1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Samsung Galaxy S23+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160 × 74.2 × 8.7 mm | 157.8 × 76.2 × 7.6 mm | OnePlus 9 is taller and thicker; S23+ is wider and thinner. S23+ is slightly more pocketable. |
| Weight | 192g | 196g | Virtually the same, negligible difference. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.6" | Practically identical screen size, minimal difference for most users. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Very similar sharpness; not a noticeable difference in everyday usage. |
| PPI | 402 | 393 | Nearly identical pixel density, both displays are very sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colors and deep blacks, but display quality can vary. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, excellent for gaming and general use. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1750 nits | S23+ is significantly brighter, much better visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | S23+ chipset is significantly faster and more efficient, resulting in smoother overall performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 880,900 | 1,508,732 | S23+ has a massive performance advantage, noticeable in gaming and heavy multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 740 | S23+ GPU is substantially more powerful, leading to better gaming and graphics-intensive app performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4700mAh | S23+ has a slightly larger battery but the difference is not significant. |
| Charging | 65W fast charging | 45W fast charging | OnePlus 9 charges faster, better for quick top-ups. |
| Features | 15W Wireless Charging | 10W wireless, 4.5W reverse, Bypass, Reverse Charging | S23+ offers more wireless charging options, and can charge other devices wirelessly. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 50MP | Minor difference in resolution, not as important as sensor size and image processing |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.8 | OnePlus 9 has a slightly wider aperture allowing more light. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.4" | 1/1.57" | OnePlus 9 has a larger sensor that captures more light and potentially better low light photos. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 16MP | 12MP | OnePlus 9 has higher resolution, but other factors like sensor and lens matter more for quality. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.4 | f/2.2 | S23+ has slightly wider aperture, slightly better in low light. |
| Telephoto Lens | No | 10MP, f/2.4 | S23+ has a telephoto lens for zoomed shots, OnePlus 9 lacks this. |
| Wide Angle Resolution | 50MP | 12.2MP | OnePlus 9 has a significantly higher-resolution ultrawide lens. |
| Wide Angle Sensor Size | 1/1.56" | 1/2.55" | OnePlus 9 has a larger sensor, which means better low light ultrawide photos. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP | No | OnePlus 9 has dedicated B/W lens, usually not used in practice. |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 8K@30fps | Both offer high-resolution video recording. S23+ offers more advanced video stabilization. |
| Video stabilization | No | Yes | S23+ offers enhanced video recording |
| DxOMark Score | Not tested | 133 | S23+ has been tested, scoring well on DxOmark, indicating better image quality overall. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 | S23+ has a newer OS, offering enhanced security and features. |
| Max OS Version | Android 13 | Android 17 | S23+ will get more future OS updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Both support the latest Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | S23+ has the latest Bluetooth standard with improved connectivity and efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | S23+ has better GPS accuracy with QZSS. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | S23+ supports eSIM, which can be convenient for traveling. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 256 GB or 512 GB | S23+ offers more storage options, crucial if you take lots of photos/videos. |
| RAM | 8 GB or 12 GB | 8 GB | OnePlus 9 offers a 12GB variant, better for heavy multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows memory expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | OnePlus 9 has better audio recording; S23+ has better playback. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both use basic fingerprint sensor technology. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | S23+ offers superior screen protection, better resistance to scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | S23+ has additional sensors, useful for environmental data and some niche apps. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Advantages:
- Faster Charging: 65W charging allows for quicker battery top-ups.
- Larger Main Camera Sensor: 1/1.4" sensor captures more light, offering better low-light performance potentially.
- Higher-resolution Ultrawide Lens: 50MP ultrawide camera for more detailed ultrawide photos.
- 12GB RAM Option: Better for intensive multitasking and resource heavy gaming.
- Better Audio Recording: With noise cancellation microphone and 3 microphones.
- Cheaper (Used): Older device and available on second hand market
Practical Implications: The OnePlus 9 is great for users who prioritize fast charging, low-light ultrawide photography, and audio recording and want a cheaper device. The larger main camera sensor also provides a potential advantage in low light performance. The availability of a 12GB RAM option makes it better for heavy multitaskers, and the noise cancellation and 3 microphones allow for better quality audio recording.
Samsung Galaxy S23+ Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 provides superior overall performance in all areas.
- Much Brighter Display: 1750 nits brightness for excellent visibility in direct sunlight.
- Telephoto Lens: Offers optical zoom, which is missing on OnePlus 9.
- More Advanced Bluetooth: Version 5.3 for better connectivity and efficiency.
- eSIM Support: Easier to manage multiple numbers, especially for travelers.
- More Storage Options: Up to 512GB of internal storage, better for users with large media collections.
- Better Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus 2 is more resistant to damage.
- Better Overall Camera Performance: evidenced by DxOMark score.
- Newer OS and more updates: Android 13 vs Android 11, more future updates.
- Reverse Wireless Charging: Allows user to charge other devices wirelessly.
Practical Implications: The S23+ excels for users who want a top tier experience, with significantly better performance, a brighter display for outdoor use, better camera versatility with a telephoto lens, enhanced build quality and is supported by more OS upgrades. The eSIM is convenient for users with multiple phone numbers or frequent travelers and the reverse charging capabilities is a good to have.
Trade-offs:
- The OnePlus 9 has faster charging, but the S23+ has better battery life and more convenient wireless charging features.
- The OnePlus 9 has a better ultrawide camera sensor but lacks a telephoto lens, while the S23+ offers both.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 Ideal Users:
- Budget-conscious users: Looking for a flagship experience at a lower price point in the second hand market
- Multimedia creators: Benefit from the 50MP ultrawide camera, large main camera sensor, noise cancellation and 3 microphones.
- Users who value fast charging: Prefer fast wired charging.
- Multitaskers: Benefit from the 12GB RAM option.
Specific Use Cases:
- Capturing landscape photos using the ultrawide camera with very high detail.
- Recording video with clear audio in noisy environments.
- Quickly topping up the battery between meetings.
- Playing games and running demanding applications.
Samsung Galaxy S23+ Ideal Users:
- Performance-focused users: Demand the best possible speed and responsiveness.
- Outdoor enthusiasts: Need a screen that is easy to see in sunlight and more durable.
- Photography enthusiasts: Want a versatile camera system with telephoto lens.
- Frequent travelers: Benefit from eSIM support and more satellite positioning system.
- Users who prefer wireless charging: Want the ability to wirelessly charge other devices and have bypass charging.
Specific Use Cases:
- Playing demanding games with smooth frame rates.
- Taking photos and videos in various lighting conditions.
- Using maps and navigation in bright sunlight.
- Traveling abroad and switching between carriers.
- Want better screen protection from accidental scratches or drops
Price-to-Value:
- OnePlus 9 : Good value, better value in the second hand market
- Samsung Galaxy S23+ : Premium price point. However, it has superior performance and future proofing that is worth the investment for those looking for a no compromise experience.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is raw performance to you? If you want the absolute best performance, the S23+ is the clear winner.
- Do you prioritize camera versatility or specific camera features? If telephoto zoom is essential, go for the S23+. If you prefer higher resolution ultrawide and better low light main camera, the OnePlus 9 is better.
- What is your budget? The OnePlus 9 is a good value in the second hand market, but S23+ is premium device.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget Gaming and Media Creation: Choose the OnePlus 9 for its fast charging, large ultrawide sensor, and better audio recording.
- Scenario 2: Premium Performance and All-Day Usage: Choose the S23+ for its superior performance, display brightness, versatile camera, and better battery life and reverse wireless charging.
- Scenario 3: General Usage with Outdoor Visibility: Choose the S23+ due to its brighter screen and better camera system.
My Choice
If I had to choose between the two, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S23+. While the OnePlus 9 has some appealing features like the faster charging and larger ultrawide camera sensor and is cheaper, the S23+ is superior in nearly every other aspect. The significantly better performance, brighter screen, telephoto lens, eSIM support, future proofing, and better overall camera performance make it the more compelling choice for my needs. I value a smooth, responsive user experience and want a device that will last me for several years, and the S23+ is the better option. Additionally, the superior build quality and reverse charging capability are also added benefits. The only drawback is that it will be more expensive.
