1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161 × 74.1 × 8.4 mm | 157.4 × 75.8 × 7.6 mm | OnePlus 9R is taller and thicker, while S22+ is slightly wider, impacting hand feel and pocketability. |
| Weight | 189g | 195g | OnePlus 9R is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.6" | Negligible difference in screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Virtually identical sharpness, indiscernible to the human eye. |
| Pixel Density | 402 PPI | 393 PPI | Very similar display clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Identical display technology, vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both phones. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1750 nits | S22+ has significantly better visibility in bright sunlight. OnePlus 9R's brightness information is missing, indicating it's a weak point. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 (7 nm) | Exynos 2200 (4 nm) | S22+ has a more advanced chipset offering better efficiency and performance. |
| Antutu Score | 821,600 | 890,774 | S22+ demonstrates marginally better overall performance for demanding apps and games. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Xclipse 920 | S22+ has a more advanced GPU for superior graphics processing in games and graphic intensive applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 1/2", Sony IMX586 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57", Samsung GN5 | S22+ main camera has a larger sensor for better low-light performance; OnePlus has wider aperture, but smaller sensor.. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", Sony IMX471 | 10MP, f/2.2 | OnePlus has a higher-resolution selfie camera; S22+ has a wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10MP, f/2.4, 1/3.9", Samsung S5K3K1 | S22+ has a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoom capabilities; OnePlus lacks this feature. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 16MP, f/2.2, 1/3.09", Sony IMX481 | 12MP, f/2.2, Sony IMX713 | OnePlus has higher resolution wide angle, S22+ has larger pixel size for better low-light performance. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | OnePlus has a dedicated portrait camera, S22+ relies on software for depth effects. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | OnePlus has a macro lens for very close up photography. |
| Video | Up to 4K 60fps with HDR, EIS | Up to 8K 24fps with HDR, EIS, Stereo Sound, 720p@960fps | S22+ offers higher video resolution and more advanced features. |
| DxOMark | Not Tested | Mobile: 125, Photo: 122, Video: 124 | S22+ has a verified, higher quality camera based on testing. |
| Features | Quadruple camera, Digital Image Stabilization, OIS | Triple camera, Optical zoom, Ultra stable video, OIS | S22+ offers superior zoom capabilities and video stabilization |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Similar battery life, all else being equal. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | OnePlus 9R charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | None | Bypass Charging, 15W Wireless, 4.5W Reverse Wireless | S22+ offers more versatile charging capabilities. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 10, Max 13 | Android 12, Max 16 | S22+ has a newer OS and longer software support. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Similar Wi-Fi capabilities. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | S22+ has a slightly newer Bluetooth standard with additional profile support. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5) | GLONASS (L1) | Both support multiple location standards. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | S22+ offers the versatility of an eSIM for easy carrier switching. |
| Storage & Audio | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB or 256GB | Similar storage options available. |
| RAM | 8GB or 12GB | 8GB | OnePlus 9R offers more RAM for better multitasking on some variants. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Noise Cancellation Mic, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers | OnePlus 9R has better quality audio for enhanced spatial audio and clearer calls |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Basic | Similar fingerprint sensor functionality. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ | S22+ has significantly better screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Barometer, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Geomagnetic, Hall | S22+ has more sensors for advanced use cases. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9R Advantages:
- Faster Charging: 65W charging is significantly faster than the S22+'s 45W, reducing charging time.
- Higher RAM Options: The 12 GB RAM option allows for smoother multitasking and heavy app usage.
- Better Audio: Dolby Atmos, noise cancellation mic and stereo speakers
- Dedicated Macro Lens For close-up detailed shots.
- Dedicated Portrait Mode For higher-quality depth effects.
- Wider aperture main sensor The f/1.7 aperture main sensor potentially provides better performance in very low light.
Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display Brightness: 1750 nits brightness makes it much more usable in bright sunlight.
- More Powerful Chipset: The Exynos 2200 (4 nm) offers superior performance and efficiency.
- Better Camera Quality: Larger sensor, better zoom with dedicated telephoto lens, and higher overall DxOMark score, superior video quality (up to 8K).
- Wireless Charging: Offers both wireless and reverse wireless charging, adding convenience.
- eSIM support: Offers the versatility of an eSIM for easy carrier switching.
- Newer Android OS: Comes with a newer Android version and longer software support.
- Superior Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ offers much better screen protection.
- More Sensors: Includes Barometer, Geomagnetic, and Hall sensors for more features.
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9R sacrifices camera quality and display brightness for faster charging and slightly more RAM.
- Samsung Galaxy S22+ sacrifices charging speed for superior display quality, better camera, and more features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9R Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Gamers: Users who prioritize smooth performance for gaming and appreciate the faster charging, while not needing top-tier camera quality.
- Multi-taskers: Those who need the 12 GB RAM option for heavy app usage.
- Audio Enthusiasts: Those who like high-quality spatial audio and clear calls.
- Macro Photographers: Users who frequently take extreme close-up pictures.
- Users who prioritize fast charging: Individuals who require a quick top-up to their phone's battery.
Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G Ideal Users:
- Mobile Photographers/Videographers: Users who demand high-quality photos and videos, especially in varying lighting conditions.
- Frequent Outdoor Users: Those who need a bright display for visibility in sunlight.
- Users who prefer a premium build: Users who need superior durability in the display and build quality.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who like to have the latest features, including wireless charging and eSIM support.
- Users wanting best performance: Gamers and users who require the best performance.
Use Cases:
- OnePlus 9R: Excellent for gaming on the go, watching videos, and light social media use, especially when fast charging is needed.
- Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G: Ideal for high-quality photography, outdoor navigation, and demanding applications. Suitable for users who prioritize a premium, feature-rich experience.
Price-to-Value Ratio: The price-to-value ratio would depend on the current market prices of both devices. The OnePlus 9R typically sits in a lower price range, making it a good choice for budget-conscious users who want a phone with a few high-end features. The Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G is typically more expensive but offers more features and higher overall quality. If available used, the S22+ could present a very good price-to-value for users who can look at second hand devices.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is camera quality for you? If photography is a top priority, the S22+ is the better choice. If it is a secondary concern, then the OnePlus 9R is still viable.
- How important is outdoor visibility and display protection? The S22+ offers a much brighter display for outdoor use and better screen protection with Gorilla Glass Victus+.
- How much do you value fast charging vs. wireless charging convenience? The OnePlus 9R is better for fast wired charging, while the S22+ offers more charging versatility with wireless and reverse wireless.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1 (Budget-Conscious Gamer): If you are a gamer on a budget and prioritize performance, faster charging, and high-quality spatial audio, the OnePlus 9R is a great choice.
Scenario 2 (Professional Photographer): If you are a mobile photographer or videographer needing top-tier quality, even in bright light or using zoom, the Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G is the better option.
Scenario 3 (Everyday User): If you need a good all-rounder phone with a good mix of features and performance then either device can suffice. If you are on a budget and don't need top-of-the-line camera, the OnePlus 9R is a good choice. If you can spend more, the S22+ offers a better experience overall.
What I Would Choose
Given the choice between the OnePlus 9R and the Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G.
My reasoning is as follows:
- Display Quality: As a user, I value a high-quality display for all my usage scenarios, and the 1750 nits brightness of the S22+ is a significant advantage for outdoor visibility, which would make a huge difference in day-to-day usage. The lack of brightness information for the OnePlus 9R is also concerning.
- Camera Capability: I would prefer the versatility of the S22+'s triple-lens setup, including the telephoto lens and better overall camera performance as tested by DxOMark. The S22+ would offer better photos, better videos and better zoom.
- Performance: While the OnePlus 9R offers a good experience, the more advanced chipset of the S22+ would be more future-proof and capable for resource-intensive apps.
- Features: The convenience of wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and the inclusion of an eSIM are features I value for their practicality.
- Build Quality and Durability: I am more concerned about the durability and build quality of a device. The Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ of the S22+ would provide better protection for the display.
While I acknowledge the OnePlus 9R's faster charging is a notable advantage, I find the overall package of the Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G to be more compelling for my needs, especially the superior display, camera, and features. While it is more expensive, I believe the additional features and better quality justify the higher price point. The OnePlus 9R is a solid phone for those with a budget that prioritizes a few key features, while the S22+ is a clear pick for the user wanting the best overall experience and features.
