Smartphone Comparison: OnePlus 9R vs. Samsung Galaxy M33
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the OnePlus 9R and Samsung Galaxy M33, focusing on the practical implications of their specifications:
Design & Build
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Samsung Galaxy M33 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 161 x 74.1 x 8.4 mm | 165.4 x 76.9 x 9.4 mm | The M33 is larger and thicker, potentially making it less comfortable for smaller hands. 9R is more pocketable and ergonomic. |
| Weight | 189g | 198g | The 9R is slightly lighter, which might be noticeable during extended use and make it more comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Build Quality | Screen: Unknown | Screen: Gorilla Glass 5 | The M33 offers better screen protection against scratches and minor impacts. The OnePlus 9R's screen protection is unknown, which is a downside. |
Display
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Samsung Galaxy M33 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.55" | 6.6" | Negligible difference in screen size; both will offer similar screen real estate for media consumption and web browsing. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2408 | Near-identical resolution and pixel density; both screens will display sharp text and images. |
| Panel Tech | AMOLED | TFT LCD | The 9R's AMOLED display offers far superior contrast, deeper blacks, and richer colours, and better viewing angles compared to the M33's TFT LCD, making it better for media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both phones offer smooth scrolling and animations. This makes the user experience more fluid and is great for gaming and fast-paced content. |
| Peak Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is not specified, so we cannot compare this metric. |
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Samsung Galaxy M33 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 (7 nm) | Exynos 1280 (5 nm) | The 9R’s Snapdragon 870 is significantly more powerful, offering better performance in demanding tasks such as gaming and heavy multitasking, The M33 is fine for day to day use, but less performant. |
| AnTuTu Score | 821,600 | 475,448 | The 9R's higher AnTuTu score translates to smoother, faster performance, especially in graphically intensive apps and games. The M33 will feel noticeably slower. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G68 | The Adreno 650 on the 9R is significantly more powerful for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks compared to the Mali-G68 on the M33. This means smoother gameplay and better graphics for the 9R. |
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Samsung Galaxy M33 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 1/2", Sony IMX586, 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8 | The 9R's larger sensor and wider aperture should result in better low-light performance and a more detailed image. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", Sony IMX471, 1.0µm | 8MP, f/2.2 | The 9R captures more detailed selfies with its higher-resolution sensor and larger pixel size. The Samsung Galaxy M33 has wider aperture, which is beneficial for low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 16MP, f/2.2, 1/3.09", Sony IMX481, 1.0µm | 5MP, f/2.2 | The 9R's higher resolution wide-angle camera captures more detailed and clear wide-angle shots, useful for landscapes and group photos. The M33 will produce lower quality images in comparison. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both have the same depth sensor capabilities for bokeh effect. |
| Macro Camera | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | The 9R’s higher resolution macro camera captures more detailed close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30/60fps with HDR, EIS, 1080p@30/60/240fps with HDR, EIS; 240fps Slow-mo | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps; 240fps Slow-mo | Both record 4K video. The 9R offers more versatile video recording options with higher framerates at 1080p and better video stabilization using EIS. |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Quadruple camera, Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | The OnePlus 9R has additional features: Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Manual focus, RAW that are helpful for better image quality |
Battery
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Samsung Galaxy M33 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | The M33's larger battery provides longer battery life, potentially lasting a full day or more with moderate usage. |
| Charging | 65W Fast | 25W Fast | The 9R's 65W charging is significantly faster, allowing you to quickly top up the battery, while the M33 will take much longer to charge. |
| Charger Included | Included | Not Included | The M33 does not include a charger in the box. This adds to the overall cost and inconvenience of using the device. |
Software & Connectivity
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Samsung Galaxy M33 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 10 (Upgradable to 13) | Android 12 | The M33 ships with a newer version of Android, which is beneficial, but the 9R can be updated to 13. |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Wi-Fi 6, MIMO | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | The 9R supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard for faster and more efficient wireless internet connectivity. MIMO enables better performance in crowded Wi-Fi networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 (A2DP, LE, APT-x, LDAC, AAC) | 5.0 (A2DP, LE) | The 9R has a newer Bluetooth version with support for higher quality audio codecs like APT-x, LDAC, and AAC, which are beneficial for wireless audio quality. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | The 9R has wider support for GPS systems that should allow for more accurate and reliable location tracking even in areas with limited satellite coverage. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both offer dual sim functionality. |
| Storage (Internal) | 128 GB or 256GB | 128GB | The 9R has a greater storage capacity, with a 256GB option. |
| RAM | 8 GB or 12GB | 6 GB or 8 GB | The 9R has options for more RAM that will enable smoother multi-tasking, especially when gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers the option to expand storage, which may be a constraint for users with large media libraries. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | The 9R provides a better audio experience due to its Dolby Atmos support and stereo speakers. |
| Security | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | The M33's side-mounted sensor tends to be more reliable and convenient. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Both phones offer standard sensor arrays, but the 9R has a dedicated proximity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9R Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 870 chipset provides significantly higher performance for gaming and demanding tasks.
- Better Display: The AMOLED display offers far superior visual quality with vibrant colors and deep blacks.
- Faster Charging: The 65W fast charging is much faster than the M33's 25W charging.
- Better Cameras: Higher resolution and better sensors across the board, especially for wide-angle and selfie cameras.
- Better Audio: Dolby Atmos support, a noise cancellation microphone, and stereo speakers improve the overall audio experience.
- Better Wireless Connectivity: The 9R features newer and more advanced Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technologies.
Samsung Galaxy M33 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 5000 mAh battery offers potentially longer battery life.
- Newer Software: Ships with a newer version of Android.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 offers superior protection.
- More Advanced Fingerprint Sensor: More reliable and conveniently located on the side.
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9R: Sacrifices some battery capacity for significantly better performance and charging speeds and lacks dedicated screen protection.
- Samsung Galaxy M33: Sacrifices performance and display quality for battery life.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9R is Ideal For:
- Gamers: The powerful Snapdragon 870 and Adreno 650 GPU provide a smoother gaming experience.
- Media Consumers: The AMOLED display offers a visually immersive experience for watching videos and movies.
- Power Users: Those who multitask heavily and require fast performance.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want higher quality photos.
- Users who value speed: The faster charging and more powerful processor.
Use Cases:
- Playing graphically intensive games with high refresh rates.
- Watching high-resolution movies and videos with vibrant colors.
- Running multiple demanding apps simultaneously without performance issues.
- Quickly charging the phone during busy schedules.
Samsung Galaxy M33 is Ideal For:
- Budget-conscious users: Those seeking a balance between basic functionality and battery life.
- Users prioritizing battery life: Those who need a phone that can last a full day without charging.
- Casual Users: Those who primarily use their phone for basic tasks such as browsing and social media.
Use Cases:
- Basic everyday use, such as web browsing and social media.
- Extended usage without frequent charging.
- Users looking for a cheaper alternative that still has 5G.
Price-to-Value Ratio: The OnePlus 9R offers better value for users who prioritize performance, display quality and camera capabilities. The Samsung Galaxy M33 offers better value for users who value battery life at a lower price point.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my primary use case? (Gaming, media consumption, or basic everyday use)
- How important is battery life versus performance? (Do you need a phone that lasts a long time, or is speed more important?)
- What is my budget? (The Samsung M33 is the more budget-friendly option).
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming & Performance Enthusiast - Choose the OnePlus 9R. The superior chipset, GPU and faster charging are ideal for this use case.
- Scenario 2: Battery Life Prioritized - Choose the Samsung Galaxy M33. The larger battery provides longer runtime, and that is most important in this scenario.
- Scenario 3: Budget Conscious - Choose the Samsung Galaxy M33. The M33 is a more affordable device.
- Scenario 4: User who wants a good all-around phone - Choose the OnePlus 9R. It wins in most categories of comparison except battery life and screen protection.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the OnePlus 9R. While the Samsung Galaxy M33 has a larger battery and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, the OnePlus 9R wins in almost all other important areas of comparison. The Snapdragon 870 is a significantly more powerful chip than the Exynos 1280, leading to a much more enjoyable and responsive user experience. The AMOLED display of the 9R is superior to the LCD of the M33 and is much better for media consumption. The OnePlus 9R also features better camera hardware that allows for higher quality photos. The faster charging capability is also a strong plus and the enhanced audio features are a welcome addition. Given that battery life is not my biggest priority, the 9R, with its vastly superior performance and other benefits, is the clear winner in my book.
