Galaxy S24 • Locked T-Mobile vs OnePlus 12 • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S24, released globally in January 2024, and the OnePlus 12, which saw its global launch in February 2024, are both high-end Android smartphones. While both devices offer premium experiences, they cater to slightly different user priorities through their distinct approaches to software support, display technology, and battery capabilities. Both run on the Android operating system, offering a wide range of applications and customization options.

When considering the long-term usability of a smartphone, software support and physical resilience are key factors, and these two devices present different approaches.

• Software Longevity: The Samsung Galaxy S24 stands out with an extensive commitment to software updates, promising seven years of Android OS upgrades and security patches from its release date. This means users can expect continued support well into the future, potentially extending the device's practical lifespan significantly. In contrast, the OnePlus 12 offers four years of Android updates and five years of security patches, a respectable but shorter duration compared to its competitor.
• Physical Durability: The Galaxy S24 features an Armor Aluminum 2.0 frame and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for screen protection, along with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating it can withstand immersion in water. The OnePlus 12 also uses Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for its display and has an IP65 rating, meaning it is protected against dust and water jets, but not full immersion.
• Repairability: The Samsung Galaxy S24 has received a high repairability score, with some assessments giving it a 9 out of 10, noting the ease of replacing components like the battery due to pull tabs and minimal adhesive use. The OnePlus 12 has a moderate repairability score, around 7.5 out of 10, with some components like the back cover and battery using strong adhesive, which can make disassembly more challenging.

Both the Galaxy S24 and OnePlus 12 are equipped with powerful internal components designed for demanding tasks, though their configurations and real-world performance characteristics differ.

• Processing Power: The Samsung Galaxy S24, particularly in North America, is powered by a current-generation processor that delivers smooth performance for everyday applications, multitasking, and mobile gaming. The OnePlus 12 also features a high-end processor, ensuring a fluid user experience across various tasks, from intensive gaming to running multiple applications simultaneously.
• Memory and Storage: The Galaxy S24 typically comes with 8GB of RAM and storage options of 128GB or 256GB. The OnePlus 12 offers more generous configurations, starting with 12GB or 16GB of RAM and storage options of 256GB or 512GB, providing more headroom for heavy multitasking and storing large files.
• Battery Performance: The Galaxy S24 houses a 4000mAh battery, which users report provides solid battery life for a compact device, often lasting a full day with moderate use. The OnePlus 12 is equipped with a larger 5400mAh battery, known for its excellent longevity, often extending to two days of normal usage. Additionally, the OnePlus 12 supports very fast wired charging at 100W (80W in the USA) and 50W wireless charging, significantly reducing charging times. The Galaxy S24 supports 25W wired and 15W wireless charging.

The visual experience on both smartphones is a highlight, with each offering a vibrant and responsive display, though with differences in size and peak brightness.

• Display Technology and Size: The Samsung Galaxy S24 features a 6.2-inch flat FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, providing a clear and immersive viewing experience in a more compact form factor. The OnePlus 12 boasts a larger 6.82-inch curved LTPO AMOLED display, offering an expansive canvas for media consumption and productivity.
• Brightness and Clarity: Both displays offer a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate for smooth scrolling and responsiveness. The Galaxy S24 can reach a peak brightness of 2600 nits, ensuring good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. The OnePlus 12, however, pushes peak brightness even further, reaching up to 4500 nits, which can be beneficial for extreme outdoor use or HDR content.
• Resolution and Viewing Experience: The Galaxy S24 offers a Full HD+ resolution, which is sharp for its size. The OnePlus 12 features a higher resolution display (1440 x 3168 pixels), providing a slightly crisper image on its larger screen. Both displays are protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2.

Both devices offer versatile camera systems capable of capturing high-quality images and videos, with distinct strengths in their photographic capabilities.

• Rear Camera Systems: The Samsung Galaxy S24 is equipped with a triple-camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens capable of 3x optical zoom. This system is known for producing vibrant and detailed photos in various lighting conditions. The OnePlus 12 also features a triple-camera system, co-developed with Hasselblad, comprising a 50MP main sensor, a 48MP ultrawide lens, and a 64MP periscope telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy S24 generally delivers consistent image quality with strong color reproduction, performing well in everyday scenarios and offering decent low-light performance. The OnePlus 12's camera system is praised for its capable primary and telephoto cameras, with users reporting good results in well-lit conditions and strong telephoto performance. However, some users note that its low-light performance for ultra-wide and selfies can be less consistent.
• Video Recording and Front Camera: Both phones are capable of recording high-resolution video. The Galaxy S24's video capabilities are solid in optimal conditions, though it may struggle with sudden lighting changes and stabilization. The OnePlus 12 supports up to 8K video recording at 24fps and 4K at 30fps from its 32MP front camera. The Galaxy S24 features a 12MP front camera.