Smartphone Comparison: OnePlus 9 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | Major Difference: Flip6 offers unique form factor, more compact when folded. 9 Pro is a traditional design. |
| Dimensions | 163.2 x 73.6 x 8.7 mm | 165.1 x 71.9 x 6.9 mm | Flip6 is slightly taller, narrower and much thinner when unfolded. The 9 Pro has a larger overall volume. Flip6 significantly more pocketable when folded. |
| Weight | 197g | 187g | Flip6 is lighter by 10g, which may be noticeable during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Identical screen size. |
| Resolution | 1440x3216 | 1080x2640 | 9 Pro has significantly sharper display with much higher pixel density. Better for detailed content, fine text, and high-res images. |
| Pixel Density | 525 ppi | 426 ppi | 9 Pro screen appears crisper. Flip6 will still look good, but less sharp. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both phones offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | Major Difference: OnePlus 9 Pro is significantly brighter, making it much better for outdoor visibility and use in direct sunlight. Samsung brightness data is missing. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | Flip6 uses a newer, more powerful processor, offering significantly faster performance, more efficient power consumption, and better graphics for gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 877,600 | 2,250,000 | Major Difference: Flip6 benchmarks much higher indicating superior real-world performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 750 | Flip6 has a more powerful GPU for demanding apps and games. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 12GB | Both are sufficient for smooth multitasking; Flip6 RAM is standardized at 12GB; OnePlus has 8GB option. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 50MP | Marginal difference; Flip6 has slightly higher resolution. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.43" | N/A | OnePlus 9 Pro sensor is larger which is better for low light photography, but Samsung Sensor details are not available. |
| Front Camera Resolution | 16MP | 10MP | 9 Pro has higher resolution selfie camera. |
| Front Camera Aperture | f/2.4 | f/2.2 | Flip6 has slightly wider aperture for better low light selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | Yes | No | 9 Pro has optical zoom capabilities. Flip6 relies on digital zoom. |
| Wide Angle Resolution | 50MP | 12MP | 9 Pro has a significantly higher resolution wide angle camera |
| Black and White Lens | Yes | No | 9 Pro has dedicated B&W camera for artistic monochrome photos. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 4K@60fps | 9 Pro offers higher video resolution, beneficial for professional video use. |
| DxOMark Score (Mobile) | 122 | 132 | Flip6 has better overall camera performance in DxOMark testing. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4000mAh | 9 Pro has larger battery, potentially longer battery life. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 9 Pro charges significantly faster. |
| Wireless Charging | 50W | 15W | 9 Pro has much faster wireless charging. |
| Battery Features | Reverse, Wireless Charging | Bypass, Reverse, Fast Wireless | Flip6 has "bypass" charging feature to reduce heat while gaming. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 14 | Android 14 | Flip6 has a more recent version of Android, with updated features and security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both have similar WiFi connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | Flip6 has the latest version of Bluetooth. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM/eSIM | Flip6 supports eSIM for flexible carrier options. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 256GB/512GB | Flip6 offers more storage options. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Features | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation mic, Stereo Speakers, 3 mics | Stereo Speakers | 9 Pro offers enhanced audio experience, better noise cancellation, and better audio capture |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Flip6 offers a more modern, efficient fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Flip6 has more robust screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyro, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyro, Proximity, Fingerprint, Barometer | Flip6 has additional sensor data, useful for gaming and weather apps. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Pro Advantages:
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and pixel density display provides a crisper visual experience.
- Brighter Display: Significantly brighter screen is ideal for outdoor use in direct sunlight.
- Faster Charging: Both wired and wireless charging are significantly faster, reducing charging times.
- Larger Battery: Potentially longer battery life due to larger capacity.
- Telephoto Lens: Dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom capabilities.
- Black & White Lens: Dedicated monochrome sensor allows for creative B&W photography.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos support, noise cancellation microphone and an additional microphone offers enhanced spatial audio, clearer calls, better audio separation and immersion and better voice capture.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 Advantages:
- Foldable Design: Unique form factor, much more compact and pocketable when folded.
- Significantly Better Performance: Newer, more powerful chipset provides much better performance in gaming, apps, and multitasking.
- More Storage: Higher storage options (256GB/512GB) vs the OnePlus 9 Pro (128GB/256GB)
- Superior Camera System: Better all around camera performance based on DxOMark scores.
- Updated OS: Ships with a newer Android version, offering the latest features.
- eSIM Support: More flexible carrier options with eSIM.
- Advanced Fingerprint Sensor: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor is more convenient than basic in-screen sensor.
- Better Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus 2 provides improved scratch and drop resistance.
- Additional Sensors: Barometer can be used for weather apps.
Significant Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9 Pro: Older chipset, larger size, and basic fingerprint sensor. Lacks the pocketability of a foldable phone.
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6: Less sharp display, significantly slower charging, potentially shorter battery life, and missing telephoto and B&W camera lens.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for OnePlus 9 Pro:
- Users who prioritize a sharp and bright display
- Users who want fast charging capabilities
- Users who value having a telephoto lens with optical zoom and B&W camera for artistic shots
- Users who require a larger battery and don't mind the traditional form factor
- Users who value a top audio experience for music and calls
Use Cases for OnePlus 9 Pro:
- Outdoor photographers who need a bright screen in direct sunlight
- Users who frequently use the telephoto camera for zoomed-in shots.
- Users who quickly need to top off their battery before going out
- Users who require excellent audio for listening to music and making calls
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6:
- Users who want a compact and unique foldable phone
- Users who prioritize high-end performance for gaming and heavy tasks
- Users who need more storage for apps, games, pictures and videos
- Users who value the newest technology and software
- Users who want the latest features, like the eSIM
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6:
- Users who value portability and want a phone that fits easily in pockets
- Mobile gamers and users of demanding apps that require top performance
- Users who want the most up-to-date Android experience
- Users who prefer using the newest features like the eSIM
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Form Factor: Do you prefer the traditional smartphone design, or are you willing to pay extra for the unique foldable design?
- Performance vs. Battery: Do you prioritize raw processing power and an updated software experience, or do you prefer a larger battery, faster charging, and a brighter display?
- Camera Needs: Do you need the flexibility of a telephoto lens, or do you prioritize overall camera performance and don't mind losing optical zoom?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Power User: If you prioritize top performance, the latest Android features and a unique form factor, and you don't mind the higher price, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 is the better choice.
- For the Media Consumer: If you want the best display clarity and outdoor visibility, combined with faster charging and a telephoto lens, the OnePlus 9 Pro is a strong contender.
- For the Photographer: If optical zoom and creative B&W photography is important to you the OnePlus 9 Pro is the better choice. If the quality of the overall camera and the ability to take selfies with a wider aperture is the main priority then the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 is the better option.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6. Although the OnePlus 9 Pro has some very compelling features like the much brighter display, faster charging, larger battery and telephoto lens, the newer chipset and its dramatically higher benchmark score is a game changer. I find that when a phone performs significantly better at multitasking, gaming and everything else, it makes a massive difference to the daily user experience. The foldability of the phone adds to its portability and the design is a big plus for me. Although the camera is better on the OnePlus in certain areas, for me the overall better camera performance, the newest software and the improved security are key factors.
