1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Samsung Galaxy A04 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161 × 74.1 × 8.4 mm | 164.4 × 76.3 × 9.1 mm | A04 is slightly larger and thicker, which might feel less comfortable in hand for some users. |
| Weight | 189g | 192g | Both are similar in weight, so negligible difference in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.5" | Virtually identical screen size; difference is negligible. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 720 x 1600 | OnePlus 9R offers a significantly sharper and clearer display, ideal for detailed content and media consumption. |
| PPI | 402 | 270 | OnePlus 9R's higher pixel density results in noticeably sharper text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | PLS LCD | OnePlus 9R has richer colors, deeper blacks and better viewing angles than the A04. AMOLED is also more power efficient with dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | OnePlus 9R provides much smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the overall user experience, especially during gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness which is unspecified. In practice this means we don't have enough data to say which is better in bright sunlight scenarios. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 (7nm) | MediaTek Helio P35 (12nm) | OnePlus 9R is significantly faster in app loading, gaming, and multitasking; the A04 will feel noticeably slower. |
| AnTuTu Score | 821,600 | 124,000 | OnePlus 9R's benchmark score indicates vastly superior real-world performance, future-proofing and better app performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | PowerVR GE8320 | OnePlus 9R offers a significantly better graphics performance for gaming and demanding tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 5000 mAh | Samsung A04 should provide slightly longer battery life on a single charge, though this depends on usage. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | Standard charging | OnePlus 9R charges much faster, reducing downtime, while the A04 has standard charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP f/1.7 | 50MP f/1.8 | OnePlus 9R might perform better in low light due to its wider aperture, while A04 has a slightly higher MP count, though this doesn't guarantee better image quality. |
| Front Camera | 16MP f/2.4 | 5MP f/2.2 | OnePlus 9R captures significantly more detailed selfies with better clarity and sharpness. |
| Wide Angle lens | 16MP f/2.2 | Not present | OnePlus 9R has a wide-angle camera which allows capturing more in the frame. The Samsung Galaxy A04 doesn't have a wide-angle lens. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP f/2.4 | Not present | OnePlus 9R has a macro lens camera, allowing for detailed close-up shots, while A04 lacks this feature. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps, HDR, EIS | 1080p@30fps | OnePlus 9R records higher resolution and more stabilized video compared to the A04. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, OIS, PDAF, RAW | Dual camera | OnePlus 9R offers more advanced photographic capabilities and greater control for photography enthusiasts, whereas the A04 is a more basic camera system. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 13) | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Both devices can upgrade to Android 13, the A04 is closer to the newer OS out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, Dual-band, MiMO | 802.11ac | OnePlus 9R has faster, more reliable Wi-Fi, especially on modern networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 with APT-x, LDAC, AAC | 5.0 | OnePlus 9R has a newer version of Bluetooth and supports higher quality audio codecs. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, GLONASS | OnePlus 9R offers better positioning accuracy with more satellite systems. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 32/64/128 GB | OnePlus 9R has larger storage options, which allow for more photos, videos and applications. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 3/4/6 GB | OnePlus 9R allows for smoother multitasking and better app performance with more RAM, less risk of running out during intensive tasks. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation | Basic audio | OnePlus 9R offers richer, more immersive audio experience for media consumption and clearer calls. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint | Basic security | OnePlus 9R has fingerprint sensor for biometric security. Samsung Galaxy A04 has basic security features and no fingerprint scanner. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Proximity, Accelerometer | OnePlus 9R has better sensor support for more advanced features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9R Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Significantly faster processor, more RAM, and better GPU result in smoother multitasking, gaming, and overall responsiveness.
- High-Quality Display: AMOLED screen with higher resolution, better pixel density, and a 120Hz refresh rate provides a far more immersive and visually appealing experience.
- Advanced Camera System: Better main camera aperture, higher-resolution selfie camera, plus wide-angle, macro lenses, OIS and 4k video recording give it an advantage in photo and video capabilities.
- Faster Charging: The 65W fast charging significantly reduces the time spent charging the phone.
- Enhanced Connectivity & Audio: Features like Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1 with advanced audio codecs, and Dolby Atmos provide a more modern and immersive experience.
- More Sensors: Includes fingerprint, compass and gyroscope, which enhance usability and gaming capabilities.
Samsung Galaxy A04 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: Offers slightly longer battery life due to its larger 5000mAh capacity.
- Newer OS out of the Box: Ships with a newer Android version.
- Affordability: Likely to be significantly more budget-friendly than the OnePlus 9R.
Trade-offs:
- The OnePlus 9R offers much better performance and features but likely comes at a higher price.
- The Samsung Galaxy A04 provides a more basic experience with a focus on essential functions and affordability.
- OnePlus 9R has a slightly smaller battery, but significantly faster charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9R Ideal User:
- Power User: Demands high performance for gaming, multitasking, and running demanding applications.
- Media Consumer: Values a high-quality display for watching videos and browsing content with smooth and fluid animations.
- Photography Enthusiast: Wants a versatile camera system with good quality for various scenarios.
- Tech Savvy: Appreciates the latest connectivity features and a more premium experience.
- Users wanting to future-proof: Want a phone that will continue to be fast and usable for the next couple of years.
Use Cases:
- Gaming with high graphics settings and smooth frame rates.
- Editing photos and videos.
- Watching high-resolution movies and TV shows.
- Heavy multitasking between multiple apps and tabs.
Samsung Galaxy A04 Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious User: Prioritizes affordability above all else.
- Basic User: Needs a phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, social media, and browsing the web.
- Users with less tech know-how: Might appreciate the simplicity of the A04.
- Long Battery Life Preference: Wants a phone that can last a full day on a single charge.
- Users that do not use the phone for gaming or resource-intensive tasks.
Use Cases:
- Making calls and sending texts.
- Basic social media browsing.
- Web browsing and email.
- Light usage that doesn't require high performance.
- Users who value long battery life.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The OnePlus 9R offers exceptional performance for its price point, however, it will be higher than the A04. It has many premium features.
- The Samsung Galaxy A04 is a good option for those looking for the lowest cost of entry, but is definitely not high value for the specs.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The A04 is the better choice if affordability is your primary concern.
- How important is performance and display quality to you? If you value a fluid experience, higher display quality and high gaming performance, the OnePlus 9R is the far better option.
- What are your primary use cases for the phone? For basic tasks, the A04 will work, for all resource-intensive tasks, the OnePlus is the better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming & Media: If you play games and watch media on the go, you should choose the OnePlus 9R. The higher performance and the high-quality display will enhance your entertainment experiences greatly.
- Scenario 2: Budget Conscious: If you only have a specific, low budget, then choose the Samsung Galaxy A04. It's designed for essential smartphone tasks and is much more budget-friendly.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: If you take many photos and videos then you should choose the OnePlus 9R, with its higher-resolution cameras, versatile lens and image quality options, this is the better choice.
- Scenario 4: Basic User: If you only use your phone for very basic tasks, the Samsung Galaxy A04 will be sufficient for your needs. You won't need the advanced features of the OnePlus 9R, and the battery life will be an advantage.
What I would choose and why!
Given my preference for performance, display quality, and camera capabilities, I would choose the OnePlus 9R. While the Samsung Galaxy A04 is more affordable and has a larger battery, the OnePlus 9R offers a significantly better overall experience. I value the smoother animations due to its 120Hz display, its superior gaming performance, and the advanced camera features. The fast charging is also a major benefit that will help me avoid downtime with the phone. While the A04 offers basic functionality, it feels like a compromise on core features that I prioritize in a smartphone, such as a high-quality display, good camera, and fast performance.
