Smartphone Comparison: OnePlus 9R vs. Samsung Galaxy M52 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Samsung Galaxy M52 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161 × 74.1 × 8.4 mm | 164.2 × 76.4 × 7.4 mm | M52 5G is taller and wider but thinner. OnePlus 9R has a slightly larger overall volume. |
| Weight | 189g | 173g | M52 5G is significantly lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.7" | M52 5G offers a slightly larger screen, potentially more immersive. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same sharpness, pixel density is very similar. |
| PPI | 402 | 393 | Virtually indistinguishable in sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 800 nits | M52 5G offers significantly better outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | OnePlus 9R offers faster performance for gaming and heavy apps due to a higher-end chip. |
| AnTuTu Score | 821,600 | 589,200 | OnePlus 9R scores significantly higher, indicating better overall performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 642L | OnePlus 9R's GPU offers better graphics performance, especially for gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | M52 5G offers better battery life for all-day usage. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | OnePlus 9R charges much faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Battery Type | Li-Polymer | Li-Ion | Slight differences in battery chemistry; Li-Polymer may offer better longevity in some scenarios. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 64MP | M52 5G captures slightly more detailed images. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.7 | f/1.8 | OnePlus 9R potentially captures slightly better low-light photos. |
| Main Camera Sensor | 1/2" Sony IMX586 | 1/1.97" Samsung GW3 | Samsung Galaxy M52 5G has a larger sensor, potentially better low light performance |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 16MP | 32MP | M52 5G has much higher resolution for selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.4 | f/2.2 | M52 5G may perform better in lower light conditions for selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor | 1/3.13" Sony IMX471 | 1/2.8" Sony IMX616 | Samsung has a larger sensor, generally better low-light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 16MP, f/2.2 | N/A | OnePlus 9R offers a dedicated wide-angle camera, for more versatile shots. |
| Portrait (Depth) Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 5MP, f/2.4 | Samsung Galaxy M52 5G has a higher resolution portrait lens. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | N/A | OnePlus 9R offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | N/A | 13MP, f/2.2 | Samsung Galaxy M52 5G offers a versatile wide angle and macro lens combined. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR, EIS | Up to 4K@30fps | OnePlus 9R offers more video recording options and smoother video capture with EIS |
| Video Stabilisation | Yes | No | OnePlus 9R offers better video stabilization with EIS. |
| OIS | Yes | No | OnePlus 9R offers Optical Image Stabilization for smoother photos. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10, upgradeable to 13 | Android 11, upgradeable to 13 | M52 5G comes with a more recent starting OS, both phones are upgradeable to Android 13. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both support the latest Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.0 | OnePlus 9R has a slightly newer version for potentially better connection stability. |
| GPS | Dual Band GPS | Standard GPS | OnePlus 9R offers more accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB | OnePlus 9R provides more storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 6GB/8GB | OnePlus 9R offers more RAM for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Features | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation microphone | Dolby Atmos, 2 Microphones | OnePlus 9R offers a more immersive audio experience with Stereo speakers; both offer Dolby Atmos. |
| Security | |||
| Features | In-display Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | M52 5G's side-mounted sensor is more convenient for some users. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | M52 5G has better screen protection against scratches and minor drops. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9R Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 870 chipset offers noticeably faster processing, quicker app loading, and smoother gaming than the Snapdragon 778G in the M52 5G.
- Faster Charging: 65W charging drastically reduces charging time compared to 25W on the M52 5G.
- Enhanced Camera System: Offers an additional Wide Angle Lens, Optical Image Stabilization, and better video features.
- Better Audio Experience: Stereo speakers and a noise-canceling microphone enhance the audio experience for multimedia and calls.
- More RAM and Storage Options: Comes in higher RAM and Storage Options.
Samsung Galaxy M52 5G Advantages:
- Lighter and Thinner Design: More comfortable to hold and carry for longer periods.
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery provides better all-day battery life.
- Brighter Display: 800 nits brightness improves outdoor visibility significantly.
- Superior Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 offers better scratch and drop protection.
- Better Selfie Camera: Higher resolution sensor and wider aperture selfie camera.
- Versatile Wide Angle + Macro Lens A combined Wide Angle and Macro lens offers more shooting versatility.
- More advanced security Features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, often considered more convenient than in-display sensors.
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9R: Trades a bit of battery life and size for significantly higher performance and faster charging.
- Samsung Galaxy M52 5G: Trades some processing power and camera features for a more comfortable design, better battery life and brighter display.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9R Ideal User:
- Gamers: The powerful processor and GPU, paired with the 120Hz display, make it ideal for smooth, responsive gameplay.
- Power Users: Those who frequently multitask, run demanding apps, and need fast charging will appreciate the performance and quick top-ups.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value a versatile camera system with more features, OIS, better video recording and dedicated Wide Angle and Macro lens
Multimedia consumers: Users who want an immersive audio experience with stereo speakers.
Specific Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming
- Editing photos/videos on-the-go
- Frequent video calls or recording
- Heavy social media and app usage
Samsung Galaxy M52 5G Ideal User:
- Everyday Users: Those who prioritize battery life and a comfortable design for daily use.
- Outdoor Users: The brighter display makes it easy to use in sunlight, ideal for outdoor activities.
- Social Media Users: The higher resolution and wider aperture front camera is better for selfies.
- Users seeking a more convenient fingerprint sensor: The side-mounted fingerprint sensor offers a more intuitive experience for some users.
- Specific Use Cases:
- All-day use without worrying about battery life
- Outdoor photography or navigation
- Frequent calls and social media browsing
- Users who prioritize simplicity and usability.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The value proposition of each phone depends on individual priorities. The OnePlus 9R offers higher performance while the Samsung Galaxy M52 5G offers better battery life and outdoor visibility.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance vs. Battery: Do you prioritize gaming, multitasking, and fast charging, or do you need all-day battery life and a lighter design?
- Camera Needs: Do you need advanced camera features and better video recording, or is a reliable main and selfie camera sufficient?
- Display Brightness: Will you be using the phone primarily indoors or outdoors?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You are a mobile gamer who plays frequently and needs fast charging.
- Recommendation: OnePlus 9R. Its superior performance and fast charging are ideal for gaming sessions.
- Scenario 2: You use your phone mostly for social media, browsing, and occasional photos and you are often in outdoor settings.
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy M52 5G. The lighter design, longer battery life and higher screen brightness, coupled with a good selfie camera, fit this profile well.
- Scenario 3: You need a reliable phone for everyday use, with a good camera but don’t need the extra performance for demanding apps.
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy M52 5G, the longer battery life, comfortable design, and a good selfie camera make it an excellent all rounder.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally lean towards the OnePlus 9R. While the Samsung Galaxy M52 5G offers a more comfortable design, better battery life, and superior screen visibility in bright sunlight, my preference is to prioritize performance. The OnePlus 9R's Snapdragon 870 chipset, coupled with its faster charging capabilities, provides a smoother, more responsive experience that is crucial for my use case (which involves heavy multitasking and occasional gaming). The better audio experience, combined with a slightly more versatile camera system, further solidifies this choice. The trade-off in battery life is acceptable to me given the 65W fast charging capabilities.
