Smartphone Comparison: OnePlus 9 vs. Samsung Galaxy S24 FE
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-26 | 2024-10-03 | S24 FE is significantly newer, likely to have longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 160 × 74.2 × 8.7 mm | 162 × 77.3 × 8 mm | S24 FE is slightly taller and wider, OnePlus 9 is thicker. S24 FE may feel bulkier in hand, OnePlus 9 slightly less comfortable in pocket. |
| Weight | 192g | 213g | OnePlus 9 feels lighter, more comfortable for prolonged use. S24 FE feels noticeably heavier, potentially causing fatigue over time. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.7" | S24 FE offers a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both offer sharp images, with minimal visible difference in detail. |
| PPI | 402 | 385 | Pixel density is very similar, visual sharpness is comparable. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1900 nits | S24 FE is significantly brighter outdoors, greatly improving visibility in sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Exynos 2400e (4 nm) | S24 FE's chipset is newer and more efficient, offering higher performance and better energy efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 880,900 | 1,600,000 | S24 FE provides significantly faster performance, smoother multitasking, and better gaming experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Xclipse 940 | S24 FE's GPU offers superior gaming and graphics rendering capabilities. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4700mAh | S24 FE has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | OnePlus 9 charges much faster, significantly reducing charging times. |
| Features | 15W Wireless Charging | 15W Wireless, Reverse, Bypass Charging | S24 FE offers more versatile charging options including reverse charging and bypass charging, S24 FE and Oneplus 9 both offer 15W wireless. |
| Camera | |||
| Main 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 FE slightly higher resolution. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65" | OnePlus 9 has a higher-resolution selfie camera, S24 FE has a larger sensor. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4" | S24 FE offers optical zoom, a feature missing on the OnePlus 9. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56" | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1" | OnePlus 9 has much higher resolution and larger sensor for ultrawide, potentially better detail. |
| Black & White | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | OnePlus 9 has a dedicated B&W sensor, which can enhance monochrome photos. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 8K@30fps, 4k@120fps | S24 FE offers higher framerate recording at 4k. |
| DxOMark Scores | Not Available | Mobile: 133, Photo: 136, Video: 125 | S24 FE provides quantified camera performance data. OnePlus 9 camera performance isn't quantified. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 13 | Android 14 | S24 FE has a newer OS with the latest features, OnePlus 9 might not get future android updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E | S24 FE supports faster Wi-Fi with the 6E band, better performance in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 LE | Bluetooth 5.3 LE | S24 FE offers newer Bluetooth with potential for better connection and energy efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, NavIC | S24 FE supports more satellite systems, potentially offering better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM / eSIM | S24 FE supports eSIM for flexible carrier switching. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB, or 512 GB | S24 FE offers more storage options, especially the 512GB version. |
| RAM | 8 GB or 12 GB | 8 GB | OnePlus 9 can have more RAM for heavier multitasking |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for microSD expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, 3 Mics | Stereo Speakers | OnePlus 9 offers a more immersive audio experience with Dolby Atmos. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Both use a standard fingerprint sensor for biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass Victus+ | S24 FE has better screen protection, more resistant to scratches and shattering. |
| Sensors | Biometric, Motion, Proximity | Motion, Environmental, Proximity | S24 FE offers additional environmental sensors, while OnePlus 9 has biometric sensors and a proximity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Charging: 65W charging is much quicker than 25W.
- Potentially Better Ultrawide Camera: Higher resolution and larger sensor.
- Dolby Atmos and Additional Microphones: Enhanced audio experience.
- Lighter Build: More comfortable for extended use.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE Advantages:
- Newer and More Powerful Chipset: Better performance and efficiency.
- Significantly higher AnTuTu score
- Significantly Brighter Display: Better visibility in sunlight.
- Additional 4k video framerate capabilities
- Telephoto Lens: Offers optical zoom capability.
- More Versatile Battery Features: Bypass and reverse charging.
- Newer Android OS: Longer software support.
- Wi-Fi 6E: Better Wi-Fi performance.
- eSIM Support: Flexible carrier options.
- Better screen protection
- More storage options
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9 sacrifices battery life and future software support for faster charging and a lighter build.
- S24 FE sacrifices faster charging and audio quality for superior display, performance, and camera features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for OnePlus 9:
- Users who prioritize fast charging: Those who need a quick top-up during the day.
- Users who value lighter devices: Those who prefer a phone that's easy to handle for long periods.
- Audio Enthusiasts: Those who want Dolby Atmos and enhanced audio.
- Cost-conscious buyers: Users who are looking for a discounted flagship device.
Use Cases for OnePlus 9:
- Quickly charging before heading out.
- Daily usage with a focus on audio experience.
- Capturing wide-angle photos.
- General productivity tasks and basic gaming.
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy S24 FE:
- Users who need maximum performance: Gamers, power users, and multitaskers.
- Users who need a bright screen for outdoor visibility: Those often using their phone in sunlight.
- Users who want advanced camera features: Those who want telephoto capabilities.
- Users who desire the latest software and security features
- Users who prioritize newer technology and future-proofing: Those who plan to use the phone for a longer time.
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy S24 FE:
- Gaming and demanding apps.
- Taking photos in various lighting conditions.
- Working on the go with bright environments.
- Long-term device usage with software updates.
Price-to-Value Ratio: The S24 FE is likely to have a higher price tag due to its newer technology and features, while the OnePlus 9 may offer a good deal for those looking for a cheaper alternative with some premium features. The price difference depends on the market and current deals.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is fast charging to you? (If extremely important, OnePlus 9 is the clear winner.)
- Do you need a brighter display for outdoor use? (S24 FE is significantly better in this aspect.)
- Do you need the latest software and the best possible performance? (S24 FE has a significant edge.)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual User, Primarily Indoors:
- If price is a major concern, the OnePlus 9 is an acceptable option, but overall the S24 FE would still be a better pick.
- Scenario 2: Heavy User, Frequent Outdoor Usage:
- The S24 FE is the better choice due to its higher brightness, performance and the latest software support.
- Scenario 3: Mobile Gamer:
- The S24 FE's superior chipset and GPU make it the better choice for gaming.
- Scenario 4: Photographer/Videographer:
- The S24 FE provides more versatility with the additional telephoto lens and the higher video framerate recording capabilities.
My Choice and Why:
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would select the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE.
While the faster charging of the OnePlus 9 is appealing, the overall package offered by the S24 FE is superior for my use cases. The significantly higher performance offered by the Exynos 2400e chipset is a huge advantage for multitasking, gaming, and long-term device usage. The brighter display would be a key benefit for me as I often use my phone outdoors. The newer Android OS also means it would receive more software updates and security patches, making it more reliable and future-proof. Additionally, the added telephoto camera gives more versatility to my photography.
Although the OnePlus 9 is lighter and has fast charging, these are not enough to sway me from the S24 FE's overall better performance, brighter screen, more versatile camera system, and longer software support. The Samsung phone also provides a newer Wi-Fi standard, better screen protection, and a slightly larger battery, all of which are significant improvements over the older OnePlus device.
