1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | OnePlus 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm | 163.2 x 73.6 x 8.7 mm | OnePlus 9 Pro is larger and thicker, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use. iPhone 12 Pro is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 189g | 197g | iPhone 12 Pro is slightly lighter, which may be noticeable during extended use. |
| Build | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 (screen) | OnePlus 9 Pro has known screen protection, which improves durability against scratches and minor impacts. |
Display
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | OnePlus 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.1" | 6.7" | OnePlus 9 Pro offers a larger viewing area, better for media consumption, gaming, and multi-tasking. |
| Resolution | 1170x2532 | 1440x3216 | OnePlus 9 Pro has a sharper and more detailed display, improving visual clarity. |
| PPI | 460 | 525 | Higher pixel density on the OnePlus 9 Pro means crisper text and images. |
| Technology | OLED | OLED offers better contrast and color accuracy compared to LCD. Missing technology for OnePlus 9 Pro. | |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | OnePlus 9 Pro provides smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the overall user experience. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 1300 nits | OnePlus 9 Pro is slightly more visible in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | OnePlus 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Both offer flagship-level performance. The A14 is known for its efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,082,644 | 877,600 | iPhone 12 Pro scores higher, indicating potentially faster app loading and smoother performance in some tasks. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Adreno 660 | Both provide excellent graphics performance for gaming and demanding applications. |
Camera
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | OnePlus 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.6 | 48MP, f/1.8 | OnePlus 9 Pro captures more detail. iPhone 12 Pro has a wider aperture for better low-light performance. |
| Ultrawide | 12MP, f/2.4 | 50MP, f/2.2 | OnePlus 9 Pro captures more detailed ultrawide photos and videos. |
| Telephoto | 12MP, f/2.0 | 8MP, f/2.4 | iPhone 12 Pro offers better telephoto zoom capabilities. |
| Selfie | 12MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.4 | OnePlus 9 Pro captures slightly more detailed selfies. iPhone 12 Pro has a wider aperture for better low-light performance. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 8K@30fps | OnePlus 9 Pro can record in higher resolution, suitable for professional use. |
| Features | Triple Camera, OIS | Quad Camera, OIS | OnePlus 9 Pro offers a dedicated Black and White lens for specific artistic shots. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | 127 | 122 | iPhone 12 Pro has better overall camera performance according to DxOMark. |
Battery
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | OnePlus 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 2815mAh | 4500mAh | OnePlus 9 Pro offers significantly longer battery life, reducing the need for frequent charging. |
| Charging | 20W Fast Charging | 65W Fast Charging | OnePlus 9 Pro charges much faster, allowing for quick top-ups. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W (MagSafe), 7.5W (Qi) | 50W | OnePlus 9 Pro provides significantly faster wireless charging. |
| Other Features | Reverse Wireless Charging | OnePlus 9 Pro can wirelessly charge other devices. |
Software and Connectivity
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | OnePlus 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | iOS 14.1 | Android 11 | Different ecosystems, choice depends on user preference. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | OnePlus 9 Pro supports more audio codecs for better sound quality. |
| GPS | QZSS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | OnePlus 9 Pro offers better GPS accuracy in urban environments. |
| SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Nano SIM + Nano SIM | iPhone 12 Pro offers the flexibility of using an eSIM for a second line. |
| Storage | Up to 512GB | Up to 256GB | iPhone 12 Pro offers more storage for users with large media libraries. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Advantages:
- Higher Performance: Marginally better benchmark scores, potentially smoother overall performance in some tasks.
- Better Camera (DxOMark): Slightly better camera performance according to DxOMark, with superior video capabilities.
- Software ecosystem: Access to the Apple ecosystem and its unique apps and services.
- More Storage Options: Offers a 512GB option, which can be crucial for professional use.
- eSIM Support: Offers the convenience of using an eSIM.
OnePlus 9 Pro Advantages:
- Larger, Sharper Display: Offers a more immersive viewing experience with a higher resolution and 120Hz refresh rate.
- Significantly Longer Battery Life: Larger battery capacity ensures all-day usage.
- Faster Charging: Both wired and wireless charging speeds are significantly faster.
- More Camera Features: Includes 8K video recording and a dedicated monochrome lens.
- More RAM: Offers more RAM for demanding multitasking.
Trade-offs:
- iPhone 12 Pro has a slightly smaller display.
- OnePlus 9 Pro's camera may not be as consistently rated as the iPhone 12 Pro's.
- The iPhone has a smaller battery.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Apple iPhone 12 Pro:
- Apple Ecosystem Users: Individuals heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem who value seamless integration across devices.
- Content Creators: Those who prioritize video recording quality and editing on the go.
- Users Valuing Performance: Users who want the most responsive and smooth performance.
- Users needing more Storage: For users who require more than 256GB storage.
Use Cases for iPhone 12 Pro:
- Shooting high-quality videos for social media or professional projects.
- Using specialized iOS apps for creative tasks.
- Gaming with demanding graphics requirements.
Ideal Users for OnePlus 9 Pro:
- Android Enthusiasts: Users who prefer the flexibility and customization options of Android.
- Media Consumers: Individuals who enjoy watching videos and playing games on their phones.
- Power Users: Those who need long battery life and fast charging.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who enjoy experimenting with different camera modes and features.
Use Cases for OnePlus 9 Pro:
- Watching movies and TV shows on a vibrant, high-resolution display.
- Playing graphically intensive games for extended periods.
- Capturing unique photographs with the monochrome lens.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The OnePlus 9 Pro offers a higher price-to-value ratio due to its more modern features like the 120Hz display, faster charging, and larger battery, especially for the asking prices today on the used market.
- If budget is no concern and ecosystem integration is paramount, the iPhone 12 Pro remains a strong choice.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Which ecosystem do you prefer (iOS or Android)? This is a fundamental question that significantly narrows down the choice.
- How important is battery life and charging speed? If long battery life and fast charging are critical, the OnePlus 9 Pro is the better option.
- What is your primary use case for the camera? If you need the best overall camera and video quality the iPhone 12 Pro is the better option. If you're interested in experimenting with additional modes such as the black and white lens, the OnePlus 9 Pro may be more suitable.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Professional Photographer/Videographer:
- If you want more storage and use Apple products: iPhone 12 Pro.
- If you want higher video quality and need long battery life: OnePlus 9 Pro.
- Scenario 2: Casual User with Media Consumption Needs:
- OnePlus 9 Pro offers a superior viewing experience with its larger, sharper display and longer battery life.
- Scenario 3: Gamer:
- OnePlus 9 Pro has a larger display and higher refresh rate which would enhance the experience.
My Choice
I would choose the OnePlus 9 Pro. While the iPhone 12 Pro has a slight edge in performance and a better-rated camera, the OnePlus 9 Pro offers a more compelling package for my needs. The larger, higher-resolution 120Hz display is significantly more enjoyable for media consumption and gaming. The much faster charging and longer battery life are also major advantages in day-to-day use. The Android OS is also a better fit for my personal preferences in terms of customization and flexibility. While the iPhone 12 Pro is by no means a bad phone, the value proposition of the OnePlus 9 Pro is far more compelling.
