OnePlus 9 vs Samsung Galaxy S23+
The Verdict
Samsung Galaxy S23+ edges out OnePlus 9 with superior brightness (1750 nits versus 1100), newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, and IP68 dust and water resistance that OnePlus lacks. Camera systems differ meaningfully: OnePlus offers a unique 50MP ultrawide with freeform lens technology and higher-resolution main sensor (48MP), while Samsung provides a telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and Dual Pixel PDAF for more versatile shooting. Battery capacity favors Samsung at 4700mAh versus 4500mAh, but OnePlus charges significantly faster with 65W Warp Charge compared to Samsung's 45W. Display quality benefits Samsung's Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology. At $729 versus $999, OnePlus delivers exceptional value with flagship performance and faster charging, making it ideal for budget-conscious users seeking raw capability. Samsung justifies its premium through durability, zoom versatility, and refined software, better suited for those prioritizing photography and longevity.
Who Should Buy
Buy the OnePlus 9 if…
- →65W Warp Charge fills battery in 29 minutes
- →Excellent main and ultrawide cameras
- →Hasselblad color calibration
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S23+ if…
- →Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy delivers top-tier performance
- →Bright 1750-nit display is excellent in direct sunlight
- →4700 mAh battery provides strong all-day endurance
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
OnePlus 9
Pros
- 65W Warp Charge fills battery in 29 minutes
- Excellent main and ultrawide cameras
- Hasselblad color calibration
- 120Hz AMOLED display
- Competitive pricing at $729
Cons
- No telephoto camera
- 2 MP monochrome sensor is useless
- No official IP rating for water resistance
- Plastic frame feels less premium
- Snapdragon 888 heating issues
Samsung Galaxy S23+
Pros
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy delivers top-tier performance
- Bright 1750-nit display is excellent in direct sunlight
- 4700 mAh battery provides strong all-day endurance
- Four years of OS updates and five years of security patches
- Versatile triple camera with 3x optical zoom
Cons
- Only 8 GB RAM at the $999 price point
- FHD+ resolution instead of QHD+ on the 6.6-inch display
- 45W charging is slower than Chinese competitors
- No expandable storage or microSD slot
- Design is very similar to S22+ with minimal visual changes
Full Specifications
| Spec | OnePlus 9 | Samsung Galaxy S23+ |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 11, OxygenOS 11 | Android 13 (One UI 5.1) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 192 g | 195 g |
| Material | Plastic frame, Gorilla Glass 5 | Armor Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| IP rating | No official rating | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 160 x 74.2 x 8.7 mm | 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 48 MP, f/1.8, OIS (Hasselblad tuned) | 50 MP, f/1.8, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS |
| Mono | 2 MP, f/2.4 | — |
| Front camera | 16 MP, f/2.4 | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps |
| Ultrawide | 50 MP, f/2.2, freeform lens | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Telephoto | — | 10 MP, f/2.4, 3x optical zoom, OIS |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB | 256 GB, 512 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 4700 mAh |
| Charging | 65W Warp Charge wired | 45W wired |
| Wireless charging | 15W wireless | 15W, Wireless PowerShare |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.55 inches | 6.6 inches |
| Type | AMOLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 2400 x 1080 | 2340 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1100 | 1750 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz + 3x2.42 GHz + 4x1.8 GHz) | Octa-core (1x3.36 GHz + 2x2.8 GHz + 2x2.8 GHz + 3x2.0 GHz) |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 740 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 3.1 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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