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 | Samsung Galaxy S24+ is significantly newer, implying newer features and longer software support. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones; no folding or unique form factors. |
| Dimensions | 160 x 74.2 x 8.7 mm | 158.5 x 75.9 x 7.7 mm | OnePlus 9 is slightly taller and thicker, while the S24+ is wider; The S24+ might be easier to handle. |
| Weight | 192g | 196g | Practically identical weight; both feel relatively lightweight. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.7" | S24+ has a slightly larger screen, offering a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1440 x 3120 | S24+ has a much sharper display with higher pixel density, resulting in crisper text and images. |
| Pixel Density | 402 PPI | 513 PPI | The S24+ offers noticeably sharper visuals, which is crucial for detailed content viewing. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Unspecified | OnePlus 9's AMOLED offers better contrast and color accuracy than an unspecified tech |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations; A standard for modern flagship phones. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 2600 nits | S24+ offers significantly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) | S24+'s newer chipset is significantly faster and more power-efficient. |
| AnTuTu Score | 880,900 | 1,639,695 | S24+ provides noticeably better app loading speeds, gaming performance, and overall responsiveness. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 750 (USA/Canada/China) or Xclipse 940 (other regions) | The S24+ has a significantly more powerful GPU, beneficial for intensive gaming and graphic-heavy applications. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 4900 mAh | S24+ has a slightly larger battery, potentially leading to slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | OnePlus 9 charges faster despite having a smaller battery |
| Features | 15W Wireless Charging | Bypass Charging, Reverse charging, 15W Wireless Charging, 4.5W Reverse Wireless Charging | S24+ offers more versatile battery features like bypass and reverse charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/1.4", IMX689 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57", GN3 | Both have high-resolution cameras; OnePlus 9 has a larger sensor and wider aperture but S24+ has higher res. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", IMX471 | 12MP, f/2.2, S5K3LU | OnePlus 9 offers higher resolution selfie; S24+ has wider aperture for better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto Lens | N/A | 10MP, f/2.4, 1/3.9", S5K3K1 | S24+ has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, while OnePlus 9 lacks this feature. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56", IMX766 | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", IMX564 | OnePlus 9 has a much higher-resolution ultrawide lens with a larger sensor. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | OnePlus 9 includes a dedicated black and white sensor. |
| Video | Up to 8K@60fps, HDR, EIS | Up to 8K@30fps, HDR, EIS, Stereo Sound | Both capable of high-resolution video; S24+ offers stereo sound. |
| Camera Features | Many including RAW 12 bit | Many including Night mode 2.0, OIS, RAW | Both offer advanced photography features; each has different strengths; S24+ has OIS while OnePlus 9 does not. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Up to Android 13 | Android 14, Up to Android 21 | S24+ offers newer OS with longer software support; OnePlus 9 is limited to Android 13. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6E | S24+ supports WiFi 6E, offering faster speeds and lower latency. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | S24+ features newer Bluetooth for more advanced features and better power management. |
| GPS | Multiple Systems, L1+L5 | Multiple Systems, L1+L5 | S24+ offers a slight edge in GPS systems supported (incl. QZSS and GLONASS (L1)). |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM/eSIM | S24+ provides eSIM support, useful for international travelers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB or 256GB | 256GB or 512GB | S24+ offers more internal storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB or 12GB | 12GB | S24+ has a standard 12 GB which should be excellent for multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 3 mics | Stereo Speakers | OnePlus 9 provides enhanced audio experience via Dolby Atmos and extra microphone which is beneficial for voice recording |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both offer basic biometric security via fingerprint scanning. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | S24+ has superior screen protection against drops and scratches. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint, Barometer | S24+ includes a barometer for more detailed environment data (e.g. altitude). |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Advantages:
- Faster Charging: The OnePlus 9 boasts 65W fast charging, significantly quicker than the S24+'s 45W. This means less time plugged in and more time using the device.
- Superior Audio Features: Dolby Atmos, 3 microphones,
- Larger Sensor Ultrawide Camera: Higher resolution and larger sensor for ultrawide images
- Black and white lens for more artistic shots
Samsung Galaxy S24+ Advantages:
- Newer Chipset: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 offers a massive performance leap, delivering faster processing, better graphics, and improved power efficiency.
- Significantly Brighter Display: The 2600 nits peak brightness makes the S24+ much more usable in direct sunlight.
- Higher Resolution Display: The higher resolution and pixel density on the S24+ display leads to a sharper and more detailed viewing experience.
- Better Telephoto Camera: The dedicated telephoto lens allows for optical zoom, which the OnePlus 9 lacks.
- eSIM Support: eSIM support for flexibility and dual SIM capability.
- Longer Software Support: The S24+ will receive far more Android version upgrades and security patches.
- More versatile battery features: Bypass and reverse charging are useful additions to the S24+ feature set.
- Better Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus 2 is more resistant to scratches and drops.
- More internal storage options: Higher starting capacity (256GB) and an option for 512GB.
- Newer Bluetooth and WiFi Standards: offering faster speeds, lower latency, and more compatibility with modern networks.
- Better environmental sensors: The addition of a Barometer is a key difference
Significant Trade-Offs:
- OnePlus 9's slower processor: The older chip will be less responsive with modern apps and games, and have reduced power efficiency.
- S24+ slower charging: The 45W charging is still fast, but slower than the OnePlus 9
- OnePlus 9's lack of telephoto lens significantly reduces versatility in camera options.
- S24+ smaller sensor ultrawide: The ultrawide lens will be noticeably worse in image quality than OnePlus 9's
- S24+ unspecified display tech: Could be inferior to OLED on OnePlus 9.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for OnePlus 9:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Users looking for excellent fast charging and good performance at a lower price point and less need for cutting edge features.
- Users focused on ultrawide photography: Users who prioritize high resolution and larger sensor for their ultrawide images
- Users who prioritize fast charging: Users who value quick charging and less time plugged into a wall.
- Users who prioritize Audio Features: Users who enjoy enhanced spatial audio via Dolby Atmos, clearer calls, better audio separation and immersion, better voice capture
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy S24+:
- Power Users and Gamers: Those who need the fastest performance and the most advanced features.
- Frequent Travelers: The eSIM support and enhanced GPS make it ideal for international travel.
- Outdoor Users: The much brighter display makes the phone easy to use in direct sunlight.
- Photography Enthusiasts: The versatile camera system with a telephoto lens is ideal for capturing various types of shots, and more advanced camera modes and OIS for stable videos.
- Long-term users: Benefiting from longer software support and feature updates, the S24+ is a solid long-term investment.
Specific Use Cases:
- OnePlus 9:
- Quick charging is helpful when traveling and not being near a power outlet.
- Ultrawide capabilities makes it suitable for landscape photography
- Good for users on a budget.
- Samsung Galaxy S24+:
- Gaming and running demanding apps are ideal due to high performance
- Excellent for outdoor activities and capturing high-quality photos and videos in any lighting.
- eSIM and advanced GPS useful for international travel and navigation.
- Long-term usage due to longer software support
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is the absolute latest performance and software to you? The S24+ delivers a much higher performance level and longer software support.
- How important is display visibility in direct sunlight? The S24+ has a significantly brighter screen, making it much more usable outdoors.
- How important are audio features to you? OnePlus 9 offers a better overall audio experience.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User Needing Good Performance - If you are not a heavy gamer, the OnePlus 9 provides good performance and great features.
- Scenario 2: Performance-Focused User Who Games Regularly - If you want the latest and best features, the Samsung Galaxy S24+ is the obvious choice with the latest technology, much better performance, and more features.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast - The Samsung Galaxy S24+ would be better, offering more versatility with its telephoto lens and more stable videos, but if you are looking for ultrawide, OnePlus 9 would be a better option.
- Scenario 4: User who needs better audio: The OnePlus 9 is a better option with better spatial audio quality
Personal Decision
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S24+.
While I appreciate the faster charging and the ultrawide lens in the OnePlus 9, the S24+ offers a more compelling package overall. The significantly faster performance, much brighter and higher resolution display, better telephoto lens, superior screen protection, eSIM support, and the promise of longer software support make it the more future-proof and practical choice. The higher price would be justified by the superior experience I would receive for years to come. The additional features, such as bypass charging, reverse wireless charging, the latest Bluetooth and WiFi standards, and Barometer, are all very compelling additions. Finally, the S24+ has a slightly larger battery and better camera tech, making it more suitable for my personal usage.
