1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Samsung Galaxy A33 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.2 × 73.6 × 8.7 mm | 159.7 × 74 × 8.1 mm | OnePlus 9 Pro is slightly taller and thicker, potentially feeling less compact. |
| Weight | 197g | 186g | Samsung Galaxy A33 5G is lighter, better for extended single-handed use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.4" | OnePlus 9 Pro offers a slightly larger screen for more immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1440x3216 | 1080x2400 | OnePlus 9 Pro offers significantly sharper visuals. Text and images are noticeably clearer. |
| PPI | 525 | 411 | OnePlus 9 Pro has a much higher pixel density, resulting in crisper and more detailed image quality. |
| Technology | Missing | AMOLED | Samsung A33 offers better contrast and vibrant colors. Black levels are deeper and power consumption can be lower for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | OnePlus 9 Pro has smoother animations and scrolling. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | OnePlus 9 Pro is significantly better for outdoor visibility under bright sunlight. Samsung Galaxy A33 5G brightness spec is missing, making it impossible to evaluate performance in such conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G | Exynos 1280 | OnePlus 9 Pro is much faster for demanding tasks, gaming, and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 877,600 | 475,448 | OnePlus 9 Pro offers significantly better overall performance, including app loading and smooth user experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G68 | OnePlus 9 Pro offers better graphics performance, important for gaming and graphically intensive apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/1.43", Sony IMX789, 1.12µm | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/2", Sony IMX582, 0.8µm | OnePlus 9 Pro captures more light and detail due to larger sensor size. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", Sony IMX471, 0.7µm | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06", Sony IMX258, 1.12µm | Samsung A33 5G captures more light due to the wider aperture, and has slightly larger pixel size. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4" | None | OnePlus 9 Pro offers optical zoom capability. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56", Sony IMX766 | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", Sony IMX355, 1.12µm | OnePlus 9 Pro captures much more detail and wider shots due to larger sensor and higher resolution. |
| Portrait Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Samsung A33 offers a dedicated depth sensor for portrait shots |
| Macro Lens | None | 5MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | Samsung A33 allows for close-up photography |
| Black & White | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | OnePlus 9 Pro offers a dedicated B&W camera for artistic shots |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps with HDR, EIS | Up to 4K@30fps | OnePlus 9 Pro offers significantly higher video resolution and slow-motion capture capabilities. |
| DxOMark Mobile | 122 | 85 | OnePlus 9 Pro has a significantly better camera system overall. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Samsung Galaxy A33 5G likely offers longer battery life. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | OnePlus 9 Pro charges much faster. |
| Features | 50W Wireless, Reverse Wireless Charging | Bypass Charging | OnePlus 9 Pro offers more charging options and can charge other devices wirelessly. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Upgradable to 14 | Android 12, Upgradable to 16 | Samsung Galaxy A33 5G comes with a newer OS and will likely receive more OS updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | OnePlus 9 Pro supports the latest WiFi standard for higher speeds and performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.1 | OnePlus 9 Pro has a more recent version, but Samsung A33 has more Audio profiles supported. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | OnePlus 9 Pro supports more satellite systems for potentially more accurate location. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB or 256GB | Both phones offer similar storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB or 12GB | 6GB or 8GB | OnePlus 9 Pro has more RAM for better multitasking and demanding apps. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither device allows for more storage via SD card. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | OnePlus 9 Pro has better audio capturing capabilities and enhanced audio quality for calls |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both phones have a standard fingerprint reader. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Both phones have the same screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Both have similar sensor capabilities, each with their own specific additions. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset provides significantly faster processing, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
- Better Display: Higher resolution, higher pixel density, brighter display with 120Hz refresh rate offers a much sharper and more immersive viewing experience, particularly outdoors.
- Advanced Camera System: Offers a telephoto lens for optical zoom, higher-resolution wide-angle lens, a B&W sensor and superior image quality according to DxOMark. 8K video capabilities enhance videography significantly.
- Faster Charging and Wireless Options: 65W wired charging and 50W wireless charging provide quick top-ups, with reverse wireless charging for accessories.
- Enhanced Audio: Offers Noise cancellation microphone with 3 microphones, and advanced audio capturing and quality for better voice calls.
- Advanced Connectivity: Supports WiFi 6, and advanced GPS systems for better location tracking.
Samsung Galaxy A33 5G Advantages:
- Longer Battery Life: Larger battery capacity suggests better battery endurance.
- Newer Software: Ships with a newer version of Android.
- AMOLED Display Technology: Superior display tech with deeper blacks and vibrant colors
- Dedicated Portrait and Macro Lens: This allows for more versatile photography.
- More Bluetooth Audio Profiles: Supports more audio profiles
- Bypass Charging: Allows charging while gaming or performing heavy tasks with the ability to bypass the battery.
- Lighter & More Compact: Smaller and lighter for better handling
- Slightly larger pixel size on Selfie Camera: Better low-light performance
Significant Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9 Pro: Loses in battery capacity.
- Samsung Galaxy A33 5G: Loses in performance, camera quality, display brightness and fast charging
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 Pro Ideal User:
- Power Users: Individuals needing high performance for gaming, video editing, and multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users seeking versatile camera system with optical zoom, 8K video, and high image quality.
- Mobile Gamers: Those requiring smooth gameplay and fast loading times.
- Media Consumers: Users who value a high-resolution, bright, and smooth display for video and content consumption.
- Those who like fast charging and wireless charging.
Use Cases:
- Playing graphically intensive games.
- Shooting and editing high-resolution videos.
- Multi-tasking between multiple apps.
- Using in bright sunlight for outdoor activities.
- Quickly charging the phone during breaks.
- Using wireless charging for convenience.
Samsung Galaxy A33 5G Ideal User:
- Average Users: Individuals who prioritize battery life and reliable performance for everyday tasks.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those seeking good value for money without the need for top-tier performance.
- Casual Photographers: Users who like having a portrait and macro lens.
- Battery life priority: Those who prioritize longer usage between charges.
- Users who value a good display
Use Cases:
- Daily browsing, social media, and messaging.
- Casual photography and video recording.
- Longer periods of use without frequent charging.
- Close up photography.
- Those who prioritize a more compact and lighter phone
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance Needs: Do you require top-tier processing power for gaming or demanding applications, or is casual usage enough?
- Camera Priorities: Is a versatile, high-quality camera system with optical zoom and 8K video essential, or are you looking for good everyday shots?
- Display Preferences: Do you value a very sharp and bright display for outdoor use, or are deeper blacks and vibrant colors more important?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming and Performance Focus: Choose the OnePlus 9 Pro. The Snapdragon 888 and superior GPU will ensure smooth gameplay and fast app loading.
- Scenario 2: Photography and Videography Focus: Choose the OnePlus 9 Pro. The advanced camera system with optical zoom and 8K video will be essential.
- Scenario 3: All-day Battery and Casual Use: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A33 5G. The larger battery will provide better endurance, and you have access to more Bluetooth audio profiles.
- Scenario 4: Budget and Value Focused: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A33 5G. While losing out on performance, you'll have access to a good display, all day battery, and a versatile camera.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the OnePlus 9 Pro. While it has a smaller battery and is heavier, the vastly superior performance, much better camera system (including telephoto and higher resolution wide-angle), brighter and higher resolution display, and significantly faster charging make it a much more compelling device for my personal use case. I value smooth performance and a high-quality camera above all else. The faster charging is also beneficial, making up for the smaller battery capacity for me. The ability to wirelessly charge and reverse charge are also welcome additions. Although it’s an older device, it still edges out the Samsung A33 in most of the performance and quality related areas, which is what I value most.
