1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Samsung Galaxy A04e | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160 × 74.2 × 8.7 mm | 164.2 × 75.9 × 9.1 mm | A04e is slightly larger and thicker, may feel less comfortable in hand for some. |
| Weight | 192g | 188g | Negligible difference, both feel similar in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.5" | Both have similar screen sizes, a difference of 0.05" is barely noticeable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | OnePlus 9 has much sharper and clearer visuals for reading, viewing photos/videos. |
| PPI | 402 | 270 | OnePlus 9's higher pixel density results in significantly sharper text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | PLS LCD | OnePlus 9 has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and vibrant colors, better for media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | OnePlus 9 offers smoother scrolling and animations, better for gaming and UI experience. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | OnePlus 9 is significantly more usable outdoors in bright sunlight. Samsung A04e brightness is unknown, might struggle in bright environments. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Mediatek Helio P35 (12 nm) | OnePlus 9 provides dramatically faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 880,900 | 121,345 | OnePlus 9 is significantly more powerful, suitable for demanding tasks and future-proofed for longer use. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | PowerVR GE8320 | OnePlus 9 offers much better graphics processing capabilities, better for gaming and graphic-intensive apps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Samsung A04e likely has better battery endurance due to larger capacity, for longer usage without charging. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging, Wireless 15W | No Fast Charging | OnePlus 9 charges significantly faster, minimizing downtime, and supports wireless charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Standard | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/1.4" Sony IMX689, 1.12µm | 13MP, f/2.2 | OnePlus 9 captures more detailed and brighter photos, especially in low light. |
| Rear Wide Angle | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56" Sony IMX766, 1.00µm | None | OnePlus 9 offers wide-angle shots, allowing for more creative photography. |
| Rear Portrait (depth) | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Samsung A04e has a depth sensor, used to create bokeh effect. |
| Rear Black and White | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | OnePlus 9 has dedicated B&W camera for artistic shots. |
| Front Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" Sony IMX471, 1.00µm | 5MP, f/2.2 | OnePlus 9 captures much more detailed selfies, potentially better in low light. |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps with HDR, EIS | 1080p@30fps | OnePlus 9 offers professional-grade video recording, higher quality and features like EIS. |
| Camera Features | 4K/8K Video, PDAF/CDAF, RAW 12 bit, Night Mode | Basic features like HDR, Panorama | OnePlus 9 is a more versatile camera with a wider range of features. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 12 | Samsung A04e has a more recent version of Android out of the box but it's not known if it will be upgraded. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax), Dual-band | 802.11b/g/n | OnePlus 9 offers faster and more reliable WiFi connectivity, supporting more modern standards. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2, AptX, LDAC | Bluetooth 5.0 | OnePlus 9 offers better Bluetooth audio and connectivity options with modern standard. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Dual Band, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS | OnePlus 9 has better location accuracy, supporting more satellite systems. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 32/64/128GB | OnePlus 9 has more storage capacity in its top variant. |
| RAM | 8/12GB | 3/4GB | OnePlus 9 has significantly more RAM, better multitasking and app performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation mic | Basic audio | OnePlus 9 offers superior audio with features like Dolby Atmos, better for immersive media consumption and calls. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Basic security features | OnePlus 9 offers basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | OnePlus 9 has a more durable screen, less prone to scratches. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Compass, Proximity | Accelerometer, Proximity | OnePlus 9 offers a more complete sensor suite with advanced functionality and gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED, 120Hz, higher resolution, and brightness, making it significantly better for media consumption, gaming, and outdoor use.
- Much Better Performance: A flagship chipset resulting in much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and higher gaming performance.
- Advanced Camera System: Significantly better cameras with higher resolution, wide-angle lens, and 8K video capabilities, for versatile and professional-grade photography and videography.
- Faster Charging and Wireless Charging: 65W wired fast charging, plus 15W wireless charging significantly reduce charging time.
- Better Connectivity: More modern WiFi and Bluetooth, ensuring faster speeds and reliable connections.
- Better Audio Quality: Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers offer immersive sound experience.
- More RAM and Storage: Offers more space for data and smoother multitasking.
- Comprehensive Sensors: Fingerprint sensor, gyroscope, and compass enable advanced features and gaming.
Samsung Galaxy A04e Advantages:
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery for potentially longer battery life.
- Lower Price: It would be expected that it is more affordable.
- Newer Android Version: Comes with Android 12 out of the box.
- Portrait Mode: Dedicated depth sensor.
Significant Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9: Higher price point compared to the Samsung A04e. Battery capacity is slightly smaller but this is offset by fast charging capabilities.
- Samsung A04e: Subpar display, much lower performance, basic camera system, and lack of fast charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 Ideal User:
- Power Users: People who demand smooth performance for multitasking, gaming, and demanding apps.
- Media Enthusiasts: Individuals who prioritize a high-quality display for watching videos, browsing photos, and other media content.
- Photography/Videography Lovers: Those who want a versatile camera system for high-quality photos and videos, including wide angle and 8K recording.
- Users Who Value Speed: People who want the convenience of fast charging and good performance.
Use Cases:
- Gaming
- Video Editing
- High-resolution photography and videography
- Heavy multitasking
- Content consumption (movies, videos, social media)
Samsung Galaxy A04e Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for a basic smartphone at a low price.
- Light Users: People who primarily use their phone for basic tasks like calling, messaging, and light social media.
- Users Prioritizing Battery Life: Those needing long battery endurance for extended daily usage.
Use Cases:
- Basic calling and messaging
- Light social media browsing
- Simple web browsing
- Basic photography
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (Gaming, photography, basic communication, media consumption, etc.)
- What is your budget? (Are you willing to pay more for a better experience?)
- How important is performance and display quality to you? (Do you need speed, high resolution, and vibrant colors?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Power User with Budget Flexibility: If you need high performance, a great display, and a versatile camera, the OnePlus 9 is the clear choice.
Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious User with Basic Needs: If you prioritize affordability and basic smartphone functionality, the Samsung Galaxy A04e is a more suitable option. However, be prepared to make sacrifices in display quality, performance and camera.
Scenario 3: Moderate user who needs good camera: The OnePlus 9 is the much better option, as the camera will offer a good experience, where the Samsung's camera is basic.
Scenario 4: Moderate user who prioritizes battery: The Samsung Galaxy A04e has a bigger battery but it will not last as long as the OnePlus 9 as it doesn't have good battery optimization and the chipset is not efficient. The OnePlus 9 offers faster charging and will easily last a full day.
Decision
I would choose the OnePlus 9. While the Samsung Galaxy A04e has a larger battery, that is the only significant advantage it has over the OnePlus 9. The OnePlus 9 has a superior display, much better performance, significantly better cameras, fast charging, better connectivity, and more RAM/Storage. All of this means it provides a much better user experience overall. Although it may come at a higher price point, the performance and feature improvements would be worth it for my needs. The significantly better performance, camera quality and screen quality makes the OnePlus 9 the clear choice, the battery will still easily last a full day for most users.
