1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Samsung Galaxy A04 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 163.2 x 73.6 x 8.7 mm | 164.4 x 76.3 x 9.1 mm | OnePlus 9 Pro is slightly smaller and thinner, potentially more comfortable for one-handed use. A04 is bulkier. |
| Weight | 197g | 192g | A04 is slightly lighter, but both are similarly weighty; the 5g difference isn't very noticeable. |
| Build Quality | Gorilla Glass 5 Screen Protection | Unknown Screen Protection | OnePlus 9 Pro has a more durable screen; A04 screen is of unknown resistance to scratches and drops. |
Display
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Samsung Galaxy A04 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.5" | OnePlus 9 Pro offers a slightly larger display for a more immersive viewing experience. A04 is a little smaller. |
| Resolution | 1440x3216 | 720x1600 | OnePlus 9 Pro has a much sharper and clearer display; A04 will appear less detailed with pixelation visible. |
| PPI | 525 | 270 | OnePlus 9 Pro has much higher pixel density, leading to crisper text and images; A04 display will look less sharp. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | OnePlus 9 Pro offers similar level display technologies. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | OnePlus 9 Pro has smoother animations and scrolling; A04 may feel less fluid, especially during gaming or fast scrolling. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | OnePlus 9 Pro is much more visible outdoors in bright sunlight; A04 will be difficult to view in bright conditions. |
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Samsung Galaxy A04 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Mediatek Helio P35 (12 nm) | OnePlus 9 Pro offers significantly faster processing, better app loading, and smoother multitasking; A04 is notably slower and less efficient. |
| AnTuTu Score | 877,600 | 124,000 | OnePlus 9 Pro delivers much higher performance for demanding tasks and gaming; A04 will struggle with heavy use cases. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | PowerVR GE8320 | OnePlus 9 Pro has better graphics performance for smoother gaming; A04 will experience lower frame rates and less detail in gaming. |
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Samsung Galaxy A04 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 48MP f/1.8 (1/1.43" Sony IMX789) | 50MP f/1.8 | Both offer similar aperture; OnePlus 9 Pro sensor is larger and better quality, generally offering better image quality; A04 has a slightly higher resolution. |
| Selfie | 16MP f/2.4 (1/3.13" Sony IMX471) | 5MP f/2.2 | OnePlus 9 Pro captures much more detailed selfies; A04 has slightly wider aperture, but its low resolution will make the biggest difference. |
| Telephoto | 8MP f/2.4 | N/A | OnePlus 9 Pro offers optical zoom capabilities; A04 lacks telephoto functionality. |
| Wide Angle | 50MP f/2.2 | N/A | OnePlus 9 Pro captures much wider shots; A04 lacks wide-angle functionality. |
| Portrait Mode | N/A | 2MP f/2.4 | A04 has basic depth sensing for portrait effects; OnePlus 9 Pro lacks a dedicated depth sensor. |
| Black & White | 2MP f/2.4 | N/A | OnePlus 9 Pro offers basic black and white photography capabilities; A04 lacks black and white capability. |
| Video | Up to 8K @ 30fps, HDR, EIS | 1080p @ 30fps | OnePlus 9 Pro captures higher resolution video and features electronic image stabilization, also offering HDR, while A04 is basic. |
| DxOMark | Overall: 122, Photo: 124, Video: 118 | N/A | OnePlus 9 Pro has well-rated camera performance; A04 camera performance is unrated. |
| Features | Extensive features including OIS, RAW, 8K recording, and advanced focus | Basic features | OnePlus 9 Pro offers more creative and flexible photo and video shooting; A04 is a simple camera. |
Battery
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Samsung Galaxy A04 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 5000 mAh | Samsung Galaxy A04 should have longer battery life; OnePlus 9 Pro offers smaller battery |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging, Wireless 50W | Standard | OnePlus 9 Pro charges much faster, and offers additional wireless capabilities; A04 charges at a standard slow pace. |
| Features | Wireless Charging, Reverse Charging | None | OnePlus 9 Pro offers versatile charging options; A04 has standard charging options. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: Significantly higher resolution, pixel density, refresh rate, and brightness, leading to a much better viewing experience.
- Significantly Higher Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset offers much faster processing speeds, better multitasking, and smoother gaming.
- Advanced Camera System: Includes telephoto and wide-angle lenses, superior video capabilities (8K, HDR), and extensive features (OIS, RAW) for greater creative flexibility.
- Fast Charging and Wireless Charging: Offers much faster charging speeds and convenient wireless charging options.
- Better Audio Features: The Dolby Atmos system and stereo speakers provide a more immersive and higher-quality audio experience, enhancing media consumption.
- Comprehensive Sensor Suite: More sensors to enable better gaming performance and advanced features.
- Modern Connectivity: Newer Bluetooth and WiFi standards.
Samsung Galaxy A04 Advantages:
- Larger Battery Capacity: Offers slightly longer battery life.
- Lower Price Point: Usually available at a much lower price which can make this more attractive to budget conscious buyers.
- Depth Sensor: Includes a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode photography.
Practical Implications and Trade-offs:
- The OnePlus 9 Pro provides a flagship-level experience in terms of display, performance, and camera, but may come at a higher price.
- The Samsung Galaxy A04 is a budget-friendly device focusing on core smartphone functions like calls, messages, and basic web browsing. It trades performance and premium features for affordability and good battery life.
- OnePlus 9 Pro users will enjoy smooth multitasking, high-quality media, and versatile photography, while A04 users must accept limitations in display quality, camera performance, and speed.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for OnePlus 9 Pro:
- Power Users: Individuals who need high processing power for demanding apps, multitasking, and gaming.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera system with high-resolution imaging, optical zoom, and advanced video capabilities.
- Media Consumers: People who prioritize a high-quality display for watching videos, browsing, and enjoying rich content.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who value fast charging, advanced features, and cutting-edge technology.
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy A04:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Individuals who prioritize affordability over high-end features and performance.
- Basic Smartphone Users: People who primarily use their phones for calling, texting, light browsing, and social media.
- Users Prioritizing Battery Life: Individuals who need a phone that can last through a full day or more without frequent charging.
Specific Use Cases:
- OnePlus 9 Pro: Gaming (high refresh rate, powerful GPU), Professional photography/videography (8K recording, RAW), Multimedia consumption (high-resolution display).
- Samsung Galaxy A04: Long calls/messaging (good battery), Simple web browsing (basic performance), Social media (basic camera needs).
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your budget? The OnePlus 9 Pro is a premium device while the A04 is an entry-level device. Budget will be the biggest factor here.
- What is your primary use case for a smartphone? If high performance or a great camera are important, the OnePlus is the only option. If you need a basic phone with decent battery, the A04 is sufficient.
- How important is media consumption to you? The OnePlus has a much better display, making it better for watching videos and browsing.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Performance and Features are the highest priority. If you want the best performance, a high-quality display, versatile camera, and fast charging, the OnePlus 9 Pro is the clear choice. You should expect to pay significantly more.
- Scenario 2: Budget and Battery Life are paramount. If budget and battery life are the top priorities, and you don't need advanced features, the Samsung Galaxy A04 is the better option as it will likely be much cheaper.
- Scenario 3: Need a basic phone that works well. The Samsung Galaxy A04 is likely the better option. The Oneplus 9 Pro is too expensive for that.
My Choice and Why:
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the OnePlus 9 Pro. My primary use cases involve photography, videography, consuming media, and multitasking, all of which the OnePlus 9 Pro handles exceptionally well. The higher resolution, refresh rate, and brightness of its display make it much more enjoyable to use for these activities. Additionally, the superior performance of the Snapdragon 888 chipset, the versatile camera system with its telephoto and wide-angle lenses, the 8K video recording, and the fast wireless charging make it a clear winner for my needs. Although the Samsung Galaxy A04 might have a slightly larger battery and a much lower price tag, the OnePlus 9 Pro offers a significantly better user experience that is worth the premium price in my opinion. The A04 is a basic phone for basic usage; it would not meet my needs.
