1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Samsung Galaxy S22 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161 × 74.1 × 8.4 mm | 146 × 70.6 × 7.6 mm | OnePlus 9R is larger and bulkier, less pocketable. S22 5G is more compact, easier for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 189g | 167g | S22 5G is significantly lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.1" | OnePlus 9R offers a larger viewing area for media consumption, gaming. S22 5G is more compact for easier handling. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both are very similar, sharpness is nearly identical in daily use. |
| PPI | 402 | 425 | S22 5G has slightly sharper text and images due to higher pixel density, but difference is minimal. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1300 nits | S22 5G has significantly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. OnePlus 9R brightness info is missing. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 (7 nm) | Exynos 2200 (4 nm) - Europe | S22 5G offers a more powerful chipset with slightly faster app loading and smoother operation overall. |
| Antutu Score | 821,600 | 1,022,200 | S22 5G has a higher performance ceiling for demanding apps/games. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Xclipse 920 - Europe | S22 5G has a newer GPU that generally delivers better graphics performance for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 1/2", Sony IMX586 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57", Samsung GN5 | S22 5G has a slightly larger sensor and slightly more resolution, potentially better in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" Sony IMX471 | 10MP, f/2.2 | OnePlus 9R has more megapixels for selfies. S22 5G has a wider aperture (f/2.2 vs f/2.4) potentially better low-light selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | No | 12MP, f/2.4, Sony IMX772 | S22 5G offers a dedicated zoom lens for better detail when zooming. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 16MP, f/2.2, 1/3.09" Sony IMX481 | 12MP, f/2.2 Sony IMX713 | OnePlus 9R has slightly more resolution, but S22 5G may offer better quality with larger pixels. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 2MP | No | OnePlus 9R has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait photos. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP | No | OnePlus 9R offers a dedicated macro lens. |
| Video | Up to 4K 60fps with HDR, EIS | Up to 8K 24fps with HDR, EIS, Stereo Sound | S22 5G can shoot higher resolution videos, OnePlus 9R lacks 8K capture. |
| DXOMark | Not Tested | 120 (Mobile), 119 (Photo), 116 (Video) | S22 5G has a DxOMark score, meaning it has a tested camera performance compared to others, OnePlus 9R does not have one. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 3700mAh | OnePlus 9R has a larger battery, likely offering longer battery life between charges. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | OnePlus 9R charges much faster, allowing for quicker top-ups. |
| Wireless Charging | No | 15W, Reverse 4.5W | S22 5G offers wireless charging and reverse wireless charging for added convenience. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10, Upgradable to 13 | Android 12, Upgradable to 16 | S22 5G has a more modern operating system and will receive more software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both support the same Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | S22 5G has a slightly newer version with additional features. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | S22 5G offers eSIM for better carrier flexibility. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 128/256GB | Both offer same maximum storage with no expandability. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 8GB | OnePlus 9R offers an optional 12GB of RAM, which enhances multitasking and gaming performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation mic | Dolby Digital Plus | OnePlus 9R offers potentially more immersive audio and clearer calls via noise cancellation. S22 5G offers Dolby Digital Plus. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both have basic fingerprint security. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ | Samsung offers superior screen protection with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic, Fingerprint | S22 5G includes additional environmental sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9R Advantages:
- Larger Display: Provides a more immersive experience for media consumption and gaming.
- Bigger Battery: Offers significantly longer battery life between charges.
- Faster Charging: Allows for much quicker top-ups.
- Optional 12GB RAM: Better multitasking performance.
- Macro Lens: Dedicated lens for close-up photography.
- Portrait Depth Sensor: Dedicated sensor for enhanced portrait mode photos.
- Dolby Atmos and Noise Cancellation Microphone: Potentially superior audio experience for media and calls.
Practical Implications of OnePlus 9R Advantages:
- Users who consume a lot of videos or play games would appreciate the larger screen.
- Users who are often away from chargers will benefit from the bigger battery and faster charging.
- The optional 12GB of RAM will ensure smoother multitasking, especially for users who use multiple apps simultaneously.
- The macro and portrait lenses add versatility for photography enthusiasts.
Samsung Galaxy S22 5G Advantages:
- More Compact and Lighter Design: Easier to handle and more pocketable.
- More Powerful Chipset: Offers better performance for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Superior Display Brightness: Better visibility in bright outdoor conditions.
- Telephoto Lens: Enables optical zoom for higher detail on zoomed pictures.
- Wireless and Reverse Wireless Charging: Convenient for charging accessories and devices.
- 8K Video Recording: Offers a higher level of video resolution.
- Newer Bluetooth Version and features: Has more features for audio and connection.
- eSIM Support: Offers greater flexibility for switching mobile carriers.
- Superior Screen Protection: Comes with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+.
- Additional Sensors: Includes a barometer and geomagnetic sensors.
- Better camera DXOMark score: Has been tested and scores better on the camera.
Practical Implications of Samsung Galaxy S22 5G Advantages:
- Users who prioritize portability will appreciate the smaller size and lighter weight.
- Users who play demanding games and run intensive apps will benefit from the stronger chipset.
- The higher screen brightness makes outdoor use more comfortable, especially under bright sunlight.
- The telephoto lens is useful for photography enthusiasts.
- Wireless charging and reverse charging offers flexibility for those with supporting devices.
- 8k video is useful for advanced video recording.
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9R: Trades a more premium feature set (wireless charging, telephoto lens, advanced screen protection) for a larger screen, bigger battery, and faster charging
- Samsung Galaxy S22 5G: Trades battery life and charging speed for a more compact design, superior performance, and a more versatile camera.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for OnePlus 9R:
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who frequently watch videos, movies, or shows on their phones.
- Mobile Gamers: Users who prioritize a large screen, good battery life, and smooth performance.
- Power Users: Users who need long battery life, quick charging and benefit from the optional 12GB of RAM.
- Budget-Conscious Users: Who want good performance and screen size on a budget, but don't need a premium camera and features.
Ideal Use Cases for OnePlus 9R:
- Binge-watching TV shows or movies on the go.
- Playing graphically intensive games without worrying about battery life.
- Heavy multitasking with multiple apps running simultaneously.
- Basic photography needs for social media and everyday use.
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy S22 5G:
- Professional Photographers: Users who want advanced camera capabilities, with a zoom lens and 8K video.
- Users Prioritizing Performance: Users who need a small, powerful device for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Users Needing Bright Screen: Users that use their devices outdoors and need a bright screen.
- Users in the Samsung Ecosystem: Those who would benefit from integration with other Samsung devices.
- Users that need a more compact and lightweight device: For those looking for pocketability.
Ideal Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy S22 5G:
- Professional-level photography and videography.
- Smooth and fast performance while gaming or using demanding apps.
- Using phone outdoors in brightly lit conditions.
- Seamless integration with other Samsung devices like watches and earbuds.
- Compact everyday phone use.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The OnePlus 9R generally offers a strong price-to-value ratio, especially for users who prioritize display size and battery life.
- The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G is more expensive, but delivers superior performance, advanced camera features, and a more compact premium design, potentially justifying the extra cost for power users and photography enthusiasts.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your priority: screen size and battery life or a compact design and advanced camera capabilities?
- How important is outdoor visibility and having the latest software support?
- Do you need wireless charging and a telephoto lens, or is fast wired charging more important to you?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: If you're a gamer who values a large screen, long battery life, and fast charging speed, the OnePlus 9R is the better choice.
Scenario 2: If you want a compact, powerful phone with advanced camera features, wireless charging, and need a bright screen for outdoor usage, the Samsung Galaxy S22 5G is the better option.
Scenario 3: If you are a professional photographer or need high-resolution video for professional use, the Samsung Galaxy S22 5G is the better option, due to the zoom lens, 8k video and DXOMark scores.
Scenario 4: If you're on a budget but still want good performance and a large screen, the OnePlus 9R offers better value.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S22 5G.
Reasoning:
While I appreciate the OnePlus 9R's larger screen, bigger battery, and faster charging, my priorities lean more toward the superior performance, the more advanced camera features, the bright screen, and the more compact design.
- Performance: As a heavy user who runs demanding apps, the Exynos 2200 chip in the S22 5G offers an edge in performance that I would appreciate.
- Camera: I value good camera quality and the telephoto lens gives more versatility, and the 8k video is a bonus. Also the DXOMark score gives confidence in its performance.
- Build Quality: The Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ gives more security and resistance to damage.
- Bright Screen: I use my phone outdoors often so a bright screen is a significant advantage.
- Compact Design: I value the smaller size and lightweight for more comfortable use and pocketability.
Even though the S22 5G has a smaller battery and slower charging, I am comfortable with charging more frequently for the additional features and performance. Additionally, wireless charging provides flexibility.
