1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.2 × 73.6 × 8.7 mm | 157.4 × 75.8 × 7.6 mm | OnePlus 9 Pro is taller and thicker; S22+ 5G is wider and slimmer, affecting one-handed use and pocketability. |
| Weight | 197g | 195g | Virtually identical weight, negligible difference in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.6" | OnePlus 9 Pro offers slightly more screen real estate for content consumption, games, and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1440x3216 | 1080x2340 | OnePlus 9 Pro has a significantly sharper display, resulting in clearer text and images. |
| PPI | 525 | 393 | OnePlus 9 Pro has a noticeably crisper display, which is more detailed for reading and enjoying high-resolution media. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Samsung S22+ 5G has superior display technology with richer blacks and vibrant colors, and better power efficiency when using dark mode. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both phones offer smooth scrolling and animations for a seamless user experience. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1750 nits | Samsung S22+ 5G is significantly easier to view in direct sunlight, providing better outdoor usability. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5nm) | Exynos 2200 (4nm) (Europe) | Different chipsets, both offer flagship-level performance, but the Exynos 2200 is more recent. |
| Antutu Score | 877,600 | 890,774 | Both phones offer very similar performance, any differences in day-to-day use should be negligible. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Xclipse 920 (Europe) | Different GPU configurations; both capable of handling demanding games, but the performance is slightly different. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Both have the same battery size, expect similar battery life under comparable use. |
| Charging | 65W fast charging | 45W fast charging | OnePlus 9 Pro charges significantly faster, minimizing downtime waiting for a full charge. |
| Features | 50W Wireless, Reverse Wireless charging | 15W Wireless, 4.5W Reverse Wireless, Bypass Charging | OnePlus 9 Pro features faster wireless charging and reverse charging; Samsung S22+ 5G has bypass charging for optimal charging and use while gaming or using graphically demanding apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/1.43" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57" | Samsung S22+ 5G has slightly higher resolution, but OnePlus 9 Pro has a larger sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" | 10MP, f/2.2 | OnePlus 9 Pro has a higher resolution selfie camera while the Samsung S22+ has a wider aperture for better low-light selfies. |
| Telephoto Camera | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4" | 10MP, f/2.4, 1/3.9" | Samsung S22+ 5G has slightly higher resolution and a larger sensor in telephoto lens. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56" | 12MP, f/2.2 | OnePlus 9 Pro's wide-angle camera has a higher resolution. |
| Black & White Camera | 2MP | N/A | OnePlus 9 Pro includes a B&W camera for artistic shots. |
| Video | Up to 8K@120fps with HDR and EIS | Up to 8K@24fps with HDR and EIS, Stereo sound | Both offer excellent video recording, but Samsung S22+ 5G provides stereo sound recording and better slow-motion capability. |
| DxoMark Score | Mobile 122, Photo 124, Video 118 | Mobile 125, Photo 122, Video 124 | Samsung S22+ 5G offers slightly better overall camera performance, specifically in video, while OnePlus 9 Pro scores higher in photos. |
| Features | Quad camera, Digital image stabilization, CDAF, LAF | Triple Camera | OnePlus 9 Pro offers additional manual controls and specialized focusing options for camera enthusiasts. Samsung S22+ 5G has fewer additional options. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradeable to 14 | Android 12, upgradeable to 16 | Samsung S22+ 5G offers a newer Android version out of the box and longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Both support the latest WiFi standards for fast and reliable wireless connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 | Samsung S22+ 5G has extended Bluetooth profiles, providing additional device support. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5) | GPS (L1) | OnePlus 9 Pro offers enhanced dual-frequency GPS for more precise positioning. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Samsung S22+ 5G offers the flexibility of an eSIM, enabling digital carrier switching; OnePlus 9 Pro supports two physical SIMs simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer similar storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 8GB | OnePlus 9 Pro has an option for more RAM, which is beneficial for intensive multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports external storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise Cancellation | Stereo Speakers | OnePlus 9 Pro has better audio features offering enhanced spatial audio, clearer calls, better audio separation and immersion, and better voice capture. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both have basic fingerprint sensors. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass Victus+ | Samsung S22+ 5G offers better screen scratch and drop protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | Samsung S22+ 5G includes additional sensors that can improve accuracy of fitness and weather apps. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Pro Advantages:
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and pixel density, resulting in crisper visuals.
- Faster Charging: 65W wired and 50W wireless charging capabilities for quicker top-ups.
- Higher RAM option: Option of 12GB RAM for smoother multitasking.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos, noise cancellation mic, and 3 microphones for superior audio quality.
- Better wide angle camera: 50MP wide angle camera for detailed shots
- Additional Camera features: Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, CDAF, LAF, Night Mode, RAW 12 bits.
- Dual-frequency GPS: For more accurate location tracking, beneficial for navigation and fitness apps.
Practical Implications:
- The OnePlus 9 Pro is better for users who prioritize sharp visuals, require quick charging, do a lot of multitasking or like to play graphic intensive games, and value audio quality, and need precise location data.
Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G Advantages:
- Brighter Display: Significantly higher peak brightness for superior outdoor visibility.
- Superior Display Technology: AMOLED panel offering deeper blacks, better contrast, and enhanced colors.
- Newer Software: Comes with Android 12, meaning longer software support and updates.
- Better screen protection: Gorilla Glass Victus+ provides better screen protection from damage
- Better video recording: Improved video quality score with stereo recording and better slow-motion.
- eSIM Support: For easier switching between carriers.
- Bypass charging: For optimal battery performance while gaming.
- More Bluetooth profiles: wider range of device support.
- More comprehensive sensor suite: Includes Barometer, Hall and Geomagnetic sensors for improved environmental data.
Practical Implications:
- The Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G is better for users who frequently use their phone outdoors, prioritize display quality, want the newest software and prefer newer features like the eSIM.
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9 Pro: Sacrifices some outdoor visibility and software update duration for a sharper display, faster charging, and higher RAM option.
- Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G: Sacrifices some display resolution, charging speed, and audio features for a better display in outdoor lighting conditions, longer software support and more updated tech in general.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for OnePlus 9 Pro:
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who consume high-resolution content and appreciate a sharp display.
- Power Users: Those who multitask heavily and require maximum RAM or want to play graphic intensive games.
- Gamers: Users who will benefit from a high refresh rate, high-performance hardware and fast charging speed.
- Audio lovers: Users who value high quality audio with Dolby Atmos.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who want manual camera controls, additional camera features, and high resolution in different lenses.
Specific Use Cases:
- Watching 4K HDR movies with great audio and a detailed picture.
- Playing graphically intense games with smooth frame rates and short charging breaks.
- Using navigation or fitness apps that benefit from precise location tracking.
- Capturing detail rich images and having access to manual controls for the camera.
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G:
- Outdoor Users: People who frequently use their phone in bright sunlight and need excellent screen visibility.
- Software-focused Users: Those who prioritize having the latest Android version and longer software support.
- Multimedia Users: Users who enjoy watching videos on their phone, benefiting from the AMOLED display's quality.
- Travelers: Users that will benefit from eSIM compatibility and stereo recording.
Specific Use Cases:
- Using the phone outdoors for navigation, photography, or other tasks.
- Watching movies and shows on a display with rich colors and deep blacks.
- Recording high-quality videos with stereo audio recording.
- Easy carrier switching for global travel with the eSIM feature.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The price-to-value ratio will depend on current market prices. In general, the OnePlus 9 Pro represents great value as it is an older device with flagship specs. The Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G is a newer device, therefore, it is expected to be pricier but with up-to-date features. The value each user finds will depend on how important the specific features for each phone are to them.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is outdoor visibility for your screen usage? (Critical if you use your phone outdoors a lot.)
- Do you prioritize sharper screen resolution and refresh rate, or color accuracy? (Affects your media consumption experience.)
- Do you need the fastest charging speed and prefer additional camera features? (Affects charging times and camera flexibility.)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Outdoor User): If you often use your phone in direct sunlight, the Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G is the clear choice with its brighter display.
- Scenario 2 (Media Consumption): If you prioritize sharp image details, the OnePlus 9 Pro is better for its superior resolution and pixel density.
- Scenario 3 (Performance and Gaming): If you value quick charging and a higher amount of RAM, the OnePlus 9 Pro will better meet your needs.
- Scenario 4 (Software and longevity): If you prioritize long-term software updates and prefer newer software, the Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G is a better choice.
- Scenario 5 (Photography enthusiast): If you value manual controls and the ability to take detailed photos in different lenses, the OnePlus 9 Pro would be a better choice.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G. While I appreciate the sharper display of the OnePlus 9 Pro, the significantly better outdoor visibility of the S22+ 5G is critical for my daily usage. I also value the longer software support and the superior AMOLED technology, which provides a more vibrant viewing experience for the content I consume on my phone. The S22+ 5G also has better video recording quality with stereo sound and improved slow motion features which is great for capturing videos. Although the charging speed is slower, the bypass charging feature is a great addition for optimizing battery health. The slightly better performance scores, although negligible, still play a role in my choice. Ultimately the newer device with more up to date features is more beneficial to me.
