OnePlus 9RT 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
OnePlus 9RT 5G
OnePlus 9RT 5G
Oneplus

General

Launch Date October 19, 2021 January 7, 2022
Release Year 2021 2022

Physical

Volume 100.43 cm³ 91.64 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.34 "/g 3.62 "/g
Weight 198.5 g 177 g
Height 162.2 mm 155.7 mm
Width 74.6 mm 74.5 mm
Thickness 8.3 mm 7.9 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Blue
  • Hacker Black
  • Nano Silver
  • White
  • Graphite
  • Lavender
  • Olive

Display

Screen Size 6.62 " 6.4 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 1080 x 2340
Aspect Ratio 20:9 19.5:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 87.4 % 86.7 %
Pixel Density 397 PPI 403 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 102.68 mAh/in² 109.86 mAh/in²
Battery Density 44.81 mAh/cm³ 49.11 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4500 mAh 4500 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) - Version 1
CPU Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version 1
GPU Adreno 660 Adreno 660 - Version 1

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 N/A
OTG Support 1 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0, OTG USB Type-C, OTG

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 11 12
Maximum OS Version 13 16

Comparison Summary

OnePlus 9RT 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G: A User-Centered Perspective

Let's move beyond the gigabytes and gigahertz and delve into the real-world experience of using the OnePlus 9RT 5G and the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. As a technology communications specialist, my aim is to illuminate how these devices translate technical specifications into tangible user experiences.

1. Design and Usability Assessment

FeatureOnePlus 9RT 5GSamsung Galaxy S21 FE 5GUser Experience Impact
Interface DesignOxygenOS (Clean, Minimalist)One UI (Feature-Rich, Customizable)OxygenOS offers a streamlined experience, potentially appealing to purists. One UI provides more customization options, catering to diverse preferences.
Interaction FlowFluid, responsive due to 120Hz AMOLED displaySmooth, intuitive with 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X displayBoth offer excellent responsiveness, but the S21 FE's Dynamic AMOLED 2X might offer slightly better color accuracy and brightness.
Accessibility FeaturesStandard Android accessibility optionsOne UI enhanced accessibility suiteS21 FE potentially provides a more comprehensive set of accessibility features, improving usability for a broader range of users.
Design ErgonomicsSlightly heavier (198.5g), largerLighter (177g), more compactS21 FE offers a more comfortable one-handed experience due to its lighter weight and smaller form factor.

2. Narrative-Driven Feature Exploration

Scenario: Imagine a photography enthusiast, Sarah. The OnePlus 9RT 5G boasts a Sony IMX766 sensor, promising exceptional low-light performance. Sarah captures stunning night cityscapes with ease, thanks to the phone's ability to absorb more light. The S21 FE 5G, while possessing a capable camera system, might not deliver the same level of low-light prowess. However, its telephoto lens allows Sarah to zoom in on distant subjects without sacrificing detail – something the 9RT lacks.

Design Choice Impact: The 9RT prioritizes low-light photography, catering to users who frequently shoot in challenging conditions. The S21 FE offers versatility with its telephoto lens, appealing to users who desire optical zoom capabilities.

3. Inclusive Technology Evaluation

User 1: A senior citizen might find the S21 FE's lighter weight and One UI's comprehensive accessibility features more user-friendly.

User 2: A gamer might appreciate the 9RT's slightly larger display and potentially optimized OxygenOS for performance.

4. Design-Centric Decision Framework

The choice between these devices hinges on individual priorities. If a clean interface, superior low-light photography, and a larger screen are paramount, the OnePlus 9RT 5G stands out. If a lighter, more compact design, versatile camera system with telephoto capabilities, and robust accessibility features are preferred, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is the better option.

My Choice: Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G

While both phones offer compelling features, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. Its lighter weight and compact design resonate with my preference for comfortable one-handed use. The versatile camera system, including the telephoto lens, aligns with my photography needs. Furthermore, Samsung's commitment to accessibility features ensures a more inclusive user experience, catering to a wider range of individuals. While the OnePlus 9RT 5G excels in low-light photography, the S21 FE 5G's overall package offers a more balanced and user-friendly experience that better suits my personal needs and design preferences. The slightly improved camera performance in the 9RT isn't enough to outweigh the day-to-day comfort and convenience of the S21 FE's form factor and broader feature set.

Sophia Rodriguez
Sophia Rodriguez

Technology Communications Specialist

Expert in transforming complex technological innovations into accessible, engaging narratives.

Key Strengths:

  • Technology storytelling
  • User experience design analysis
  • Inclusive technology communication
  • Design-driven technology insights

Bridging technical complexity with human-centered understanding.