Smartphone Comparison: OnePlus 9 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy A55
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Samsung Galaxy A55 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.2 x 73.6 x 8.7 mm | 161.1 x 77.4 x 8.2 mm | OnePlus 9 Pro is taller and thicker, while the A55 is wider. A55 may feel more substantial in hand. |
| Weight | 197g | 213g | OnePlus 9 Pro is significantly lighter, potentially more comfortable for long use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.6" | OnePlus 9 Pro has a slightly larger screen, a minor difference in viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1440x3216 | 1080x2340 | OnePlus 9 Pro offers sharper visuals due to its higher pixel count; better clarity for text and images. |
| PPI | 525 | 390 | OnePlus 9 Pro’s significantly higher pixel density results in a visibly crisper display. |
| Technology | N/A | AMOLED | Samsung A55 has AMOLED display with vibrant colors, deep blacks, and superior power efficiency for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both have smooth scrolling; no noticeable difference here. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | OnePlus 9 Pro is far better for outdoor use in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G | Exynos 1480 | Snapdragon 888 may offer slightly better CPU performance, but the Exynos 1480 is newer. The difference may not be significant for most users. |
| AnTuTu Score | 877,600 | 713,393 | OnePlus 9 Pro shows higher benchmark scores, possibly translating to slightly faster overall performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Xclipse 530 | Different GPUs; real-world gaming performance will vary by title; both handle gaming well. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Samsung Galaxy A55 has a larger battery and should offer longer battery life for most users. |
| Charging | 65W fast charging | 25W fast charging | OnePlus 9 Pro charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Wireless Charging, Reverse Charging | Non-removable | OnePlus 9 Pro offers greater convenience with fast wireless and reverse charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/1.43" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" | Slightly larger sensor on OnePlus 9 Pro could result in better light capturing and image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | Samsung Galaxy A55 offers higher resolution and wider aperture for better selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP, f/2.4 | N/A | OnePlus 9 Pro offers dedicated optical zoom, allowing for higher-quality zoomed photos. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56" | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" | OnePlus 9 Pro has a much higher resolution for wide-angle shots. |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 5MP, f/2.4 | Samsung Galaxy A55 offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Black & White | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | OnePlus 9 Pro offers a dedicated Black & white sensor |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps | OnePlus 9 Pro offers higher resolution video recording; for those needing professional-grade video, OnePlus 9 Pro is better. |
| DxOMark Score | 122 | 108 | OnePlus 9 Pro has significantly better camera performance. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (max 14) | Android 14 (max 18) | Samsung Galaxy A55 ships with a newer Android version and is expected to receive longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both offer similar Wi-Fi capabilities. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | Samsung Galaxy A55 has a newer Bluetooth version; both support aptX and LDAC. |
| GPS | Multi-band GPS | Standard GPS | OnePlus 9 Pro offers more accurate positioning with additional GPS bands. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Samsung A55 offers an eSIM for convenient digital carrier switching. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer the same storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 8GB/12GB | Both are available with 8GB or 12GB of RAM, excellent for multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | OnePlus 9 Pro provides enhanced audio with noise cancellation, while the Samsung A55 offers hi-res audio support. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both offer basic biometric security via an in-screen fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass Victus | Samsung Galaxy A55 offers better screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Ultrasonic Proximity | Samsung Galaxy A55 has additional environmental sensors |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution and pixel density for sharper, more detailed visuals, and significantly higher brightness for better outdoor visibility.
- Faster Performance: Higher benchmark scores and likely slightly snappier app loading/overall performance, thanks to the Snapdragon 888.
- Advanced Camera System: Telephoto lens for optical zoom, higher resolution wide-angle lens, and higher-quality video recording, with better overall photo and video scores from DxOMark.
- Faster Charging: Significantly faster 65W charging, which quickly tops up the battery. Wireless and reverse wireless charging add convenience.
- Audio quality Offers a noise cancellation microphone and 3 microphones
Samsung Galaxy A55 Advantages:
- Newer Software: Ships with Android 14 and expected to receive longer software support and OS updates.
- Larger Battery: Larger battery capacity, likely translating to longer battery life, especially for heavy users.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides superior scratch and drop protection.
- eSIM Support: Offers an eSIM for easier switching between carriers.
- Macro lens Dedicated macro lens for taking close up shots
- Bluetooth Newer Bluetooth version with more profiles
Trade-offs:
- The OnePlus 9 Pro sacrifices battery life for a higher-end display and camera.
- The Samsung Galaxy A55 compromises on charging speed and camera capabilities for extended battery life and newer software.
- The OnePlus 9 Pro has better brightness and pixel density but uses older display tech than the Samsung's AMOLED
- The OnePlus 9 Pro has higher peak performance but runs on an older chip and less software support
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 Pro Ideal User:
- Power Users: Individuals who prioritize performance for gaming and multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value camera quality, zoom capabilities, and advanced features.
- Outdoor Users: Those who need a bright display for easy viewing in direct sunlight.
- Users who need fast charging Users who prioritize charging speed.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming, especially graphically demanding titles
- High-quality photo and video capture for social media or professional use
- Viewing content outdoors in bright conditions
- Heavy daily usage that requires a high-performance smartphone
- Users who need wireless or reverse charging.
Samsung Galaxy A55 Ideal User:
- Everyday Users: Users who need a reliable smartphone with good battery life for daily tasks.
- Budget Conscious Users: Users who are looking for a mid range smartphone with a good price-to-value ratio.
- Users who prioritize software updates: Users who want a phone with the latest software version and extended support.
- Users who prefer Macro photos: Users who prioritize taking close up photos.
Use Cases:
- Day-to-day usage like browsing, social media, and streaming.
- Extended usage on a single charge, such as all-day work.
- Users wanting a reliable mid-range smartphone without extreme needs.
Price-to-Value:
- The OnePlus 9 Pro, being an older flagship, is likely available at a lower price than its original MSRP.
- The Samsung Galaxy A55, as a newer mid-range device, may offer a better price-to-value ratio for most general users.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your primary use case? (e.g., gaming, photography, daily tasks, outdoor visibility)
- How important is battery life versus fast charging?
- Do you prioritize a sharper screen and higher performance or newer software and a more robust build?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Power User: If gaming, camera quality, and display sharpness are your top priorities, and you are willing to compromise a little on battery life and newer software, the OnePlus 9 Pro is better.
- For the Average User: If you need a dependable phone with good battery life, a newer Android OS, and better screen protection, the Samsung Galaxy A55 is the more practical choice.
- For Budget-Conscious Users: If you need a mid-range phone for daily use, the Samsung Galaxy A55 will give you a balanced user experience at a potentially lower cost.
- For the Photography Enthusiast: If you need better zoom capabilities and better camera and video performance, then the OnePlus 9 Pro is the better choice.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A55. While the OnePlus 9 Pro offers better performance on paper, a sharper display, and superior camera capabilities, the A55 strikes a better balance for my overall needs. I value the longer battery life, newer Android version, and the robust build quality that the A55 provides. I'm not a heavy gamer, and I appreciate having a reliable device that can last through a full day of use without worrying about running out of battery. Additionally, the A55's better screen protection and inclusion of an eSIM are significant advantages in my day-to-day life. While the OnePlus 9 Pro is undoubtedly a powerful and capable phone, I find that the A55 is a more practical choice for my specific use case, offering excellent value and a smooth user experience.
