Smartphone Comparison: OnePlus 9 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.2 × 73.6 × 8.7 mm | 162.3 × 79 × 8.6 mm | S24 Ultra is slightly wider and has a larger overall volume, might feel bulkier in hand. |
| Weight | 197g | 232g | OnePlus 9 Pro is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use, and less tiring on hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.8" | Negligible difference in screen size, both offer a large viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1440x3216 | 1440x3120 | Both offer sharp images; difference is minor. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 525 | 505 | OnePlus 9 Pro has a slightly sharper display, though the difference is hard to notice. |
| Technology | Both phones use identical display technology. | ||
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 2600 nits | S24 Ultra offers much better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (5nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) | S24 Ultra has a newer, more powerful chip, leading to faster performance and better power efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 877,600 | 1,814,869 | S24 Ultra has significantly higher performance, resulting in smoother multitasking, faster app loading and better gaming experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 750 | S24 Ultra has a more advanced GPU for better graphics in games and other graphic intense use case. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens | 48MP f/1.8, 1/1.43" | 200MP f/1.7, 1/1.3" | S24 Ultra captures more detailed images and performs better in low light due to larger sensor and wider aperture. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Lens | N/A | 50MP f/2.4, 1/1.56" | S24 Ultra has a dedicated portrait camera, that enables better zoom and portrait shots. |
| Selfie Lens | 16MP f/2.4, 1/3.13" | 12MP f/2.2 | OnePlus 9 Pro has a higher resolution front camera. S24 Ultra has a wider aperture for better low light. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP f/2.4, 1/4.4" | 10MP f/3.4, 1/3.52" | S24 Ultra has slightly higher resolution and a larger sensor, though with a narrower aperture, meaning less light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP f/2.2, 1/1.56" | 12.2MP f/2.2, 1/2.55" | OnePlus 9 Pro captures more detailed wide-angle shots with a larger sensor. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | N/A | OnePlus 9 Pro provides dedicated black and white photography mode. |
| Video | Up to 8K@120fps | Up to 8K@30fps | Both offer professional video quality, S24 Ultra provides stereo sound. |
| DxOMark Score | Mobile: 122 | Mobile: 144 | S24 Ultra has superior camera quality (photo and video) |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | S24 Ultra has a larger battery that provides a longer battery life. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | OnePlus 9 Pro charges faster, meaning less time tethered to the charger. |
| Features | 50W Wireless, Reverse Wireless | 15W Wireless, Reverse Wireless, Bypass Charging | OnePlus 9 Pro offers faster wireless charging. S24 Ultra offers bypass charging for gamers. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 14 | Android 14, upgradable to 21 | S24 Ultra has a newer OS with longer support, offering access to the latest features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E | S24 Ultra supports faster and less crowded WiFi 6E standard. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | S24 Ultra offers slightly better connectivity and energy efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | S24 Ultra offers better location accuracy with more supported satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano/eSIM) | S24 Ultra supports eSIM, enabling switching between digital carriers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256GB | 256/512/1024GB | S24 Ultra offers much larger internal storage capacity for files and media. |
| RAM | 8/12GB | 12GB | Both phones can handle heavy tasks smoothly. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | No expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 3 Mics | Stereo Speakers | OnePlus 9 Pro offers immersive audio with Dolby Atmos and better voice capture due to 3 microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint | Fingerprint | Both use standard fingerprint scanner |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass Armor | S24 Ultra has superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | S24 Ultra includes additional sensors for environmental data and specific features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Pro Advantages:
- Lighter and more compact: Offers better ergonomics for comfortable single-hand use.
- Faster Charging: 65W wired charging gets the phone back to full power quicker.
- Faster Wireless Charging: 50W wireless charging is substantially faster than S24 Ultra's 15W.
- Dolby Atmos and 3 Microphones: Enhanced audio experience with wider range, spatial audio and better voice capture.
- Larger Sensor in Wide Angle: Captures higher detail and quality of wide-angle pictures
Practical Implications:
- The lighter weight makes it more comfortable for long calls and one-handed operation.
- Faster charging is crucial for those who need quick power-ups during busy days.
- Dolby Atmos and 3 microphones provides higher quality media consumption.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Advantages:
- Significantly Better Performance: Newer chipset and better benchmark scores result in a smoother and faster experience.
- Superior Display Brightness: Better outdoor visibility and viewing experience under direct sunlight.
- Much Better Camera System: Higher resolution sensors, better zoom capabilities, and more advanced features result in higher quality photo and video content.
- Larger Battery: Provides a longer battery life, important for heavy users.
- More Internal Storage: Provides higher amounts of storage for all user types.
- eSIM Support: Allows easy switching between multiple carriers.
- Wi-Fi 6E: Faster and less congested Wi-Fi network connections.
- Superior Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Armor offers enhanced durability.
- Additional sensors: Offers greater environmental awareness and more capabilities.
- Longer OS support: Guarantees latest updates and features for longer time.
Practical Implications:
- Smoother gaming and faster performance for everyday tasks and heavy workflows.
- The brighter display makes it more usable in all conditions.
- The better camera system excels in many situations.
- The longer battery life reduces the need for constant charging.
- More storage avoids the need to remove files.
- eSIM provides better versatility when traveling abroad.
- Wi-Fi 6E provides better speed when using Wi-Fi.
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9 Pro: While lighter and with faster charging, it lags behind in performance, camera quality, battery life, and display brightness when compared with the S24 Ultra.
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: The phone is bulkier, heavier, and more expensive compared to the OnePlus 9 Pro, and has slower wired charging speed.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 Pro:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize a lightweight device with fast charging and a good audio experience for media consumption.
- Use Cases:
- Users who value lighter and slimmer phones.
- Ideal for users who do not need maximum processing power or camera quality.
- Everyday usage, light multitasking, and media consumption.
- Users who take calls for long periods.
- Budget-conscious users.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra:
- Ideal User: Power users, photographers, gamers, and those who need the best overall performance and features, and who are willing to pay a premium for it.
- Use Cases:
- Professional photography and videography.
- High-end mobile gaming.
- Heavy multitasking and productivity workflows.
- Users who travel frequently and use GPS navigation.
- Those who need the best possible display for media consumption in all conditions.
- Users who want the latest technologies, long software support, and premium build.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- Performance Requirements: Do you need the absolute best performance for heavy tasks like gaming and video editing, or is everyday performance sufficient?
- Camera Importance: How important is high-quality photography and videography to you? Are you a casual snapper or a serious enthusiast?
- Battery and Charging: Do you prioritize the fastest charging or the longest battery life on a single charge?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious Users: If budget is a primary concern and you value fast charging over the best camera, the OnePlus 9 Pro is a solid choice.
- Performance Seekers: If you need the absolute best performance, display quality, camera and battery life without budget limitation, the S24 Ultra is the clear winner.
- Travelers: If you require a phone for constant GPS use and eSIM support, the S24 Ultra is a more practical option due to its wider support and more precise location.
- Media Consumption: If you watch videos on your phone frequently, the S24 Ultra is more practical due to it's increased screen brightness.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. Although the OnePlus 9 Pro has its merits, specifically in its lighter weight and faster charging capabilities, the S24 Ultra offers a far more compelling overall package. I prioritize performance, camera quality, and battery life as essential for my everyday usage and workflows. The S24 Ultra's superior chipset, significantly better camera system with a wider range of capabilities, much brighter display for outdoor use and larger battery, makes it a more future-proof and versatile device. While the price premium is considerable and the bulkiness is a drawback, I believe the extra investment would be worth it for the enhanced performance and the overall better user experience, even though it means slightly slower wired charging speeds.
