Smartphone Comparison: OnePlus 9 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the OnePlus 9 Pro and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4, focusing on real-world implications:
Design
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | The Fold4 can transform into a tablet, while the 9 Pro is a traditional smartphone. |
| Dimensions | 163.2 x 73.6 x 8.7 mm | 155.1 x 130.1 x 6.3 mm (unfolded) | The 9 Pro is taller and thicker when folded while the Fold 4 is much wider when unfolded. Fold 4 is more compact when folded. |
| Weight | 197g | 263g | The 9 Pro is significantly lighter making it more comfortable for prolonged use and one-handed operation. Fold 4's weight is noticeable for daily carry. |
Display
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 7.6" (Main) | The Fold4 has a larger screen for enhanced multitasking and media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1440x3216 | 1812x2176 | The 9 Pro has a moderately sharper display, but the difference is less noticeable in practical usage. |
| Pixel Density | 525 ppi | 373 ppi | The 9 Pro's screen will appear noticeably sharper with finer details. |
| Technology | | | Both use similar display technology but specifics are not provided. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | The 9 Pro is significantly brighter, making it much more usable in direct sunlight. Fold 4's brightness is not listed. |
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | The Fold4’s newer chip provides better performance and energy efficiency for demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 877,600 | 1,232,800 | The Fold4 offers faster app loading and smoother gameplay. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 730 | The Fold4's newer GPU gives improved graphics performance for gaming and demanding tasks. |
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/1.43" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57" | The Fold4 has slightly higher resolution, but the 9 Pro has a larger sensor which results in better light sensitivity. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" | The 9 Pro has a higher resolution selfie camera while the Fold 4 has slightly better low light performance with the larger aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4" | 10MP, f/2.4, 1/3.9" | Fold 4 has slightly better resolution and a slightly larger sensor, which might lead to slightly better results when zooming. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56" | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" | The 9 Pro has a significantly higher resolution and larger sensor for wide-angle shots. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | Not Present | OnePlus 9 Pro offers dedicated black and white sensor |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Both phones offer high-quality video capture, but the 9 Pro offers higher frame rates at 8K, 4K and 1080p resolution. |
| DxOMark | Mobile: 122, Photo: 124, Video: 118 | Mobile: 124, Photo: 131, Video: 122 | The Fold4 has a slightly higher overall score and shows better performance in both photo and video quality based on the DxOMark benchmark scores. |
| Features | Quadruple camera, OIS, EIS, RAW 12 bits | Triple camera, OIS, EIS, Under display camera | The 9 Pro has a quad camera system, while the Fold 4 has an under-display camera which is an advantage in terms of aesthetics. |
Battery
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4400mAh | Both phones offer similar battery capacity for all-day use, but real-world usage will vary significantly. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | The 9 Pro charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | 50W Wireless, Reverse Wireless | 15W Wireless, 9W Reverse Wireless, Bypass Charging | The 9 Pro offers faster wireless charging. The Fold 4 features Bypass charging for less battery heat. |
Software
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| OS | Android 11, Up to 14 | Android 12, Up to 16 | Fold 4 has a newer OS version and longer software support |
Connectivity
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both have similar wifi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 | Both use the same version, but the Fold 4 offers more audio profiles. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Both have similar GPS capabilities. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | The Fold4 supports eSIM for digital carrier switching. |
Storage
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 256GB/512GB/1024GB | The Fold4 offers much more storage options for users with large media libraries. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 12GB | Both phones offer sufficient RAM for multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage. |
Audio
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation microphone | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | The 9 Pro includes noise-canceling microphones for better call clarity. |
Security
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | The side-mounted fingerprint sensor on the Fold 4 is more ergonomic. |
Build Quality
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ | The Fold4 uses a more durable glass for better scratch and drop resistance. |
Sensors
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | The Fold4 offers additional environmental sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Advantages of the OnePlus 9 Pro:
- Significantly Brighter Display: The 1300 nits brightness allows for much better outdoor visibility.
- Faster Charging: 65W wired and 50W wireless charging is significantly faster than the Fold4.
- Lighter and More Ergonomic: The lighter weight and standard form factor make it easier to hold and operate one-handed.
- Superior Wide Angle Camera: The 50MP wide angle camera provides more detail and better results compared to the Fold4.
- Additional Features: Dedicated black and white lens, advanced noise cancellation microphone and three microphones for enhanced audio.
Advantages of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4:
- Foldable Design: Offers a tablet-like experience with a larger screen for multitasking, reading, and media consumption.
- Superior Performance: The newer Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip provides better performance and energy efficiency.
- Better Main Camera: Slight advantage in resolution and DxO Mark score.
- More Storage Options: Available with up to 1TB of internal storage.
- Better Software Support: Newer version of Android and will receive updates for longer.
- More Robust Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ provides more scratch and drop protection.
- Additional features: Under display camera, eSIM support, and more advanced Bluetooth audio profiles.
Trade-offs:
- The OnePlus 9 Pro sacrifices a larger, foldable display for better ergonomics and screen brightness.
- The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 is more expensive, heavier, and has a less bright display than the 9 Pro.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for OnePlus 9 Pro:
- Users who value a bright display: Those who use their phone often in direct sunlight, such as delivery drivers or outdoor workers.
- Gamers: Benefit from the high refresh rate, faster wired/wireless charging and slightly sharper screen.
- Users who prefer a standard form factor: Those who don't need a foldable display.
- Budget-conscious consumers: Looking for a flagship-level camera and performance at a lower price point.
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4:
- Multitaskers: Benefit from the large screen for running multiple apps simultaneously.
- Content Consumers: Appreciate the larger display for watching videos, reading books, and browsing the web.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Interested in the cutting-edge foldable technology and premium features.
- Professionals: Who require a device that can replace a phone and a tablet.
Specific Use Cases:
- OnePlus 9 Pro: Excels in outdoor use, gaming, media consumption, and photography.
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4: Excels in multitasking, media creation, document editing, and presentations.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Do you need a foldable screen and large display for productivity and media consumption?
- How important is outdoor visibility and fast charging to you?
- How important is a lightweight design versus cutting-edge technology?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Outdoor Use: If you need a phone for outdoor use and bright sunlight visibility, the OnePlus 9 Pro is the better choice due to its brighter display.
- Scenario 2: Multitasking & Productivity: If you prioritize multitasking, a larger display for viewing multiple apps, then the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 is the superior choice.
- Scenario 3: Budget Conscious Choice: If you are looking for a high performance phone with flagship camera quality, the OnePlus 9 Pro provides a better price to value ratio.
- Scenario 4: Cutting Edge Tech: If you want cutting edge and the novelty of a foldable device, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 is the clear choice.
My Choice
If I were to choose, I would go with the OnePlus 9 Pro. While the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 offers a unique foldable experience and superior performance, my priorities lean towards a device that is more comfortable to use daily, especially for outdoor usage and gaming. The brighter display and faster charging offered by the OnePlus 9 Pro are more aligned with my needs. While the Fold4 has better performance, I feel the performance on the 9 pro is adequate for everyday use. The significantly lower price point of the OnePlus 9 Pro makes it a compelling choice for me.
