1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | OnePlus 9R | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2021-04-14 | OnePlus 9R is newer by about 2.5 months, potentially having slightly more up-to-date features |
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 161 × 74.1 × 8.4 mm | OnePlus 9R is larger and bulkier, which may be less comfortable for single-handed use. S21 is more compact and pocketable. |
| Weight | 169g | 189g | S21 is noticeably lighter (20g difference) and more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.55" | OnePlus 9R offers more screen real estate for media consumption and gaming. S21 is more compact but has a smaller display. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer similar sharpness and detail. |
| Pixel Density | 421 PPI | 402 PPI | Practically identical sharpness, negligible difference in real-world use. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G has significantly higher outdoor visibility. The OnePlus 9R spec for brightness is missing, cannot compare effectively. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) - International | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | OnePlus 9R offers slightly better raw performance in benchmarks, which may translate to slightly smoother app switching and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 821,600 | OnePlus 9R has about 10% higher performance based on this benchmark score, making it slightly faster overall. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 - International (ARM Mali-G78 MC14) | Adreno 650 (Qualcomm Adreno 650) | Both are capable GPUs for gaming and graphics, but the Snapdragon's Adreno 650 tends to be slightly more optimized for mobile gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 4500mAh | OnePlus 9R should offer longer battery life due to larger capacity. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 65W Fast Charging | OnePlus 9R charges much faster, a significant advantage for users who need to top up quickly. |
| Features | Reverse charging, Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 4.5W, No charger in-box | Non-removable | S21 offers additional wireless charging and reverse wireless charging capabilities, but ships without a charger. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm | 48MP, f/1.7, 1/2", 0.8µm | OnePlus 9R has higher resolution but smaller sensor and pixel size. S21's larger sensor typically offers better low-light performance, though other processing factors will be at play. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.8µm | None | Samsung S21 offers additional optical zoom capabilities with a dedicated lens. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", 1.0µm | OnePlus 9R has higher resolution. S21 has wider aperture and larger pixel size. Real world results will depend on image processing. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 16MP, f/2.2, 1/3.09", 1.0µm | OnePlus 9R offers a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing more in a shot. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | OnePlus 9R has an extra sensor to create better portrait mode effects, although real world benefit is often minimal. |
| Macro Lens | None | 5MP, f/2.4 | OnePlus 9R includes a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | None | S21 offers a hybrid wide-angle and macro lens capability. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@60fps | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G can record videos in higher resolution and has higher slow motion frame rate than the OnePlus 9R. |
| DxOMark Score | Mobile: 111, Selfie: 132 | Not Available | Samsung has a scored and tested camera; OnePlus does not have a public score. |
| Camera Features | 8K Video, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Continuous autofocus, Night Mode | Quadruple camera | Samsung offers additional features such as 8K video, optical zoom, and night mode, while OnePlus has the advantage of a quadruple-camera system. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 15 | Android 10, upgradable to 13 | S21 is more up to date with OS software. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6, Wi-Fi MiMO | Both have Wi-Fi 6; OnePlus has additional Wi-Fi MiMO functionality. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | OnePlus has newer Bluetooth technology. |
| GPS | More satellite systems, including (L1+L5) and (E1+E5a) | More satellite systems, including (L1+L5), (E1+E5a) and (B1) | OnePlus has an extra satellite system |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB or 256 GB | 128GB or 256 GB | Both phones offer the same storage capacity options. |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB or 12GB | OnePlus 9R offers an optional 12GB of RAM for smoother multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Both phones have comparable audio setups. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both have standard fingerprint recognition. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Samsung has superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | S21 has additional sensors that support more advanced features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display Brightness: The S21's significantly higher brightness rating of 1300 nits makes it much better for outdoor use in bright sunlight, which is a key advantage in day-to-day usage.
- Wireless Charging & Reverse Wireless Charging: It offers convenience through wireless charging and can also charge other devices wirelessly, a feature not available on the OnePlus 9R.
- More advanced Camera features: S21 has more advanced camera features, such as optical zoom and 8K video recording, and a higher camera DXO mark rating.
- More comprehensive sensor suite: The S21 includes additional environmental sensors such as a barometer.
- More Up to date OS: S21 has a newer operating system and will be supported longer.
- More compact and lightweight: It is significantly lighter and more compact, making it easier to handle and carry.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus screen protection provides higher durability.
OnePlus 9R Advantages:
- Faster Charging: The 65W charging capability is a huge time-saver, allowing the device to be charged much more rapidly.
- Larger Battery: The 500mAh battery difference will likely result in more usage time before requiring a charge.
- Slightly Better Performance: The Snapdragon 870 chipset offers marginally better performance, particularly in gaming.
- More RAM (Optional): The 12GB RAM option will result in smoother multitasking and gaming.
- Wider Angle and Macro Camera: Has dedicated wide-angle and macro lenses, providing versatility in photography.
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.1 vs 5.0 offers faster and more efficient data transfer.
- More satellite systems: Offers slightly more robust location accuracy.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung S21: Lacks the larger display, faster charging, macro lens and wide-angle lens of the OnePlus 9R, and it ships without a charger.
- OnePlus 9R: Has worse screen brightness, lacks wireless charging, has an older operating system, and is heavier and bulkier.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize display quality, especially outdoor visibility: The high brightness display is essential for people who use their phone in bright sunlight frequently.
- Users who value convenience features such as wireless charging and reverse wireless charging: This is for people who want to reduce clutter and charge multiple devices with one smartphone.
- Users who prefer a compact and lightweight phone: The small form factor is great for those who prefer single-hand operation and easy portability.
- Users who value a more versatile camera with optical zoom and 8K video.
- Users who want a more modern operating system and longer software support.
Use Cases:
- Outdoor photography and videography: The higher brightness display and higher quality camera make this phone ideal for capturing content in bright conditions.
- Commuting and travel: The small size and light weight make the S21 easier to carry around, while wireless charging and reverse wireless charging may come in handy.
- Business professionals who need a reliable and portable device.
OnePlus 9R Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize battery life and fast charging: The larger battery and rapid charging are crucial for heavy users who need a reliable all-day device.
- Users who engage in heavy gaming and multitasking: The Snapdragon 870 chip and optional 12 GB RAM make this phone ideal for demanding applications.
- Users who desire versatile camera lenses: The inclusion of a wide angle lens is ideal for landscape photography, and the macro lens is ideal for close-up photography.
Use Cases:
- Gaming enthusiasts: The robust performance and fast charging support long gaming sessions.
- Media consumption: The larger display enhances the viewing experience for movies and videos.
- Power users who need a long-lasting battery: The large battery and fast charging make this an ideal work phone.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
The relative price of these two phones is not specified, however, based on the tech specs, S21 should be considered a better choice for users who need a compact phone with great outdoor screen visibility and a capable camera, and wireless charging. The OnePlus 9R has an advantage for gamers and users needing long battery life and fast charging as well as better value for a budget-conscious user.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is screen visibility in bright sunlight? If very important, the S21 is the clear winner.
- Do you need wireless charging and reverse wireless charging capabilities? If yes, the S21 is the only option here.
- How important is battery life and charging speed? If those are important, the 9R is superior.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the outdoor enthusiast: If you spend a lot of time outdoors, the Samsung Galaxy S21 is the better choice due to its brighter display.
- For the power user: If you are a heavy user who plays games, the OnePlus 9R with 12GB of RAM and fast charging makes more sense.
- For the general user: If you simply need a well-rounded phone and want a great experience and wireless charging, the S21 is a better choice; if your focus is battery life and a larger screen, the OnePlus is a great option.
My Choice
If I had to choose between the two phones, I would opt for the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. While the OnePlus 9R offers compelling advantages in battery life and charging speed, my preference leans towards a compact form factor and a superior display for outdoor visibility. I also like the wireless charging convenience of the S21, which is a big plus for me. The slightly better performance of the OnePlus 9R is not enough to outweigh the S21's strengths in display quality and physical size. While I like the inclusion of the wide-angle and macro lens on the 9R, for general use cases the versatile optical zoom of the S21 will likely produce better results.
