1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160 × 74.2 × 8.7 mm | 162.3 × 78.6 × 9.1 mm | M35 is larger and bulkier, might be less comfortable for smaller hands. |
| Weight | 192g | 222g | OnePlus 9 is significantly lighter, better for long usage and carrying. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.6" | Negligible difference in size, nearly identical viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both offer sharp visuals, difference is minor and unlikely noticeable. |
| Pixel Density | 402 PPI | 390 PPI | Practically identical sharpness, negligible difference in display clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; similar viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both devices, especially noticeable in gaming and fast paced apps. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | OnePlus 9 offers significantly better outdoor visibility, readable in bright sunlight, where as the M35 is unknown. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 888 is a significantly more powerful chip for demanding apps, gaming, and heavy multitasking. |
| Antutu Score | 880,900 | 578,500 | OnePlus 9 offers much faster performance, noticeable in app loading, game performance, and overall smoothness. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G68 MP5 | Snapdragon's Adreno 660 provides superior graphics performance for gaming and graphic intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 6000mAh | M35 offers significantly longer battery life, less frequent charging needed. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | OnePlus 9 charges much faster, reducing downtime; but the Samsung M35 has a bigger battery life. |
| Features | 15W Wireless Charging, Non-removable | Non-removable | OnePlus 9 offers convenient wireless charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/1.4", Sony IMX689 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2", Sony LYT-600 | OnePlus 9's larger sensor and wider aperture might result in better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", Sony IMX471 | 13MP, f/2.2 | Samsung M35 has a wider aperture for better low-light selfies, whereas the OnePlus 9 has a higher resolution. |
| Wide Angle | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56", Sony IMX766 | 8MP, f/2.2 | OnePlus 9 has a significantly better wide-angle lens, capturing much more detail. |
| Macro | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Samsung M35 offers dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, not available on OnePlus 9. |
| Black & White | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | OnePlus 9 offers a dedicated Black and White lens, not available on M35. |
| Video | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps, HDR, EIS | 4K@30fps, EIS | OnePlus 9 allows for higher resolution video recording including 8K. |
| Camera Features | Many additional features including PDAF and CDAF | Many additional features including OIS, AutoFraming, All Pixel Omni-Directional PDAF, and NPU AI Engine | Each phone has different enhancements that may provide better outcomes depending on the user's needs. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 13) | Android 14 | Samsung M35 has a newer Android version and more up-to-date features and security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6, Dual Band | WiFi 6, Dual Band | Both offer the latest WiFi standards for fast wireless connection. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | Samsung M35 has a slightly newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | OnePlus 9 supports more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both offer dual SIM support for multiple phone numbers or network plans. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | Both offer the same storage options. |
| RAM | 8 GB or 12 GB | 6 GB or 8 GB | OnePlus 9 has higher RAM options for better multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD card for additional storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | OnePlus 9 has a microphone setup with noise cancellation, while M35 supports Hi-Res Audio. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Samsung M35 has a more secure side mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build | |||
| Screen protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Samsung M35 has significantly better screen protection that is more resistant to scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint; Proximity; Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint; Accelerometer, Gyroscope; Ultrasonic proximity virtual, Hall, Geomagnetic | OnePlus 9 includes a compass, while the M35 includes a hall sensor, geomagnetic sensor and virtual proximity. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Significantly more powerful Snapdragon 888 chipset leads to better app loading, multitasking, and gaming.
- Brighter Display: 1100 nits brightness provides excellent visibility in bright sunlight.
- Better Camera System: Larger main camera sensor and superior wide-angle lens produce higher-quality photos.
- Faster Charging: 65W fast charging significantly reduces charging time.
- 8K Video Recording: Capable of recording higher resolution videos with professional grade quality.
Practical Implications: OnePlus 9 provides a faster, smoother experience, with better visuals in bright conditions and superior imaging capabilities making it ideal for performance and photography oriented users.
Samsung Galaxy M35 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: Significantly larger 6000mAh battery offers much longer battery life.
- Newer Android Version: Comes with the latest Android 14, offering more current features, security, and software support.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More secure and ergonomic than a standard fingerprint sensor.
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS): Provides stabilization in video recording for smoother and more clear shots.
- Macro Lens: Dedicated macro camera for close-up photography.
- Hi-Res Audio: Supports high-resolution audio for better quality listening experience.
Practical Implications: Samsung Galaxy M35 excels at battery endurance and up-to-date software, ideal for users needing a long-lasting phone with more modern software.
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9: Has shorter battery life and an older operating system, but faster performance.
- Samsung Galaxy M35: Has slower performance and a less capable camera system, but longer battery life and an up-to-date software.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 Ideal Users:
- Gamers: The Snapdragon 888 and Adreno 660 offer superior performance for demanding games.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Larger camera sensors, better wide-angle lens, and advanced video features produce high-quality images and video.
- Power Users: Demanding tasks such as video editing, multitasking, and heavy app usage will benefit from the powerful processor.
- Users needing fast charging: 65W fast charging is convenient for those who need to quickly charge on the go.
- Users in bright environments: Superior brightness makes it ideal for users in very sunny environments.
Specific Use Cases:
- Playing graphics-intensive mobile games.
- Capturing detailed landscape and low-light photos.
- Editing videos on the go.
- Quickly charging the phone during a short break.
- Using a bright display outdoors with full readability.
Samsung Galaxy M35 Ideal Users:
- Everyday users: Looking for a dependable phone for daily tasks without constant charging needs.
- Users prioritizing long battery life: A larger 6000mAh battery provides multiple days of usage on a single charge.
- Users who want an up-to-date Android version: Running Android 14 for the newest features.
- Users who enjoy close up photography: Dedicated Macro lens is perfect for close-up photography.
- Users who need good video stabilization: The addition of OIS to smooth out videos is ideal.
Specific Use Cases:
- All-day usage without needing a charger.
- Streaming videos or music for extended periods of time.
- Using for travel without charging opportunities.
- Casual photography with a wider range of options (Macro).
- Smooth stabilized videos.
Price-to-Value Ratio: The Samsung Galaxy M35 is newer and offers an up-to-date operating system, great battery life, and good value for the price. The OnePlus 9 might be available at a lower cost now, but might not be as good of a long term choice.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- How important is performance for my usage? (Gaming, multitasking vs. general usage)
- How important is battery life for my usage? (Occasional use vs. intensive daily use)
- Do I prioritize the latest software or a brighter display? (New features vs. outdoor visibility)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- If performance and photography are top priority: Choose the OnePlus 9.
- If long battery life and a new OS are top priority: Choose the Samsung Galaxy M35.
- If you need a balance of both: Carefully consider the trade-offs and determine which aspects of each phone are more suitable for your needs.
What I would Choose and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would opt for the OnePlus 9. Here's why:
While the Samsung Galaxy M35 offers a compelling package with its newer OS and impressive battery life, my personal usage patterns lean towards the OnePlus 9's strengths. As a power user, I frequently engage in activities that demand high performance, such as playing demanding mobile games and editing media on the go. The Snapdragon 888 chipset and Adreno 660 GPU of the OnePlus 9 would ensure a much smoother and more responsive experience during these demanding tasks. Additionally, as someone who takes photos frequently, the superior camera setup of the OnePlus 9, with its larger main sensor and wide-angle lens would provide a great user experience. The faster charging of the OnePlus 9, along with the wireless charging options would also fit my lifestyle much better.
While the larger battery and newer software of the M35 are tempting, the performance and camera capabilities of the OnePlus 9 are more relevant to my daily needs. Even though the OnePlus 9 is an older phone, and is more expensive if bought new, its performance capabilities still are excellent, and will remain competitive for the foreseeable future.
