OnePlus 9 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy A22 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
OnePlus 9 Pro
OnePlus 9 Pro
Oneplus

General

Launch Date March 30, 2021 July 1, 2021
Release Year 2021 2021

Physical

Volume 104.5 cm³ 98.49 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.4 "/g 3.44 "/g
Weight 197 g 186 g
Height 163.2 mm 159.3 mm
Width 73.6 mm 73.6 mm
Thickness 8.7 mm 8.4 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Forest Green
  • Morning Mist
  • Stellar Black
  • Black
  • White
  • Violet
  • Mint

Display

Screen Size 6.7 " 6.4 "
Resolution 1440 x 3216 720 x 1600
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 89.9 % 84.3 %
Pixel Density 525 PPI 274 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 90 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A 600 nits
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness 1300 nits N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 100.25 mAh/in² 122.07 mAh/in²
Battery Density 43.06 mAh/cm³ 50.77 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4500 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55 Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Adreno 660 Mali-G52 MC2

Connectivity

USB Version 3.1 2.0
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 3.1, OTG USB Type-C 2.0

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 11 11
Maximum OS Version 14 13

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureOnePlus 9 ProSamsung Galaxy A22Practical Impact
Design
Dimensions163.2 x 73.6 x 8.7 mm159.3 x 73.6 x 8.4 mmOnePlus 9 Pro is slightly taller and thicker, potentially less comfortable for smaller hands.
Weight197g186gSamsung Galaxy A22 is lighter, which might be more comfortable for prolonged use.
Display
Size6.7"6.4"OnePlus 9 Pro offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption.
Resolution1440 x 3216720 x 1600OnePlus 9 Pro has much sharper text and images, better for detailed content viewing.
Pixel Density525 PPI274 PPIOnePlus 9 Pro provides significantly greater clarity and detail on screen.
TechnologyAMOLEDSamsung Galaxy A22's AMOLED offers deeper blacks and vibrant colors, better for viewing rich media.
Refresh Rate120Hz90HzOnePlus 9 Pro provides smoother scrolling and animations.
Brightness1300 nits0 nitsOnePlus 9 Pro offers much better visibility in bright sunlight. Samsung Galaxy A22 brightness information is missing.
Performance
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)Mediatek Helio G80 (12 nm)OnePlus 9 Pro handles demanding tasks and games with ease, significantly faster performance.
AnTuTu Score877,600379,800OnePlus 9 Pro provides a dramatically smoother overall experience, particularly in resource-intensive apps and games.
GPUAdreno 660Mali-G52 MC2OnePlus 9 Pro is much more capable for graphics-intensive tasks such as gaming and video editing.
Camera
Main Camera48MP, f/1.8, 1/1.43" sensor48MP, f/1.8, 1/2" sensorOnePlus 9 Pro's larger sensor captures more light, resulting in better low-light images and more detail.
Selfie Camera16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" sensor8MP, f/2.0OnePlus 9 Pro has higher resolution for sharper selfies, while Samsung Galaxy A22 has wider aperture which could mean better low light selfies.
Telephoto Lens8MP, f/2.4NoneOnePlus 9 Pro offers optical zoom capabilities.
Wide Angle Lens50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56" sensor5MP, f/2.2OnePlus 9 Pro captures much wider scenes with higher detail.
Depth LensNone5MP, f/2.4Samsung Galaxy A22 provides dedicated depth sensing for portrait mode.
Black & White Lens2MP, f/2.4NoneOnePlus 9 Pro provides a dedicated black and white sensor, for artistic mono photos.
Video RecordingUp to 8K@30fps1080p@30fpsOnePlus 9 Pro supports far higher video resolutions for professional-level recording.
DXOMark Mobile Score12248OnePlus 9 Pro has significantly higher camera quality based on DXOMark scoring.
Battery
Capacity4500 mAh5000 mAhSamsung Galaxy A22 has slightly larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life.
Charging65W Fast Charging15W Fast ChargingOnePlus 9 Pro charges significantly faster, saving considerable time.
FeaturesReverse, Wireless, Reverse WirelessNon-removableOnePlus 9 Pro offers more battery-related features (wireless charging and reverse charging).
Software
Operating SystemAndroid 11, upgradable to 14Android 11, upgradable to 13OnePlus 9 Pro will receive more operating system updates.
Connectivity
Wi-FiWi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi MiMOWi-Fi acOnePlus 9 Pro has faster WiFi with lower latency and better performance.
Bluetooth5.2, APT-x, LDAC5.0, EDR, HIDOnePlus 9 Pro has newer version with more advanced audio codecs.
GPSL1+L5, L1, B1, E1+E5aStandard GPSOnePlus 9 Pro offers more accuracy in navigation.
Storage
Internal128 GB or 256 GBUnknownOnePlus 9 Pro has 128 or 256 GB of storage for your files.
RAM8 GB or 12 GBUnknownOnePlus 9 Pro has significantly more RAM, meaning better multitasking performance.
ExpandableNoNoNeither phone allows storage expansion via SD card.
Audio
Audio QualityDolby Atmos, Noise cancellation mic, Stereo Speakers, 3 micsDolby Atmos, Dolby Digital PlusOnePlus 9 Pro delivers more immersive sound with better voice clarity.
Security
FingerprintBasic FingerprintSide-mountedSamsung Galaxy A22 has a more convenient side fingerprint sensor.
Build Quality
Screen ProtectionGorilla Glass 5UnknownOnePlus 9 Pro offers better screen scratch and drop protection.
SensorsBiometric, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, GyroscopeBiometric, Proximity, AccelerometerOnePlus 9 Pro has a broader suite of sensors, enabling more advanced functionality and gaming.

2. Key Differences Analysis

OnePlus 9 Pro Advantages:

  • Superior Display: Significantly higher resolution and pixel density, smoother 120Hz refresh rate, and much higher brightness for better outdoor visibility.
  • Flagship Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset provides significantly faster processing speeds, making it suitable for gaming, video editing, and multitasking.
  • High-End Camera System: Superior main camera sensor, dedicated telephoto and wide-angle lenses, higher resolution selfie camera, along with 8K video recording capabilities, and OIS. It excels in photo and video quality.
  • Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: 65W fast wired charging and 50W wireless charging, plus reverse charging, for fast and convenient power management.
  • Advanced Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, MIMO, Bluetooth 5.2 and enhanced GPS for better navigation and a more reliable connection.
  • More Memory and Storage Options: Up to 12GB RAM and 256GB Storage for better multitasking and more space for files.
  • Better Audio: Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, and 3 microphones.

Samsung Galaxy A22 Advantages:

  • Lower Price: Usually a more affordable option.
  • AMOLED Display: Vibrant colors and deep blacks provide a pleasant viewing experience.
  • Larger Battery: A slightly larger battery may translate to longer battery life for typical use.
  • Side-mounted Fingerprint Scanner: Considered more convenient by some users.
  • Dedicated Depth Camera: Offers dedicated depth sensing for portrait mode.

Significant Trade-offs:

  • OnePlus 9 Pro trades portability and price for a superior overall experience, particularly in display, performance, and camera quality. Its large size may not suit everyone.
  • Samsung Galaxy A22 sacrifices performance, camera quality, and display sharpness for better battery and lower price. It is suitable for basic use and media consumption on a budget.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

OnePlus 9 Pro Ideal Users:

  • Power Users: Users who demand the best performance for gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.
  • Photography Enthusiasts: Those who want the highest image quality, versatile camera options, and advanced video features.
  • Media Consumers: Users who prioritize a high-quality display for watching videos, browsing content and gaming.
  • Tech Enthusiasts: Those who seek the latest technology and features, including fast charging, wireless charging, and advanced connectivity.
  • Users seeking a premium experience: Those looking for a top of the line phone.

Specific Use Cases for OnePlus 9 Pro:

  • Playing graphically demanding games at high settings
  • Shooting professional-quality videos
  • Editing photos and videos on the go
  • Using multiple apps simultaneously
  • Enjoying content in bright outdoor conditions
  • Navigating with enhanced GPS capabilities.

Samsung Galaxy A22 Ideal Users:

  • Budget-Conscious Users: Those seeking a capable smartphone at a lower price point.
  • Casual Users: Individuals who use their phone primarily for calls, messaging, and basic social media.
  • Users Who Prioritize Battery Life: Those who need a phone that can last through a full day of regular use.
  • Users looking for an AMOLED display: Those who prioritize color vividness.

Specific Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy A22:

  • Everyday communication (calls, messaging)
  • Basic social media browsing
  • Watching videos and movies on the AMOLED screen
  • Taking occasional photos and selfies
  • Navigating with GPS

Price-to-Value Ratio:

  • OnePlus 9 Pro: Offers premium features and performance, justifying a higher price for users who need it.
  • Samsung Galaxy A22: Provides decent functionality for its lower price but compromises on overall performance.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is your budget?
  2. How important are performance and camera quality to you?
  3. Do you prioritize a high-quality display or longer battery life?

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Power User on a Budget: If you need the best performance possible on a low budget, neither of these two options would fit well.
  • Scenario 2: Photography Enthusiast: Choose the OnePlus 9 Pro for its superior camera system, higher resolution video and better DXOMark score.
  • Scenario 3: Casual User with Basic Needs: The Samsung Galaxy A22 may be a suitable choice if it fits within your budget, as it delivers on basic usability and a longer battery life and a side-mounted fingerprint reader, making it more user-friendly.
  • Scenario 4: Media Consumption Enthusiast: OnePlus 9 Pro offers better resolution, pixel density and brightness while the Samsung Galaxy A22 may be more suitable for those who prefer AMOLED's color and black depth.

What I Would Choose and Why

Given the choice between the OnePlus 9 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy A22, I would choose the OnePlus 9 Pro.

Here's why:

  • Performance: As someone who uses their phone for more demanding tasks such as mobile gaming, photo editing and extensive multitasking, the superior Snapdragon 888 chipset and ample RAM of the OnePlus 9 Pro are a must.
  • Display Quality: I prioritize a high-quality display for media consumption and the OnePlus 9 Pro's combination of high resolution, pixel density, refresh rate, and brightness is vastly superior.
  • Camera Versatility: As a photography enthusiast, the OnePlus 9 Pro's advanced camera system, including the telephoto and wide-angle lenses, would be significantly more beneficial. The ability to record in 8K is also a major advantage for my use case.
  • Overall Premium Experience: The faster charging, wireless charging options, and higher end connectivity features round out a far more premium experience for me.

While the Samsung Galaxy A22's AMOLED display and larger battery are appealing, the massive performance and camera gap makes it a non-option for me. I prioritize performance, display quality, and camera versatility, and the OnePlus 9 Pro excels in all these areas. The trade-off of a larger size and a higher price is a trade-off I am willing to make for the superior experience it offers.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

Key Strengths:

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Digital media communication
  • Technical storytelling
  • User-centric technology insights

Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.