Smartphone Comparison: OnePlus 9 vs. Samsung Galaxy M55
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Samsung Galaxy M55 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160 × 74.2 × 8.7 mm | 163.9 × 76.5 × 7.8 mm | M55 is slightly taller and wider, making it feel larger in hand. OnePlus 9 is thicker, potentially feeling more substantial. M55 is more pocketable due to it being thinner. |
| Weight | 192g | 180g | M55 is noticeably lighter, which can make it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.7" | M55 offers a slightly larger screen, providing a more immersive experience for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same level of sharpness. Text and images will appear equally clear on both screens. |
| PPI | 402 | 393 | Both have very similar pixel density, so there's no practical difference in perceived sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both use vibrant AMOLED technology for excellent colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide a smooth visual experience with fluid animations, beneficial for gaming and scrolling. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | OnePlus 9 is significantly brighter, offering superior visibility in direct sunlight. M55 brightness is unknown, which is a major unknown. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (4 nm) | OnePlus 9’s chip is more powerful, offering faster overall performance, and more demanding games with higher graphics and smoother multitasking. M55's chip is efficient but less powerful. |
| AnTuTu Score | 880,900 | 698,000 | OnePlus 9 has significantly better benchmark scores, indicating superior real-world performance for demanding applications, gaming, and overall smoothness. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 644 | OnePlus 9's GPU is more powerful, leading to better gaming performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP (f/1.79, 1/1.4", 1.12µm) | 50MP (f/1.8) | M55 has slightly higher resolution. OnePlus 9 has a slightly wider aperture and larger sensor, potentially better low light performance. Sensor model/pixel size are missing on M55. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP (f/2.4, 1/3.13", 1.00µm) | 50MP (f/2.2) | M55 has a significantly higher resolution. M55 offers a wider aperture, potentially better low light performance. Sensor model/pixel size are missing on M55. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP (f/2.2, 1/1.56", 1.00µm) | 8MP (f/2.2, 1.12µm) | OnePlus 9 offers much higher resolution, capturing more detail in wide-angle shots. Sensor model is missing on M55. |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 2MP (f/2.4) | M55 includes a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Black & White | 2MP (f/2.4) | N/A | OnePlus 9 has a dedicated black and white lens, which can be used for artistic and unique images |
| Video | 8K/4K@30/60fps (EIS,HDR) | 4K/30fps (OIS, EIS) | OnePlus 9 can record higher resolution video (8K). M55 has optical image stabilization (OIS), which could mean more stable footage compared to OnePlus 9's electronic stabilization. |
| Camera Features | 8K Video, RAW 12 bits, Night mode | OIS | OnePlus 9 provides more advanced video capabilities, while M55 has OIS for better video stability. M55's sensor information is missing. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | M55 offers a larger battery, potentially resulting in longer battery life. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging, 15W Wireless | 45W Fast Charging | OnePlus 9 charges faster and offers wireless charging, while M55's charging speed is slower and it does not offer wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 14 | M55 ships with a newer version of Android, offering the latest features and security updates. OnePlus 9's last supported version is Android 13. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi MIMO | Wi-Fi 6 | Both phones offer similar Wi-Fi capabilities. OnePlus 9 additionally supports MIMO which allows for better signal quality and faster speeds on compatible networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 (LE, aptX, AAC, LDAC, SBC) | 5.2 (A2DP, AVRCP, DIP, HFP, HID, HSP, MAP, PAN, OPP, PBAP/PAB, HOGP, LDAC, SBC) | Both phones offer the same version of Bluetooth. M55 supports more Bluetooth profiles, offering better compatibility with a wider variety of audio devices and other peripherals. OnePlus 9 supports aptX for higher quality wireless audio with supported devices. |
| GPS | GPS(L1+L5), GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, NavIC System | Both phones offer very similar GPS. OnePlus 9 offers dual GPS band support which offers better accuracy while Samsung M55 adds NavIC and QZSS for specific regions. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both offer the same SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both offer same maximum storage capacity. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 8 GB | OnePlus 9 has an option for a higher amount of RAM. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Features | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos | OnePlus 9 has stereo speakers which provide a more immersive audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both phones offer basic fingerprint sensor security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass 5 | Both phones offer basic screen protection with Gorilla Glass 5. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Compass, Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Compass, Proximity, Geomagnetic | Both phones offer a similar set of basic sensors, but the M55 has an additional Geomagnetic Sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Advantages:
- Significantly Higher Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset offers superior processing power for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing.
- Brighter Display: The 1100 nits display is much more visible outdoors, especially in direct sunlight.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: 65W wired and 15W wireless charging makes it more convenient to recharge.
- Superior Video Recording: Can record videos in 8K, and offers slow-motion video at 480fps.
- Advanced Camera Features: Offers a higher-resolution wide-angle lens, and a dedicated black and white lens.
- Better Audio: Offers Stereo Speakers for better audio quality than M55.
Samsung Galaxy M55 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery may offer longer battery life.
- Newer Android Version: Ships with Android 14, providing the latest features.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: 50MP front camera for sharper selfies.
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS): Provides better video stabilization for smoother video.
- Dedicated Macro Lens: Offers more versatility in photography with a dedicated macro lens.
- Lighter: Slightly lighter which could be more comfortable for some users.
- More Bluetooth Profiles: Offers better compatibility with a wider variety of devices.
- More GPS Systems: Offers more GPS systems which may provide a more accurate location in certain situations.
- Cheaper: The Samsung Galaxy M55 is cheaper.
Significant Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9 users sacrifice battery life and may have slightly less stable video compared to the Galaxy M55.
- Samsung Galaxy M55 users sacrifice overall processing power, display brightness, and advanced video capabilities, as well as charging speed.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 Ideal Users:
- Power Users and Gamers: Those who prioritize performance for demanding apps and games.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want high quality photos and video in different conditions.
- Outdoor Users: Users who spend a lot of time outdoors in sunlight and need a bright display.
- Users Who Want Quick Charge: Users who value wireless charging.
- Users who listen to audio: Users who prefer a more immersive audio experience, thanks to its stereo speakers
Specific Use Cases (OnePlus 9):
- Playing graphics-intensive games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile.
- Editing 4K and 8K videos on the go.
- Taking photos and videos in bright sunlight and low-light situations.
- Using the phone for professional tasks where performance matters.
Samsung Galaxy M55 Ideal Users:
- Casual Users: Those who prioritize longer battery life and are not heavy gamers.
- Selfie Lovers: Those who value high-resolution front-facing cameras.
- Video Creators: Users who want stable and high-quality video footage.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those looking for a newer device with up-to-date software at a lower price point.
- Users who prefer better bluetooth audio support Those who use a variety of peripherals
- Users who need reliable GPS Those who require GPS and other mapping services in a variety of different areas.
Specific Use Cases (Samsung Galaxy M55):
- All-day use without needing frequent charging.
- Taking high-quality selfies and videos.
- Taking stable video without shakiness
- Casual gaming and everyday social media usage.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is performance for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing?
- How important is outdoor visibility for display readability in sunlight?
- How important is battery life, fast charging and wireless charging?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- If you are a power user, gamer, or outdoor enthusiast: Choose the OnePlus 9 for its powerful chipset, brighter display, and faster charging.
- If you prioritize battery life, selfies, video stabilization and prefer the latest android: Choose the Samsung Galaxy M55. It offers better battery life and a newer version of Android with OIS for better video stabilization.
- If you are on a budget: Choose the Samsung Galaxy M55 as it's likely to be the more affordable option.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the OnePlus 9. While the Samsung Galaxy M55 offers a newer version of Android and a larger battery, the OnePlus 9's superior processing power, brighter display, and much faster charging are more important to me, especially as I like playing intensive games and find myself outdoors frequently. Additionally, I value wireless charging for convenience. Although the OnePlus 9 is older and may not receive further software updates, its powerful performance and display would make it a better fit for my specific usage patterns. I also value the higher quality audio and video capabilities of the OnePlus 9.
