Smartphone Comparison: OnePlus 9 vs. Samsung Galaxy A52
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160 × 74.2 × 8.7 mm | 159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | Very similar size, OnePlus 9 is slightly thicker. |
| Weight | 192g | 189g | Both phones feel similarly weighted in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.5" | Both phones have a similar display size, negligibly different for most users. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both phones have the same sharpness and clarity. |
| PPI | 402 | 407 | Almost identical pixel density means you won't notice a difference in detail. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good viewing angles on both devices. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | OnePlus 9 feels smoother during scrolling, gaming and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits (Value Missing, Assumed Lower Value) | OnePlus 9 is significantly better for viewing content in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | OnePlus 9 is much faster and more responsive for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 880,900 | 341,212 | OnePlus 9 offers significantly better performance, noticeably faster app loading times, and smoother overall experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 618 | OnePlus 9 has better graphics performance, resulting in better gaming experiences. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/1.4", Sony IMX689 | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", Sony IMX682 Exmor RS | OnePlus 9 has a larger sensor, potentially better in low-light. Samsung A52 has higher resolution. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", Sony IMX471 Exmor RS | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", Sony IMX616 | Samsung A52 has higher resolution and wider aperture for brighter and more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56", Sony IMX766 | 12MP, f/2.2 | OnePlus 9 captures significantly more detailed wide-angle shots. |
| Portrait (Depth) | Not Available | 5MP, f/2.4 | Samsung A52 can produce better portrait photos with a depth of field effect. |
| Macro Lens | Not Available | 5MP, f/2.4 | Samsung A52 can capture close-up shots. |
| Black & White | 2MP, f/2.4 | Not Available | OnePlus 9 allows you to take B&W photos. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@30fps with HDR and EIS | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | OnePlus 9 can shoot higher resolution video with advanced HDR capabilities. |
| Camera Features | RAW 12 bits, PDAF, CDAF | OIS | OnePlus 9 offers professional video tools, Samsung A52 has Optical Image Stabilization for sharper shots. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Similar battery life for regular usage (exact endurance may vary). |
| Charging | 65W fast charging, 15W Wireless | 25W fast charging | OnePlus 9 charges much faster, allowing less downtime, wireless charging provides convenience. |
| Features | Non-removable, 15W Wireless Charging | Non-removable, QC2.0 and AFC | OnePlus 9 exclusively offers: 15W Wireless Charging; Samsung Galaxy A52 exclusively offers: QC2.0 and AFC |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Both based on Android but have different update support, Samsung A52 may receive longer software support with 1 additional major OS update. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | OnePlus 9 has faster Wi-Fi standard. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 LE | Bluetooth 5.0 LE | OnePlus 9 has newer Bluetooth standard. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | OnePlus 9 has better GPS accuracy with extra support. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both phones have dual sim support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB or 256GB | Both phones offer the same storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB or 12GB | 4GB or 6GB or 8GB | OnePlus 9 will handle multitasking more smoothly, especially with 12GB version. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows you to add more storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Stereo Speakers | OnePlus 9 offers enhanced spatial audio, clearer calls, better audio separation and immersion, better voice capture while Samsung A52 offers Dolby Digital Plus. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint | Fingerprint | Both phones use similar basic fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Both phones have similar screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic | OnePlus 9 offers compass, while Samsung A52 offers Hall and Geomagnetic. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset offers significantly faster processing speeds, better gaming performance, and smoother multitasking.
- Faster Charging: 65W fast charging significantly reduces charging times, and 15W Wireless charging provides convenient charging options
- Better Display: 120Hz refresh rate provides a smoother visual experience and higher brightness ensures better outdoor visibility.
- Advanced Camera System: Higher resolution wide-angle lens and pro-grade video capabilities including 8K recording.
- Newer Connectivity Standards: Supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 for faster and more reliable connections.
- More RAM: Up to 12GB of RAM allows for better multitasking, especially in demanding situations
Samsung Galaxy A52 Advantages:
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: 32MP front camera allows for more detailed selfies with a wider aperture for better low-light.
- Versatile Camera System: Dedicated portrait (depth) and macro cameras offer creative shooting options
- Longer OS Updates Potentially longer software support with Android 14 as the max version
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS): Helps in taking clearer and sharper shots, especially in low light.
- Dolby Digital Plus Audio: Enhanced audio quality for immersive sound
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9 sacrifices some camera versatility (portrait and macro lenses) for higher performance, wider angle lens and faster charging.
- Samsung Galaxy A52 prioritizes camera versatility and slightly better software support over raw performance and charging speed.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 Ideal User:
- Power Users: Individuals who prioritize performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Content Creators: Users who need high-quality video recording and fast processing for content creation.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who want the latest technologies, including fast wireless charging, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2.
- Users requiring good outdoor visibility: The high-brightness display is great for outdoor usage.
Specific Use Cases:
- Playing graphically intensive mobile games
- Editing videos and photos
- Running multiple apps simultaneously
- Fast-paced work where quick app loading and switching are needed
- Outdoor use in bright sunlight
Samsung Galaxy A52 Ideal User:
- Casual Photographers: Users who like to take photos in various scenarios including selfies, portraits, and macro shots.
- Everyday Users: Individuals who prioritize a balanced user experience without needing top-tier performance.
- Users who want longevity: Users who want longer software support for their phone.
- Users who want a versatile camera system Users that want to take portraits, macros, and other creative shots.
Specific Use Cases:
- Taking family photos and selfies
- Capturing everyday moments with various camera lenses
- Using the phone for social media and browsing
- Enjoying multimedia content with good sound quality
- Users who want optical image stabilization for clearer shots
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is performance and speed to you? (If high, OnePlus 9 is better; if not as much, A52 is adequate)
- How much do you value camera versatility vs. performance? (If versatile camera, Samsung A52 is better; if high performance is preferred, OnePlus 9 is better)
- Is faster charging a priority? (If yes, OnePlus 9 is the clear winner)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Gaming): If you are a gamer, choose the OnePlus 9 for its superior performance and higher refresh rate.
- Scenario 2 (Photography): If you enjoy taking creative photos, the Samsung Galaxy A52's versatile camera system is more suitable.
- Scenario 3 (Budget): If price is a major concern, the Samsung Galaxy A52 will offer great bang for your buck, although the OnePlus 9 isn't that much more expensive if you can find a deal.
- Scenario 4 (Speed and Efficiency): If you want a phone that charges fast, loads apps quickly and is smooth to use daily, OnePlus 9 is the obvious choice.
- Scenario 5 (Outdoor Use): If you often use your phone outdoors and need to be able to view the screen, OnePlus 9 with its higher brightness is more suitable.
My Choice
I would choose the OnePlus 9. While the Samsung Galaxy A52 offers a more versatile camera system, the OnePlus 9's superior performance, faster charging, and smoother display make it the better choice for my priorities. As a power user who often multitasks, plays mobile games, and appreciates fast performance, the OnePlus 9's Snapdragon 888 chipset and 120Hz display provide a more seamless and responsive experience. While the lack of OIS and dedicated macro/depth cameras is a trade-off, the OnePlus 9's overall capabilities align more closely with my usage needs. The faster charging also means less time waiting and more time using the phone, and the higher brightness allows me to view the screen more easily outdoors.
