1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Samsung Galaxy A34 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161 × 74.1 × 8.4 mm | 161.3 × 78.1 × 8.2 mm | OnePlus 9R is slightly narrower (easier for single-hand use), Samsung A34 is slightly thinner. |
| Weight | 189g | 199g | OnePlus 9R is lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.6" | Very similar screen size, negligible difference in daily use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both offer a sharp display, slight difference is unnoticeable. |
| Pixel Density | 402 PPI | 390 PPI | Virtually identical sharpness, no noticeable difference to the human eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Identical vibrant colors and deep blacks |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations in daily use and gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness at 0 nits, making it difficult to compare their display brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6 nm) | OnePlus 9R's chip provides significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 821,600 | 532,300 | OnePlus 9R has much higher benchmark performance, indicating faster real-world usage. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G68 MC4 | OnePlus 9R’s GPU is more powerful, offering better graphics in demanding games. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7 | 48MP, f/1.8 | OnePlus 9R's wider aperture allows slightly more light, potentially better in low-light. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4 | 13MP, f/2.2 | OnePlus 9R has a higher resolution, Samsung has a slightly wider aperture and larger pixels for potentially better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle | 16MP, f/2.2 | 5MP, f/2.2 | OnePlus 9R captures much more detail in wide-angle shots. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | 5MP, f/2.4 | Samsung A34 has higher resolution for depth information. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | OnePlus 9R offers dedicated macro photography. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K 60fps | Up to 4K 30fps | OnePlus 9R records 4K video at 60fps for smoother videos. |
| DxOMark | Not Available | Main:92, Photo:99, Video:78 | Samsung Galaxy A34 has been tested for the main camera and provides good results |
| Features | Quad Camera, PDAF, RAW | Triple camera, Ultra stable video, Continuous autofocus, Night Mode | Each phone has its own features, OnePlus 9R offers more flexibility for advanced users, Samsung A34 offers convenience. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Samsung Galaxy A34 is expected to last longer on a single charge. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | OnePlus 9R charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 13) | Android 13 (upgradable to 17) | Samsung Galaxy A34 has a newer OS version out of the box and will receive more updates, offering newer features and improved security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | OnePlus 9R supports faster, more efficient Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | Samsung A34 offers better connectivity and efficiency. |
| GPS | L1+L5 | L1 | OnePlus 9R provides more accurate location tracking with dual-band GPS. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Same storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 6GB/8GB | OnePlus 9R offers more RAM, improving multitasking capabilities. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | OnePlus 9R offers clearer calls and better sound. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic biometric security on both. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual, Hall, Geomagnetic | OnePlus 9R has a physical proximity sensor, Samsung A34 has more sensors overall. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9R Advantages:
- Significantly More Powerful Performance: The Snapdragon 870 chipset and Adreno 650 GPU lead to much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming experiences.
- Faster Charging: 65W charging is significantly faster than Samsung's 25W, reducing downtime.
- Superior Wide-Angle Camera: Higher resolution sensor captures significantly more detail in wide-angle shots.
- Dedicated Macro Lens: Offers additional photography flexibility.
- Better Audio: Noise-canceling microphone provides clearer calls, and additional audio codecs and spatial audio support.
- More RAM: Up to 12GB, ensuring smoother multitasking.
- More Accurate GPS: Dual-band GPS for improved navigation accuracy.
Samsung Galaxy A34 Advantages:
- Newer Operating System: Ships with Android 13, guaranteeing more software updates and features.
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery offers better battery life.
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.3 for better connectivity and efficiency.
- Better Selfies wider aperture and larger pixels for better low-light selfies
- Ultra stable video For enhanced video stabilization.
- Night Mode For superior low-light performance
- More comprehensive sensor suite For advanced functionality.
- Better Camera DXOMark scores
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9R: Slightly older OS, no expandable storage, inferior main camera in low-light.
- Samsung Galaxy A34: Noticeably slower processor, slower charging, lower resolution wide-angle camera, less RAM.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9R Ideal User:
- Gamers: The powerful processor and GPU provide a superior gaming experience.
- Power Users: Those who multitask heavily, switch between demanding apps, and prioritize speed.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value wide-angle photography and macro photography.
- Users Who Prioritize Fast Charging: Those who need a phone that charges quickly.
Users needing dual GPS: users who need accurate tracking and navigation.
Use Cases: Heavy gaming, video editing, fast app switching, extensive photo editing, and long trips with frequent GPS usage.
Samsung Galaxy A34 Ideal User:
- General users: Those who want a reliable phone with a good screen, good battery life and a good camera.
- Users on a Budget: Those looking for a balanced phone with good value for money.
- Users who prioritize long battery life: those who need a phone that can last through a full day of usage.
- Users who want latest OS: Those who want the latest Android features and updates.
Users who value camera performance: those who need quality main camera for daylight pictures.
Use Cases: Everyday use, social media, browsing, casual gaming, capturing memories in good lighting conditions, and long days without frequent charging.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize performance or battery life? If performance, OnePlus 9R is better; if battery life, then Samsung Galaxy A34 is the better choice.
- How important are camera capabilities for you? If you are looking for advanced features and versatility, the OnePlus 9R is better, if you want an easy-to-use camera, the Samsung Galaxy A34 is better.
- Do you need the latest Android OS or faster charging? If you want a newer OS with more updates, choose the Samsung A34. If you want much faster charging, then OnePlus 9R is better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming Enthusiast
- Recommendation: OnePlus 9R. The Snapdragon 870 and Adreno 650 will provide a far superior gaming experience.
- Scenario 2: Everyday User with Long Days
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A34. The larger battery will be more beneficial for long days without frequent charging.
- Scenario 3: Casual Photographer
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A34 is the better choice as it offers a better main camera quality
- Scenario 4: Multitasking Power User
- Recommendation: OnePlus 9R. The superior processor and RAM make it better for handling multiple applications.
- Scenario 5: User Who Values Quick Top-ups
- Recommendation: OnePlus 9R. Its 65W charging is significantly faster for a quick recharge.
My Choice
I would choose the OnePlus 9R. While the Samsung Galaxy A34 offers a newer OS, slightly better battery life, and a better main camera, the performance difference is significant for me. The OnePlus 9R's Snapdragon 870 chipset, superior GPU, and much faster charging make it a better choice for my usage patterns, which include demanding applications, and occasional mobile gaming. I also like that it has better GPS and a better wide-angle lens which I find useful in specific scenarios. While the battery of the Galaxy A34 is enticing, I don't mind charging my phone more often if it means getting much better performance. Although both phones lack expandable storage, the base storage will be enough for my use cases. Overall the OnePlus 9R wins for me based on its overall superior performance.
