Smartphone Comparison: OnePlus 9R vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | The Z Fold4 offers a larger screen when unfolded, but is bulkier and heavier in its folded state; the 9R is a typical, single-screen phone. |
| Dimensions | 161 × 74.1 × 8.4 mm | 155.1 × 130.1 × 6.3 mm (unfolded) | The Z Fold4 is wider when open and significantly thinner, while the 9R is taller and thicker. Folded, the Z Fold4 is more compact in width but much thicker. |
| Weight | 189g | 263g | The 9R is substantially lighter, making it more comfortable for one-handed use and carrying. The Z Fold4's weight is noticeable, especially for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 7.6" (unfolded) | The Z Fold4 provides a much larger viewing area for multitasking, media consumption, and productivity. The 9R is suitable for standard use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1812x2176 | The Z Fold4's higher resolution results in sharper text and images, especially noticeable on the larger display. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 402 | 373 | The 9R is slightly sharper per inch, but the Z Fold4's larger screen provides more screen real estate despite the lower PPI. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Unknown | The 9R's AMOLED display provides richer blacks, higher contrast, and better power efficiency for dark themes; display tech of Z Fold4 is not specified. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, but the larger screen of the Z Fold4 amplifies this experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both displays are rated at 0 nits, meaning the data is either missing, or if correct, the phones could not be seen. This needs more clarification |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | The Z Fold4's newer chip offers better performance and efficiency, resulting in snappier app loading, smoother operation and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 821,600 | 1,232,800 | The Z Fold4 has significantly higher performance, leading to faster processing and better multitasking capabilities. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 730 | The Adreno 730 in the Z Fold4 will give an advantage in graphics-intensive tasks like gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4400mAh | Both phones will likely provide similar battery life, but real-world use will vary due to different screen size and performance needs. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | The 9R charges much faster, reducing downtime. The Z Fold4 charges slower and could be more inconvenient. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Reverse charging, Non-removable, Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 9W | The Z Fold4 offers more versatile charging options, including wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and bypass charging that reduces battery degradation when using the phone while plugged in. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP f/1.7, 1/2", 0.80µm | 50MP f/1.8, 1/1.57", 1.00µm | The Z Fold4 has a larger sensor with larger pixels, potentially offering better low-light performance, although the 9R has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP f/2.4, 1/3.13", 1.00µm | 10MP f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | The 9R offers higher resolution, while the Z Fold4 has a slightly wider aperture and larger pixel size for better low-light selfie performance. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10MP f/2.4, 1/3.9", 1.00µm | The Z Fold4 has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, a feature missing in the 9R. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 16MP f/2.2, 1/3.09", 1.00µm | 13MP f/2.2, 1/3.06", 1.12µm | Both have wide-angle lenses, however the Z Fold4 has a larger pixel size, which may help with low-light performance. The 9R has higher resolution. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP f/2.4 | None | The 9R has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait shots, which the Z Fold4 doesn't have. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP f/2.4 | None | The 9R has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography, which the Z Fold4 lacks. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 8K@24fps | The Z Fold4 can record at higher resolutions, offering better quality for professional video. Both have stabilization features. |
| DxOMark Score | N/A | 124 (Mobile), 131 (Photo), 122 (Video) | The Z Fold4 camera is professionally tested and rated to have a strong performance. |
| Features | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Manual focus, Laser AF, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Laser autofocus (LAF), Dual front camera, Under display camera, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | The Z Fold4 has advanced camera features like laser autofocus, dual front camera, night mode, and optical zoom. The 9R has a macro lens and a depth sensor, which the Z Fold4 lacks. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 13) | Android 12 (upgradable to 16) | The Z Fold4 ships with a newer version of Android and is expected to receive more updates in the future. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both have similar wifi versions and features. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | The Z Fold4 has a slightly newer Bluetooth version with more advanced features. |
| 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) | The Z Fold4 has better GPS support, with an additional GLONASS (L1) module, which is likely to provide slightly better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | The Z Fold4 supports eSIM for digital carrier switching and dual SIM use, while the 9R supports dual physical SIMs. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 256/512/1024 GB | The Z Fold4 offers much higher storage options, useful for storing more apps, photos, and videos. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 12 GB | Both have sufficient RAM for demanding tasks, but the 12GB on both will provide the same experience with no clear benefit. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for microSD card expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | The 9R has a noise cancellation microphone. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | The Z Fold4 has a more convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unspecified | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ | The Z Fold4 has superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer, Gravity, Hall, Geomagnetic | The Z Fold4 has a more comprehensive suite of sensors including environmental sensors, useful for various applications and games. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9R Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: Significantly lighter (74g difference) and thinner when compared to the folded Z Fold4, making it more comfortable for extended use and one-handed operation.
- Faster Charging: 65W fast charging is much faster than the Z Fold4's 25W, reducing downtime.
- Lower Price Point: Generally more affordable than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4.
- Macro and Depth Sensor: Dedicated macro and depth sensor for creative photography
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 Advantages:
- Foldable Design: Offers a large, immersive screen when unfolded, great for multitasking, media consumption, and productivity.
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset delivers significantly better performance than the Snapdragon 870.
- Advanced Camera System: Features a telephoto lens for optical zoom, higher resolution video recording, and a tested DxOMark score of 124.
- More Storage Options: Offers up to 1TB of internal storage, much more than the 9R.
- Wireless and Reverse Wireless Charging: Offers a higher level of convenience compared to the 9R.
- Better Bluetooth Version: 5.2 Bluetooth offers more advanced connection features.
- eSIM Support: Allows for more flexibility in network usage.
- More sensors: Includes a barometer, gravity, hall, and geomagnetic sensors.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ for better scratch resistance.
- Bypass Charging: Reduces battery degradation when using the phone while charging.
Significant Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9R: Lacks advanced camera features like optical zoom, wireless charging, and a foldable screen. Slower processor.
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4: Significantly heavier and bulkier, much more expensive, and slower charging speeds.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9R Ideal User:
- Value-Conscious Users: Those who want a good-performing phone without breaking the bank.
- Users Preferring Portability: Individuals who prioritize a lightweight and comfortable phone for one-handed use.
- Casual Photographers: Users who appreciate a capable camera but don't require advanced features like optical zoom.
- Gamers: Those who prioritize fast performance and higher refresh rate, however may be better served by the Z Fold4.
- Users focused on rapid charging The faster charging of the 9R is a clear benefit.
Use Cases for OnePlus 9R:
- Daily communication (calls, messaging, social media)
- Casual gaming and media consumption
- Quick photography and sharing
- Everyday general use
- Users needing a macro and portrait sensor.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 Ideal User:
- Power Users: Those who require top-tier performance for demanding tasks and multitasking.
- Productivity Enthusiasts: Individuals who value the large screen for productivity, note-taking, and document editing.
- Mobile Gamers: Those who want the best graphics and immersive gameplay experience.
- Photography and Videography: Users who need high-quality cameras and advanced features.
- Early Adopters: Individuals who embrace new technology and are willing to pay a premium.
- Users who utilize multiple devices and need to combine them into one.
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4:
- Professional multitasking (multiple apps, video conferencing, document editing)
- Mobile gaming (high-performance, immersive experience)
- Photography and videography
- Media creation
- Content consumption
- Digital reading and note-taking
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Z Fold4 is significantly more expensive than the 9R.
- How important is portability and one-handed use? The 9R is lighter and easier to handle.
- How often will you utilize advanced camera features? The Z Fold4 has superior camera features, but not every user needs it.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User: If your budget is limited, the OnePlus 9R offers great value for the price, with good performance and a capable camera.
- Scenario 2: Portability Matters: If you prioritize a lighter, more comfortable phone for everyday use, the OnePlus 9R is the better choice.
- Scenario 3: Performance is Key: If you need top-tier performance for demanding tasks and games, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 is the clear winner, though at a premium price.
- Scenario 4: Productivity is Essential: For users who heavily multitask and require a large display, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 offers a unique foldable experience that enhances productivity.
- Scenario 5: Photography Enthusiast: The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 provides a more versatile camera setup with optical zoom, better low-light performance, and an 8K video capability that will be a clear win for a photography enthusiast.
Personal Recommendation
If I were to choose, I would personally go with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4. While the price is a significant factor, the appeal of the foldable design, the much better performance, the superior camera system, and overall more premium feature set wins me over. I am willing to accept the weight and bulkier size for the immersive experience and the significant benefits it would bring to my productivity. I can see myself using the larger screen for multitasking, and the high-quality camera and video capabilities for creative work. The additional battery features such as the bypass, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging will also be very convenient for my use cases. Although I appreciate the faster charging of the OnePlus 9R, the overall benefits of the Z Fold4 outweigh this one.
