OnePlus 9R vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
OnePlus 9R
OnePlus 9R
Oneplus

General

Launch Date April 14, 2021 August 27, 2021
Release Year 2021 2021

Physical

Volume 100.21 cm³ 129.7 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.47 "/g 2.8 "/g
Weight 189 g 271 g
Height 161 mm 158.2 mm
Width 74.1 mm 128.1 mm
Thickness 8.4 mm 6.4 mm
Foldable Design No Yes
Available Colors
  • Carbon Black
  • Lake Blue
  • Phantom Black
  • Phantom Silver
  • Phantom Green
  • Thom Browne Edition
  • Wooyoungmi Edition

Display

Screen Size 6.55 " 7.6 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 1768 x 2208
Aspect Ratio 20:9 16:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 86.8 % 89.7 %
Pixel Density 402 PPI 374 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness N/A 1200 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 104.89 mAh/in² 76.18 mAh/in²
Battery Density 44.9 mAh/cm³ 33.92 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4500 mAh 4400 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Adreno 650 Adreno 660

Connectivity

USB Version 3.1 3.2
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 3.1, OTG USB Type-C 3.2

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 10 11
Maximum OS Version 13 15

Comparison Summary

Smartphone Comparison: OnePlus 9R vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G

1. Specifications Comparison

Design

FeatureOnePlus 9RSamsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5GPractical Impact
Form FactorStandardFoldableZ Fold3 offers a unique foldable design with a large inner screen, while 9R is a conventional slab phone.
Dimensions161 x 74.1 x 8.4 mm158.2 x 128.1 x 6.4 mm (Unfolded)9R is taller, Z Fold3 is significantly wider when unfolded and thinner. Z Fold3 has a larger overall volume.
Weight189g271g9R is much lighter and more comfortable for extended single-handed use; Z Fold3 will feel noticeably heavier.

Display

FeatureOnePlus 9RSamsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5GPractical Impact
Size6.55"7.6"Z Fold3 provides a significantly larger screen for immersive media consumption and multitasking; 9R is more pocketable and easier to use with one hand.
Resolution1080x24001768x2208Z Fold3 offers much higher pixel density for sharper visuals and a better experience, especially for detailed content.
PPI4023749R is slightly sharper for standard phone use; the difference is unlikely to be noticeable for most users at typical viewing distances.
TechnologyAMOLEDUnknown9R has superior display technology (AMOLED), offering richer colors, deeper blacks, and better energy efficiency for dark themes; information missing for the Fold3.
Refresh Rate120Hz120HzBoth provide smooth scrolling and animations; 120Hz is beneficial for gamers and users who prefer fluid visuals.
Brightness0 nits0 nitsBoth have similar peak brightness; brightness will be limited in very bright sunlight for both phones.

Performance

FeatureOnePlus 9RSamsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5GPractical Impact
ChipsetSnapdragon 870 (7 nm)Snapdragon 888 (5 nm)Z Fold3's chipset is slightly newer and faster, resulting in marginally better performance, especially in demanding tasks.
AnTuTu Score821,600898,700Z Fold3 performs better in benchmarks; The difference is noticeable under heavy loads like gaming, though not drastically so.
GPUAdreno 650Adreno 660Z Fold3's GPU is more powerful, providing improved graphics performance for gaming and graphically intensive apps.

Camera

FeatureOnePlus 9RSamsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5GPractical Impact
Main Camera48MP, f/1.7, 1/2", 0.8µm12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm9R offers higher resolution, while Z Fold3 has larger pixels for better low-light performance; Z Fold3 has a slightly larger sensor. Image processing will determine real world results.
Selfie Camera16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", 1.0µm10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm9R has higher resolution, Z Fold3 has larger pixels; real world performance will be based on image processing and sensor quality.
Telephoto LensN/A12MP, f/2.4Z Fold3 offers optical zoom, while 9R doesn't; Allows for closer shots without digital zoom artifacts.
Wide Angle Lens16MP, f/2.2, 1/3.09", 1.0µm13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06", 1.12µm9R has a higher resolution wide angle lens, while Fold3 has larger pixels; Real world results will depend on image processing.
Depth Sensor2MP, f/2.4N/A9R has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode; Z Fold3 uses software based depth mapping.
Macro Lens5MP, f/2.4N/A9R has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots; Z Fold3 does not.
Video Recording4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps, HDR, EIS4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps, 720p@960fps, HDR, EISBoth offer similar recording quality with 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps, the Fold3 also has 720p@960fps capabilities; HDR and EIS are offered on both phones for stable and vibrant videos.
DxOMarkN/AMobile: 120, Selfie: 83Z Fold3 has better photo and video quality as tested by DxOMark.
Camera FeaturesQuad camera, OIS, PDAF, 4K video, etc.Triple camera, OIS, PDAF, Laser AF, 4K video, Under display camera, Night Mode, etc.9R offers a more general approach with a quad camera setup while the Fold3 has a Triple camera setup with unique features like a dedicated Telephoto Lens, Under display camera, Laser AF, and Night Mode.

Battery

FeatureOnePlus 9RSamsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5GPractical Impact
Capacity4500mAh4400mAhBoth offer comparable battery life for typical usage, the difference of 100mAh is not significantly noticeable.
Charging65W fast charging25W fast charging9R charges significantly faster, reducing time spent tethered to a wall socket, while Fold3 charges at a lower speed.
FeaturesNon-removableNon-removable, Wireless charging, Reverse charging, Bypass Charging, Reverse wireless chargingZ Fold3 offers more battery feature such as wireless charging, and reverse charging; Both have non removable battery.

2. Key Differences Analysis

OnePlus 9R Advantages:

  • Lighter and More Compact: Significantly lighter (82g less) and more compact, making it more comfortable for one-handed use and portability.
  • Faster Charging: 65W fast charging is much faster than the Z Fold3's 25W, which will be very noticeable for users who need to quickly top-up.
  • More Standard Camera System: Has more cameras, Macro and Depth camera with higher resolutions than Z Fold3.
  • Lower Price: Typically more affordable than the foldable Z Fold3, providing good value for the price.
  • Slightly Higher PPI: Sharper display at usual viewing distances.
  • Noise Cancellation Microphone: Better audio experience.
  • More GPS systems: For better location accuracy.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G Advantages:

  • Unique Foldable Design: Offers a large 7.6" inner display for immersive media consumption and multitasking, making it unique and versatile.
  • Better Performance: The Snapdragon 888 and Adreno 660 provide better performance, especially in graphically demanding games and applications.
  • Superior Display Tech: Unknown display tech but typically, Samsung leads in display quality, which may exceed that of the 9R's AMOLED.
  • Telephoto Lens: Enables optical zoom, which is ideal for photographers who want better image quality.
  • Wireless Charging and Reverse Charging: Offers convenient ways to charge the phone and other devices.
  • More Storage: 256GB base storage and option for 512GB.
  • More Software Updates: The Z Fold3 can be updated to Android 15.
  • More Advanced Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.2 with more profile support.
  • eSIM Support: Digital carrier switching.
  • Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus.
  • Barometer: Additional sensor.
  • Better Photo and Video Scores: As tested by DxOMark.
  • Additional Camera Features: Under display camera, and laser autofocus.

Significant Trade-offs:

  • Weight: The Z Fold3 is significantly heavier, which could be a drawback for some users.
  • Price: The Z Fold3 is considerably more expensive than the 9R, making it a premium device.
  • Charging Speed: Slower charging speed on the Z Fold3 compared to the 9R.
  • Portability: The Z Fold3 is less pocketable due to its large folded form factor.
  • Depth and Macro Cameras: Z Fold3 lacks a depth and macro camera which the 9R has.
  • Missing Display Technology: Missing technology on the Z Fold3 can't be compared to AMOLED on the 9R.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Ideal User for OnePlus 9R:

  • Price-Conscious Users: Those who want a high-performing phone without breaking the bank.
  • Everyday Users: People who want a reliable, fast phone for daily tasks like browsing, social media, and multimedia consumption.
  • Mobile Gamers: Casual and moderate gamers who appreciate fast performance, high refresh rates and fast charging.
  • Users Prioritizing Portability: Those who prefer a lighter and more compact phone for comfortable handling.
  • Users who want a Macro and Depth Camera: Those who require those specific cameras.

Use Cases:

  • Daily communication and social media
  • Casual gaming and streaming videos
  • General productivity on the go
  • Photography with good lighting conditions
  • Fast charging on the go

Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G:

  • Power Users: Professionals and tech enthusiasts who need a versatile device for multitasking, productivity, and media consumption.
  • Multimedia Lovers: Those who want an immersive experience for watching videos, reading books, and browsing the web.
  • Users who want the latest tech: Those who want a premium, cutting-edge device with unique features like a foldable screen.
  • Users who value top-tier image quality: Professionals that need good photo and video capabilities.
  • Users who prioritize wireless charging: Those who want convenient charging features.

Use Cases:

  • Multitasking with multiple apps on the large screen
  • Immersive video streaming and gaming
  • Professional tasks and productivity on the go
  • Capturing high-quality photos and videos
  • Taking advantage of wireless charging and reverse charging

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions:

  1. Budget: Are you willing to invest in a high-end foldable phone, or are you looking for a good value smartphone?
  2. Form Factor: Do you prefer a standard, lighter phone, or are you interested in the unique advantages of a foldable design?
  3. Primary Use: Will you mostly be using the phone for daily tasks, or do you require features for more demanding applications, like high-end gaming and pro-level photography?

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious, Everyday User: If you're on a budget and need a reliable phone for daily use, the OnePlus 9R is the better choice, offering fast charging and decent performance at a lower price point.
  • Scenario 2: Productivity and Multimedia Enthusiast: If you want a versatile device for multitasking and immersive media consumption, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G is the better option, despite its higher price and heavier form factor.
  • Scenario 3: Mobile Gamer: If gaming is a priority, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G will offer slightly better performance, while the OnePlus 9R provides a better price-to-performance ratio if money is a concern.

My Choice

Personally, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G if price isn't a major concern. While the OnePlus 9R is an excellent phone, the Z Fold3's unique foldable design and large inner display are incredibly appealing for my use cases of multi-tasking and media consumption. The better performance and the more advanced camera system are also factors that put it slightly ahead. The wireless charging is also a nice extra that would fit into my use case.

However, the weight of the Z Fold3 is a concern, and if I needed something lighter and cheaper, the OnePlus 9R would be the more sensible option. In such a case I would value the 65W charging and lower price more. In the end, it comes down to use case, but the Z Fold3 is the better phone for my preference.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

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  • Mobile technology analysis
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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.