Oneplus 6 Vs Samsung S9 Plus Is The Upgrade Actually Worth It According To Reddit

When OnePlus launched the OnePlus 6 in 2018, it was met with widespread acclaim for its premium design, high-end specs, and aggressive pricing. Around the same time, Samsung’s Galaxy S9 Plus remained a flagship powerhouse with advanced camera features and brand reliability. For users already on the S9 Plus, the question wasn’t just about raw performance—it was whether upgrading to the OnePlus 6 offered meaningful improvements. To find real-world answers, many turned to Reddit, where thousands of tech-savvy users debated the merits of each device. This article dives into those discussions, analyzes key differences, and determines whether the upgrade from the S9 Plus to the OnePlus 6 was genuinely worth it.

Performance and Hardware: A Closer Look

At the core of any smartphone comparison lies hardware. The OnePlus 6 came equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor, 6GB or 8GB of RAM, and UFS 2.1 storage—specs that matched or exceeded most flagships of its time. The Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus also used the Snapdragon 845 (in select regions) but typically shipped with 6GB of RAM and slightly slower storage implementation.

Benchmarks showed minimal real-world differences in processing power, but users consistently reported that the OnePlus 6 felt faster due to OxygenOS’s near-stock Android experience. On Reddit, u/AndroidEnthusiast92 noted:

“Switching from my S9+ to the OnePlus 6 was like removing invisible weights. Animations are snappier, app launches are instant, and there’s zero bloatware slowing things down.”

The OnePlus 6 also featured a higher refresh rate touch response (60Hz display, but optimized touch sampling), contributing to a more responsive feel during daily use. Meanwhile, the S9 Plus ran Samsung’s Experience UI (later One UI), which, while feature-rich, introduced noticeable overhead.

Display and Design Comparison

The Galaxy S9 Plus boasted a 6.2-inch Quad HD+ Super AMOLED display with excellent color accuracy, HDR support, and peak brightness ideal for outdoor visibility. It maintained Samsung’s reputation for best-in-class screens. The OnePlus 6, by contrast, used a 6.28-inch Optic AMOLED panel at Full HD+ resolution. While technically lower in pixel density, many users found little visible difference in daily use.

Reddit threads highlighted that the OnePlus 6’s taller 19:9 aspect ratio and smaller bezels gave it a more modern look. However, purists appreciated the S9 Plus’s curved edges and superior blue light filtering options. One user on r/Android pointed out:

“I missed the edge lighting and always-on display features from Samsung, but the OnePlus 6’s notch design made more sense for media consumption.” — u/MobileReviewerMike

Tip: If screen quality is your top priority, stick with Samsung. For immersive content and sleek design, OnePlus delivers strong value.

Camera Showdown: Software vs. Hardware

This is where opinions diverged most sharply. The S9 Plus featured a dual-camera system: a 12MP main sensor with variable aperture (f/1.5–f/2.4) and a 12MP telephoto lens. Its low-light performance was exceptional, especially in auto mode. The OnePlus 6 had a similar dual setup—16MP + 20MP—but lacked optical zoom and relied heavily on software enhancements.

Early firmware updates on the OnePlus 6 led to inconsistent photo quality, particularly in dynamic lighting. Reddit users frequently criticized oversharpening and inaccurate white balance. Over time, OnePlus improved the camera algorithm through updates, but many still preferred Samsung’s consistency.

A side-by-side comparison table illustrates key differences:

Feature	OnePlus 6	Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus
Main Camera	16MP f/1.7	12MP Dual Aperture (f/1.5–f/2.4)
Telephoto Lens	No optical zoom	Yes, 2x optical zoom
Low-Light Performance	Good (improved via update)	Excellent (best-in-class at launch)
Video Recording	4K@30/60fps, no stabilization issues	4K@30fps, superior stabilization
Front Camera	16MP f/2.0	8MP f/1.7 with autofocus

Despite hardware advantages, some OnePlus users praised the simplicity of the camera interface and faster shot-to-shot times. Yet, overall consensus on Reddit leaned toward the S9 Plus as the better all-around photography tool.

Battery Life and Charging: Speed vs. Longevity

The OnePlus 6 packed a 3300mAh battery, slightly smaller than the S9 Plus’s 3500mAh unit. However, due to OxygenOS efficiency and aggressive background app management, both phones delivered similar real-world endurance—about one full day under moderate use.

Where OnePlus pulled ahead was charging speed. With Dash Charge (a licensed version of VOOC), the OnePlus 6 could go from 0% to 60% in just 30 minutes. Samsung’s Adaptive Fast Charging was capable but slower, topping out around 50% in the same window.

“I charge my phone during breakfast. By the time I finish coffee, my OnePlus 6 is ready for the day. That convenience alone made the switch worthwhile.” — u/ChargerLife

However, long-term battery health became a concern. Some S9 Plus owners reported better degradation resistance after two years, thanks to Samsung’s optimized charging cycles and AI-based power management.

User Experience: Stock Android vs. Feature-Rich Skin

This section sparked the most passionate debates on Reddit. Fans of clean interfaces lauded OxygenOS for its speed, minimal pre-installed apps, and timely updates. Those who valued customization and productivity tools often favored Samsung’s ecosystem.

• OxygenOS strengths: Near-stock Android, gesture navigation early adoption, smoother animations, fewer ads.
• One UI (Samsung) strengths: Split-screen multitasking, Secure Folder, DeX support, Bixby Routines, enhanced privacy controls.

One mini case study involved u/TechSwitcher2018, who upgraded from an S9 Plus to a OnePlus 6 for a month-long trial:

Scenario: A freelance photographer needed a secondary phone for quick social media uploads. He chose the OnePlus 6 for its fast camera launch and lightweight OS. After four weeks, he reverted to the S9 Plus. Why? “I missed being able to split the screen to edit photos while referencing client notes. OnePlus doesn’t support that level of multitasking.”

This highlights a crucial point: specs don’t tell the whole story. Workflow integration and software maturity matter deeply.

Checklist: Is Upgrading from S9 Plus to OnePlus 6 Right for You?

Before making the jump, consider this checklist based on common Reddit feedback:

1. ✅ Do you prioritize speed and responsiveness over advanced features?
2. ✅ Are you frustrated with Samsung’s bloatware or slow update cycle?
3. ✅ Do you value fast charging and clean Android experience?
4. ❌ Do you rely on DeX, Secure Folder, or multi-window tasks?
5. ❌ Is camera versatility (optical zoom, night mode) essential to your usage?
6. ✅ Are you okay with slightly smaller battery capacity if charging is faster?

If three or more “✅” items apply, the OnePlus 6 may be a worthwhile upgrade. Otherwise, sticking with the S9 Plus—or waiting for newer models—might be smarter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was the OnePlus 6 cheaper than the S9 Plus?

Yes. At launch, the OnePlus 6 started at $529 for the 64GB model, while the S9 Plus began at $839. That nearly $300 difference was a major factor in Reddit discussions, with many calling OnePlus a “flagship killer” for offering 90% of the experience at 60% of the price.

Did OnePlus 6 receive timely Android updates?

Generally yes. OnePlus delivered Android 9 Pie within six months of release and promised two major OS updates. However, Samsung improved its update game with the S9 series, offering three years of security patches and quicker rollout in certain regions.

Can I use Samsung-specific apps on OnePlus 6?

Some can be sideloaded (like Samsung Health), but core features like Smart Switch, DeX, and biometric integration won’t work. Ecosystem lock-in remains a limitation when leaving Samsung.

Final Verdict: Was the Upgrade Worth It?

According to Reddit sentiment compiled across r/OnePlus, r/Samsung, and r/Android, the answer depends on priorities. Users seeking raw performance, fast charging, and a stock Android feel generally found the OnePlus 6 to be a compelling upgrade—even if they missed some Samsung-exclusive features.

However, those invested in Samsung’s ecosystem, reliant on multitasking, or prioritizing camera flexibility often concluded that the S9 Plus remained the better choice. As u/FlagshipDebater summarized: “The OnePlus 6 isn’t objectively better, but it offers a different kind of excellence—one focused on efficiency and immediacy.”

“The true measure of an upgrade isn’t benchmarks or megapixels. It’s whether the device fades into the background and lets you focus on what matters.” — Dr. Lena Torres, Human-Computer Interaction Researcher

Conclusion: Make the Move—But Mindfully

The OnePlus 6 represented a turning point for Android alternatives—proof that non-Samsung devices could rival flagship standards without the premium price. For ex-S9 Plus users craving speed, simplicity, and value, the upgrade made sense. But for those embedded in Samsung’s world, switching meant sacrificing functionality they didn’t realize they depended on.

Technology evolves not just in specs, but in how we interact with it. Before jumping to the next device, ask not just what it can do—but how it changes the way you use it.

💬 Have you made the switch from S9 Plus to OnePlus 6—or vice versa? Share your experience in the comments below and help others decide their next move.