Smartphone Comparison: OnePlus 9R vs. Samsung Galaxy A33 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Samsung Galaxy A33 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161 x 74.1 x 8.4 mm | 159.7 x 74 x 8.1 mm | OnePlus 9R is slightly taller and thicker; both are similarly sized. |
| Weight | 189g | 186g | Both feel very similar in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.4" | OnePlus 9R offers a slightly larger viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both offer sharp, detailed visuals; pixel density is nearly identical. |
| PPI | 402 | 411 | Very similar sharpness; no noticeable difference in daily use. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | OnePlus 9R provides smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is not specified, which limits the analysis on outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Exynos 1280 (5 nm) | OnePlus 9R's chip offers significantly faster processing and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 821,600 | 475,448 | OnePlus 9R is much faster in app loading, multitasking, and intensive tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G68 | OnePlus 9R's GPU provides superior graphics performance, beneficial for gaming and graphics-intensive apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Rear Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 1/2", Sony IMX586 | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/2", Sony IMX582 | OnePlus 9R may perform slightly better in low-light due to its wider aperture; both have comparable image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", Sony IMX471 | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06", Sony IMX258 | Samsung A33 captures brighter selfies in low-light. OnePlus 9R has a higher megapixel count. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 16MP, f/2.2, 1/3.09", Sony IMX481 | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", Sony IMX355 | OnePlus 9R has a higher resolution wide-angle lens but Samsung has larger sensor. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both offer similar depth-sensing capabilities. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 5MP, f/2.4, 1/5", GalaxyCore GC5035 | Both capture similar quality macro photos. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps, EIS | Up to 4K@30fps | OnePlus 9R offers slightly smoother and higher-framerate video recording |
| DxOMark | Not Available | Mobile: 85, Photo: 91, Video: 80 | Samsung A33 has a tested camera score with overall good performance, especially in photos. |
| Features | 4K Video, OIS, RAW, Manual focus | 4K Video, OIS | OnePlus 9R offers more control with manual focus and RAW capture. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Samsung A33 should last longer on a single charge. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | OnePlus 9R charges much faster. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Non-removable | Samsung A33's bypass charging extends battery life during gaming. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (Up to 13) | Android 12 (Up to 16) | Samsung A33 gets newer software and longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, MIMO | Wi-Fi 5 | OnePlus 9R offers faster and more efficient Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1, LE, aptX, LDAC, AAC | 5.1, various profiles, aptX, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Samsung has a wider range of Bluetooth profiles. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, QZSS, Galileo | OnePlus 9R provides more accurate location data. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer the same storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 6GB/8GB | OnePlus 9R offers more RAM for better multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise Cancellation, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | OnePlus 9R offers slightly better sound, especially in calls. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Both provide basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Samsung A33 offers known screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Geomagnetic, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Samsung A33 offers a more comprehensive sensor suite. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9R Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 870 chipset offers significantly better CPU and GPU performance, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming.
- Faster Charging: 65W fast charging significantly reduces charging times.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate provides a more fluid user experience.
- Better Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6 and MIMO support provide faster speeds and more reliable connections.
- Better Audio: Noise cancellation microphone enhances call quality and audio recording.
- More RAM: 12GB options provide more headroom for running multiple apps or demanding software.
Samsung Galaxy A33 5G Advantages:
- Longer Battery Life: Larger battery capacity provides better battery endurance.
- Newer Software & Updates: Ships with a more recent version of Android and will likely receive longer software support.
- Bypass Charging: Can charge and play simultaneously with less battery heat.
- Tested Camera: DxOMark score means that the camera has been extensively tested and is of a relatively high quality.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 provides a level of screen durability not specified for the OnePlus 9R.
- More Comprehensive Sensor Suite: Offers a wide range of sensors for gaming and smart applications.
- Wider Bluetooth Profile Support: Offers extensive bluetooth options.
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9R sacrifices battery life for faster performance and charging.
- Samsung A33 sacrifices performance and charging speed for longer battery life and newer software.
- OnePlus 9R has an unknown screen protection versus the known Gorilla Glass 5 protection of the Samsung A33.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9R Ideal User:
- Gamers: The powerful chipset and 120Hz display make it ideal for demanding mobile games.
- Power Users: Those who multitask heavily and need fast performance for demanding applications.
- Users Prioritizing Speed: Users who value fast charging and overall snappiness.
- Users who value call and audio recording quality: Those who need high quality audio and noise cancellation.
Use Cases:
- Playing graphically intensive mobile games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile.
- Video editing or content creation on-the-go.
- Running multiple apps simultaneously without lag.
- Quickly charging the phone for short bursts of use.
Samsung Galaxy A33 5G Ideal User:
- Casual Users: Those who prioritize battery life and software updates over raw performance.
- Media Consumers: Users who watch videos and stream content frequently.
- Users Seeking Value: Those who want a reliable phone with a good camera and long battery life.
- Users who prefer a comprehensive sensor suite: Those who want a phone for smart applications and gaming.
- Users who prefer tested performance: Those who want a phone with an extensively tested camera system.
Use Cases:
- Watching movies and TV shows on the go.
- Casual gaming and social media browsing.
- Using the phone for a full day without needing to recharge.
- Taking photos and videos for memories and social media sharing.
- Using advanced bluetooth options.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance vs. Battery Life: Do you prioritize the fastest performance for gaming and multitasking, or do you prefer longer battery life throughout the day?
- Software & Updates: Is having the latest Android version and longer software support important to you?
- Display Smoothness vs. Screen Protection: Is a smoother refresh rate more important than having known screen protection?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy Gamer: If you are a heavy mobile gamer, choose the OnePlus 9R for its superior performance and 120Hz display.
- Scenario 2: All-Day Battery: If you need a phone that lasts a full day with moderate use, the Samsung Galaxy A33 5G is a better choice.
- Scenario 3: Performance on a Budget: If you want strong performance but also value battery, consider the OnePlus 9R, but be aware of the reduced battery capacity.
- Scenario 4: Long-term reliability: If you want a phone that is guaranteed to work well for a long time, consider the Samsung A33 which has a known screen protection and has a superior software support.
My Choice
I would choose the OnePlus 9R. While the Samsung Galaxy A33 5G offers a larger battery, newer software, and better known screen protection, the performance difference is too significant to ignore. As a user who tends to multitask, play demanding mobile games and edit videos on the go, the OnePlus 9R provides the power needed. The 65W charging negates the battery difference to some extent. Although the screen protection is unknown, a case and screen protector can mitigate this. In short, the superior performance and smoother display of the OnePlus 9R would fit my use case better.
