Smartphone Comparison: OnePlus 9 vs. Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 160 × 74.2 × 8.7 mm | 163.3 × 77.9 × 8.9 mm | S22 Ultra is larger and bulkier, less comfortable for one-handed use, especially for those with smaller hands. OnePlus 9 is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 192g | 228g | OnePlus 9 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and carrying around. The S22 Ultra's weight can feel substantial after a while. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard, non-folding phones. |
Display
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.55" | 6.8" | S22 Ultra offers slightly more screen real estate for content consumption, gaming, and multitasking, while OnePlus 9 is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1440x3088 | S22 Ultra's higher resolution results in noticeably sharper text and images. The difference is significant enough for a better visual experience |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 402 | 500 | S22 Ultra offers visibly sharper and more detailed visuals, especially when viewing high-resolution content. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1750 nits | S22 Ultra is significantly brighter, making it much easier to use in direct sunlight. The OnePlus 9 might struggle in such conditions. |
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G (Europe) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Exynos 2200 (4 nm) | S22 Ultra has a newer and more efficient chipset, translating to slightly better overall performance and power efficiency. Actual experience varies on use and region. |
| AnTuTu Score | 880,900 | 1,023,311 | S22 Ultra has a noticeably higher benchmark score, indicating superior performance in demanding applications and multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Xclipse 920 | S22 Ultra's GPU provides better graphics performance, beneficial for gaming and graphically intense applications. |
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/1.4", Sony IMX689 | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33", Samsung S5KHM3 | S22 Ultra has higher resolution and a slightly larger sensor but slightly narrower aperture; better for detail and low-light, although it may not always be substantially better, especially considering software processing. |
| Telephoto Camera | N/A | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/3.52", Sony IMX754 (Telephoto + Portrait), 12MP, f/4.9, 1/3.52", Sony IMX754 (Telephoto) | S22 Ultra provides versatility with dedicated telephoto lenses for optical zoom, enabling better portraits and distant object clarity. OnePlus 9 doesn't have any optical zoom. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", Sony IMX471 | 40MP, f/2.2 | S22 Ultra's higher resolution and wider aperture results in more detailed and better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56", Sony IMX766 | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", Sony IMX563 | OnePlus 9 has higher resolution and larger sensor which translates to higher quality wide-angle images |
| Black & White Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | OnePlus 9 has a dedicated monochrome sensor for specialized photography; this is more of a niche feature |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@30fps, HDR, EIS | Up to 8K@24fps, HDR, EIS, Stereo sound; 720p@960fps | S22 Ultra offers more versatile video recording options, including 720p super slow-motion capture. Both have EIS, S22 Ultra also has OIS for added stabilization. |
| DXOMark | N/A | Mobile: 131, Selfie: 135 | S22 Ultra's DXOMark scores indicate a superior camera performance overall compared to the OnePlus 9, with better picture quality and video recording capabilities. No data for the OnePlus 9 is available. |
| Features | Triple Camera, CDAF, RAW 12 bit | Quadruple Camera, OIS, LAF, RAW | S22 Ultra offers a more complete feature set with OIS, laser autofocus and an additional telephoto lens for greater zoom functionality. |
Battery
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | S22 Ultra has a larger battery, likely providing longer usage time between charges, especially for heavy users. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer | 45W Fast Charging, Li-Ion | OnePlus 9 charges faster, potentially more convenient for users needing quick top-ups. |
| Features | 15W Wireless Charging | 15W Wireless Charging, Reverse Charging, Reverse Wireless Charging | S22 Ultra offers additional battery features, providing more flexibility for charging other devices. |
Software
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 13 | Android 12, upgradable to 16 | S22 Ultra will receive longer software support and newer Android versions, extending the device's useful life. |
Connectivity
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| WiFi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax | Both support the latest WiFi standards for fast and reliable connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, LE, A2DP, APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | 5.2, LE, A2DP, APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC, AVRCP, DIP, HFP, HID, HSP, MAP, PAN, OPP, PBAP/PAB | S22 Ultra supports more bluetooth profiles for wider compatibility with different devices. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Both are good, S22 Ultra slightly supports more GLONASS bands, OnePlus 9 more Beidou. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | S22 Ultra supports eSIM functionality, allowing for digital switching between carriers, a feature missing in OnePlus 9. |
Storage & Audio
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Storage | 128 GB or 256 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512GB, or 1024GB | S22 Ultra provides more storage options, accommodating users with large media libraries. OnePlus 9's limited options might be insufficient for some. |
| RAM | 8 GB or 12 GB | 8 GB or 12 GB | Both are good for multitasking and heavy use. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither has expandable storage |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation, Stereo Speakers, 3 Microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation, Stereo Speakers | S22 Ultra has slightly better audio with Hi-Res Audio support. The 3 microphones on the OnePlus 9 can also help in audio recording. |
Security and Build
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both offer basic fingerprint recognition for unlocking. |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ | S22 Ultra offers better scratch and drop resistance, enhancing durability. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | S22 Ultra includes more sensor options for enhanced functionalities, including environmental readings. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact Design: More comfortable for one-handed use and better pocketability.
- Faster Charging: 65W charging offers quicker battery top-ups.
- Lower Starting Price: Generally more affordable than the S22 Ultra.
- Higher Resolution Wide-Angle Camera: Can give better quality shots.
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, sharper visuals, and significantly better outdoor visibility.
- More Powerful Performance: Newer chipset and GPU, resulting in better overall speed and graphics performance.
- Versatile Camera System: Dedicated telephoto lenses with OIS, enhanced zoom capabilities, and a higher-resolution selfie camera.
- Longer Software Support: Will receive more years of Android updates.
- Larger Battery: Offers longer battery life per charge.
- More Storage Options: Up to 1TB of internal storage for those needing massive storage capacity.
- Additional Battery Features: Including reverse and wireless reverse charging, providing more flexibility.
- eSIM Support: Allows digital SIM switching.
- Hi-Res Audio: Higher quality audio playback.
- Better Build Quality: Superior Gorilla Glass Victus+ for better screen protection, plus added sensors.
Significant Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9: Trades camera versatility, screen quality, and overall performance for a more affordable price and faster charging.
- Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G: Compromises on portability and price for better specs in most other categories, while charging speed is slower.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious Users: Seeking a high-performance phone without the premium price tag.
- Users Prioritizing Speed and Charging: Those who value fast charging and a fluid user experience.
- Users with Smaller Hands: Prefer a phone that is more comfortable to hold and use one-handed.
- Users who prefer compact and light phones: For ease of carry.
Use Cases:
- Everyday social media, browsing, and communications.
- Mobile gaming and app use for an average user.
- Users who prefer taking some great wide-angle shots.
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G Ideal User:
- Power Users: Those who demand the best possible performance, camera capabilities, and display quality.
- Professional Photographers/Videographers: Benefit from the versatile camera system, including optical zoom, OIS, and high-resolution modes.
- Users Consuming Media: Benefit from the sharper, larger, and brighter display for streaming and content creation.
- Users Prioritizing Battery Life: Need extended use without frequent charging.
- Users needing large storage: Large media libraries, multiple apps, etc.
Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming and graphic intensive applications.
- Professional-level photography and videography.
- Demanding productivity tasks, multitasking, and digital note-taking.
- Frequent travellers needing longer battery and eSIM functionality.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- OnePlus 9: Offers a strong balance of performance and features at a more accessible price point. Good value for mainstream users
- Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G: Justifies its premium price with class-leading performance and feature set, better value for demanding users
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? If cost is a major factor, the OnePlus 9 is much more affordable.
- What is your primary use case? Are you a casual user or someone who needs a high-end smartphone for heavy use like photography or gaming?
- What do you value most in a smartphone? (Size/weight, camera, display quality, battery life, software support)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Budget-Conscious Casual User: Choose the OnePlus 9. It delivers great performance for everyday tasks and has the benefit of faster charging, while still having a good camera and display.
Content Creator or Power User: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G. It has a superior display, camera, performance, and software support. It's the best choice if you are a photographer, videographer, gamer or just someone who wants the best smartphone experience and is willing to pay a premium.
Average User who wants good value: Choose OnePlus 9 because of its balanced features, it still offers a great experience with some compromises.
User Prioritizing Battery and Versatility: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G. The S22 Ultra offers superior battery life and versatile features like reverse charging and eSIM functionality.
My Choice
If I were to choose, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, even with the higher price and weight. As someone who frequently takes photos and consumes a lot of media, the superior display and camera system are a significant advantage. The longer software support ensures the device will remain relevant for years. While the OnePlus 9 is a great phone for the price, the S22 Ultra simply offers a more complete and premium experience, even if I am not fully maximizing the capabilities daily. The improvements in the camera are the key selling point, and something I value the most.
