Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the OnePlus 10 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. As a tech journalist and smartphone analyst, I'm keen to dissect what these specs mean for real-world users, rather than just throwing numbers around. Here's a breakdown, focusing on practical implications:
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | OnePlus 10 Pro | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163 × 73.9 × 8.6 mm | 162.3 × 79 × 8.6 mm | The S24 Ultra is slightly wider and has a larger overall volume, which may affect one-handed use; both have same thickness |
| Weight | 201g | 232g | The OnePlus 10 Pro is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for long periods of use. |
| Build Quality | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Armor | Both offer premium scratch resistance, S24 Ultra has a newer version of Gorilla Glass |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.8" | The screens are virtually the same size; the 0.1" difference is negligible in everyday use. |
| Resolution | 1440x3216 | 1440x3120 | Both offer sharp displays; the difference in resolution is minor and unlikely to be noticeable. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 525 | 505 | OnePlus has marginally sharper images but the difference is unlikely to be noticeable |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both phones use high quality OLED panels, no practical difference here. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations; no real difference. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 2600 nits | The S24 Ultra's display is far brighter, making it much more visible in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | The S24 Ultra's newer chipset offers significantly faster performance, better app loading and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 900,491 | 1,814,869 | The S24 Ultra provides a substantial performance jump, ensuring a smoother and more responsive experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 750 (1 GHz) | S24 Ultra's GPU is faster, translating to smoother graphics in games and demanding applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/1.43" | 200MP, f/1.7, 1/1.3" | The S24 Ultra captures significantly more detail and performs better in low light, thanks to its larger sensor and higher resolution. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | N/A | 50MP, f/2.4, 1/1.56" | The S24 Ultra has a dedicated portrait lens offering much greater portrait capability |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.0, 1/2.74" | 12MP, f/2.2 | OnePlus takes higher-resolution selfies but sensor specs are unknown on Samsung; this doesn't guarantee better image quality. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4" | 10MP, f/3.4, 1/3.52" | S24 Ultra has better telephoto lens with larger pixel size, expect clearer zoomed images. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76" | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | OnePlus boasts higher resolution but Samsung has larger pixels and sensor, translating to better dynamic range |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@120fps with HDR | Up to 8K@30fps with HDR | Both are excellent for video, S24 Ultra offers stereo sound but OnePlus has 120 fps. |
| DXOMark Score (Mobile) | 122 | 144 | Samsung has a much better camera with a significantly better overall score |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have identical battery capacities, likely providing comparable endurance. |
| Charging | 80W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | OnePlus charges faster, reducing downtime, however both are considered fast charging |
| Wireless Charging | 50W | 15W | OnePlus can charge wirelessly at a significantly faster rate. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12, Upgradable to 14 | Android 14, Upgradable to 21 | The S24 Ultra runs on a newer Android version and has a longer upgrade lifespan. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 7 | WiFi 6E | OnePlus has a better standard for Wi-Fi for potentially higher speeds and better performance |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | The S24 Ultra has a newer Bluetooth standard with a wider range of profiles for additional connectivity. |
| GPS | L1+L5, B1, E1+E5a, B2 | L1+L5, L1, B1, E1+E5a, L1+L5 | S24 Ultra supports more satellite systems for potentially better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Nano SIM + Nano SIM | Nano SIM/eSIM + Nano SIM/eSIM | S24 Ultra has the option of using an eSIM for easier carrier switching, the other has a simple dual sim implementation |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256/512 GB | 256/512/1024 GB | S24 Ultra offers a larger maximum storage capacity of 1TB. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 12 GB | S24 Ultra always has 12 GB of RAM for smooth multitasking and performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for microSD expansion, so storage is limited to internal options. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, 3 Mics | Stereo Speakers | OnePlus has better Audio for listening experience |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both phones use a standard fingerprint sensor for basic biometric security. |
| Sensors | |||
| Environmental | RGB | Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | S24 Ultra has more environmental sensors while OnePlus has RGB which can be used in different ways. |
2. Key Insights
OnePlus 10 Pro Strengths
- Lighter Build: More comfortable to hold for extended periods.
- Faster Charging: Significantly faster wired and wireless charging reduces downtime.
- Better Audio: better Audio experience with Dolby Atmos
- Value Proposition: Typically more affordable while still offering a premium experience.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Strengths
- Superior Performance: The latest Snapdragon chip offers better multitasking, gaming and app loading.
- Brighter Display: Much better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight.
- Exceptional Camera: Higher resolution sensors and advanced processing leads to superior image and video quality.
- Software Support: Newer OS out of the box with longer software updates.
- Better Connectivity: Advanced GPS and Bluetooth.
- Larger Storage Option: Offers a 1TB internal storage option.
Trade-offs and Limitations
- OnePlus 10 Pro: Slightly older technology and less versatile camera, less brightness.
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Significantly heavier and more expensive.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
OnePlus 10 Pro is best for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for a high-end experience at a more competitive price point.
- Everyday Users: Those who need a reliable device for daily tasks, without requiring extreme performance.
- Users who value fast charging: Those who don't like waiting for their phones to charge.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is best for:
- Power Users: Those who need the best possible performance for gaming, content creation, and intensive applications.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who prioritize top-tier camera performance in various conditions.
- Professionals: Those who want a long-lasting device with a larger storage capacity and latest features.
- Users needing long-term software support: Users who prefer a longer lifecycle of software updates.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- How important is top-tier camera performance to you? If photography is your top priority, the S24 Ultra's advanced camera setup is the clear winner.
- Is a budget or weight a primary concern? The OnePlus 10 Pro is more affordable and lighter, so it is a better choice if these are important to you.
- Do you value faster charging and the latest performance? The S24 Ultra offers significantly better performance and software with longer updates, while OnePlus 10 Pro offers faster charging.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: The Casual User: You mainly use your phone for social media, browsing, and occasional photos. Recommendation: OnePlus 10 Pro. It offers a great all-round experience at a better price.
- Scenario 2: The Mobile Photographer/Content Creator: You rely heavily on your phone's camera for high-quality photos and videos. Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. It offers significantly better camera performance and features.
- Scenario 3: The Power User: You need the most cutting-edge performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications. Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. The new processor and higher storage are better suited.
Personal Choice
If it were my money, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. Here's why:
While the OnePlus 10 Pro is a compelling device, the S24 Ultra's improvements in display, performance, camera, and long-term software support make it the superior choice for my needs. As a tech journalist, I need a device that can handle demanding tasks, capture great photos and videos, and stay relevant for several years. The brighter display, superior camera, and longer software support are important features for me. Even though it costs more, it will be a better purchase over the lifetime of ownership.
While the faster charging of the OnePlus 10 Pro is tempting, I believe the S24 Ultra’s overall package provides the most value for my use case, which prioritizes performance, display, camera capabilities, and future-proofing.
