1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Samsung Galaxy S24+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.2 × 73.6 × 8.7 mm | 158.5 × 75.9 × 7.7 mm | OnePlus 9 Pro is taller and thicker, while the S24+ is wider. The S24+ may feel more compact overall. |
| Weight | 197g | 196g | Both phones are virtually the same weight, so feel in the hand would be similar |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Both have the same screen size; similar experience when consuming content |
| Resolution | 1440x3216 | 1440x3120 | Both phones offer high-resolution displays; the S24+ is marginally less sharp but unnoticeable to the naked eye |
| PPI | 525 | 513 | Both are very sharp; similar experience in terms of text clarity |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both phones will display smooth scrolling and animations; similar experience for gaming |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 2600 nits | S24+ is significantly brighter; offers much better visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | S24+ has a significantly more powerful and efficient processor; noticeable difference in app loading, gaming, and multitasking performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 877,600 | 1,639,695 | S24+ delivers much higher benchmark scores; indicates substantially faster overall performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 750 | S24+ has a superior GPU; much better graphics performance, particularly in demanding games. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 4900 mAh | S24+ has slightly larger battery; may offer slightly longer battery life but not major difference. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | OnePlus 9 Pro charges faster; will get battery top up quicker. |
| Wireless Charging | 50W | 15W | OnePlus 9 Pro charges faster wirelessly. |
| Battery Features | Reverse charging, Wireless charging 50W, REverse wireless charging | Bypass Charging, Reverse charging, 15W wireless charging, 4.5W reverse wireless charging | OnePlus 9 Pro offers faster wireless charging. S24+ offers bypass charging for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, 1/1.43" sensor, f/1.8 | 50MP, 1/1.57" sensor, f/1.8 | OnePlus 9 Pro has larger sensor, potentially better low light but S24+ has slightly higher resolution. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, 1/3.13" sensor, f/2.4 | 12MP, f/2.2 | OnePlus 9 Pro has higher resolution, while S24+ has a wider aperture, potentially better low light. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP, 1/4.4" sensor, f/2.4 | 10MP, 1/3.9" sensor, f/2.4 | S24+ has slightly higher resolution and a slightly larger sensor. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, 1/1.56" sensor, f/2.2 | 12.2MP, 1/2.55" sensor, f/2.2 | OnePlus 9 Pro has much higher resolution and a larger sensor; better detail in wide shots. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | OnePlus 9 Pro has a dedicated B&W lens, offering creative filter options. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@120fps | Up to 8K@30fps | Both offer high-end video capabilities, S24+ is better for sound recording. |
| DXOMark Score | 122 (Mobile) | Not Available | OnePlus 9 Pro's camera has been rated by DXOMark, S24+ isn't rated. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Max 14 | Android 14, Max 21 | S24+ offers the latest Android version out of the box and has guaranteed updates for longer period. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6E | S24+ supports newer WiFi standard, offering faster speeds in compatible networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | S24+ has a newer Bluetooth version, offering more features and power efficiency |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | S24+ has better positioning with more satellite systems |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM (Nano/eSIM) | S24+ supports eSIM, offering more flexibility for dual SIM users. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256 GB | 256GB/512 GB | S24+ has more storage options; better for users who store a lot of media. |
| RAM | 8 GB/12 GB | 12 GB | S24+ provides more consistent multitasking performance thanks to a fixed RAM. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards; need to choose the right storage option upfront. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers | OnePlus 9 Pro provides better audio quality thanks to Dolby Atmos and more microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Basic | Both use basic fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | S24+ offers better protection against scratches and impacts. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | S24+ offers more environmental sensors, which can be helpful for various use cases |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Pro Advantages:
- Faster Charging: 65W wired and 50W wireless charging is significantly faster than the S24+. This is a practical advantage for users needing quick top-ups.
- Larger Wide-Angle Sensor: The 50MP wide-angle camera with a larger sensor could offer better low-light performance and more detailed wide shots.
- Dolby Atmos and Extra Mic: Offers potentially better audio quality and call clarity.
- Black and White Camera: Provides creative flexibility for unique photography.
Samsung Galaxy S24+ Advantages:
- Significantly Better Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip offers a substantial performance boost, making the phone much faster for all tasks.
- Much Brighter Display: 2600 nits of brightness makes it far more usable in bright sunlight.
- Superior Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus 2 is more resistant to scratches and damage compared to Gorilla Glass 5.
- Newer Software: Android 14 out of the box, and longer software update support provides security and feature updates for longer.
- More Storage Options: Up to 512GB of storage will suit users who need lots of space.
- Better Connectivity: WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 offer faster and more reliable connections.
- Improved GPS Better for navigation and positioning with multiple GNSS.
- eSIM Support: Provides more flexibility for using multiple phone numbers.
- More Sensors: Barometer provides enhanced sensor capabilities
- Bypass Charging: Allows playing games with no battery degradation
Significant Trade-offs:
- The OnePlus 9 Pro has a slightly better camera system in certain areas (larger wide angle lens, better audio) and faster charging, but the S24+ is superior in terms of processing power, display brightness and durability, and software support.
- The OnePlus 9 Pro is older; thus, software updates will end much sooner, and performance will be slower.
- S24+ has a higher price point due to its cutting edge specs.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 Pro Ideal Users:
- Users who prioritize fast charging and don't need the latest software: The 9 Pro's main advantage is its exceptionally fast wired and wireless charging capabilities and its advanced camera system; Users who don't care about the latest tech specs.
- Budget-Conscious Photographers: Users who value unique photography options like a dedicated B&W sensor and are happy to take the tradeoff in processing power.
- Audio enthusiasts: Benefit from the enhanced audio.
Use Cases:
- Power users who need to top up their battery quickly throughout the day.
- Creative photographers who enjoy experimenting with different shooting modes and have a dedicated need for B&W images.
- Users who do not require high-end performance and gaming capabilities.
Samsung Galaxy S24+ Ideal Users:
- Performance Seekers: Users who require a top of the line performance for gaming and demanding apps.
- Outdoor Enthusiasts: Those who need a display that remains readable in direct sunlight.
- Future-Proofing Individuals: Users who want longer software support and better connectivity.
- Heavy Users: Those who need more storage for their large media libraries.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gamers who demand high frame rates and smooth gameplay.
- Professionals who need reliable performance for work-related tasks, and need good performance in outdoor conditions.
- Users who prefer the latest software features and want to keep their phones for a longer period.
- People with lots of photos, videos and other data who need ample storage.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is top-tier performance for my daily use? (Gaming, multitasking, app speed)
- How much value do I place on display brightness and durability? (Outdoor visibility, screen protection)
- Do I need the absolute latest software and long term support? (Software features, security, longevity)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User with Basic Needs: If budget is a priority, and high-end performance isn't crucial, the OnePlus 9 Pro might offer better value in the used market. However the S24+ will still perform better in all aspects and offers long term software support.
- Scenario 2: Performance-Oriented Gamer or Power User: The Samsung Galaxy S24+ is the obvious choice due to its superior processing power, brighter display, and advanced software.
- Scenario 3: Outdoor Photographer or Media Creator: The Samsung Galaxy S24+ with its brighter display and good all round camera would be the better option despite a weaker wide-angle sensor compared to OnePlus 9 Pro.
- Scenario 4: Long term usage and software updates: Samsung Galaxy S24+ is the far better option for long term usage with superior OS support.
My Choice and Explanation
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S24+.
Reasoning:
Future-Proof Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is a significant upgrade over the Snapdragon 888, offering a much more noticeable difference in everyday performance. The enhanced performance is not just about benchmarks but will translate to a more fluid and responsive user experience for a longer period.
Superior Display: The 2600 nits of brightness is crucial for outdoor visibility, which is important for my usage. Gorilla Glass Victus 2 is a great advantage for durability.
Software Updates: Given that the OnePlus 9 Pro is already a few years old, the S24+'s longer software support provides greater value over the long term.
Long Term Reliability: The superior processor and updated hardware means the S24+ will remain relevant for much longer than the older OnePlus 9 Pro.
While the OnePlus 9 Pro has advantages in charging speeds and wide-angle camera, the S24+'s improvements in key areas such as performance, display and software are of more importance to me personally. The combination of the superior screen and processor mean it offers a better overall user experience, and it’s the phone that’s more future-proof.
