Smartphone Comparison: OnePlus 9 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy A04s
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.2 × 73.6 × 8.7 mm | 164.7 × 76.7 × 9.1 mm | A04s is slightly taller, wider, and thicker, making the OnePlus 9 Pro more pocketable and ergonomic. |
| Weight | 197g | 195g | Both are very similar in weight and will feel alike in the hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.5" | OnePlus 9 Pro offers a slightly larger screen for immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1440x3216 | 720x1600 | OnePlus 9 Pro provides a significantly sharper and more detailed display, with much clearer text and images. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 525 | 270 | OnePlus 9 Pro's display is considerably sharper, leading to a crisper visual experience. |
| Technology | unspecified | PLS LCD | OnePlus 9 Pro display technology is superior, but its exact specification isn't known, implying higher quality than PLS LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | OnePlus 9 Pro has smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing responsiveness. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | OnePlus 9 Pro offers significantly better outdoor visibility under bright sunlight. The Samsung display has no provided brightness number which makes it less than ideal. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | OnePlus 9 Pro offers far superior performance, faster app loading, better multitasking, and smoother gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 877,600 | 117,300 | OnePlus 9 Pro demonstrates much greater raw power, making it much more capable for demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G52 | OnePlus 9 Pro has a much more powerful GPU that will handle demanding graphics tasks much better. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res. | 48MP | 50MP | Both have similar resolution, but image quality is not solely determined by megapixel count. The sensor size on the OnePlus is larger which has implications for light capture. |
| Selfie Camera Res. | 16MP | 5MP | OnePlus 9 Pro captures more detailed selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP (Dedicated) | None | OnePlus 9 Pro has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, improving zoom image quality. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP (Dedicated) | None | OnePlus 9 Pro captures ultrawide photos with a dedicated lens with higher resolution, while Samsung has no ultrawide lens. |
| Portrait Mode | None | 2MP (Dedicated) | Samsung Galaxy A04s has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, improving background blur. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP (Dedicated) | Samsung Galaxy A04s has a dedicated macro lens, capturing very close-up shots with greater detail. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP (Dedicated) | None | OnePlus 9 Pro has a black and white lens that gives images a better dynamic range. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K | Up to 1080p | OnePlus 9 Pro can record much higher quality video, suitable for professional-grade content. |
| Camera Features | Advanced (OIS, etc.) | Basic | OnePlus 9 Pro offers superior camera features, including OIS, for better image and video quality in challenging conditions. |
| DxOMark Score | 122 | None | OnePlus 9 Pro has been tested with a great DxOMark score, indicating great image quality from its camera |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Samsung Galaxy A04s has a larger battery that might last slightly longer for daily use. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 15W Fast Charging | OnePlus 9 Pro charges significantly faster, meaning less time plugged into the charger. |
| Wireless Charging | Yes, 50W | None | OnePlus 9 Pro offers convenient wireless charging for ease of use. |
| Reverse Charging | Yes | None | OnePlus 9 Pro offers reverse charging which is useful for charging other wireless devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 12 (upgradable to 14) | Samsung is newer with the OS version but both have the same max OS upgrade. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | OnePlus 9 Pro supports a newer Wi-Fi standard for faster and more reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 | OnePlus 9 Pro supports a newer Bluetooth version which has a better connection and higher bandwidth. |
| GPS | Advanced (L1+L5) | Standard (QZSS) | OnePlus 9 Pro provides more accurate GPS tracking. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 32GB/64GB/128GB | OnePlus 9 Pro offers higher base and maximum internal storage. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 3GB/4GB | OnePlus 9 Pro has much more RAM for seamless multitasking and app performance. |
| Expandable Storage | None | None | Neither phone offers expandable storage via SD card. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Features | Stereo Speakers, Dolby Atmos | Basic | OnePlus 9 Pro offers immersive audio experience through its better speakers and other features. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Side-mounted | Samsung Galaxy A04s side-mounted sensor is more convenient to access and is more reliable in practice. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | OnePlus 9 Pro offers better protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Advanced | Basic | OnePlus 9 Pro has a more comprehensive suite of sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset offers dramatically better performance, making it ideal for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- High-Quality Display: The higher resolution, refresh rate, and brightness of the display provide a much more enjoyable viewing experience, particularly in outdoor environments.
- Advanced Camera System: The inclusion of telephoto and ultrawide lenses, along with advanced features like OIS and 8K recording, make it suitable for serious photography and videography.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: 65W wired and 50W wireless charging capabilities reduce charging downtime significantly.
- Enhanced Audio: Stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos and noise canceling microphone provides a far better audio experience.
- Better Connectivity: Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth versions ensure faster and more reliable wireless connections.
- More RAM: Offers much more RAM for smooth multitasking.
- More Storage: Offers more base storage.
- Better Build Quality: The inclusion of Gorilla Glass 5 for screen protection indicates better durability.
Samsung Galaxy A04s Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery may offer slightly longer battery life for basic tasks.
- Dedicated Depth and Macro Lens: Offers a macro and portrait mode lens that the OnePlus 9 Pro lacks.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is typically faster and more convenient than an in-display sensor.
- Newer OS: Comes with a newer version of Android out of the box.
Significant Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9 Pro: Comes at a much higher price, the battery is smaller and may not last as long as the A04s.
- Samsung Galaxy A04s: Significantly lower performance, much lower-quality display, basic camera features, and slower charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 Pro:
- Ideal Users:
- Power users who demand the highest performance for gaming and demanding apps.
- Photography enthusiasts who value high-quality cameras with advanced features and zoom capabilities.
- Users who prioritize display quality and fast charging.
- Those who require reliable performance and a premium feel.
- Specific Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming and content creation.
- Professional photography and videography.
- Media consumption with a great screen and sound.
- Heavy multitasking with many apps and processes.
Samsung Galaxy A04s:
- Ideal Users:
- Budget-conscious users looking for an affordable, basic smartphone.
- Individuals who primarily use their phones for basic tasks, like calls, messaging, and social media.
- Users who prioritize battery life over performance or camera quality.
- Specific Use Cases:
- Everyday basic tasks like browsing, social media, calling, and texting.
- Long battery use for extended periods away from a charger.
- Users who prefer a more budget-friendly option and prioritize having a portrait and macro lens.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- What is your budget? The OnePlus 9 Pro is a premium device, while the A04s is designed to be affordable.
- What are your primary use cases? Are you a heavy user who needs raw power, or a basic user who needs an affordable phone for simple tasks?
- How important is camera quality to you? Do you take lots of pictures and videos, or is the camera quality a secondary consideration?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: If you are a gamer or mobile content creator, or if you prioritize performance, display quality, and camera features, the OnePlus 9 Pro is the clear choice.
- Scenario 2: If you are looking for a basic, budget-friendly smartphone for simple tasks and prioritize battery life, the Samsung Galaxy A04s will suit your needs better.
- Scenario 3: If you need a decent all-around phone, where you need a good camera, smooth performance, and fast charging, the OnePlus 9 Pro is a much better choice despite the price difference.
What I Would Choose and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would unequivocally choose the OnePlus 9 Pro. While the Samsung Galaxy A04s has the advantage of a slightly larger battery and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, these are minor benefits compared to the overwhelming advantages of the OnePlus 9 Pro.
Here's why:
- Performance: As someone who uses my smartphone for more than just basic tasks, the massive performance difference is critical. The Snapdragon 888 chipset in the OnePlus 9 Pro ensures a smooth, lag-free experience, whether I am gaming, multitasking, or using demanding apps.
- Display: The superior display of the OnePlus 9 Pro with its higher resolution, refresh rate, and brightness, makes it a far more enjoyable device to use for extended periods, particularly for media consumption and even just browsing websites.
- Camera: I value a good camera, and the OnePlus 9 Pro's camera system offers far more versatility, features, and image quality. The inclusion of the telephoto and ultrawide lenses, along with the advanced image stabilization makes it a much better choice for my needs.
- Faster Charging: The significantly faster wired and wireless charging offered by the OnePlus 9 Pro makes my life so much more convenient.
The Samsung Galaxy A04s has the advantages of being cheaper and having a slightly longer battery. However, the drastically inferior performance, display, and camera make it a poor choice for someone who values those aspects. Even if I was on a tighter budget, I would look at other phones in the price range above the Galaxy A04s but below the OnePlus 9 Pro. The OnePlus 9 Pro offers such a dramatically better experience that the higher cost is justified.
