1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Realme 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 146.7 × 71.5 × 7.4 mm | 164.3 × 75.6 × 8.5 mm | Realme 9 Pro is larger, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 189g | 195g | Negligible difference in weight. |
| Build | (Not specified) | (Not specified) | Unable to compare build materials and perceived quality. |
Display
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Realme 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.1" | 6.6" | Realme 9 Pro offers a larger viewing area for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1170x2532 | 1080x2412 | iPhone 12 Pro has a sharper display, resulting in crisper text and images. |
| PPI | 460 | 400 | iPhone 12 Pro's higher pixel density provides a noticeably sharper image. |
| Technology | OLED | IPS LCD | iPhone 12 Pro has better contrast, color accuracy, and deeper blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Realme 9 Pro provides smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the user experience, especially in fast-paced games. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 0 nits | iPhone 12 Pro is significantly easier to view outdoors in bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Realme 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | iPhone 12 Pro offers significantly faster performance for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,082,644 | 402,916 | The iPhone 12 Pro has much better benchmark performance, which translates to a more fluid and responsive user experience. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Adreno 619 | iPhone 12 Pro has a more powerful GPU, leading to better graphics performance in games and other graphically intensive applications. |
| RAM | 6 GB | 6 GB or 8 GB | The 8GB variant of Realme 9 Pro would offer slightly better multitasking capabilities. |
Camera
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Realme 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.6, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2", 0.7µm | Realme 9 Pro captures more detail in good lighting, while the iPhone 12 Pro's wider aperture allows for better low-light performance and shallower depth of field. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.0 | None | iPhone 12 Pro offers optical zoom capabilities for better quality zoomed-in photos. |
| Ultrawide Lens | 12MP, f/2.4 | 8MP, f/2.2 | iPhone 12 Pro captures higher-resolution ultrawide photos. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Realme 9 Pro can take close-up macro shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.0 | Realme 9 Pro captures slightly more detailed selfies. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps HDR | Up to 1080p@30fps | iPhone 12 Pro records higher-quality videos with better stabilization (OIS). |
Battery
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Realme 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 2815mAh | 5000mAh | Realme 9 Pro offers significantly longer battery life, potentially lasting a full day or more with moderate use. |
| Charging | 20W | 33W | Realme 9 Pro charges faster. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W MagSafe, 7.5W Qi | None | iPhone 12 Pro supports wireless charging for added convenience. |
Other
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Realme 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | iOS 14.1 | Android 12 | Different user interfaces and app ecosystems. iOS is known for its simplicity and strong privacy features, while Android offers more customization options. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both lack expandable storage, so choose a model with enough internal storage for your needs. |
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res Audio | iPhone 12 Pro provides a more immersive audio experience with stereo speakers. |
| Security | Basic security features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Realme 9 Pro provides a faster and easier way to unlock the phone. |
| Connectivity | WiFi 6 | WiFi 5 | iPhone 12 Pro benefits from the faster speeds and improved efficiency of WiFi 6. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: A14 Bionic chip offers significantly faster processing speeds. Practical Impact: Apps launch faster, games run smoother, and multitasking is more fluid.
- Better Display Quality: OLED display with higher resolution and brightness. Practical Impact: More vibrant colors, deeper blacks, sharper images, and better outdoor visibility.
- Higher Quality Camera: Better video recording capabilities and telephoto lens for optical zoom. Practical Impact: Professional-looking photos and videos, especially in low light and at a distance.
- Premium Build Quality and Features: Wireless charging, more satellite navigation systems, and seamless iOS ecosystem. Practical Impact: Enhanced user experience and added convenience.
Realme 9 Pro Advantages:
- Larger Display: Provides a more immersive viewing experience. Practical Impact: Better for media consumption, gaming, and multitasking.
- Longer Battery Life: Larger battery capacity ensures all-day usage. Practical Impact: Less need to worry about running out of battery during the day.
- Faster Refresh Rate: 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and animations. Practical Impact: More responsive and enjoyable user experience.
- Fingerprint Sensor: For quick and secure unlocking. Practical Impact: Convenient and reliable security.
- Macro lens: Offers more creativity with macro shots.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Choosing the iPhone 12 Pro means sacrificing battery life and a higher refresh rate for performance and display quality.
- Choosing the Realme 9 Pro means sacrificing processing power, display quality, and camera capabilities for longer battery life and a lower price point.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Ideal Users:
- Professionals: Need a reliable and powerful device for work-related tasks, including photo and video editing.
- Content Creators: Value high-quality camera performance and video recording capabilities.
- Gamers: Require a device with a powerful processor and GPU for smooth gameplay.
- iOS Enthusiasts: Prefer the simplicity and ecosystem of the iOS operating system.
Use Cases:
- Shooting professional-quality videos for YouTube or other platforms.
- Playing graphically intensive games without lag or stuttering.
- Editing photos and videos on the go.
- Seamless integration with other Apple devices.
Realme 9 Pro Ideal Users:
- Budget-conscious consumers: Seeking a feature-rich smartphone at an affordable price.
- Everyday users: Need a reliable device for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and communication.
- Students: Require a long-lasting battery for all-day usage.
- Android fans: Appreciate the customization options and open-source nature of Android.
Use Cases:
- Browsing social media and watching videos for extended periods.
- Playing casual games.
- Taking everyday photos and videos.
- Using the device for work or school.
4. Decision Framework
Here are 3 key questions to ask before deciding which phone to buy:
- What is your budget? The Realme 9 Pro is significantly more affordable.
- How important is performance to you? If you plan to play demanding games or edit videos, the iPhone 12 Pro is the better choice.
- How important is battery life? If you need a phone that can last all day, the Realme 9 Pro is the better option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Photography Enthusiast with a flexible budget: Choose the iPhone 12 Pro for its superior camera quality, OIS and optical zoom.
- Scenario 2: Student on a budget needing long battery life: Choose the Realme 9 Pro for its long battery life and affordable price.
- Scenario 3: Mobile Gamer wanting the smoothest experience: Choose the iPhone 12 Pro for its powerful processor and GPU.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Apple iPhone 12 Pro. While the Realme 9 Pro has advantages such as longer battery life and a higher refresh rate display, the superior performance, camera capabilities, and overall user experience of the iPhone 12 Pro are more important to me. I value the ability to seamlessly integrate with other Apple devices, and the higher quality display and camera would enhance my daily usage and content creation. Even though the iPhone 12 Pro is an older phone, its processing power and software support mean it should last me for years.
