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Samsung Galaxy S24 vs OnePlus 12 – which one is better?

Has OnePlus shown Samsung how it's done?
Last Updated on January 25, 2024
Comparing the OnePlus One to the Galaxy S24 for an in-depth analysis of their features and performance.
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After many months of anticipating, the new flagships from Samsung and OnePlus have made their way onto the market globally. We’re more than excited to see how these two Androids compare, so here we’re weighing in on the Samsung Galaxy S24 vs the OnePlus 12. OnePlus hasn’t been a mainstream contender for as long as Samsung, but the launch of the OnePlus 12 has certainly defined it as a force to be reckoned with. While similarly priced to the base S24, the specs of the OnePlus are a challenge even to the S24 Ultra model.

No doubt, Samsung and OnePlus will be competing for the spot as the best Android smartphone throughout 2024. So, In this article, we’ll dive into a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S24 and OnePlus 12, analyzing their specs, design, features, and pricing.

Samsung Galaxy S24 vs OnePlus 12 specs

SpecsSamsung Galaxy S24OnePlus 12
Display6.2-inch AMOLED, FHD+ resolution (2,340 x 1,080)6.82-inch AMOLED LTPOQHD+ resolution (3,168 x 1,440)
Dimensions and weight147.0 x 70.6 x 7.6mm, 168g164.3 x 75.8 x 9.2mm, 220g
Refresh rate120Hz display refresh rate (1Hz-120Hz)120Hz display refresh rate (1Hz-120Hz)
ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (US) / Samsung Exynos 2400 (RoW)Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
Storage128GB, 256GB256GB, 512GB, 1TB UFS 4.0
RAM8GB LPDDR5X12GB, 16GB, or 24GB LPDDR5X
Battery and charging4,000 mAh, 25W wired, 15W wireless charging 5,400 mAh, 100W wired, 50W wireless charging
CamerasFront: 12MP f/2.2, 80-degree FoV, AF
Rear: 50MP main (f/1.8, OIS), 12MP ultrawide (1.4 μm, f/2.2, 120-degree FoV 1/2.55-inch sensor), 10MP telephoto 3x optical zoom (1.12 μm, f/2.4, 36-degree FoV1/3.52-inch sensor OIS)
Front: 32MP f/2.4
Rear: 50MP main (f/1.6, OIS), 48MP ultrawide (f2.2, AF, 120-degree FoV), 64MP periscope 3x optical zoom (f/2.6, OIS)
SoftwareOne UI 6.1 (based on Android 14)OxygenOS 14 (based on Android 14)
ColorsOnyx Black, Marble Gray, Cobalt Violet, Amber YellowFlowy Emerald, Silky Black
Samsung Galaxy S24 vs OnePlus 12 specs table

Samsung Galaxy S24 vs OnePlus 12 features

When it comes to features, both the Samsung Galaxy S24 and the OnePlus 12 offer impressive features that are sure to satisfy even the most demanding of Android users.

Display and design

The display is undoubtedly one of the most important aspects of any smartphone, and both the Galaxy S24 and the OnePlus 12 deliver stunning visuals. Display-wise, the Galaxy S24 features a 6.2-inch AMOLED display with a Full HD+ resolution of 2,340 x 1,080 pixels. However, the OnePlus 12 arguably has the upper hand here, boasting a slightly larger 6.82-inch AMOLED LTPO display with a QHD+ resolution of 3,168 x 1,440 pixels. Both devices offer a dynamic 1 to 120Hz display refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and fluid animations. Peak brightness is yet another strength for the OnePlus 12, with its impressive max of 4,500 nits easily doubling that of the S24.

In terms of design, the Galaxy S24 and OnePlus 12 follow different approaches. The Galaxy S24 retains the signature design language of the S-series, with its flat display and sleek aluminum frame measuring just 147.0 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm. On the other hand, the OnePlus 12 features a curved display and an aluminum frame, giving it a more modern and slightly more premium look. With dimensions of 164.3 x 75.8 x 9.2 mm, the OnePlus 12 caters to users who prefer the experience of using a bigger smartphone. For actual materials used, there’s Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both devices, meaning the actual in-hand experience won’t be too dissimilar – apart from the obvious size difference.

Camera capabilities

The camera configuration is another area in which the Galaxy S24 falls short in comparison to the OnePlus 12. Featuring a 50MP main camera, a 12MP ultrawide camera, and a 10MP telephoto camera, the S24’s setup does the job, but it’s no improvement over its predecessor. On the other hand, the OnePlus 12 boasts a 50MP main camera, a 48MP ultrawide camera, and a 64MP periscope camera for impressive optical zoom capabilities.

Processor

Under the hood, both the Galaxy S24 and the OnePlus 12 are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, but there are subtle differences between the two as the S24 gets the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy that has altered core configurations. So, you can expect speedy and smooth performance from both devices, as the latest Snapdragon chip is even more efficient and optimized than the last. Outside of the US, the S24 models get the Samsung Exynos 2400 chipset, which is often seen as a little lackluster compared to its Snapdragon counterpart.

RAM and storage

When it comes to RAM and storage, the OnePlus 12 takes the lead. It offers configurations of up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage. Alternatively, the Galaxy S24 Plus offers a maximum of 12GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage, while the standard Galaxy S24 settles for 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. With the OnePlus 12, you’ll have plenty of space to store all your files and run multiple apps simultaneously.

Battery life

The final uncontested win for the OnePlus 12 is delivered in the form of its impressive battery, easily outperforming the Galaxy S24 with its 5,400 mAh size. After seeing wireless charging highly requested on the OnePlus 11, OnePlus pulled out all the stops to provide wired charging speeds of 100W and 50W wireless charging on the OnePlus 12. Moreover, the fast charging cable is included in the box already, so it doesn’t cost you extra to get a speedy recharge.

Samsung Galaxy S24 vs OnePlus 12 price

Well, price is where you could consider OnePlus as bagging yet another advantage – for all its features, many going beyond that offered by the Galaxy S24, the base models for these two smartphones are actually the same price. Furthermore, the base model of the OnePlus 12 offers more storage and RAM, with the 12GB/256GB model starting at $799, and the price increasing by $100 for the 16GB/512GB model. For the Galaxy S24, you’re looking at $799.99 for 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage.

Both the Galaxy S24 and OnePlus 12 are available for pre-order, with store availability starting on specific dates.

Is the Samsung Galaxy S24 better than the OnePlus 12?

Both the Samsung Galaxy S24 and OnePlus 12 offer impressive features and specifications that obviously cater to different user preferences: however, for the same price, it could be said that the OnePlus 12 actually gives you a lot more for your money. The OnePlus 12 excels in areas such as battery life, charging speeds, and camera capabilities, and comes equipped with more storage and RAM too. On the other hand, the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24 Plus do offer better software support and an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, and of course, you’re also paying for the privilege of owning one of Samsung’s latest flagships. It’s hard to make a call on which is better before we get any hands-on experience, but in my opinion, I think OnePlus might have the edge.

Marla writes across a wide range of topics across PC Guide, including AI, PC hardware, and news on the latest tech releases. She's a passionate writer that's interested in the future of technology.