When it comes to flagship smartphones, OnePlus and Samsung are two of the biggest players in the game, offering devices packed with cutting-edge technology, sleek designs, and powerful performance. In this head-to-head comparison, we’ll pit the OnePlus 9R against the Samsung Galaxy S21 to see which of these Android giants comes out on top in terms of specs, camera quality, battery life, design, and more. Whether you’re based in Australia, the UAE, or anywhere else, we’ll cover all the details to help you make the right decision before your next upgrade.
H1: Introduction: The Battle Between Two Flagship Phones
The OnePlus 9R and the Samsung Galaxy S21 are both popular choices for users who demand premium performance at a slightly more affordable price point than the highest-end models in their respective lineups. The OnePlus 9R, part of the OnePlus 9 series, was released as a slightly toned-down version of its more expensive siblings, the OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro, while the Samsung Galaxy S21 is part of Samsung’s flagship series for 2021.
But which one is truly worth your money? Let’s break down the two smartphones in several key areas, from device specifications to camera quality, battery performance, and pricing to give you the complete picture.
H2: Device Specifications: What’s Under the Hood?
When comparing two flagship smartphones, the specs are crucial, as they directly impact the device’s performance, multitasking capabilities, and overall user experience. Let’s take a closer look at the specifications of the OnePlus 9R and the Samsung Galaxy S21.
H3: OnePlus 9R Specs
- Display: 6.55-inch Fluid AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate, Full HD+ resolution
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 (5G)
- Storage Options: 8GB RAM + 128GB internal storage or 12GB RAM + 256GB internal storage
- Battery: 4500mAh, Warp Charge 65W (50% charge in 15 minutes)
- Operating System: OxygenOS based on Android 11
- Camera Setup: Quad-camera setup (48MP primary, 16MP ultra-wide, 5MP macro, 2MP monochrome)
- 5G Connectivity: Yes
- Fingerprint Sensor: In-display
H3: Samsung Galaxy S21 Specs
- Display: 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz refresh rate, Full HD+ resolution
- Processor: Exynos 2100 (Global), Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (USA)
- Storage Options: 8GB RAM + 128GB or 256GB internal storage
- Battery: 4000mAh, 25W fast charging, 15W wireless charging
- Operating System: One UI 3.1 based on Android 11
- Camera Setup: Triple-camera setup (12MP wide, 64MP telephoto, 12MP ultra-wide)
- 5G Connectivity: Yes
- Fingerprint Sensor: In-display
H2: Display and Design: Screen Quality and Build
Both the OnePlus 9R and Samsung Galaxy S21 come with stunning displays that offer smooth visuals and vibrant colours. However, when it comes to screen quality and design, Samsung has long been known for its superior display technology, and the Galaxy S21 is no exception.
H3: OnePlus 9R Display
The OnePlus 9R boasts a 6.55-inch Fluid AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, making it perfect for smooth scrolling, gaming, and high-quality video playback. The Full HD+ resolution (2400 x 1080 pixels) offers sharp visuals, but it doesn’t quite compare to the higher-end Quad HD+ displays seen in the OnePlus 9 Pro and other premium models.
- Pros: The 120Hz refresh rate makes the display incredibly responsive, ideal for gamers and anyone who loves fluid animations.
- Cons: The display resolution, though high, is not as sharp as some other flagship phones, particularly those offering Quad HD+ screens.
H3: Samsung Galaxy S21 Display
The Samsung Galaxy S21 features a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, also boasting a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth and fluid visuals. The screen has a Full HD+ resolution (2400 x 1080 pixels), just like the OnePlus 9R, but Samsung’s Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology provides richer colours, deeper blacks, and better sunlight legibility.
- Pros: Samsung’s AMOLED technology is superior in terms of brightness, contrast, and overall colour accuracy.
- Cons: While the display quality is fantastic, the Galaxy S21’s smaller 6.2-inch size may not be as ideal for users who prefer larger displays.
H2: Camera Quality: Taking the Best Shots
Both the OnePlus 9R and Samsung Galaxy S21 come with excellent cameras, but which one truly captures the best photos and videos?
H3: OnePlus 9R Camera Quality
The OnePlus 9R features a quad-camera setup, including a 48MP primary sensor, 16MP ultra-wide, 5MP macro, and a 2MP monochrome sensor. The 48MP sensor uses the Sony IMX586 sensor, a well-known performer in the industry.
- Camera Performance: In good lighting, the OnePlus 9R captures crisp details, vibrant colours, and good dynamic range. The ultra-wide camera is impressive, and the macro lens does well for close-up shots.
- Low Light Performance: While the OnePlus 9R is capable in low-light scenarios, it’s not quite as good as some of the top-tier flagships, such as the Galaxy S21.
H3: Samsung Galaxy S21 Camera Quality
The Samsung Galaxy S21 comes with a triple-camera setup, including a 12MP primary sensor, 64MP telephoto sensor, and a 12MP ultra-wide sensor. The 64MP telephoto sensor provides excellent zoom capabilities, which sets it apart from the OnePlus 9R.
- Camera Performance: Samsung’s camera performance excels in most areas, with great colour accuracy, sharpness, and an exceptional telephoto lens for zoomed-in shots.
- Low Light Performance: Samsung’s Night Mode is excellent, and its sensors handle low-light conditions better than the OnePlus 9R.
H2: Battery Life: Powering Through the Day
When it comes to battery life, both devices offer fast charging capabilities, but they differ in capacity.
H3: OnePlus 9R Battery Life
The OnePlus 9R comes with a 4500mAh battery, which is larger than the Galaxy S21’s. Thanks to Warp Charge 65W, you can charge the OnePlus 9R from 0 to 50% in just 15 minutes, and a full charge takes around 35 minutes. However, despite the larger battery, the OnePlus 9R may not offer significantly better battery life than the Galaxy S21 due to its display size and resolution.
H3: Samsung Galaxy S21 Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy S21 has a 4000mAh battery, which is slightly smaller than the OnePlus 9R’s. However, with 25W fast charging, the Galaxy S21 charges relatively quickly, though not as fast as the OnePlus 9R. The smaller display also helps the Galaxy S21 last a little longer on a full charge compared to the OnePlus 9R, though both phones should easily make it through a full day of regular use.
H2: Price and Value for Money: Which Offers the Best Deal?
One of the most important aspects when choosing between these two devices is the price. Let’s compare the pricing and value for money for both smartphones in the UAE market and beyond.
H3: OnePlus 9R Pricing
The OnePlus 9R is a more affordable alternative to the OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro. Typically, prices start at around AED 2,399 for the base model with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage.
- Pros: The OnePlus 9R is a solid choice for those looking for flagship-like performance at a more budget-friendly price.
- Cons: While affordable, it lacks some of the premium features found in the Galaxy S21, like the higher-end camera setup and telephoto zoom.
H3: Samsung Galaxy S21 Pricing
The Samsung Galaxy S21 starts at around AED 2,999 for the 128GB storage variant. Although it’s a bit more expensive than the OnePlus 9R, it offers a more refined camera setup, a premium display, and longer software support.
- Pros: The S21 offers excellent all-around performance and a premium experience at a slightly higher price.
- Cons: The higher price point may not justify the jump for users who prioritize value for money.
Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?
Ultimately, the decision between the OnePlus 9R and Samsung Galaxy S21 depends on your preferences and priorities.
- If you’re looking for value for money, fast charging, and solid performance at a slightly lower price, the OnePlus 9R is an excellent choice. It offers great performance, a large battery, and a smooth display, making it ideal for users who don’t mind missing out on some of the more premium features of other flagship phones.
- However, if you want the best camera performance, long-term software updates, and a more premium display, the Samsung Galaxy S21 is the way to go. Its telephoto lens, excellent low-light capabilities, and overall polished design make it an excellent choice for users who prioritize camera quality and overall device longevity.
Whichever device you choose, both the OnePlus 9R and Samsung Galaxy S21 are solid contenders in the flagship smartphone market, offering powerful performance, excellent design, and cutting-edge technology.
