Smartphone Comparison: OnePlus 9 vs. Samsung Galaxy S24
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Samsung Galaxy S24 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-26 | 2024-01-24 | The S24 is significantly newer (almost 3 years), offering newer tech and potentially longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 160 × 74.2 × 8.7 mm | 147 × 70.6 × 7.6 mm | The S24 is more compact and pocketable, while the OnePlus 9 is larger and may feel bulkier. |
| Weight | 192g | 167g | The S24 is lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and carrying. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.2" | OnePlus 9 offers a larger screen, better for media consumption and gaming, while the S24 is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both have very similar resolutions, resulting in a similar level of sharpness for everyday use. |
| PPI | 402 | 416 | Similar pixel densities. Both provide a sharp display. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Unspecified | OnePlus 9's AMOLED display offers deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors compared to the unspecified tech of the S24. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer a smooth, fluid experience during scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 2600 nits | The S24 has significantly better outdoor visibility, making it easier to use in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | The S24’s chipset is significantly newer, offering better performance and power efficiency. |
| Antutu Score | 880,900 | 1,639,695 | The S24 offers much faster app loading, better multitasking, and is suitable for demanding games. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 750 | The S24's newer GPU provides significantly improved graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/1.4" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57" | OnePlus 9 has a larger sensor, potentially better low-light performance; S24 has slightly higher resolution. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" | 12MP, f/2.2, unspecified sensor size | OnePlus 9 has higher resolution; the S24 has a slightly wider aperture potentially better for low light |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10MP, f/2.4, 1/3.9" | The S24 offers a telephoto lens for optical zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56" | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | OnePlus 9 has a much higher resolution and larger sensor for its wide angle lens. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | OnePlus 9 provides a dedicated B&W sensor for specific artistic needs. |
| Video | Up to 8K@60fps | Up to 8K@30fps | Both offer high resolution video recording. |
| Features | Multiple, see full spec table | Multiple, see full spec table | S24 offers OIS, while Oneplus 9 offers more manual controls. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4000mAh | OnePlus 9 has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | OnePlus 9 charges significantly faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Features | 15W Wireless Charging | Bypass Charging, Reverse Charging | S24 can use Bypass charging and reverse charge other devices; the Oneplus 9 offers faster wireless charging |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, max 13 | Android 14, max 21 | The S24 has a newer version of Android with potentially better features and longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E | S24 supports a newer Wi-Fi standard, potentially faster and more reliable. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | S24 has a newer version with potentially better features. |
| GPS | Multiple | Multiple | S24 supports QZSS and GLONASS (L1) for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM, eSIM | S24 supports eSIM, allowing more flexibility with carriers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512 GB | S24 offers a higher 512GB storage option. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 8/12 GB | Both offer enough RAM for heavy multitasking |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo speakers, 3 mics | Stereo speakers | OnePlus 9 offers potentially better audio for multimedia. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint | Fingerprint | Both offer basic fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | S24 offers superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | S24 has additional environmental sensors, but oneplus includes a fingerprint sensor |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Advantages:
- Larger Display: The 6.55" screen is better for media consumption and gaming.
- Larger Battery & Faster Charging: The 4500 mAh battery and 65W fast charging provide longer use and quicker power-ups.
- Wider Aperture on Main Camera & Larger Sensor: Potentially better low-light performance in standard photos.
- Dedicated Black & White Sensor: Offers an additional creative option for photography.
- Dolby Atmos & Additional Microphone: May have a better audio experience for media consumption and recording.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Advantages:
- Significantly Newer and Faster Chipset: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 offers superior performance in all aspects.
- Higher Screen Brightness: Much better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight.
- Telephoto Lens: Provides optical zoom for more versatile photography.
- eSIM Support: Allows for more flexibility with carriers.
- Superior Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus 2 offers better resistance to scratches and impacts.
- Bypass & Reverse Charging: Offers additional useful charging capabilities.
- More RAM Options: Option for larger RAM configuration.
- Newer Android Version: Likely to receive more and longer software updates.
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9 offers a larger screen and faster charging, but has an older chipset.
- The S24 has a smaller display and slower charging, but offers a much more powerful processor and modern features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 - Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious User: Looking for good value in an older flagship phone.
- Media Consumer: Enjoys watching videos and playing games on a larger screen.
- Photography Enthusiast: Wants more control and different shooting modes
- Users who prioritize fast charging: Values quick battery top-ups.
Use Cases:
- Daily media consumption (videos, browsing)
- Casual gaming
- General photography and some artistic needs
Samsung Galaxy S24 - Ideal User:
- Performance Enthusiast: Requires the latest and greatest performance for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Outdoor User: Needs a bright screen for use in direct sunlight.
- Users Who Value Longevity: Prefer a phone with longer software support.
- Traveler: Requires the versatility of eSIM support
- Users who want optical zoom: values optical zoom over digital zoom.
Use Cases:
- High-performance gaming
- Professional photography and videography
- Demanding multitasking
- Outdoor usage
- Global travel
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance or Battery/Display? Is top performance paramount, or are long battery life and a larger display more important?
- Budget Constraints? Is the slightly lower price of the OnePlus 9 a significant factor?
- Longevity or Cutting-Edge Features? Does the user prioritize the latest software and features, or is a capable phone at a lower price more appealing?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Performance First, Budget is Flexible: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S24 for the superior performance and modern features.
- Scenario 2: Budget is Tight, Media Consumption is Key: Choose the OnePlus 9 for its larger display and faster charging.
- Scenario 3: Outdoor Use and Versatile Photography : Choose the Samsung Galaxy S24 for its brightness and telephoto lens.
My Choice and Why:
Given the choice, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S24. While the OnePlus 9 offers a larger display and faster charging at a potentially lower cost, the overall package of the S24 is significantly more compelling for a tech enthusiast or daily driver. The drastically superior performance of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset is a game changer. The brighter display is very useful for outdoor use, and the additional features like eSIM and superior screen protection add a lot of practical value. The telephoto lens provides a level of photographic versatility that is missing in the OnePlus 9. The biggest downside for me would be the somewhat smaller display, but the advantages far outweigh this. The S24, for me, is the better value proposition, as it will likely remain relevant much longer due to its newer hardware and longer software support lifespan.
