Smartphone Comparison: OnePlus 9R vs. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-04-14 | 2023-10-16 | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is a significantly newer device, potentially having more recent software updates and features. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are standard form factor devices, not foldable. |
| Dimensions | 161 × 74.1 × 8.4 mm | 285.4 × 185.4 × 6.5 mm | OnePlus 9R is much smaller and pocketable; Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is larger, resembling a tablet. |
| Weight | 189g | 627g | OnePlus 9R is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended one-handed use; Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is much heavier, better for stationary usage. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 12.4" | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ offers a much larger viewing area, ideal for media consumption and multitasking; OnePlus 9R is more compact and better for one-handed usage. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1600x2560 | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ has a higher resolution, resulting in a sharper image overall, although this is less noticeable at normal viewing distances due to lower pixel density. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 402 | 243 | OnePlus 9R has significantly sharper text and images due to higher pixel density, more crisp visuals than Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | OnePlus 9R has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, especially for HDR content. More power efficient for dark themed UI. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | OnePlus 9R will have slightly smoother scrolling and animations with 120Hz. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical peak brightness at 0 nits, brightness information is not provided, limiting comparison. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | OnePlus 9R’s chipset generally offers better CPU performance (as indicated by Antutu scores), suitable for more demanding games and heavy multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 821,600 | 507,000 | OnePlus 9R shows a significantly higher performance in benchmarks, translating to smoother, faster app load times and operation. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G68 MP5 | Different GPUs, OnePlus 9R's Adreno 650 will provide superior graphical performance compared to the Mali-G68 MP5. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 10090mAh | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ should offer significantly longer battery life due to its much larger capacity, reducing the frequency of charging. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | OnePlus 9R charges faster, reducing time spent plugged in. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Non-removable | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ can bypass charging while plugged in, which may help preserve battery longevity. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 1/2" | 12MP, f/2.0 | OnePlus 9R has a higher resolution main sensor with a wider aperture, resulting in better low-light performance and more detailed shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" | 8MP | OnePlus 9R captures higher-resolution selfies and has a larger sensor. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 16MP, f/2.2, 1/3.09" | 8MP, f/2.2 | OnePlus 9R has a higher resolution for its wide-angle lens. |
| Depth Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | Not Available | OnePlus 9R has a dedicated depth sensor for enhanced portrait mode. |
| Macro Camera | 5MP, f/2.4 | Not Available | OnePlus 9R has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps, EIS, HDR | Up to 4K@30fps | OnePlus 9R offers more versatile video options including higher framerate, EIS, and HDR in all recording settings. |
| Camera Features | OIS, PDAF, RAW, etc | Basic features | OnePlus 9R has more advanced camera features, allowing for greater creative control and better image quality. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10, upgrade to 13 | Android 13, upgrade to 17 | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ ships with a newer Android version (13), offering more features and better software support. It will receive at least 4 additional major versions. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6, Hotspot, etc | WiFi 6, Direct, Display, MiMO | Both support WiFi 6, OnePlus 9R has additional features such as Hotspot, but otherwise similar connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.3 | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ has a newer Bluetooth version, offering better connection stability and power efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, etc | GPS | OnePlus 9R supports more satellite navigation systems, potentially offering higher accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM, Nano SIM | Not Available | OnePlus 9R supports two SIM cards, useful for separating work and personal lines. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256GB | 128/256GB | Both offer similar storage options. |
| RAM | 8/12GB | 8/12GB | Both offer similar RAM options. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither support expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo, Noise cancellation mic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | OnePlus 9R has slightly better audio setup with additional Noise Cancellation mic offering better calls, sound immersion and audio separation. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ features a more ergonomic side-mounted fingerprint scanner. |
| Build | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both have unknown screen protection features, limiting comparison. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | OnePlus 9R has additional sensors (Compass, Gyroscope), which can be useful for gaming and other advanced features like AR/VR. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9R Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Significantly higher AnTuTu score and faster chipset for smoother multitasking and gaming.
- Sharper Display: Higher pixel density (402 PPI) results in crisper images and text.
- Superior Display Technology: AMOLED display offers deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colours than the IPS LCD on the Samsung.
- Faster Charging: 65W fast charging allows for quicker battery top-ups.
- Enhanced Camera: Higher-resolution main and selfie cameras, wide-angle lens with more detail, more advanced video features, and additional camera features (OIS, PDAF, etc.)
- Additional Camera Features: Macro and Portrait mode sensors allow for a variety of shooting options
- Better GPS: Support for additional satellite systems means more precise location tracking.
- More Sensors: Includes gyroscope and compass for improved gaming and AR functionality.
- Better Audio: Noise cancellation microphone for enhanced spatial audio, clearer calls, better audio separation and immersion.
- Dual Sim: Supports dual sim usage, this can be useful for separating work and personal use.
- More Compact and Lighter: It is much smaller and lighter, making it more comfortable for daily use.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ Advantages:
- Much Larger Display: 12.4" screen provides a much bigger viewing area for media consumption and multitasking.
- Significantly Longer Battery Life: 10090mAh battery should last much longer.
- Newer Device and OS: It is a newer device running a more recent Android version (13), with the promise of longer software support.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Offers a more convenient and ergonomic fingerprint unlock experience.
- Bypass Charging: Feature for preserving battery longevity while plugged in.
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.3, this feature has better connection stability and power efficiency.
Trade-offs:
- The OnePlus 9R trades a larger screen and longer battery life for a smaller form factor, superior performance and camera system.
- The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ sacrifices the compact size, higher performance and camera quality of the OnePlus 9R for a much larger screen and longer battery life.
- The OnePlus 9R's 0 nits brightness rating makes it impossible to compare brightness between it and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9R - Ideal Users:
- Gamers: The superior chipset and GPU, high refresh rate, and additional sensors offer smoother and more responsive gameplay.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Benefit from the more versatile camera system, with more advanced features, higher-quality photos, and videos.
- Power Users: The superior processing power handles multitasking and demanding apps with ease.
- Those who value portability: It's smaller, lighter, and easier to carry around.
- Users wanting a compact phone: The smaller size allows for comfortable one-handed use.
Specific Use Cases for OnePlus 9R:
- Playing graphically intensive mobile games.
- Taking high-quality photos and videos in various conditions.
- Running several apps simultaneously without lag.
- Navigating with more precise location tracking.
- Comfortable and fast usage.
- Separating work and personal life using dual sim.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ - Ideal Users:
- Media Consumers: Enjoy watching videos, movies, and browsing on a much larger screen.
- Multitaskers: Benefit from the bigger display for productivity apps, split-screen usage, and running more apps simultaneously.
- Users who prioritize battery life: Need a device that lasts all day with heavy usage.
- Users who want a tablet-like experience: Prefer a bigger device.
Specific Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+:
- Watching movies and TV shows on a large screen.
- Reading documents, articles, or ebooks.
- Multitasking with split-screen apps for productivity.
- Browsing the web on a big display.
- Long-term usage without worrying about needing to charge.
Price-to-Value:
- Without price information, it's difficult to assess the price-to-value ratio. However, given the age of the OnePlus 9R, it should be available at a lower cost than the newer Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Screen Size Preference: Do you prioritize a pocketable phone or a larger tablet-like screen for media consumption and multitasking?
- Performance vs. Battery: Do you prioritize a smoother and snappier user experience, or much longer battery life?
- Camera Needs: Do you need a versatile camera system with advanced features, or is a basic camera sufficient?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For Gamers/Power Users: If performance, camera quality, and portability are critical, choose the OnePlus 9R.
- For Media Consumption & Battery: If a large screen, longer battery life, and tablet-like functionality are preferred, choose the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+.
- For General Use: The best option depends on the specific needs. If you value portability and performance choose the OnePlus 9R. If you value a large screen and longer battery life, choose the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+.
My Choice and Explanation
Given the available specifications and considering my personal preferences, I would choose the OnePlus 9R.
Here's why:
- Performance: I prioritize a smooth and responsive user experience, and the OnePlus 9R's superior chipset and higher AnTuTu score will make this phone much faster.
- Camera Quality: I value taking high-quality photos and videos with a more versatile and feature-rich camera system, and the OnePlus 9R has the better camera, OIS, and additional features like macro and portrait mode sensors.
- Portability: I prefer a phone that is easy to carry and use with one hand, and the OnePlus 9R fits this need better due to its smaller size.
- Screen Sharpness: The higher pixel density of the OnePlus 9R makes the display appear sharper and more detailed, which I value for day-to-day use.
- Charging Speed: The faster charging is a nice-to-have, making the phone more convenient.
While the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ offers a larger display and longer battery life, these benefits do not outweigh the superior performance, camera system and more compact form factor offered by the OnePlus 9R. Although the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is newer, the performance offered by the OnePlus 9R would make me lean towards that device.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual needs and priorities, but I prioritize performance, camera quality and portability over a large screen and battery life.
