adreno 620 GPU
K9 Pro	Dimensity 1200 5G (6 nm); 1×3.0 GHz A78 + 3×2.6 GHz A78 + 4×2.0 GHz A55	8/12 GB LPDDR4X; 128/256 GB UFS 3.1	AnTuTu ~700K; Mali-G77 MC9 GPU

3. Camera System

Model	Rear Camera	Front Camera	Video Capabilities
K9	64 MP wide (f/1.7, PDAF)+8 MP ultra-wide (119°, f/2.2)+2 MP macro (f/2.4)	32 MP (f/2.4)	4K@30 fps; 1080p@60 fps; EIS
K9 Pro	Same as K9	16 MP (f/2.4)	4K@30 fps; 1080p@120 fps; Super Steady 3.0; 720p@240 fps slow-mo

4. Battery & Charging

Model	Capacity	Wired Charging	Charging Speed
K9	4300 mAh Li-Po	65W SUPERVOOC	0–100% in ~35 mins
K9 Pro	4500 mAh Li-Po	60W SUPERVOOC	0–50% in ~16 mins; 0–100% in ~38 mins

5. Build, Connectivity & Sensors

Model	Build & Design	Connectivity	Biometrics & Sensors
K9	Glass front/back, plastic frame; 159.1×73.4×7.9 mm; 172 g; colors: Black, Aurora	5G (sub-6 GHz), Wi-Fi 5, BT 5.1, NFC, USB-C 2.0	In-display optical fingerprint; accelerometer, gyro, proximity, ambient light, compass
K9 Pro	Glass front/back, plastic frame; 158.7×73.5×8.5 mm; 180 g; colors: Black, Aurora	5G (sub-6 GHz), Wi-Fi 6, BT 5.2, NFC, USB-C 2.0, 3.5 mm audio	Same as K9; stereo speakers

Core Innovations & Series Highlights

1. Fast Charging (65W/60W SUPERVOOC)

Both models offer fast wired charging, with the K9’s 65W solution delivering full charges in ~35 minutes, while the K9 Pro’s 60W option provides quick top-ups for all-day use.

2. High-Refresh-Rate Displays

The K9 Pro upgrades to a 120 Hz Super AMOLED panel for smoother scrolling and gaming, while the K9 features a 90 Hz AMOLED for balanced performance and battery life.

3. Versatile Triple-Camera System

A 64 MP main sensor, 8 MP ultra-wide, and 2 MP macro lens support daily photography needs, with AI enhancements for portraits, low-light, and video stabilization.

4. Performance Tiering

The K9 targets mainstream users with Snapdragon 768G, while the K9 Pro caters to gamers and power users with Dimensity 1200, offering higher frame rates and multitasking capabilities.

Market Positioning & Reception

1. Target Audience

Young users seeking value for money, prioritizing performance, fast charging, and display quality, competing with Xiaomi Redmi Note series and Realme GT Neo series.

2. Key Reception

Praised for aggressive pricing, fast charging, and solid build quality.
Criticisms include plastic frames, average low-light performance, and no wireless charging.

3. Current Status (2025)

Discontinued globally; last software update to ColorOS 13 (Android 13). Remains popular in second-hand markets for its balance of performance and value.