1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161 × 74.1 × 8.4 mm | 162.3 × 79 × 8.6 mm | S24 Ultra is slightly taller and wider, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 189g | 232g | OnePlus 9R is significantly lighter, better for extended use and portability. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.8" | S24 Ultra offers a slightly larger viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1440x3120 | S24 Ultra has significantly sharper text, images, and videos due to higher pixel count. |
| Pixel Density | 402 PPI | 505 PPI | S24 Ultra’s screen is noticeably clearer and more detailed. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Unknown | OnePlus 9R has superior display technology, offering better contrast and vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2600 nits | S24 Ultra provides much better outdoor visibility, especially in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 (7 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | S24 Ultra has a significantly more powerful and efficient processor, leading to faster performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 821,600 | 1,814,869 | S24 Ultra offers a much smoother experience in demanding tasks, and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 750 | S24 Ultra has a more powerful GPU, providing a better gaming experience. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 1/2" sensor | 200MP, f/1.7, 1/1.3" sensor | S24 Ultra captures significantly more detail, especially in good lighting and has improved low light performance |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera | None | 50MP, f/2.4, 1/1.56" sensor | S24 Ultra offers dedicated telephoto capabilities with excellent portrait performance |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4 | 12MP, f/2.2 | OnePlus 9R has higher res selfie camera, while S24 Ultra captures more light |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10MP, f/3.4, 1/3.52" sensor | S24 Ultra provides optical zoom capabilities |
| Wide Angle Lens | 16MP, f/2.2, 1/3.09" sensor | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" sensor | S24 Ultra has a larger sensor, resulting in better image quality, especially in low light conditions |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | OnePlus 9R has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | OnePlus 9R has a dedicated macro lens for closeup shots |
| Video | Up to 4K 60fps | Up to 8K 30fps | S24 Ultra records higher resolution video and is suited for high-end content creation. |
| DXOMark Score | Not Tested | Mobile: 144 | S24 Ultra has been tested with a good camera rating |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 5000 mAh | S24 Ultra offers longer battery life due to the larger battery. |
| Charging | 65W fast charging | 45W fast charging | OnePlus 9R charges significantly faster than the S24 Ultra |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Reverse charging, 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse wireless | S24 Ultra offers more charging versatility. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10, max version 13 | Android 14, max version 21 | S24 Ultra offers a more recent OS with extended software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6E | S24 Ultra has newer WiFi standard for faster speeds and better performance in crowded networks |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | S24 Ultra has newer Bluetooth standard, for lower power consumption and better connectivity |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | S24 Ultra supports more satellite systems for enhanced location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM / eSIM | S24 Ultra supports eSIM for more flexibility in carrier switching |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 256 GB, 512 GB, or 1024 GB | S24 Ultra offers significantly more internal storage options. |
| RAM | 8 GB or 12 GB | 12 GB | S24 Ultra has enough RAM for heavy multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports storage expansion |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | OnePlus 9R has Dolby Atmos for enhanced audio quality. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both phones offer basic biometric security through fingerprint sensors. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Armor | S24 Ultra has superior scratch and impact resistance for enhanced screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | S24 Ultra includes a barometer, and Hall sensors, and Geomagnetic sensors offering more capabilities. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9R Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: Significantly lighter (43g less) and more compact, making it more comfortable for one-handed use and extended use.
- Faster Charging: 65W fast charging is significantly faster than the S24 Ultra's 45W, for quick top ups.
- Dolby Atmos Audio: Offers enhanced audio experience.
- Lower price point: Generally more affordable.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, higher pixel density and much better outdoor visibility, resulting in a much sharper and clearer display with enhanced vibrancy.
- Significantly More Powerful Performance: Latest generation Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset provides vastly improved performance for all tasks.
- Significantly Better Camera System: Significantly higher resolution primary camera and the addition of telephoto lenses, resulting in a versatile and significantly better camera system.
- Larger Battery & Additional Features: Larger battery for extended battery life and additional charging options like wireless and reverse wireless charging.
- More recent Software and Support: Comes with the latest Android version and longer software support from the manufacturer.
- Superior Build Quality: The Corning Gorilla Glass Armor provides superior screen protection.
- More Storage Options: Significantly more internal storage options, reaching up to 1TB.
- Better Connectivity: Newer WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 for faster and more reliable connections.
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9R sacrifices performance, camera quality, display brightness, build quality, and battery flexibility for a lower price point, lightweight design and faster charging.
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra sacrifices lighter weight, compactness, and faster wired charging, for superior performance, camera, display, build quality, battery features and software.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9R:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize a lightweight phone with fast charging and good performance for everyday tasks.
- Use Cases:
- General daily use, browsing, social media, casual gaming.
- Users who value portability and comfortable grip.
- Users that need quick charging throughout the day.
- Price-to-Value: A good option for those looking for a balance between performance and price.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra:
- Ideal User: Power users who want the best performance, display, and camera available in a smartphone, regardless of the price, and don't mind the extra bulk.
- Use Cases:
- Demanding gaming, video editing, multitasking.
- Professional photography and videography.
- Users who need the best display quality, long battery life and comprehensive connectivity.
- Users who want the latest software and the best available technology.
- Price-to-Value: Premium offering for users who require the best in class features and are willing to pay the premium price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- What is your budget? The S24 Ultra is significantly more expensive.
- How important is camera quality and video capture to you? S24 Ultra offers a significantly better and more versatile camera system.
- How much do you value portability and one-handed use? The OnePlus 9R is much lighter and more compact.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget Conscious User: If your budget is limited and you need a capable phone for daily use, the OnePlus 9R is a good choice.
- Performance Enthusiast: If you need a top-tier performing phone for demanding tasks, the S24 Ultra is the better option.
- Photography Lover: If camera quality and versatility are essential, the S24 Ultra's significantly better camera is worth the investment.
- Portability Fan: If a lightweight and compact design are crucial, the OnePlus 9R is the more suitable option.
What I Would Choose and Why
My Choice: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
While the OnePlus 9R is a decent phone, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is the clear winner for me. Here's why:
Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset provides a level of performance that the Snapdragon 870 cannot match. I tend to run demanding applications and multitask frequently, so the increased processing power is crucial.
Best-in-Class Display: The display on the S24 Ultra is just better in every metric - resolution, brightness, pixel density. The vibrant colors and sharpness make content consumption a far better experience. The significantly higher brightness for outdoor visibility is also a must-have.
Photography and Videography: I value camera versatility and image quality. The S24 Ultra's main 200MP camera is simply better with more detail, and the telephoto capabilities provide versatility not found in the OnePlus 9R.
Software and Long-Term Support: I prefer to have the latest software available and the best ongoing software updates, and the S24 Ultra wins on both fronts.
Build Quality and Extra features: I appreciate the build quality and extra features like wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
While the OnePlus 9R has advantages like weight and faster charging, the overall package offered by the S24 Ultra is much more aligned with my needs. I am not bothered by the extra weight or the slightly larger size. For me, the premium performance, camera quality, build quality, and advanced display of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra outweigh the drawbacks. The additional cost is justified by the overall package.
