1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161 × 74.1 × 8.4 mm | 158 × 76.5 × 8.2 mm | OnePlus 9R is taller but narrower, S23 FE is shorter and wider. The 0.2mm thickness difference is negligible. |
| Weight | 189g | 209g | OnePlus 9R is 20g lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use, especially one-handed. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.4" | OnePlus 9R offers a slightly larger screen which could be better for media consumption, though the difference is minor. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both offer similar sharpness. The difference in pixel count is small and unlikely noticeable during daily use. |
| PPI | 402 | 403 | Identical pixel density, meaning both screens will look equally sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both phones use vibrant AMOLED panels, providing excellent contrast and colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, ideal for gaming and general use. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is unknown, potentially impacting outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Exynos 2200 (4 nm) | S23 FE's 4nm chip is generally more efficient and powerful, resulting in faster app loading and overall performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 821,600 | 1,188,176 | S23 FE has significantly higher benchmark scores, indicating better performance under heavy loads and better gaming capabilities. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Xclipse 920 | S23 FE's Xclipse 920 GPU is more modern and should offer better graphics performance in demanding games, and graphical tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Both have similar battery capacity, indicating comparable battery life for most users, however real world usage will differ based on software. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | OnePlus 9R charges significantly faster, meaning less time plugged into the wall and more time in use. |
| Features | Non-removable | Wireless charging, reverse charging, no charger in-box, Non-removable | S23 FE offers wireless charging, a big convenience factor for some users. The lack of a charger in the box will likely require an additional purchase. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard | 48MP, f/1.7, 1/2", IMX586 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57", GN3 | S23 FE has a slightly higher resolution sensor with larger sensor size, which should lead to better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto+Portrait | N/A | 8MP, f/2.0, Hynix HI-847 | S23 FE has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, better portrait mode. OnePlus 9R lacks this functionality. |
| Selfie | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", IMX471 | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65", S5K3J1 | OnePlus 9R has a higher resolution selfie camera, while S23 FE has a larger sensor for better light capture. |
| Wide Angle lens | 16MP, f/2.2, 1/3.09", IMX481 | N/A | OnePlus 9R has a dedicated wide-angle lens for a wider field of view, however S23FE offers wide angle + macro lens. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | OnePlus 9R has a dedicated portrait lens for better depth sensing, though its effectiveness is likely less than S23FE software processing. |
| Macro lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | N/A | OnePlus 9R has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, however S23FE uses its wide angle lens. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | N/A | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", S5K3L6 | S23 FE offers a combined wide angle and macro lens. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 8K@24fps | S23 FE can record in 8K, offering higher video resolution, suitable for professional-level video recording. Both phones offer excellent video stabilisation. |
| DxoMark | N/A | Main:127 (Photo:124, Video:131) | S23 FE has a tested and scored camera, indicating a solid camera system in both photo and video categories. |
| Features | OIS, EIS, 4K Video, Quad Camera, PDAF, RAW | OIS, EIS, 8K Video, Triple Camera, Dual PDAF, All Pixel Omni-Directional PDAF, Night Mode, Dual Sight | Both have similar features however S23FE has more features including night mode, 8k video, and optical zoom, while the 9R boasts a quad camera. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 13) | Android 13 (upgradable to 17) | S23 FE has a newer OS out of the box, leading to a more up-to-date experience and potentially longer software support, with more updates to come. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both phones offer the latest Wi-Fi standards for high-speed wireless connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1, LE, APT-x, LDAC, AAC | 5.3, LE, APT-x, AVRCP, DIP, HFP, HID, HSP, MAP, PAN, OPP, PBAP, ANT+, SBC | S23 FE has a newer version of Bluetooth, with a wider range of supported features and more efficient power usage. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | OnePlus 9R has better GPS with more satellite connections. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both phones support dual SIM functionality, allowing users to use two networks simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB or 256GB | Both phones offer the same storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB or 12GB | 8GB | OnePlus 9R has the option of 12 GB of RAM, enabling smoother multitasking and better handling of demanding apps/games. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, so users must choose the correct storage option. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers, Dolby Atmos | Stereo Speakers, Dolby Atmos | Both phones offer similar audio experience with good sound quality. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both phones use basic fingerprint sensors for biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | S23 FE screen is more likely to survive scratches and impacts. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Geomagnetic | S23 FE has an additional Geomagnetic sensor, providing more detailed positioning information. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9R Advantages:
- Lighter Weight: The 20g difference in weight makes the OnePlus 9R more comfortable for extended periods of use.
- Faster Charging: 65W charging is significantly faster, reducing downtime.
- Optional 12GB RAM: The 12GB RAM option provides more flexibility for heavy multitasking and gaming.
- Better GPS: More satellite systems for better location accuracy.
- Dedicated wide, portrait and macro lenses: OnePlus has dedicated lenses, however the S23 FE uses a single combined lens
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE Advantages:
- More Powerful Chipset: The Exynos 2200 offers better overall performance.
- Superior GPU: Modern GPU for graphics-intensive tasks.
- Newer OS: Android 13 offers a more up-to-date experience and future software updates with longer support.
- Telephoto Camera: Offers optical zoom and better portrait photos.
- Wireless Charging: Offers the convenience of wireless charging, alongside reverse wireless charging to charge other devices.
- 8K Video Recording: Captures professional grade quality video content.
- Improved Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 provides increased durability.
- Better DXOMark score: Higher benchmark score for camera and video.
- Better Bluetooth: Newest bluetooth version.
Significant Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9R: Sacrifices camera quality, OS version, and wireless charging for faster charging and optional higher RAM.
- Samsung Galaxy S23 FE: Sacrifices faster charging and lighter weight for better performance and features, along with a heavier device.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9R Ideal User:
- Gamers: Benefit from the 12GB RAM option, lighter weight, and faster charging.
- Users who prioritize speed: Enjoy the quick charging speed to get back to use faster.
- Budget conscious: Who need a good all around phone for a good price.
- Users with no need for specific camera features : Who use the phone for general purpose.
Use Cases:
- Gaming: Smooth and fast performance in demanding mobile games.
- Media Consumption: The AMOLED screen is vibrant, and the optional RAM will allow for better multi tasking.
- Daily Use: Handles everyday tasks with ease.
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE Ideal User:
- Camera Enthusiasts: Benefit from the versatile camera system.
- Power Users: Who need a fast phone and benefit from the latest performance advancements in processing.
- Users who prioritize the newest software: Will prefer the newest OS and future updates.
- Users who require wireless charging: For the convenience of wireless charging.
Use Cases:
- Photography and Videography: Capturing high-quality photos and videos in various scenarios.
- Multitasking: Handling heavy workloads and applications with ease, with a more powerful processor.
- Long-Term Use: Benefit from the newest OS version, with future software updates.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- Do you prioritize charging speed or performance?
- How important is a superior camera system?
- What is your budget for a new smartphone?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: On-the-go user, needs fast charging: Choose the OnePlus 9R for its significantly faster 65W charging.
- Scenario 2: Photography lover, needs a great all-around camera system: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE for its superior camera setup, and 8k Video recording.
- Scenario 3: Gamers, needs more RAM and good performance: Choose the OnePlus 9R for its optional 12GB RAM, however the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE will be better for higher end performance.
- Scenario 4: User who needs the latest OS and longer term software support: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE for its newer software and future support.
- Scenario 5: User who needs wireless charging: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE as it provides wireless charging, which the Oneplus 9R does not.
Final Decision
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE. While I appreciate the OnePlus 9R's faster charging and lighter weight, the S23 FE's significantly more powerful chipset, better camera system (including optical zoom and higher resolution video), and modern OS are more valuable to me. I am a user who would enjoy the more up-to-date features of the OS, the ability to take higher quality photos, and also appreciates wireless charging. The slightly slower charging is something I'd be happy to accept for the overall performance improvements, and I would also like to enjoy the longer software support.
However, if the user prioritizes the fastest possible charging speeds, or a lighter phone, the OnePlus 9R is still an outstanding phone that would be a great option to choose.
