Smartphone Comparison: OnePlus 9R vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | Z Flip5 offers a unique, compact form factor when folded, more portable; OnePlus 9R is a traditional phone. |
| Dimensions | 161 × 74.1 × 8.4 mm | 165.1 × 71.9 × 6.9 mm | Z Flip5 is taller but narrower and thinner; OnePlus 9R has slightly larger overall volume, may feel bulkier. |
| Weight | 189g | 187g | Virtually identical weight; both feel comfortable in hand. |
| Build Quality (Screen) | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Z Flip5 has superior screen protection against scratches and impacts. OnePlus 9R screen protection is unknown. |
Display
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.55" | 6.7" | Z Flip5 has a slightly larger display; minor difference in immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2640 | Z Flip5 has a slightly sharper display, more detail in content. |
| PPI | 402 | 425 | Z Flip5 has slightly better pixel density; images and text are a bit clearer. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Unknown | OnePlus 9R has superior display technology (AMOLED) with better contrast and colors, deeper blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1750 nits | Z Flip5 is significantly brighter outdoors, easily visible in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 (7 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | Z Flip5 has a significantly faster and more power-efficient chipset, better performance in demanding apps and games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 821,600 | 1,531,700 | Z Flip5 offers a much smoother and faster user experience, better app loading, multitasking and gaming capabilities. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 740 | Z Flip5 has significantly faster graphics performance; better gaming and graphically intensive app performance. |
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 1/2", Sony IMX586, 0.8µm | 12MP, f/1.8, 1.8µm | OnePlus 9R has higher resolution; Z Flip5 has larger pixels for better low-light performance; Z Flip5 may capture better detail despite lower resolution because of better processing. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", Sony IMX471, 1.0µm | 10MP, f/2.4, 1.22µm | OnePlus 9R has higher resolution; Z Flip5 has larger pixels for better low-light performance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 16MP, f/2.2, 1/3.09", Sony IMX481, 1.0µm | 12MP, f/2.2 | OnePlus 9R has slightly higher resolution for wide-angle shots. Quality may vary depending on image processing and sensor quality not only resolution. |
| Portrait (Depth) Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | OnePlus 9R has dedicated depth sensor to potentially enhance portrait shots with background blur. Z Flip5 uses software processing. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | OnePlus 9R allows for close-up shots with dedicated macro lens. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, HDR, EIS | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@60/240fps, 720p@960fps, HDR | Both offer good video capabilities; Z Flip5 has high framerate slow-motion option, while OnePlus 9R may be slightly better in low light thanks to bigger sensors in both main and ultrawide camera. |
| DXOMark | Not tested | Mobile: 127 (Photo: 132, Video: 128) | Z Flip5 has been tested by DxOMark and received scores for photo and video, so it is possible to infer it is better than OnePlus 9R camera. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Manual focus, RAW, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | Tracking AF, Noise reduction, Dual camera, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), NPU AI Engine, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | OnePlus 9R has more manual controls and camera options while the Z Flip5 offers some advanced AI-powered features like tracking AF. Z Flip5 better noise reduction. |
Battery
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 3700mAh | OnePlus 9R has significantly larger battery; likely offers longer battery life throughout the day. |
| Charging | 65W fast charging | 25W fast charging | OnePlus 9R charges much faster; quickly top up the battery. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Reverse charging, Non-removable, Fast charging 25W, 50% in 30 min, Fast wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 4.5W | Z Flip5 offers more versatile charging options including bypass, wireless charging and reverse wireless charging. |
Software
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 13) | Android 13 (upgradable to 14) | Z Flip5 runs a newer Android version, with more modern features and extended software support |
Connectivity
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Dual-band, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display, Wi-Fi MiMO | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Dual-band, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display, Wi-Fi MiMO | Both offer similar WiFi standards, supporting fast and reliable internet connections, including the latest WiFi 6 protocol. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE, A2DP, LE, APT-x, LDAC, AAC | 5.3 LE, A2DP, AVRCP, DIP, HFP, HID, HSP, LE, MAP, PAN, OPP, PBAP/PAB, ANT+, APT-x | Z Flip5 has a newer version, offering slightly faster connection speeds and improved reliability, more versatile support for Bluetooth devices and accessories compared to the OnePlus 9R. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Z Flip5 supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Z Flip5 allows for digital carrier switching, while the OnePlus 9R allows the usage of two physical SIM cards simultaneously. |
Storage
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 256GB/512GB | Z Flip5 offers more storage options; more space for apps, photos, and videos. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 8GB | OnePlus 9R may offer slightly better multitasking on 12GB version. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports external storage; user needs to rely on internal storage or cloud options. |
Audio
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers | OnePlus 9R offers better audio quality with Dolby Atmos, and clear calls with noise cancellation mic. |
Security
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Z Flip5 has a more modern, convenient fingerprint sensor. |
Sensors
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer, Gravity, Hall, Geomagnetic | Z Flip5 features more sensors; could enhance functionality in apps and games |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9R Advantages:
- Larger Battery: 4500mAh vs 3700mAh; provides longer battery life for all-day use.
- Faster Charging: 65W vs 25W; significantly quicker charging times.
- More RAM on 12 GB Version: Potentially better multitasking performance.
- Quad Camera System: Offers a dedicated macro and portrait depth lens for more versatile photography.
- AMOLED Display: Better contrast, deeper blacks and more vibrant colors
- Dolby Atmos & Noise cancellation mic: Better audio quality overall and better voice calls.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 Advantages:
- Foldable Design: Unique, compact form factor for portability and style.
- Significantly Faster Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 provides superior performance in apps and games.
- Much Higher Brightness: 1750 nits vs 0 nits; significantly better outdoor visibility.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides enhanced durability
- More Storage Options: Up to 512GB for storing more content.
- More advanced Bluetooth: 5.3 vs 5.1
- Wireless Charging and Reverse Wireless Charging: More versatile charging options.
- Newer Software: Comes with Android 13 out of the box which is upgradable to 14.
- Better GPS: supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy.
Significant Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9R sacrifices processing power and display brightness for a lower price, larger battery, and more traditional form factor.
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 is more expensive, with a smaller battery and more limited camera hardware.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for OnePlus 9R:
- Users who prioritize battery life and fast charging.
- Gamers and heavy multitaskers who prefer more RAM (on the 12GB model)
- Users seeking versatile camera options with dedicated macro and depth lenses.
- Price-conscious buyers looking for a high-performing phone that does not sacrifice battery life.
Specific Use Cases:
- Extended gaming sessions without worrying about battery drain.
- Heavy daily usage with multiple apps and tasks.
- Users who often take diverse types of photos (macro, portraits, landscape).
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5:
- Users who value a unique, compact, and stylish form factor.
- Users who require top-tier performance and the latest features.
- Those who need excellent outdoor visibility in bright sunlight.
- Users who appreciate innovative technology and versatile charging options.
- Users who do not mind having less battery life and versatility in the camera in exchange for great performance, design and display.
Specific Use Cases:
- Fashion-conscious individuals who want a phone that reflects their style.
- Users who frequently use their phones outdoors in bright conditions.
- Power users who need maximum performance for demanding applications.
- Users who travel frequently
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Form Factor: Do you prefer a standard, traditional phone or the unique foldability of the Z Flip5?
- Performance vs. Battery: Is top-tier performance a must, or is longer battery life more critical?
- Budget: Are you willing to pay a premium for the latest features and foldable technology?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious Gamer/Multitasker: If battery and RAM on the 12 GB model are your priorities, and the budget is an issue, the OnePlus 9R is a great pick.
- Power User Seeking Innovation: If you want top-tier performance, the latest tech, and a stylish, foldable design, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 is a superior choice, especially if budget is not the biggest issue.
- Everyday User who wants value for the money: If you value the balance of price, performance and versatile usage, the OnePlus 9R will provide good value.
- User who travels often: The Z Flip5 will be a better pick due to the more versatile charging options and the better location accuracy.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5. While the OnePlus 9R offers great value and a larger battery, the Z Flip5’s superior performance, foldable design, and dramatically better screen brightness are more compelling to me. The foldable form factor is a huge plus for portability, and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset is a significant upgrade for intensive tasks. Although the battery is smaller, and the camera hardware is more limited, for my use cases, the added portability and performance offered by the Z Flip5 outweigh the better battery of the OnePlus 9R. I also value the more modern software and the convenient wireless charging options. The ability to use eSim is a great advantage when traveling. Also, the vastly improved screen brightness makes it ideal for outdoors usage.
