1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Samsung Galaxy A55 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161 × 74.1 × 8.4 mm | 161.1 × 77.4 × 8.2 mm | A55 is slightly wider, 9R slightly thicker; A55 might feel less comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 189g | 213g | 9R is noticeably lighter, better for extended use without fatigue. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.6" | Negligible difference; both offer ample screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Very similar; no visible difference in sharpness for most users. |
| PPI | 402 | 390 | Near identical pixel density; both display sharp images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Note: Peak brightness is not available, making comparison difficult. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 (7 nm) | Exynos 1480 (4 nm) | Snapdragon 870 offers strong and stable performance, while the Exynos 1480 is more efficient; Both will handle daily tasks well. |
| AnTuTu Score | 821,600 | 713,393 | 9R shows better benchmark performance but might not be noticeable for typical use, unless heavy gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Xclipse 530 | Adreno 650 is generally considered a superior gaming GPU; 9R might offer a smoother gaming experience. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | A55 has a larger battery, likely providing longer battery life. |
| Charging | 65W fast charging, Li-Polymer | 25W fast charging, Li-Ion | 9R charges significantly faster, useful for quickly topping up. A55 will take longer. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 1/2" Sensor | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" Sensor | A55 has a larger sensor and slightly higher resolution; resulting in potentially better low-light and image detail. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" Sensor | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" Sensor | A55 has higher resolution and a wider aperture for potentially better selfies, especially in low light. |
| Wide Angle | 16MP, f/2.2, 1/3.09" Sensor | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" Sensor | 9R has slightly higher resolution and a similar sensor size; but differences are likely minimal. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 2MP | Not available | 9R provides a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. A55 uses software for depth effects. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP | 5MP | Both have similar macro lens capabilities. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps, HDR, EIS | Up to 4K@30fps, EIS | 9R offers higher frame rate video recording capabilities, resulting in smoother video, while A55 has standard 4K@30fps. |
| DxoMark | N/A | Mobile: 108 | A55 has a DxOMark score; providing a quantifiable measure of camera performance. 9R has not been officially tested by DxOMark. |
| Camera Features | Quad camera, OIS, PDAF, Manual Focus, RAW | Triple camera, OIS, AI Engine, RAW 12 bits | 9R offers manual focus; A55 includes AI engine enhancements for better image processing. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (max 13) | Android 14 (max 18) | A55 has a newer OS, longer software support and newer features. 9R will be nearing end of software updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both support the latest WiFi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | A55 offers more stable connections and new features. |
| GPS | L1+L5 bands, more systems | Basic GPS | 9R offers better accuracy in GPS location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM/eSIM | A55 supports eSIM providing digital carrier switching flexibility. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 128/256GB | Both offer the same storage options. |
| RAM | 8/12GB | 8/12GB | Both offer sufficient RAM for smooth multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo, Noise cancellation | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo | 9R has noise cancellation for better voice clarity during calls. A55 supports Hi-Res Audio for higher fidelity playback. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic biometric authentication on both. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | A55 has better screen protection. |
| Sensors | Proximity | Barometer, Ultrasonic Proximity | A55 has more comprehensive sensor suite. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9R Advantages:
- Lighter Design: Significantly lighter (24g difference), making it more comfortable for long-term use.
- Faster Charging: 65W charging allows for much quicker battery top-ups.
- Stronger Performance: Snapdragon 870 chipset and Adreno 650 GPU provide superior performance and gaming.
- More GPS Bands: Better GPS accuracy due to supporting more bands.
- Dedicated depth sensor: better depth effect for portrait mode photos.
- Higher Video Frame rate: 4K@60fps compared to 4K@30fps on the A55.
Samsung Galaxy A55 Advantages:
- Newer OS: Android 14 and more extended software support.
- Better screen protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides superior durability.
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery offers potentially longer battery life.
- Better Camera Sensors: Larger main and selfie camera sensors for better image quality.
- Better Bluetooth Version: 5.3 compared to 5.1 in the 9R, offers better connection stability and more features.
- eSIM support: Dual SIM + eSIM offers flexibility for using multiple lines.
- Hi-Res Audio Support: Enhanced audio fidelity for audiophiles.
- Barometer: For accurate altitude tracking.
Trade-offs:
- The OnePlus 9R prioritizes performance and speed, at the cost of battery life and camera quality.
- The Samsung Galaxy A55 prioritizes better overall camera performance, battery life and software longevity, but at the cost of raw speed.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9R Ideal User:
- Gamers: Prioritize smooth performance and fast charging for gaming sessions.
- Power Users: Value quick app loading and multitasking.
- Users needing quick top-ups: Faster charging is very useful to quickly top-up the phone.
- GPS users: Better GPS accuracy for navigation and tracking.
- Price-sensitive buyers: Good performance at a lower price
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming with demanding titles.
- Heavy app usage and multitasking.
- Frequent travel where quick charging is beneficial.
- Outdoor navigation
Samsung Galaxy A55 Ideal User:
- Casual Photographers: Value better overall camera performance for everyday use.
- Users Prioritizing Battery: Need longer battery life for full-day usage.
- Users valuing software longevity: Longer software updates for enhanced security.
- eSIM users: Need a flexible secondary line or international travel.
- Audiophiles: Desire better audio fidelity and listening experience.
Use Cases:
- Daily photography and social media content.
- Longer periods away from a charger.
- Users who prefer Samsung ecosystem and experience
- International travelers needing eSIM support
Price-to-Value:
- The OnePlus 9R offers good value for its performance, while the Samsung Galaxy A55 is better for those valuing camera and battery. The prices of used 9R phones will be quite competitive now due to its age.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize gaming and performance or camera quality and battery life? (9R excels at performance, A55 at camera and battery)
- Do you prefer a lighter phone or more software support and security? (9R is lighter; A55 offers more software updates and screen protection)
- Do you need fast charging or better audio fidelity? (9R offers faster charging, A55 offers hi-res audio).
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Gamer: Choose the OnePlus 9R for its superior gaming performance and fast charging.
- Scenario 2: Social Media Enthusiast: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A55 for its better camera quality and updated OS.
- Scenario 3: Frequent Traveler: The Samsung Galaxy A55 offers a larger battery, eSIM support, but the OnePlus 9R has better GPS and fast charging.
- Scenario 4: Budget buyer: The OnePlus 9R will likely be cheaper as a used device with a good performance to price ratio, but the A55 will be a better choice if you are buying a new device.
My Choice and Why
If I had to choose, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy A55. While the OnePlus 9R offers more raw performance and faster charging, the A55 provides a more well-rounded experience that better aligns with my typical smartphone use. My priority is good camera quality for everyday use, and the Samsung's larger sensors, 32MP selfie camera, and its comprehensive list of camera features will provide higher quality images than the 9R. Additionally, the larger battery capacity and longer software support are important to me for longevity. Although the 9R has faster charging, the 25W on the A55 is adequate, and its large battery should offset the charging speed. The slightly heavier feel of the A55 is not an issue for me, and the other upgrades on the A55 outweigh the benefits of the 9R's light weight. For these reasons, the A55 is the better option for my needs.
