Smartphone Comparison: OnePlus 9 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 163.2 × 73.6 × 8.7 mm | 158 × 76.5 × 8.2 mm | OnePlus 9 Pro is taller and thicker, while the S23 FE is wider. The OnePlus 9 Pro feels slightly larger. |
| Weight | 197g | 209g | OnePlus 9 Pro is lighter, which may be noticeable during long usage sessions. |
| Build | Not specified | Not specified | Build quality cannot be assessed without more details. |
Display
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.4" | OnePlus 9 Pro offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1440x3216 | 1080x2340 | OnePlus 9 Pro's display is significantly sharper, resulting in finer details and text clarity. |
| PPI | 525 | 403 | Noticeably sharper visuals on OnePlus 9 Pro, making images and text look clearer. |
| Technology | Not specified | AMOLED | S23 FE provides better blacks, contrast and color reproduction thanks to its AMOLED panel. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations; equivalent experience in this aspect. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | OnePlus 9 Pro screen will be much more readable in bright, outdoor conditions. |
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Exynos 2200 (4 nm) - International | Different chipsets with different architectures, likely impacting performance differently. S23 FE uses a more recent chip. |
| AnTuTu Score | 877,600 | 1,188,176 | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE has a significantly higher benchmark score, indicating faster performance in demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Xclipse 920 - International | Different GPUs, likely resulting in different gaming and graphics performance. S23 FE is expected to have superior graphics processing. |
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/1.43" sensor | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57" sensor | S23 FE has higher megapixel count, but OnePlus 9 Pro has a larger sensor, potentially better low-light performance, though the real-world differences may vary |
| Telephoto | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4" sensor | 8MP, f/2.0, Sensor_model: Hynix HI-847 | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE has a dedicated telephoto camera for better zooming capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56" sensor | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1" sensor | OnePlus 9 Pro has a higher-resolution wide-angle camera, potentially with more detail in ultrawide shots, but S23 FE has macro capablities. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" sensor | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65" sensor | OnePlus 9 Pro has more megapixels, but S23 FE has a larger sensor, possibly better low light selfies. |
| Black & White | 2MP, f/2.4, Not specified | Not available | OnePlus 9 Pro has a dedicated sensor for B&W photography. |
| Video | Up to 8K@120fps | Up to 8K@24fps | OnePlus 9 Pro supports higher framerate 8k video, useful for more creative options. Both provide video stabilization. |
| DxOMark Mobile Score | 122 | 127 | Samsung S23 FE has a slight edge in overall camera performance; major edge in video quality. |
Battery
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Both should offer similar battery life under similar usage conditions |
| Charging | 65W fast charging | 25W fast charging | OnePlus 9 Pro charges much faster, reducing downtime |
| Wireless Charging | 50W | 15W | OnePlus 9 Pro offers significantly faster wireless charging |
| Reverse Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes (4.4W) | OnePlus 9 Pro may be slightly faster for reverse charging capabilities |
| Charger Included | Yes | No | S23 FE needs you to purchase a separate charger, adding to cost |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Pro Advantages:
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and PPI provide a more detailed and crisp visual experience.
- Brighter Screen: Significantly higher brightness makes outdoor visibility much better.
- Faster Charging: 65W wired and 50W wireless charging capabilities offer significantly faster recharge times.
- Higher RAM: 12GB option can offer smoother performance for heavy multi-tasking
- More comprehensive GPS: Better GPS accuracy.
- More audio features: More microphones, may improve audio recording quality.
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE Advantages:
- Newer Chipset: More modern processor translates to better benchmark performance, power efficiency and software capabilities.
- Superior Graphics Processing: Better GPU performance, which will benefit gamers.
- Better Camera Performance: Higher DxOMark score indicates better overall camera performance, especially for video.
- Better Display Tech: AMOLED offers superior blacks, better contrast and vibrant colors.
- More bluetooth features: More compatibilities with accessories.
- Newer Software: Ships with a newer version of Android (13 vs 11).
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9 Pro sacrifices camera performance and overall processing power for a sharper, brighter display, and much faster charging.
- Samsung Galaxy S23 FE provides a more recent chipset and better camera performance at the cost of a less sharp display and slower charging speeds.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 Pro Ideal Users:
- Media Consumers: Users who prioritize a high-resolution and bright display for watching videos, browsing images, and reading.
- Fast Charging Advocates: Users who need fast charging for quick top-ups and minimal downtime.
Multitaskers: Those who perform heavy multitasking (if they opt for the 12GB RAM configuration) and who play games.
Use Case Examples: Watching movies on long commutes, outdoor photography in bright conditions, and heavy usage throughout the day with frequent battery top-ups.
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE Ideal Users:
- Camera Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize camera quality, especially video recording, and need a versatile camera system.
- Gamers: Those who need a high performing GPU to play demanding games.
- General Users: Users looking for a modern phone that offers excellent all-round performance.
Those seeking long-term software updates: Users who want the most recent software updates and long-term OS support.
Use Case Examples: Casual and professional photography and videography, playing graphics-intensive games, and those who want to experience the latest version of Android.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The OnePlus 9 Pro, as an older model, may offer better value depending on current pricing.
- The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is likely to be more expensive, given it is the newer model. The higher price tag may offer better long term value given its newness and updated software.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Display Preference: Do you prioritize a sharper display with higher resolution and brightness or an AMOLED with its superior contrast?
- Performance Needs: Are you a demanding user who needs the latest processor, or is a slightly older high-end processor sufficient?
- Charging Priority: How important is fast charging? Do you frequently need to top up the battery during the day?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Outdoor Use: If you are often outdoors and need a very bright, clear screen, the OnePlus 9 Pro is the better choice.
- Scenario 2: Mobile Gaming: If you are a gamer and need the best performance, the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is the better choice.
- Scenario 3: Photography Focus: If you value a superior camera and want better video quality, the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is the better choice.
- Scenario 4: Budget-Conscious User: If price is the primary concern, check current prices for each, as the older OnePlus 9 Pro may offer better value.
My Choice
If I were choosing, I would lean towards the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE. While I appreciate the OnePlus 9 Pro's sharper display and faster charging, the S23 FE's newer processor, better camera (particularly video), and AMOLED screen are more appealing to my general usage patterns. The improved software experience and long-term software support is also a significant factor. The slightly less sharp display is a trade-off I'm willing to make for the overall benefits offered by the S23 FE, especially given the better GPU for gaming.
