Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the OnePlus 10 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy S24+. Both are flagship-caliber devices, but they cater to slightly different needs and preferences. I’m going to put my tech journalist hat on, and approach this from a user-centric perspective, breaking down what all these specs actually mean for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Okay, here's a detailed breakdown comparing the OnePlus 10 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S24+, focusing on real-world implications:
| Feature | OnePlus 10 Pro | Samsung Galaxy S24+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-01-13 | 2024-01-24 | The S24+ is newer by two years, so it will have the latest features. |
| Dimensions (mm) | 163 x 73.9 x 8.6 | 158.5 x 75.9 x 7.7 | OnePlus 10 Pro is taller and thicker, the S24+ is wider. S24+ has a more compact, easier to handle form factor, while the 10 Pro is slightly bulkier. |
| Weight (g) | 201 | 196 | The S24+ is a touch lighter which helps with long periods of use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Both phones offer a large screen with a spacious viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1440x3216 | 1440x3120 | Both offer sharp, detailed visuals, with the 10 Pro having a minuscule edge but barely noticeable. |
| PPI | 525 | 513 | The pixel density is almost identical on both, meaning crystal clear images on both devices. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, which gives a great viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide fluid scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness (nits) | 1300 | 2600 | S24+ is significantly brighter, making it easier to view content outdoors, even in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | The S24+ has a much faster processor which enables faster app loading, better multitasking, and significantly better gaming performance. |
| Antutu Score | 900,491 | 1,639,695 | The S24+ has a significantly higher score, which means it handles demanding tasks easier and is better for high performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 750 | The S24+ has a much more powerful graphics processing unit, meaning better gaming and graphics performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4900mAh | Both have similar battery capacity, which will translate to a full day of use under regular loads. |
| Charging Speed | 80W | 45W | The OnePlus 10 Pro charges much faster allowing for quick top-ups. |
| Wireless Charging | 50W | 15W | OnePlus charges much faster wirelessly as well. |
| Other Features | Reverse Wireless Charging | Bypass Charging, Reverse Wireless Charging | OnePlus 10 Pro has more features than the Samsung in terms of charging functionality. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main | 48MP (f/1.8, 1/1.43", Sony IMX789) | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/1.57", Samsung GN3) | While the S24+ has a slightly higher resolution, the OnePlus 10 Pro has a larger sensor size, meaning slightly better light capture. |
| Rear Telephoto | 8MP (f/2.4, 1/4.4", Omnivision OV08A10) | 10MP (f/2.4, 1/3.9", Samsung S5K3K1) | S24+ has a slightly higher resolution and a larger sensor size for the telephoto lens. |
| Rear Wide-Angle | 50MP (f/2.2, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1) | 12.2MP (f/2.2, 1/2.55", Sony IMX564) | The 10 Pro has much higher resolution, while the S24+ has a larger sensor, which means better low light photography. |
| Front Camera | 32MP (f/2.0, 1/2.74", Sony IMX615) | 12MP (f/2.2, Samsung S5K3LU) | The 10 Pro offers significantly higher resolution on the front camera. |
| Video | Up to 8K | Up to 8K | Both capture high-quality video, with both offering similar frame rates and stabilization. |
| DXOMark | 122 Mobile (124 Photo, 119 Video) | Not Tested | The 10 Pro has been benchmarked by DXOMark, with a decent rating, but no data is available for the S24+. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (Upgradable to 14) | Android 14 (Upgradable to 21) | The S24+ has a more modern software experience out of the box, with much more software updates guaranteed. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 7 | WiFi 6E | OnePlus has a slight edge, with the newest Wifi standard. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | S24+ has a newer version of bluetooth, with a more advanced set of features. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), BeiDou (B2), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), Galileo (E1+E5a), QZSS | S24+ has support for a wider array of satellite navigation systems which allows for better GPS performance. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM, eSIM | S24+ offers the option of eSIM as well as physical SIMS, whereas the 10 Pro only offers physical SIM slots. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB/512GB | 256GB/512GB | Both offer ample storage, although the OnePlus 10 Pro offers a lower option. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 12GB | Both provide good multitasking performance, with the S24+ always having 12GB. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 3 mics | Stereo Speakers | The OnePlus 10 Pro offers an enhanced audio experience with Dolby Atmos, stereo speakers, and a 3 mic array. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Yes | Yes | Both phones have a similar fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | S24+ has a slightly newer version of Corning Glass for better protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | S24+ has more sensors. |
2. Key Insights
OnePlus 10 Pro Strengths:
- Faster Charging: The OnePlus 10 Pro’s 80W wired and 50W wireless charging is significantly faster than the S24+, allowing for quick top-ups.
- Enhanced Audio: With Dolby Atmos, stereo speakers, and a 3 mic array, the 10 Pro has better audio.
- Higher Resolution Front Camera: If selfies are your priority, the 32MP front camera on the OnePlus 10 Pro stands out.
- Slightly Larger Main Camera Sensor Offers better light capturing abilities, however, the differences are marginal.
Samsung Galaxy S24+ Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset on the S24+ delivers much faster processing speeds.
- Brighter Display: The S24+ boasts a much higher peak brightness, making it much more usable outdoors.
- More Modern OS: The S24+ launches with Android 14, along with greater and longer support from Samsung with regards to software updates.
- Better Location Tracking: S24+ supports more satellite systems, meaning better GPS.
- More Advanced Bluetooth: S24+ has a newer and more advanced version of bluetooth.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- The OnePlus 10 Pro, despite faster charging, is less powerful and older, and is falling behind the S24+.
- The S24+ has a slightly less impressive audio system as compared to the 10 Pro.
- The S24+ while having improved technology for main, telephoto, and wide angle lens, lacks in the front facing camera when compared to the 10 Pro.
- Neither phone has expandable storage, so you’re stuck with your initial configuration.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
OnePlus 10 Pro:
- Power Users on a Budget: If you're after fast charging, decent specs, and a robust camera, the OnePlus 10 Pro is a cost-effective option.
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: The combination of a great display and Dolby Atmos audio makes it suitable for watching videos and listening to music.
- Selfie Takers: The 32MP front camera on the 10 Pro is much better than the one on the S24+.
Samsung Galaxy S24+:
- Performance Seekers: If raw performance, gaming, and future-proofing are your priorities, the S24+ is the clear winner.
- Outdoor Users: The superior brightness of the S24+ display makes it ideal for use in direct sunlight.
- Users Who Value Software Support: The S24+ is guaranteed long-term software updates from Samsung.
- Advanced Connectivity Users: The S24+ comes with a better GPS and bluetooth solution.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Three Questions to Ask Yourself:
- How important is raw performance and gaming to you? If you need the best performance, the S24+ is the best choice.
- Do you need to quickly charge your phone? The OnePlus 10 Pro charges much faster than the S24+.
- Do you take a lot of selfies, or prefer enhanced audio? The OnePlus 10 Pro edges out the Samsung in these scenarios.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: The Gamer/Power User
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S24+. The Gen 3 chip is more powerful and will handle demanding games and apps much better.
- Scenario 2: The Casual User
- Recommendation: OnePlus 10 Pro. The OnePlus 10 Pro has all the features that a casual user would want, such as a nice display, good cameras, and faster charging at a cheaper price.
- Scenario 3: The Outdoor Photographer
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S24+. The bright display and versatile camera system will be most helpful in various lighting conditions.
Final Thoughts and My Choice
After considering the specs and user scenarios, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S24+. While the OnePlus 10 Pro offers some advantages like faster charging and enhanced audio, the S24+ is better in many other aspects including processing power, display brightness, software, and overall connectivity.
As a tech journalist, I want a device that performs well and stays current, and the S24+ future proofs me with its state of the art processor and extended software support. The increased brightness, combined with better performance, makes it a more enjoyable device. Even though the OnePlus 10 Pro is still great, the newer technology in the S24+ is a more compelling reason to pick that one.
