Smartphone Comparison: OnePlus 9 vs. Samsung Galaxy A35
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160 × 74.2 × 8.7 mm | 161.7 × 78 × 8.2 mm | A35 is taller and wider, but slightly thinner. OnePlus 9 may feel more compact in hand. |
| Weight | 192g | 209g | OnePlus 9 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and one-handed operation. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.6" | Negligible difference in screen size; both are large enough for immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both offer sharp visuals. The difference is minor, unlikely to be noticeable in regular use. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 402 | 390 | Both have very similar pixel density, resulting in comparable sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both displays provide smooth scrolling and animations, enhancing user experience. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | OnePlus 9 will be much more visible in bright sunlight, while A35's lack of brightness info is a big concern in outdoor use. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 888 offers significantly better processing and graphics power. OnePlus 9 is faster and more responsive. |
| AnTuTu Score | 880,900 | 578,500 | OnePlus 9 provides much smoother performance, better for multitasking and intensive applications. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G68 MP5 | Adreno 660 offers superior graphics capabilities. OnePlus 9 excels in gaming and graphically intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | A35 has larger battery which translates to longer usage between charges. |
| Charging | 65W fast charging, Li-Polymer | 25W fast charging, Li-Ion | OnePlus 9 charges significantly faster, reducing charging time. |
| Features | Non-removable, 15W Wireless Charging | Non-removable | OnePlus 9 offers the convenience of wireless charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 50MP | A35 offers slightly higher resolution, but the OnePlus 9's larger sensor often results in better quality. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.8 | OnePlus 9 captures more light, likely resulting in better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.4" | 1/1.96" | OnePlus 9's larger sensor gathers more light, resulting in superior image quality and low light performance. |
| Wide Angle Camera Resolution | 50MP | 8MP | OnePlus 9 captures much more detailed wide-angle photos. |
| Macro Lens | None | 5MP | A35 allows users to take dedicated macro photos. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 16MP | 13MP | OnePlus 9 captures slightly more detail in selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.4 | f/2.2 | Samsung Galaxy A35 captures more light resulting in better low-light performance in selfies. |
| Video Recording | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps | 4K@30fps | OnePlus 9 offers higher video resolution for professional-grade video creation. |
| Video Stabilization | No | EIS | Samsung Galaxy A35 utilizes Electronic Image Stabilization for smoother video recording. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | Not Tested | Main: 104, Photo: 107, Video: 110 | Samsung Galaxy A35's camera performance is tested, giving reference for image and video quality. OnePlus 9 has no rating. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 13 | Android 14, upgradable to 18 | A35 has a more recent version and longer support cycle for newer features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both support modern WiFi standards for fast wireless connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | A35 has slightly newer Bluetooth with broader protocol support. |
| GPS | More comprehensive | Less comprehensive | OnePlus 9 can offer more accurate and reliable location tracking in various environments. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128 GB or 256 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | Both offer comparable storage options, suitable for most users. |
| RAM | 8 GB or 12 GB | 6 GB or 8 GB | OnePlus 9 has more RAM, beneficial for intensive applications and multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards, limiting storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Both offer high quality audio, OnePlus 9 has better microphone system for calls while A35 excels at high resolution playback. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both have the same basic fingerprint sensor technology. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | A35 offers superior scratch and drop resistance with Gorilla Glass Victus. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual, Hall, Geomagnetic | Both have a good set of sensors, A35 offers some additional sensors for more functionality. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset provides much higher processing power, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming capabilities. This is a significant advantage for demanding users.
- Brighter Display: Significantly brighter screen provides vastly better visibility in bright sunlight and outdoor conditions.
- Faster Charging: 65W fast charging drastically reduces charging time, a huge convenience.
- Better Main Camera Sensor: Larger sensor and wider aperture provide better image quality, especially in low-light conditions.
- Higher Video Resolution: Ability to record in 8K, providing pro-grade options.
- Wireless Charging: The addition of wireless charging adds convenience.
- Better Wide-Angle Camera: The 50MP wide-angle lens will take much more detailed photos.
- More RAM Options: Options for more RAM which enhances multitasking.
Samsung Galaxy A35 Advantages:
- Newer Software: Ships with Android 14, providing access to the latest features and security updates for a longer duration.
- Larger Battery: 500mAh larger battery likely means better battery life throughout the day.
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS): Provides better video stability by physically adjusting the lens.
- Macro Lens: The inclusion of a dedicated macro lens provides additional photographic capability.
- Superior Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers better protection against scratches and drops.
- Hi-Res Audio: Offers better quality for high quality audio playback.
- Latest Bluetooth Version: Has a newer bluetooth version for better connectivity.
- DXOMark Rating: Having a camera rating can give the user a good benchmark for real-world image and video quality.
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9: Sacrifices battery life and newer software for superior performance and camera capabilities.
- Samsung Galaxy A35: Sacrifices processing power and camera quality for better battery life, OIS, and a more up-to-date software experience.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for OnePlus 9:
- Power User: Someone who needs the best performance for gaming, video editing, or other demanding tasks.
- Photography Enthusiast: Individuals who want high-quality images and videos, particularly in challenging lighting conditions.
- Fast Charging Advocates: Those who prioritize fast charging and wireless charging.
- Users Who Don't Mind Older Software: Users who don't require the very latest version of Android.
- Users Who Need a Brighter Screen: Users who spend lots of time in bright sunny conditions.
Use Cases for OnePlus 9:
- Gaming: Smooth and high-frame rate gaming.
- Video Production: Recording high-resolution video for professional projects.
- Heavy Multitasking: Switching between demanding apps without lag.
- Outdoor Use: Clearly visible screen in bright sunlight.
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy A35:
- Casual User: Someone who uses their phone for everyday tasks, social media, and casual gaming.
- Battery Life Focused: Users who prioritize long battery life and need a phone that can last all day.
- Latest Software Advocates: Users who want the latest Android features and software updates.
- Users Who Prioritize Screen Protection: Users who are prone to dropping their phone.
- Users Who Desire a Macro Camera: Users who want to take detailed close up photos.
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy A35:
- Daily Tasks: Social media, browsing, emails.
- Long Battery Life: All-day usage without needing a recharge.
- Casual Photography: Capturing everyday moments with the additional macro camera.
- Stable Video Recording: Recording stable videos with OIS.
Price-to-Value:
- The OnePlus 9, being an older flagship, is likely available at a reduced price, making it a potential value proposition for performance-focused users.
- The Samsung Galaxy A35 offers good value for its newer software, battery life, and OIS, making it ideal for casual users seeking a well-rounded experience.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance Needs: Do you need the highest possible performance for gaming or intensive apps, or is good enough sufficient for daily use?
- Camera Priorities: Do you prioritize the absolute best image quality, especially in low light, or do you need additional features like OIS and a macro lens?
- Software and Battery: Do you prioritize having the newest software with longer support and battery life, or are you willing to compromise on that for other features?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Gaming/Performance Enthusiast: Choose the OnePlus 9 for its superior performance, faster charging and higher quality main and wide-angle camera.
- Everyday User with Battery Needs: The Samsung Galaxy A35 is a better choice for its longer battery life, newer software, and OIS capabilities.
- Budget-Conscious Buyer Seeking the Best Value: If the OnePlus 9 is significantly cheaper, it might be a better choice for its raw power and brighter display.
- Photo Enthusiast: Choose the OnePlus 9 for its superior main and wide angle camera and higher video resolution.
What I would choose and why!
I would choose the OnePlus 9. While the Samsung Galaxy A35 offers a more modern software experience, better battery life and OIS, the significantly superior performance and main camera capabilities of the OnePlus 9 are more crucial for my use cases. As a heavy user of resource-intensive apps and someone who values good photography, the OnePlus 9 provides a more premium experience that is worth more to me. The brighter display is also a significant advantage for outdoor usage. Although the OnePlus 9 may be older, its power remains relevant, and I am willing to trade-off slightly shorter software support for the other benefits it offers. Additionally, faster charging is a huge benefit.
