1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Samsung Galaxy A05s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161 × 74.1 × 8.4 mm, 189g | 168 × 77.8 × 8.8 mm, 194g | OnePlus 9R is more compact and lighter, better for one-handed use, while the A05s is larger and may feel heavier. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.7" | A05s offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same level of sharpness, suitable for most everyday tasks and media. |
| PPI | 402 | 393 | Negligible difference in pixel density, perceived sharpness will be similar. |
| Technology | AMOLED | PLS LCD | OnePlus 9R provides more vibrant colors, deeper blacks, better contrast, and superior viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | OnePlus 9R offers smoother animations and scrolling, making the user interface and games feel more fluid. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness values not specified. Cannot make a comparison regarding outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 5G (7nm) | Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm) | OnePlus 9R has a significantly more powerful processor, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 821,600 | 260,000 | OnePlus 9R is much faster, suitable for demanding tasks and heavy users. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 610 | OnePlus 9R has a much more powerful GPU, resulting in better graphics performance, especially for gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Samsung A05s is expected to offer better battery life due to its larger capacity. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | OnePlus 9R charges much faster, reducing downtime significantly. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, Sony IMX586 | 50MP, f/1.8 | OnePlus 9R has a wider aperture for better low light performance, while A05s has slightly higher megapixel count. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, Sony IMX471 | 13MP, f/2.0 | OnePlus 9R has higher megapixel count, while A05s has a wider aperture for better low light selfies. |
| Wide Angle | 16MP, f/2.2, Sony IMX481 | Not Available | OnePlus 9R offers a dedicated wide-angle lens for more versatile shooting. |
| Portrait Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both phones offer similar depth sensors for portrait mode. |
| Macro Camera | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | OnePlus 9R offers higher resolution macro shots. |
| Video | 4K@60fps, EIS, HDR | 1080p@60fps | OnePlus 9R is capable of recording higher quality video with stabilization and HDR. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradeable to 13) | Android 13 | Samsung Galaxy A05s ships with a newer OS. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 5 | OnePlus 9R supports the latest standard with faster speeds and better performance on compatible networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 with AptX, LDAC | 5.1 | OnePlus 9R has better audio codec support for higher fidelity Bluetooth audio. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 64/128GB | OnePlus 9R has more storage space for apps, photos, videos. |
| RAM | 8/12GB | 4/6GB | OnePlus 9R offers better multitasking and app loading performance due to more RAM. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, limiting storage potential. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | OnePlus 9R has significantly better audio output with stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos support. |
| Security | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Samsung A05s offers a more ergonomically convenient fingerprint sensor |
| Sensors | Gyroscope, Compass | No Gyroscope, No Compass | OnePlus 9R is equipped with a comprehensive set of sensors, supporting more diverse applications and gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9R Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 870 chip provides significantly faster processing, better for gaming and multitasking, future-proofing the device.
- Better Display: AMOLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate offers superior visual quality, smooth animations and a more enjoyable viewing experience.
- Advanced Camera System: Includes a wide-angle lens and more features like OIS, 4K 60fps video with HDR, and generally higher quality sensors offering greater versatility and better results.
- Faster Charging: 65W charging drastically reduces charging times compared to the 25W of the A05s.
- Better Audio Experience: Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos provides superior sound quality for music, video, and games.
- More RAM and Storage: The 9R comes with more base storage and RAM for better multitasking and app management.
- More Advanced Sensors: Includes a gyroscope and compass.
- Better Connectivity: WiFi 6 and advanced Bluetooth audio codecs.
Samsung Galaxy A05s Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery offers potentially longer battery life.
- Newer OS out of the box: Android 13 compared to Android 10
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Offers a more convenient and ergonomic unlocking experience.
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9R sacrifices battery capacity and is older.
- Samsung A05s sacrifices performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and audio fidelity for battery and price.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9R Ideal Users:
- Gamers: The powerful processor and GPU, paired with a 120Hz AMOLED display, make it excellent for mobile gaming.
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Those who frequently consume videos, movies and music will appreciate the high-quality display and audio.
- Power Users: Individuals who require fast performance for multitasking, demanding applications and need good quality photos and videos.
- Users Prioritizing performance over battery life: For those who prefer to sacrifice a bit of battery life for a more snappy phone.
- Users who prioritize camera quality and video recording The 9R has much better video and picture capabilities
Samsung Galaxy A05s Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those seeking an affordable smartphone with decent battery life.
- Light Users: Individuals who primarily use their phone for basic tasks like calls, texting, and social media.
- Users Prioritizing Battery Life: Individuals who value long battery life over other features.
- Users who are fine with basic camera performance The A05s has a passable camera for daily shots.
Use Cases:
- OnePlus 9R: Playing graphics-intensive games like Genshin Impact, editing photos and videos on the go, enjoying high-definition movies.
- Samsung Galaxy A05s: Browsing social media, making calls, sending texts, listening to podcasts, and general web browsing.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my primary use case for this phone? (Gaming, media consumption, basic communication, etc.)
- How important is performance vs. battery life? (Do you prioritize speed and smooth performance, or extended battery duration?)
- What is my budget limit and which features am I not willing to compromise on?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High-Performance User (e.g., Gamer): If you are a gamer who needs high-end performance, the OnePlus 9R is the clear choice. It has a superior processor, GPU, display, and fast charging that will better meet the needs of gamers.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious, Battery-Focused User: If you prioritize long battery life and are on a tight budget, the Samsung Galaxy A05s may be more suitable. While it lacks high performance and advanced features, it will last longer between charges and be more affordable.
- Scenario 3: Multimedia Enthusiast: For a user who primarily enjoys media consumption and content creation, the OnePlus 9R is much better with the high refresh rate display, stereo speakers, high quality cameras, and better video recording capabilities.
- Scenario 4: General User: For the average user who does not need high-end performance, it really comes down to how much they prioritize camera and display, with the 9R excelling, but if they are willing to compromise these aspects, they may save money with the A05s.
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the OnePlus 9R.
Here's why:
- Performance Matters: I value smooth performance for multitasking and gaming. The Snapdragon 870 in the OnePlus 9R is significantly more powerful, and better suited for this. The 9R scores more than 3 times more on AnTuTu benchmark than the A05s.
- Display Quality: The AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate in the OnePlus 9R provides a much more enjoyable and immersive viewing experience.
- Camera Capabilities: The wide angle lens, higher resolution sensors, and 4K 60fps video recording are essential for me as I use my camera quite a lot.
- Fast Charging: The faster 65W charging is a key factor for quickly topping up my battery, whereas I would have to wait much longer on the A05s.
- Audio Experience: The inclusion of stereo speakers makes for a much more immersive and pleasant experience while watching videos or listening to music, an advantage over the basic audio features on the Samsung.
While the Samsung Galaxy A05s has a larger battery, the performance and other features of the OnePlus 9R are more important to my needs, making the 9R the preferred option. The 9R is also a more future proof phone. The Samsung A05s is a good budget phone, but falls way short in comparison.
