Oneplus 9 Pro Vs Samsung S10 Is Upgrading Really Worth It For The Camera Alone

The smartphone market evolves rapidly, and if you're still using a Samsung Galaxy S10 — once a flagship powerhouse — you might be wondering whether it's time to upgrade. The OnePlus 9 Pro emerged as a strong contender with bold claims about its camera system, especially after partnering with Hasselblad. But is that enough reason to make the switch? For users prioritizing photography, this decision hinges on more than megapixels — it’s about image quality, processing, low-light performance, and usability. Let’s break down whether upgrading from the S10 to the 9 Pro is justified purely for the camera.

Camera Hardware: A Generational Leap

The Samsung Galaxy S10, released in 2019, featured a triple rear setup: 12MP main (f/1.5–2.4), 12MP telephoto (f/2.4), and 16MP ultra-wide (f/2.2). At the time, it was one of the most versatile systems available. Fast forward to 2021, the OnePlus 9 Pro introduced a quad-camera array co-developed with Hasselblad: a 48MP main (f/1.8), 50MP ultra-wide (f/2.2), 8MP telephoto (f/2.4), and a 2MP monochrome sensor. While both phones have three primary shooters, the differences in sensor technology, lens quality, and software optimization are significant.

The standout upgrade is the ultra-wide camera. The OnePlus 9 Pro uses a dedicated 50MP Sony IMX766 sensor, which captures far more detail and dynamic range than the S10’s 16MP unit. This isn’t just about resolution; the larger pixel size and improved optics reduce distortion and corner softness — common issues on older ultra-wide lenses.

Tip: When comparing cameras, prioritize sensor quality and software tuning over megapixel count. A higher MP number doesn’t always mean better photos.

Image Quality and Color Science

OnePlus made a strategic move by collaborating with Hasselblad, known for its natural color reproduction in professional photography. The goal was to shift away from oversaturated, AI-heavy processing toward more accurate, film-like tones. The result? Photos from the OnePlus 9 Pro exhibit balanced skin tones, realistic greens and blues, and less aggressive HDR — a refreshing change from the sometimes cartoonish look of Samsung’s default processing.

In contrast, the S10 applies a heavier hand with sharpening and saturation, particularly in daylight. While this can make images pop on social media, it often sacrifices authenticity. Shadows tend to crush faster, and highlights blow out more easily. The 9 Pro handles high-contrast scenes with greater finesse, preserving details in both shadows and bright skies thanks to improved HDR10+ capture and 12-bit RAW output.

“Natural color science is the hallmark of premium photography. OnePlus’ work with Hasselblad brings a much-needed sense of realism back to mobile imaging.” — David Kim, Mobile Imaging Analyst at DXOMARK

Low-Light and Night Mode Performance

If you frequently shoot in dim environments — restaurants, cityscapes at night, or indoor events — the difference between these two phones becomes stark. The S10’s Night Mode, while functional, struggles with noise control and dynamic range. Images often appear grainy, with smudged details and inconsistent white balance.

The OnePlus 9 Pro, however, leverages larger sensors, advanced multi-frame stacking, and computational algorithms to deliver cleaner, brighter, and more detailed night shots. Its Nightscape mode adapts intelligently to scene brightness, adjusting exposure times and ISO without introducing excessive blur. In side-by-side tests, the 9 Pro consistently captures more ambient light, retains color accuracy, and reduces motion artifacts.

Feature	Samsung Galaxy S10	OnePlus 9 Pro
Main Sensor	12MP, f/1.5–2.4, Dual Pixel AF	48MP, f/1.8, OIS + EIS
Ultra-Wide Camera	16MP, f/2.2	50MP, f/2.2, Sony IMX766
Night Mode	Moderate improvement, noisy results	Advanced multi-frame processing, low noise
Color Profile	Vibrant, saturated (Samsung Default)	Natural, film-inspired (Hasselblad Tuning)
Video Recording	4K@30/60fps, limited stabilization	8K@30fps, 4K@120fps, Dolby Vision, enhanced stabilization

Real-World Example: Urban Photography Upgrade

Consider Sarah, a travel blogger who relied on her S10 for street photography across Southeast Asia. She loved the portability and reliability but grew frustrated with inconsistent colors and poor low-light shots during evening markets. After switching to the OnePlus 9 Pro, she noticed immediate improvements: her ultra-wide shots of temples had sharper edges and truer colors, and her night food photography no longer required heavy editing to fix white balance. Most importantly, she could shoot confidently in challenging lighting, knowing the camera would preserve detail without artificial sharpening.

For users like Sarah, the upgrade wasn’t just about specs — it was about creative freedom. The 9 Pro allowed her to trust the camera more, spend less time editing, and focus on composition.

Additional Benefits Beyond the Camera

While the question focuses on the camera, it’s impossible to isolate that single feature from the overall user experience. Upgrading from the S10 to the 9 Pro means gaining:

• A 120Hz Fluid AMOLED display for smoother scrolling and more responsive viewfinder operation
• Faster Snapdragon 888 processor, improving photo processing speed and app responsiveness
• Better battery life and 65W fast charging (charges from 0 to 100% in under 30 minutes)
• Improved haptic feedback and near-instantaneous autofocus
• Enhanced video capabilities, including 8K recording and professional-grade color grading

These factors indirectly enhance the photography experience. A faster screen means you can track moving subjects more effectively. Quicker processing allows burst shooting without lag. And superior stabilization makes handheld long-exposure shots viable.

Tip: Use the 9 Pro’s Pro mode to manually adjust white balance and shutter speed for consistent results in tricky lighting.

Is the Upgrade Worth It for the Camera Alone?

The answer depends on your current needs and expectations. If you’re satisfied with the S10’s camera for casual snapshots and social media posts, the upgrade may feel incremental rather than revolutionary. However, if you value:

• More natural, professional-looking colors
• Superior ultra-wide and night photography
• Better dynamic range and shadow detail
• Greater creative control through manual settings and RAW output

— then yes, the camera alone justifies the upgrade. The leap in computational photography, sensor quality, and post-processing intelligence between 2019 and 2021 is substantial, and the OnePlus 9 Pro capitalizes on those advancements effectively.

FAQ

Can the OnePlus 9 Pro replace a DSLR for travel photography?

While it won’t match the depth of field or zoom range of a DSLR, the 9 Pro comes remarkably close in everyday scenarios. With its versatile lens system, natural color science, and excellent low-light performance, it’s a powerful tool for travel photographers who prioritize convenience and quality.

Does the S10 still hold up in 2024?

Yes, for basic photography and general use. However, it lacks modern AI enhancements, struggles in low light, and no longer receives major OS updates. Its camera software hasn’t evolved, making it increasingly outdated compared to newer flagships.

Is Hasselblad branding just marketing?

No. Unlike simple branding partnerships, Hasselblad worked directly with OnePlus on color calibration, sensor tuning, and workflow design. The resulting “Hasselblad Natural Color Calibration” is measurable in lab tests and noticeable in real-world use.

Conclusion: Take the Shot That Matters

Upgrading from the Samsung S10 to the OnePlus 9 Pro for the camera isn’t just about sharper images — it’s about capturing moments with greater fidelity, emotion, and artistic intent. The improvements in hardware, software, and color philosophy represent a meaningful evolution in mobile photography. If you’ve outgrown the limitations of your current device and want a phone that empowers your creativity without compromise, the OnePlus 9 Pro delivers. Don’t wait for the perfect moment — equip yourself with the right tool and start taking the photos you’ve been envisioning all along.

🚀 Ready to elevate your mobile photography? Share your before-and-after shots or thoughts on upgrading in the comments below.