OnePlus 9 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy M32 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
OnePlus 9 Pro
OnePlus 9 Pro
Oneplus

General

Launch Date March 30, 2021 June 28, 2021
Release Year 2021 2021

Physical

Volume 104.5 cm³ 99.02 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.4 "/g 3.56 "/g
Weight 197 g 180 g
Height 163.2 mm 159.3 mm
Width 73.6 mm 74 mm
Thickness 8.7 mm 8.4 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Forest Green
  • Morning Mist
  • Stellar Black
  • Black
  • Light Blue

Display

Screen Size 6.7 " 6.4 "
Resolution 1440 x 3216 1080 x 2400
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 89.9 % 83.9 %
Pixel Density 525 PPI 411 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 90 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A 800 nits
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 50.49 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 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 3.1, OTG USB Type-C 2.0, OTG

Software

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

Comparison Summary

Smartphone Comparison: OnePlus 9 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy M32

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureOnePlus 9 ProSamsung Galaxy M32Practical Impact
Design
Dimensions163.2 x 73.6 x 8.7 mm159.3 x 74 x 8.4 mmOnePlus 9 Pro is slightly taller and thicker; M32 slightly wider. OnePlus 9 Pro has larger overall volume.
Weight197g180gM32 is noticeably lighter, more comfortable for prolonged use.
Display
Size6.7"6.4"OnePlus 9 Pro offers a slightly larger viewing area.
Resolution1440x32161080x2400OnePlus 9 Pro has a significantly sharper display, noticeable in text and detailed images.
PPI525411OnePlus 9 Pro has much higher pixel density; images and text are significantly sharper.
TechnologyAMOLEDSamsung M32's AMOLED display has superior blacks, contrast, and color vibrancy.
Refresh Rate120Hz90HzOnePlus 9 Pro offers smoother scrolling and animations.
Brightness1300 nits0 nitsOnePlus 9 Pro is much brighter, better visibility in direct sunlight. Samsung's spec is likely an error.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 888 (5nm)Helio G80 (12nm)OnePlus 9 Pro has significantly faster processing, better for gaming and heavy apps.
AnTuTu Score877,600204,000OnePlus 9 Pro offers drastically superior performance: faster app launches, smoother multitasking, better gaming.
GPUAdreno 660Mali-G52 MC2OnePlus 9 Pro handles demanding graphics more effectively, crucial for high-end gaming.
Battery
Capacity4500mAh5000mAhSamsung Galaxy M32 potentially offers longer battery life.
Charging65W Fast Charging25W Fast ChargingOnePlus 9 Pro charges much faster, reducing downtime.
Features50W Wireless, Reverse Wireless15W Inbox ChargerOnePlus 9 Pro offers wireless charging and the ability to charge other devices.
Camera
Main Camera48MP, f/1.864MP, f/1.8M32 higher resolution; OnePlus 9 Pro sensor size is bigger (1/1.43 vs unspecified), potentially capturing more light.
Selfie Camera16MP, f/2.420MP, f/2.2Samsung M32 has higher resolution and slightly wider aperture for better low light selfies.
Telephoto Lens8MP, f/2.4NoneOnePlus 9 Pro has optical zoom for distant subjects.
Wide-Angle Lens50MP, f/2.28MP, f/2.2OnePlus 9 Pro takes significantly more detailed wide-angle shots.
Portrait (Depth) LensNone2MP, f/2.4Samsung M32 can create background blur in portraits.
Macro LensNone2MP, f/2.4Samsung M32 allows for close-up photos of small objects.
Black & White Lens2MP, f/2.4NoneOnePlus 9 Pro offers dedicated B&W photography mode.
VideoUp to 8K, 4K @ 120fpsUp to 1080p @ 30fpsOnePlus 9 Pro can record significantly higher resolution videos, with more options.
Video StabilizationEIS, OISNoneOnePlus 9 Pro offers electronic and optical image stabilization.
DXOMark ScoreMobile: 122Not TestedOnePlus 9 Pro's camera has been tested and provides quality reference points.
Camera Features8K/4K Video, RAW, OIS, PDAF, LAFBasic Photo FeaturesOnePlus 9 Pro has advanced features like RAW capture and OIS for professional photography.
Software
OSAndroid 11, Upgradeable to 14Android 11, Upgradeable to 13OnePlus 9 Pro will receive one more major OS update.
Connectivity
WiFiWiFi 6, MiMOWiFi acOnePlus 9 Pro has faster and more reliable WiFi.
Bluetooth5.25.0OnePlus 9 Pro has a newer Bluetooth standard with more features for audio.
GPSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), etc.GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, GalileoOnePlus 9 Pro has more precise location tracking, particularly in urban canyons.
SIMDual SIMDual SIMBoth support two SIM cards.
Storage
Internal128GB/256GB64GB/128GBOnePlus 9 Pro offers more storage options.
RAM8GB/12GB4GB/6GB/8GBOnePlus 9 Pro has more RAM for heavy multitasking.
ExpandableNoNoNeither phone supports microSD cards.
Audio
QualityDolby Atmos, Stereo SpeakersBasicOnePlus 9 Pro has superior audio for better multimedia experiences.
Security
FeaturesBasic Fingerprint sensorSide-mounted Fingerprint sensorSamsung M32 offers a more modern and convenient fingerprint sensor location.
Build Quality
Screen ProtectionGorilla Glass 5UnknownOnePlus 9 Pro has superior screen protection against scratches and damage.
Sensors
SensorsComprehensive suite, Gravity sensorBasic suiteOnePlus 9 Pro has a more comprehensive array of sensors.

2. Key Differences Analysis

OnePlus 9 Pro Advantages:

  • Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset provides significantly faster processing for gaming, heavy applications, and overall responsiveness.
  • Higher Quality Display: Higher resolution, pixel density, refresh rate and brightness make the visual experience significantly better.
  • Advanced Camera System: Offers telephoto and wide-angle lenses, optical zoom, 8K video recording, OIS, and more advanced features.
  • Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: 65W fast charging is significantly faster than 25W; wireless charging adds convenience.
  • Better Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6, newer Bluetooth and more precise GPS location tracking.
  • Enhanced Audio: Stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos for superior audio experience.
  • More RAM and Storage: Better for heavy users who need lots of space and RAM.

Samsung Galaxy M32 Advantages:

  • Lower Price: Generally much more budget-friendly than the OnePlus 9 Pro.
  • Larger Battery: Potentially better battery life.
  • AMOLED Display: Superior blacks, contrast and vibrant colors for visually rich content.
  • Lighter and Thinner: May feel more comfortable in hand for longer periods.
  • Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Often considered more convenient than in-display options.
  • Dedicated Macro & Depth Cameras: Adds versatility to photos by allowing for very close shots and enhanced portrait effects.

Significant Trade-offs:

  • OnePlus 9 Pro: Much higher price point, potentially less battery life.
  • Samsung Galaxy M32: Significantly slower performance, less impressive display, lower quality camera and lacks fast/wireless charging.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

OnePlus 9 Pro Ideal User:

  • Power Users: Those who demand high performance for gaming, video editing, or other resource-intensive tasks.
  • Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera with good image quality, telephoto zoom, and advanced video features.
  • Multimedia Consumers: Those who value a high-quality display and audio for movies, videos, and games.
  • Tech Enthusiasts: Those who want the latest features and fastest charging.
  • Users Who Need Brightness: Users who need to be able to see their screen clearly in direct sunlight.

Use Cases:

  • High-end gaming with complex graphics.
  • Capturing professional-grade video and high-resolution photos.
  • Productivity tasks like photo and video editing on the go.
  • Extensive outdoor use where screen visibility is a must.
  • Enjoying high-quality media content with immersive audio.

Samsung Galaxy M32 Ideal User:

  • Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users looking for a good smartphone experience without breaking the bank.
  • Casual Users: Those who primarily use their phone for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging.
  • Users Who Value Battery Life: Those who need a phone that will last them through a full day of moderate use.
  • Users who like AMOLED Displays: Those who prefer the higher contrast and color vibrancy.
  • Macro Photography Fans: People who like taking detailed close up shots of small objects.

Use Cases:

  • Everyday web browsing, social media, and communication.
  • Streaming videos and movies at reasonable quality.
  • Casual mobile gaming.
  • Capturing everyday photos and videos without the need for advanced features.
  • Users that need a phone with good battery life for travel or daily use without frequent charging.

Price-to-Value Ratio:

  • OnePlus 9 Pro: Offers top-tier features and performance but at a premium price.
  • Samsung Galaxy M32: Provides a good value for its price point, with a decent experience for less demanding users.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a smartphone?
  2. Primary Use Case: What will you use your smartphone for most often (gaming, photography, basic tasks)?
  3. Performance vs. Battery Life: Do you prioritize high-end performance or longer battery life?

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Performance is King: If you need the fastest performance for demanding games or applications, the OnePlus 9 Pro is the clear choice.
  • Scenario 2: Budget is the Priority: If you are on a tight budget and need a reliable smartphone for basic use, the Samsung Galaxy M32 offers good value.
  • Scenario 3: Balanced Approach: If you value a good all-around experience but don't need the absolute best, it depends on what you value most; a more powerful experience (OnePlus) or better screen, battery and cameras for basic use (Samsung).

Final Recommendation

If I were choosing, I would choose the OnePlus 9 Pro. The superior performance of the Snapdragon 888, coupled with the significantly better display, camera system and charging speeds make it the better device for my daily usage scenarios. While the Samsung Galaxy M32 has its advantages, particularly in price and battery life, the sheer gap in performance and feature set offered by the OnePlus 9 Pro is too substantial to ignore. I am willing to pay the premium for that. While the M32’s AMOLED display is appealing, the higher refresh rate, brightness and resolution of the OnePlus would give a better experience for me. Additionally the camera and connectivity features are also better for my needs.

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
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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.