Smartphone Comparison: OnePlus 9 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy M32
1. Specifications Comparison
Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Samsung Galaxy M32 | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Design | |||
Dimensions | 163.2 x 73.6 x 8.7 mm | 159.3 x 74 x 8.4 mm | OnePlus 9 Pro is slightly taller and thicker; M32 slightly wider. OnePlus 9 Pro has larger overall volume. |
Weight | 197g | 180g | M32 is noticeably lighter, more comfortable for prolonged use. |
Display | |||
Size | 6.7" | 6.4" | OnePlus 9 Pro offers a slightly larger viewing area. |
Resolution | 1440x3216 | 1080x2400 | OnePlus 9 Pro has a significantly sharper display, noticeable in text and detailed images. |
PPI | 525 | 411 | OnePlus 9 Pro has much higher pixel density; images and text are significantly sharper. |
Technology | AMOLED | Samsung M32's AMOLED display has superior blacks, contrast, and color vibrancy. | |
Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | OnePlus 9 Pro offers smoother scrolling and animations. |
Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | OnePlus 9 Pro is much brighter, better visibility in direct sunlight. Samsung's spec is likely an error. |
Performance | |||
Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5nm) | Helio G80 (12nm) | OnePlus 9 Pro has significantly faster processing, better for gaming and heavy apps. |
AnTuTu Score | 877,600 | 204,000 | OnePlus 9 Pro offers drastically superior performance: faster app launches, smoother multitasking, better gaming. |
GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G52 MC2 | OnePlus 9 Pro handles demanding graphics more effectively, crucial for high-end gaming. |
Battery | |||
Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Samsung Galaxy M32 potentially offers longer battery life. |
Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | OnePlus 9 Pro charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
Features | 50W Wireless, Reverse Wireless | 15W Inbox Charger | OnePlus 9 Pro offers wireless charging and the ability to charge other devices. |
Camera | |||
Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.8 | 64MP, f/1.8 | M32 higher resolution; OnePlus 9 Pro sensor size is bigger (1/1.43 vs unspecified), potentially capturing more light. |
Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4 | 20MP, f/2.2 | Samsung M32 has higher resolution and slightly wider aperture for better low light selfies. |
Telephoto Lens | 8MP, f/2.4 | None | OnePlus 9 Pro has optical zoom for distant subjects. |
Wide-Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | OnePlus 9 Pro takes significantly more detailed wide-angle shots. |
Portrait (Depth) Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Samsung M32 can create background blur in portraits. |
Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Samsung M32 allows for close-up photos of small objects. |
Black & White Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | OnePlus 9 Pro offers dedicated B&W photography mode. |
Video | Up to 8K, 4K @ 120fps | Up to 1080p @ 30fps | OnePlus 9 Pro can record significantly higher resolution videos, with more options. |
Video Stabilization | EIS, OIS | None | OnePlus 9 Pro offers electronic and optical image stabilization. |
DXOMark Score | Mobile: 122 | Not Tested | OnePlus 9 Pro's camera has been tested and provides quality reference points. |
Camera Features | 8K/4K Video, RAW, OIS, PDAF, LAF | Basic Photo Features | OnePlus 9 Pro has advanced features like RAW capture and OIS for professional photography. |
Software | |||
OS | Android 11, Upgradeable to 14 | Android 11, Upgradeable to 13 | OnePlus 9 Pro will receive one more major OS update. |
Connectivity | |||
WiFi | WiFi 6, MiMO | WiFi ac | OnePlus 9 Pro has faster and more reliable WiFi. |
Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 | OnePlus 9 Pro has a newer Bluetooth standard with more features for audio. |
GPS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), etc. | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | OnePlus 9 Pro has more precise location tracking, particularly in urban canyons. |
SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support two SIM cards. |
Storage | |||
Internal | 128GB/256GB | 64GB/128GB | OnePlus 9 Pro offers more storage options. |
RAM | 8GB/12GB | 4GB/6GB/8GB | OnePlus 9 Pro has more RAM for heavy multitasking. |
Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards. |
Audio | |||
Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic | OnePlus 9 Pro has superior audio for better multimedia experiences. |
Security | |||
Features | Basic Fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint sensor | Samsung M32 offers a more modern and convenient fingerprint sensor location. |
Build Quality | |||
Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | OnePlus 9 Pro has superior screen protection against scratches and damage. |
Sensors | |||
Sensors | Comprehensive suite, Gravity sensor | Basic suite | OnePlus 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:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a smartphone?
- Primary Use Case: What will you use your smartphone for most often (gaming, photography, basic tasks)?
- 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.