Smartphone Comparison: Apple iPhone 12 mini vs. OnePlus 9R
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 mini | OnePlus 9R | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2020-11-13 | 2021-04-14 | OnePlus 9R is newer, potentially having access to newer software features. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones. |
| Dimensions | 131.5 × 64.2 × 7.4 mm | 161 × 74.1 × 8.4 mm | iPhone 12 mini is significantly more compact and pocketable; OnePlus 9R is larger and might be less comfortable for single-hand use, but offers a larger screen. |
| Weight | 135g | 189g | iPhone 12 mini is much lighter, making it easier to hold and carry for extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 5.4" | 6.55" | OnePlus 9R offers a significantly larger screen, better for media consumption and gaming. The iPhone 12 mini is more compact, ideal for users who prioritize pocketability. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2400 | Both have similar resolutions, leading to similar sharpness levels, though slightly sharper on the iPhone 12 Mini due to smaller screen size. |
| PPI | 476 | 402 | iPhone 12 mini has noticeably sharper and more detailed images due to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both displays offer excellent contrast, vibrant colors, and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | OnePlus 9R has smoother scrolling and animations with its higher refresh rate; The 120Hz is especially useful for gaming and fast-paced UI interactions. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 0 nits | iPhone 12 mini offers much better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. The 0 nits brightness for OnePlus 9R is likely an error. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Snapdragon 870 (7 nm) | A14 Bionic is optimized for iOS, resulting in a smoother and faster experience, especially with graphics. Snapdragon 870 is still very powerful. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,072,354 | 821,600 | iPhone 12 mini demonstrates higher benchmark performance, likely leading to slightly faster app loading and smoother operation for demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core) | Adreno 650 | Both are capable GPUs suitable for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks; Apple's GPU is closely integrated with their processor, which can be an advantage in performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 2227mAh | 4500mAh | OnePlus 9R offers significantly longer battery life thanks to much higher capacity, especially under heavy usage. |
| Charging | 20W Fast Charging | 65W Fast Charging | OnePlus 9R charges much faster, minimizing downtime and allowing quicker top-ups during the day. |
| Features | MagSafe, Qi Wireless Charging | Non-removable | iPhone 12 mini offers wireless charging capabilities while OnePlus 9R does not; Apple's MagSafe has the benefit of convenient magnetic attachments. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.6 | 48MP, f/1.7 | OnePlus 9R has a higher resolution sensor, potentially offering more detail. The iPhone 12 mini's wider aperture might perform better in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.4 | OnePlus 9R has slightly higher resolution; iPhone 12 Mini with slightly wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle | 12MP, f/2.4 | 16MP, f/2.2 | OnePlus 9R has a slightly wider aperture for better low-light wide shots, while the iPhone 12 mini has a slightly larger sensor. |
| Portrait | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | OnePlus 9R offers a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, which the iPhone 12 mini lacks. |
| Macro | None | 5MP, f/2.4 | OnePlus 9R offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, which the iPhone 12 mini lacks. |
| Video | Up to 4K 60fps HDR | Up to 4K 60fps HDR | Both offer high-quality video recording with HDR, suitable for vlogs and personal recordings; Both offer various slow-motion modes. |
| DxoMark | Main: 117, Selfie: 132 | Not Tested | iPhone 12 mini has higher DxoMark scores, indicating better image and video quality compared to unrated OnePlus 9R, but this lacks data. |
| Camera Features | OIS, Night Mode etc. | OIS, Digital Stabilization etc. | Both offer various features; iPhone 12 mini includes Optical Zoom and Continuous autofocus, while OnePlus 9R has Digital Image Stabilization and Quad Camera Setup. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | iOS 14.1 | Android 10 | iOS offers a different ecosystem and user experience compared to Android. iOS is typically smoother and more integrated with Apple products. |
| Max Version | 18 | 13 | The iPhone 12 Mini is slated for longer OS support and updates compared to the OnePlus 9R. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both support fast WiFi standards. OnePlus 9R has Wi-Fi Direct and Display. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.1 | Both use Bluetooth 5.1; OnePlus 9R additionally supports APT-x, LDAC, and AAC for higher quality audio codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, GLONASS, etc. | GPS, GLONASS, etc. | OnePlus 9R has more advanced GPS, potentially leading to slightly better location accuracy, especially in urban environments. |
| SIM | Dual SIM, eSIM | Dual SIM | Both support dual SIM; iPhone 12 Mini's eSIM allows for easier carrier switching and multiple plans. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64, 128, 256, 512 GB | 128, 256 GB | iPhone 12 mini offers more storage options; Choose based on personal storage needs; None support expandable storage. |
| RAM | 4 GB | 8, 12 GB | OnePlus 9R has much more RAM, beneficial for multitasking and heavy gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither offers expandable storage, thus cloud storage is a good idea for both. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Dolby Digital Plus | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise Cancellation Mic | Both have high quality stereo sound with Dolby Atmos; The iPhone 12 Mini has Dolby Digital Plus, the OnePlus 9R has a noise cancellation mic. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Security | Fingerprint Sensor | OnePlus 9R offers convenient biometric authentication with its fingerprint sensor; iPhone relies on face unlock for biometric security. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Neither specifies what their screen protection is. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Barometer, etc. | Accelerometer, Fingerprint, etc. | iPhone 12 Mini features a barometer, while the OnePlus 9R has a fingerprint sensor; Both phones have all essential sensors for daily use. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 mini Advantages:
- Compact and Lightweight: Significantly smaller and lighter, ideal for one-handed use and portability.
- Sharper Display: Higher pixel density leads to a sharper and more detailed screen experience.
- Better Outdoor Visibility: Much higher brightness, making it easier to view the display in bright sunlight.
- Performance: Slightly better benchmark performance for faster app loading and overall smoother performance.
- Software Ecosystem: Seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem and potentially longer software support.
- Wireless Charging: Offers convenient wireless charging with MagSafe and Qi compatibility.
- eSIM Support: Allows for easier switching between carriers and multiple plans.
- Better Camera Quality: Higher DxoMark scores indicate potentially better photo and video quality, but note that only the iPhone 12 mini has scores.
OnePlus 9R Advantages:
- Larger Display: Offers a more immersive viewing experience for media consumption and gaming.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate results in smoother animations and scrolling.
- Significantly Longer Battery Life: Much larger battery capacity for extended usage without needing to charge frequently.
- Faster Charging: Rapid 65W charging for quick top-ups.
- More RAM: More RAM for smoother multitasking, and better performance in demanding games.
- Additional Camera Lenses: Dedicated portrait and macro lenses for more versatile photography.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Offers convenient biometric authentication.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Size vs. Portability: The iPhone 12 mini sacrifices screen size for compactness, while the OnePlus 9R sacrifices portability for a larger display.
- Battery vs. Charging: The OnePlus 9R provides more battery life but may still be convenient to charge due to its speed.
- Software Ecosystem: Choosing between iOS and Android is a major consideration; iOS is smoother and better integrated with Apple products, while Android offers customization and versatility.
- Camera Quality: While the iPhone 12 mini has better scores on DXoMark, it lacks the additional lenses on the OnePlus 9R which may make the Oneplus 9R the better choice for some.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Apple iPhone 12 mini Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize a compact and lightweight phone.
- Those who value high pixel density and outdoor visibility.
- Individuals deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem.
- Users who appreciate seamless performance and app optimization.
- Those who value wireless charging.
- Users who value higher camera quality based on Dxomark scores.
- Users who value a small phone.
Specific Use Cases:
- Perfect for single-handed use and fitting easily into pockets.
- Ideal for users who want a high-quality camera for casual photography.
- Excellent for users within the Apple ecosystem who prefer their own software ecosystem.
- Great for users who want to be able to quickly charge their phone wirelessly.
- Perfect for those that want a powerful, compact phone.
OnePlus 9R Ideal User:
- Users who prefer a large display for media consumption and gaming.
- Those who prioritize battery life and fast charging.
- Gamers who appreciate a high refresh rate screen.
- Users who enjoy multitasking and heavy application use.
- Users who want a more versatile camera setup with additional lenses.
- Android enthusiasts who enjoy the customization and versatility the operating system provides.
- Users who want biometric authentication with a fingerprint scanner.
Specific Use Cases:
- Ideal for watching videos, playing games, and browsing social media.
- Perfect for users who are often away from a charger.
- Excellent for users who multitask frequently or enjoy demanding apps.
- Great for those that want to be able to take lots of different types of pictures.
- Perfect for gamers looking for smooth and responsive gaming.
- Perfect for users that want fingerprint unlocking.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Size Preference: Do you prioritize a small, pocketable phone or a larger screen for media consumption?
- Battery Needs: Do you require all-day battery life or do you frequently have access to a charger?
- Software Ecosystem: Are you invested in the Apple ecosystem, or do you prefer the flexibility of Android?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Commuter / Minimalist: If you are a commuter who wants a small phone that fits easily in your pocket and you value the Apple ecosystem, the iPhone 12 mini is the better choice.
- Scenario 2: Media / Gaming Enthusiast: If you consume lots of media, like playing games and you value longer battery life, the OnePlus 9R is recommended.
- Scenario 3: Photography Buff: If you prioritize taking a wide range of photos, especially macro and portrait pictures, the OnePlus 9R is the better choice. If you want the most basic, highest quality images, based on the DXoMark scores, the iPhone 12 Mini is the better choice.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the OnePlus 9R.
Here's why: While I appreciate the compact design and crisp display of the iPhone 12 mini, my priority is battery life and media consumption, and the Oneplus 9R is the winner there. As someone who uses a phone heavily throughout the day, the larger battery of the OnePlus 9R is a bigger benefit than the smaller size of the iPhone. I also like the faster charging of the Oneplus 9R, as well as the larger screen for watching videos and playing games, and the greater RAM is a bonus for multitasking. While the iPhone 12 mini wins in benchmarks and DXoMark scores, the practical benefits of the Oneplus 9R's battery, large screen, and versatility in photography outweigh those for my usage patterns. Furthermore, I like fingerprint unlocking, and the Oneplus 9R has that.
