Smartphone Comparison: OnePlus 9 vs. Samsung Galaxy A04s
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160 × 74.2 × 8.7 mm | 164.7 × 76.7 × 9.1 mm | OnePlus 9 is more compact, potentially easier to handle with one hand, while the A04s is larger and slightly thicker. |
| Weight | 192g | 195g | Both phones have a very similar weight and will feel comparably heavy. |
| Build Quality | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 screen | Unknown | OnePlus 9 offers better screen protection against scratches and minor impacts. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.5" | Negligible size difference, both offer a similar viewing experience |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | OnePlus 9 has a much sharper display, resulting in clearer text and images. |
| Pixel Density | 402 PPI | 270 PPI | OnePlus 9 display looks crisper and more detailed than the Samsung Galaxy A04s. |
| Technology | AMOLED | PLS LCD | OnePlus 9 offers deeper blacks, higher contrast, better viewing angles and more vibrant colors making it more pleasant to use, especially in dark settings. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | OnePlus 9 offers a smoother and more responsive experience when scrolling and navigating menus. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | OnePlus 9 is significantly better visible in direct sunlight and bright outdoor environments due to its higher brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | OnePlus 9 is significantly faster, offering smoother performance in apps and games and better overall responsiveness. |
| AnTuTu Score | 880,900 | 117,300 | OnePlus 9 excels in performance, handling demanding tasks and games smoothly, while the A04s is noticeably slower. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G52 | OnePlus 9's GPU is far more capable, offering better graphics performance for games and demanding applications. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Samsung Galaxy A04s is likely to provide longer battery life, especially with less demanding use. |
| Charging | 65W fast charging | 15W fast charging | OnePlus 9 charges much faster, reducing downtime spent plugged in. |
| Battery Features | 15W Wireless Charging | Non-removable | OnePlus 9 offers convenience through wireless charging capabilities. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/1.4" sensor | 50MP, f/1.8 | OnePlus 9 has a slightly better low-light performance due to a larger sensor and wider aperture on the main camera lens. |
| Front Main Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" sensor | 5MP, f/2.2 | OnePlus 9 captures much more detailed selfies than the Samsung Galaxy A04s. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56" sensor | None | OnePlus 9 can capture much wider scenes with better image quality due to its dedicated ultra-wide lens. |
| Portrait Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Samsung Galaxy A04s can capture depth information for portrait shots. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Samsung Galaxy A04s can capture close up detail with a dedicated macro lens. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | OnePlus 9 can capture black and white photos with a dedicated B&W lens. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | OnePlus 9 can capture much higher-resolution videos, offering better detail and more flexibility for editing. |
| Camera Features | Extensive options | Basic Options | OnePlus 9 offers manual control, advanced modes, and better video capabilities, appealing to enthusiasts. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 13) | Android 12 (Upgradable to 14) | Samsung Galaxy A04s has a newer OS out-of-the-box, but both can be upgraded to the latest available version. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | OnePlus 9 offers faster and more reliable Wi-Fi connectivity, especially in congested environments. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 | OnePlus 9 offers faster and more efficient Bluetooth connectivity and a better audio codecs support. |
| GPS | Advanced options | Basic options | OnePlus 9 provides better location accuracy, especially in challenging environments with a wider selection of satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both phones can use two SIM cards at the same time. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 32/64/128GB | OnePlus 9 offers more storage options, especially for users with lots of media and large apps. |
| RAM | 8/12GB | 3/4GB | OnePlus 9 enables smoother multitasking, handling more open applications simultaneously with more headroom for future updates. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone can be expanded via an SD card. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Stereo Speakers, Dolby Atmos, Noise Cancellation Microphone | Basic audio features | OnePlus 9 offers much better audio quality with stereo speakers, noise cancellation during calls, and Dolby Atmos for richer audio. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic in-display | Side-mounted | Samsung A04s offers faster and more reliable fingerprint unlock with its side mounted sensor. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Fingerprint, Ultrasonic Proximity Virtual | OnePlus 9 offers a more comprehensive suite of sensors for advanced features and functionality. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with higher resolution, pixel density, 120Hz refresh rate, and much higher brightness. This leads to a much better visual experience overall.
- Significantly Better Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset offers much faster processing speeds, better gaming performance, and smoother multitasking.
- Advanced Camera System: Higher-resolution main and selfie cameras, plus an ultra-wide lens and superior video recording capabilities including 8K. The camera system is far more versatile and offers higher image quality.
- Faster Charging: 65W fast charging significantly reduces charging time compared to the A04s.
- Better Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 provide faster and more reliable connections.
- Better Audio: Stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, and noise cancellation provide a richer and more immersive audio experience.
- More RAM and Storage: Higher RAM capacity and storage options facilitate better multitasking and provide room for media storage.
- Wireless Charging: Added convenience through 15W wireless charging.
- More Comprehensive Sensors: Comprehensive sensor suite suitable for advanced features and gaming.
Samsung Galaxy A04s Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery may provide longer battery life, especially with less demanding usage.
- Portrait and Macro Lenses: It features a dedicated macro and depth sensor that allows more versatility when shooting photos.
- Newer OS Out of the Box: Although both phones can be upgraded, the A04s has a more recent Android version preinstalled.
- Side Mounted fingerprint Sensor: Provides easier access to unlocking compared to basic in display fingerprint sensor.
Trade-offs:
- The OnePlus 9 sacrifices battery capacity for faster charging and higher performance.
- The Samsung A04s prioritizes battery life but suffers from lower performance, display quality, and camera capabilities.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 - Ideal User:
- Power Users: Individuals who need a high-performance device for gaming, heavy multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Media Consumers: Users who prioritize a high-quality display for watching videos, browsing, and social media.
- Photography Enthusiasts: People who want a versatile camera system with high image quality and advanced features.
- Users Who Value Speed: Those who need fast charging and the latest connectivity features.
- Users who need excellent audio: Those who want better and more immersive audio quality.
Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming with smooth frame rates and responsive controls.
- Video editing and content creation on the go.
- Watching high-resolution videos and streaming content.
- Capture high quality photos and videos in various conditions.
- Heavy multitasking between multiple applications.
- Fast web browsing and social media navigation.
Samsung Galaxy A04s - Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users who prioritize affordability over cutting-edge features.
- Basic Smartphone Users: Individuals who primarily use their phones for basic tasks such as calling, texting, and social media.
- Users Prioritizing Battery Life: Those who need a phone that can last a long day without needing frequent charging.
- Users that want a more convenient fingerprint unlock sensor: Those that prefer a side mounted fingerprint sensor.
Use Cases:
- Everyday tasks like calling, texting, and browsing social media.
- Casual photography, with less emphasis on image quality.
- Long battery life for users with limited access to power outlets.
- Simple gaming that does not require high performance.
- A secondary phone for those who need a device with long battery.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- What is your primary use case? (Gaming, photography, basic daily use, media consumption)
- How important is display quality to you? (Do you prioritize sharpness, brightness, refresh rate, and color accuracy?)
- What is your budget? (Are you willing to pay more for premium features, or are you seeking the best value?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- If you need a powerful all-around phone with a great display and camera, and budget is not the main concern: Choose the OnePlus 9.
- If you need a basic, reliable phone with long battery life on a tight budget: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A04s.
- If you prioritize gaming, video editing, or other performance-heavy tasks: The OnePlus 9 is the clear choice.
- If you value excellent audio while listening to media and making calls: The OnePlus 9 is the clear choice.
- If you need an affordable device that has long lasting battery: The Samsung Galaxy A04s would be a better choice.
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the OnePlus 9. While the Samsung Galaxy A04s has the advantage of a larger battery and lower price, the OnePlus 9's superiority in almost every other area makes it the clear winner for my needs. The vastly superior display, blazing-fast performance, much more versatile camera system, and faster charging are far more important to me.
Specifically:
- I am a heavy user and value the performance and responsiveness the OnePlus 9 provides
- I watch a lot of media and appreciate the higher refresh rate and crispness
- I value the versatility of the camera system for casual photography
- I also like the convenience of the 15W wireless charging and the faster 65W wired charging
- The added benefit of the better audio system is another plus for the OnePlus 9
While the Samsung Galaxy A04s is good for basic tasks and for those with limited funds, the OnePlus 9 offers a much better overall smartphone experience with its superior display, performance, camera capabilities, and extra features, which I consider very important and makes the higher price of the OnePlus 9 justified.
