1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | OnePlus 9R | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | 161 × 74.1 × 8.4 mm | OnePlus 9R is slightly taller, but both are similar in width and thickness, making them feel alike in hand. |
| Weight | 189g | 189g | Both phones have the same weight, making the feel the same to hold. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.55" | Negligible difference in screen size; practically identical viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same sharpness and clarity for images and text. |
| PPI | 407 | 402 | Practically identical pixel density, leading to similar sharpness |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | OnePlus 9R offers smoother scrolling and animations, making the user interface feel more responsive. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Note: Peak brightness data is missing, making it difficult to compare sunlight readability. This may impact outdoor visibility significantly. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | OnePlus 9R has a significantly faster processor, which translates to much smoother performance in all tasks, from everyday use to demanding games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 341,212 | 821,600 | OnePlus 9R offers more than double the performance, making it much better for gaming and heavy multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 650 | OnePlus 9R has a more powerful GPU, resulting in better graphics performance in games and video editing. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Both should offer similar battery life under similar usage conditions. |
| Charging | 25W | 65W | OnePlus 9R charges much faster, reducing the time spent plugged into a charger. |
| Features | Non-removable, QC2.0, AFC | Non-removable | Samsung offers QC2.0 and AFC features |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Rear | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", IMX682 | 48MP, f/1.7, 1/2", IMX586 | Samsung's larger sensor may capture more light, especially in low light conditions, though the OnePlus has a wider aperture |
| Selfie | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", IMX616 | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", IMX471 | Samsung has higher resolution and a wider aperture for selfies, but OnePlus has larger pixel size |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.2, 1/3.09", IMX481 | OnePlus 9R captures higher resolution wide angle photos. |
| Portrait Mode | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Samsung has higher resolution for portrait mode shots. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 5MP, f/2.4 | Both offer similar macro lens specifications |
| Video | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@60fps with EIS | 4K@60fps with HDR, EIS, 1080p@240fps with HDR, EIS | OnePlus 9R records higher frame rate 4K and higher slow-motion frame rate with HDR and EIS. |
| Features | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, OIS, Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Night Mode | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Quadruple camera, Digital image 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 | Samsung Galaxy A52 provides additional features like Ultra stable video, Continuous autofocus and night mode, while the OnePlus 9R provides features like Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus and RAW support. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, max. ver. 14 | Android 10, max. ver. 13 | Samsung has a slightly newer base OS version, and offers one major Android update compared to the Oneplus 9R. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | OnePlus 9R offers faster Wi-Fi speeds, lower latency, and better performance in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.1 | OnePlus 9R has a newer version of Bluetooth, which may offer slightly better range and efficiency, and additional audio codecs. |
| GPS | Standard GPS | Enhanced GPS | OnePlus 9R is better for precise location tracking due to advanced satellite support. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | Both offer the same internal storage options. |
| RAM | 4 GB, 6 GB or 8 GB | 8 GB or 12 GB | OnePlus 9R offers substantially more RAM, translating to smoother multitasking and app performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD card for extra storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Both phones offer stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos; Samsung offers additional digital plus audio, while the OnePlus features a noise cancellation microphone. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both phones offer basic fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | Samsung Galaxy A52 provides superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | The OnePlus 9R offers a compass sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9R Advantages:
- Significantly Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 870 chipset and Adreno 650 GPU provide much faster processing speeds and better graphics capabilities, offering a noticeably smoother and more responsive user experience, especially for gaming and heavy multitasking.
- Faster Charging: 65W fast charging significantly reduces the time needed to charge the phone, a huge convenience for users on the go.
- Higher Refresh Rate: The 120Hz display provides smoother animations and scrolling, enhancing overall user interface responsiveness.
- More RAM: Higher RAM options (8GB or 12GB) improve multitasking and app switching performance.
- Better Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6 and advanced GPS for faster Wi-Fi speeds and more accurate location tracking.
- Better Video Features: Higher quality slow motion recording and the ability to record in HDR makes it more appealing for video recording.
- Better Bluetooth: Includes aptX, AAC, and LDAC audio codecs for better bluetooth audio fidelity.
Samsung Galaxy A52 Advantages:
- Higher Main Camera Resolution: The 64MP main sensor captures more detail in standard photos.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: The 32MP front camera takes more detailed selfies.
- Potentially Better Low Light Photography: larger main sensor size may lead to better low-light performance.
- Screen Protection: The A52's screen has Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection compared to the unknown protection of the 9R.
- More Android Updates: The A52 ships with Android 11 and is slated for Android 14, compared to the 9R which ships with Android 10 and has an update limit to Android 13.
- Additional Audio and Camera Features: Offers "Ultra stable video", "Continuous autofocus", "Night Mode", and "Dolby Digital Plus".
Trade-offs:
- Performance vs. Camera: The OnePlus 9R prioritizes performance over camera features and sensor resolution, while the A52 balances performance with camera capabilities.
- Charging Speed vs. All Round Performance: The OnePlus 9R will charge much faster, but the A52 will be more consistent and smoother with updates.
- Software Updates: The Samsung offers one major android update, but the Oneplus may get software updates quicker.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for OnePlus 9R:
- Gamers: The powerful chipset and high refresh rate display provide a superior gaming experience.
- Power Users: Those who demand smooth multitasking and fast app loading will benefit from the superior performance and RAM.
- Frequent Travelers: Fast charging and advanced GPS are advantageous for those who travel often.
- Users Focused on Performance: Those who value overall speed and responsiveness will appreciate the benefits of the chipset.
- Video Creators: Users that value 4K HDR recording will want the OnePlus.
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy A52:
- Casual Photographers: Those who prioritize high-resolution photos and selfies will find the camera system suitable for everyday snapshots.
- Users Prioritizing All-Round Capabilities: The A52 provides a decent blend of camera and performance.
- Users who want a phone that gets updates to a newer Android Version: Those that value staying up-to-date with the newest operating systems.
- Users that are concerned with durability: The A52 provides Gorilla Glass 5 screen protection.
- Users that want to use their device for video recording in low lighting conditions: The A52's larger sensor may help it perform better in low light situations
Specific Use Cases:
- OnePlus 9R: Intensive gaming sessions, video editing on the go, frequent use of demanding applications, precise GPS navigation, and long distance travel.
- Samsung Galaxy A52: Social media photography, capturing family moments, everyday browsing, taking selfies, and general all around use.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is performance for you? If gaming and heavy multitasking are important, the OnePlus 9R is the clear winner. If you just want a smooth experience, the A52 is sufficient.
- How much do you value a fast charging experience? If you prefer to have your phone charged and ready to go quickly, the OnePlus 9R is much faster.
- How important is camera performance? If you are a heavy camera user, it may be a better idea to consider other options outside of these two phones. If you want high-resolution photos and selfies, the A52 is better, but if you're mostly concerned with video, the 9R is a better choice.
- Do you want a phone that has a newer version of android and will continue to receive updates for longer? The A52 ships with Android 11 and has a planned update to Android 14, while the 9R will stop receiving updates after Android 13.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Gamer: Choose the OnePlus 9R for its high performance, smoother display, and better graphics capabilities.
- Scenario 2: Social Media Enthusiast: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A52 for its higher resolution cameras and better social media photography capabilities.
- Scenario 3: Everyday User: The OnePlus 9R will provide a better general experience due to the faster charging and performance, but the Samsung Galaxy A52 is a good all-around option.
- Scenario 4: Professional photographer: Neither phone is ideal, consider a different camera focused option.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the OnePlus 9R. While the Samsung A52 has advantages like higher camera resolution and a slightly newer version of Android, the performance jump offered by the OnePlus 9R's Snapdragon 870 is too significant to ignore. The much faster charging, superior gaming performance, and smoother 120Hz display make it a much better overall experience for me. I value the performance boost and wouldn't mind the slightly lower camera resolution. The ability to charge quickly is also a major benefit for my lifestyle. While the A52 is a more than adequate smartphone, the 9R's performance boost outweighs its drawbacks.
