Smartphone Comparison: OnePlus 9 vs. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-26 | 2024-01-24 | S24 Ultra is significantly newer, with more modern features & support. |
| Dimensions | 160 × 74.2 × 8.7 mm | 162.3 × 79 × 8.6 mm | S24 Ultra is larger & slightly thicker; OnePlus 9 is more compact. |
| Weight | 192g | 232g | OnePlus 9 is noticeably lighter, more comfortable for extended holding. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.8" | S24 Ultra offers a slightly larger viewing area for media & productivity. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1440x3120 | S24 Ultra's higher resolution provides noticeably sharper visuals, less pixelation. |
| Pixel Density | 402 PPI | 505 PPI | S24 Ultra's higher density results in sharper text & images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | (Specification Missing) | OnePlus 9 has superior display technology (AMOLED) offering deeper blacks, better contrast, superior power efficiency for dark themes, more vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 2600 nits | S24 Ultra offers much better visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | S24 Ultra has a significantly faster, more efficient processor, improving speed and battery management. |
| AnTuTu Score | 880,900 | 1,814,869 | S24 Ultra offers significantly smoother multitasking, gaming, & app loading. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 750 | S24 Ultra has a more powerful GPU, providing better graphics performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | S24 Ultra likely offers longer battery life due to the larger capacity. |
| Charging | 65W fast charging | 45W fast charging | OnePlus 9 charges faster; S24 Ultra is slower. |
| Features | 15W Wireless Charging | Bypass Charging, Reverse Charging, 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse wireless | S24 Ultra offers more versatile charging options and battery management. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/1.4" | 200MP, f/1.7, 1/1.3" | S24 Ultra's main sensor captures far more detail, superior low light performance. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | None | 50MP, f/2.4, 1/1.56" | S24 Ultra has a dedicated telephoto camera for portraits and distant subjects. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4 | 12MP, f/2.2 | S24 Ultra has a wider aperture for better low light; OnePlus 9 has a higher resolution for selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10MP, f/3.4, 1/3.52" | S24 Ultra has a telephoto lens for zoomed photography. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56" | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | OnePlus 9 has a wider sensor; S24 Ultra has wider pixel size. |
| Black & White | 2MP | None | OnePlus 9 has a dedicated B&W lens; offers unique monochrome photography. |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 8K@30fps with Stereo sound | S24 Ultra has stereo audio recording for better video sound capture, while OnePlus 9 does not have this. |
| DXOMark | N/A | Main: 144, Photo: 144, Video: 137 | S24 Ultra has a certified high camera quality. |
| Camera Features | Some Advanced | More Advanced | S24 Ultra has Optical Zoom, OIS; OnePlus 9 has Ultra Stable video, Manual Focus, RAW 12 bits. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 13) | Android 14 (up to 21) | S24 Ultra has a newer OS with more features and longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6E | S24 Ultra supports faster WiFi and less interference. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | S24 Ultra has a newer version with more features. |
| GPS | Standard + L1/L5 | Standard + L1/L5 + More Satellite Systems | S24 Ultra offers potentially more accurate positioning. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM/eSIM | S24 Ultra offers flexibility with eSIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 256/512/1024 GB | S24 Ultra offers significantly more storage options. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 12 GB | S24 Ultra has ample RAM for heavy usage. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports external storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers | OnePlus 9 offers Dolby Atmos for enhanced audio quality; S24 Ultra only has Stereo Speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both phones offer basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass Armor | S24 Ultra has more durable screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Standard | Standard + Barometer | S24 Ultra has an additional barometer sensor for environmental tracking. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Advantages:
- Lighter & More Compact: Easier to handle and carry for long periods.
- Faster Charging: 65W charging is noticeably faster than the S24 Ultra's 45W.
- Dolby Atmos: Enhanced audio quality for media consumption.
- Dedicated B&W Camera: Offers unique monochrome photography.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Advantages:
- Significantly Newer & More Powerful: More modern processor & GPU provide faster performance.
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, higher brightness, resulting in a much better viewing experience.
- Much Improved Camera System: Greater versatility with additional lenses and more advanced photo/video features.
- Longer Battery Life: Larger battery capacity allows for longer usage between charges.
- eSIM Support: Flexible network options.
- More Storage Options: Greater storage capacity for larger media collections.
- More Future-proof: Benefits from longer software and security updates.
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9: Offers a more compact and lightweight build with faster charging but compromises on camera and performance.
- Samsung S24 Ultra: Delivers significantly better performance and camera but is larger, heavier, and slower to charge.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize a lightweight phone for comfortable handling.
- Users who value fast charging and basic smartphone functionality.
- Those who appreciate Dolby Atmos for better audio.
- Users with a tighter budget who want good value.
- Users who like to take unique B&W photos.
Use Cases:
- Everyday communication, casual browsing, social media.
- Users who prioritize a comfortable feel in the hand.
- Basic photography needs.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Ideal User:
- Power users who require top-tier performance and multitasking.
- Photography enthusiasts who demand the best possible camera quality and versatility.
- Users who value a high-resolution, bright display for multimedia.
- Those who require long battery life for all-day use.
- Users who desire the latest and most advanced tech.
Use Cases:
- Professional photography/videography.
- Mobile gaming, heavy multitasking.
- Productivity and media consumption.
- Users who need a phone that lasts all day.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case (photography, gaming, general usage)?
- Do you prioritize portability and lightweight build, or performance and camera quality?
- How important is software support and future-proofing to you?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Casual User: If your usage is light and you prefer a more affordable and easier-to-handle phone, the OnePlus 9 is suitable.
- For the Photography Enthusiast: The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra's advanced camera system, including the multiple lenses, makes it far superior for high-quality photos and video.
- For the Power User: The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra's superior performance, larger battery, and brighter display make it ideal for heavy users needing the best experience.
- For the Budget-Conscious: The OnePlus 9 can be a good option if price is a big concern and camera performance is not a major requirement.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. My primary needs revolve around a device capable of demanding tasks such as photo and video editing on the go, extensive multitasking, and mobile gaming. The significant advantages in performance, display quality, and camera versatility of the S24 Ultra outweigh its heavier build and slightly slower charging. Additionally, I value the future-proofing offered by the newer software and longer support. The S24 Ultra would also have the potential to handle all my future tasks, making it a worthwhile investment in the long term. While the OnePlus 9 is an excellent phone in its own right, the performance jump and camera improvements of the S24 Ultra make it the better option for my personal usage.
