1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Realme 9 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm | 160.2 x 73.3 x 8 mm | Realme 9 Pro+ is larger and may be less comfortable for one-handed use. iPhone 12 Pro is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 189g | 182g | Negligible weight difference. |
| Build Quality (Screen Protection) | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Realme 9 Pro+ offers better screen protection against scratches and drops. |
Display
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Realme 9 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.1" | 6.4" | Realme 9 Pro+ provides a more immersive viewing experience for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1170x2532 | 1080x2400 | iPhone 12 Pro has a sharper display, resulting in slightly crisper images and text. |
| Pixel Density | 460 PPI | 411 PPI | iPhone 12 Pro offers slightly better clarity, especially noticeable with small fonts. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Similar technologies providing vibrant colors and deep blacks. Perceived difference is often minor. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Realme 9 Pro+ has smoother scrolling and animations, making the user interface feel more responsive. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 0 nits | iPhone 12 Pro offers significantly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight (Realme 9 Pro+ brightness info missing). |
Performance
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Realme 9 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 920 (6 nm) | iPhone 12 Pro offers significantly faster processing speeds, better app loading times, and smoother multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,082,644 | 496,970 | iPhone 12 Pro delivers substantially better overall performance, suitable for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Mali-G68 MC4 | iPhone 12 Pro has superior graphics performance, resulting in smoother gameplay and better graphics rendering. |
Camera
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Realme 9 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.6, 1/2.55" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" | Realme 9 Pro+ captures more detailed images in good lighting conditions. The larger sensor may offer better low-light performance, but aperture matters as well. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.0 | None | iPhone 12 Pro offers optical zoom capabilities for capturing distant subjects without significant quality loss. |
| Ultrawide Lens | 12MP, f/2.4 | 8MP, f/2.2 | iPhone 12 Pro ultrawide captures more detailed landscape and group photos. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Realme 9 Pro+ allows users to take close-up shots of small objects. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.4 | Realme 9 Pro+ captures slightly more detailed selfies. iPhone has wider aperture. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | iPhone 12 Pro offers higher frame rate recording, resulting in smoother video footage. Realme 9 Pro+ offers EIS. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | 127 | N/A | iPhone 12 Pro offers better photo and video quality. |
Battery
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Realme 9 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 2815mAh | 4500mAh | Realme 9 Pro+ offers significantly longer battery life, potentially lasting a full day of heavy use. |
| Charging | 20W Fast Charging, Wireless Charging | 60W Fast Charging | Realme 9 Pro+ charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
Other
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Realme 9 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | iOS 14.1 (Upgradable to 18) | Android 12 (Upgradable to 13) | iOS offers a different user experience with a focus on simplicity and security, while Android provides more customization options. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both phones lack expandable storage. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Realme 9 Pro+ supports a wider range of audio codecs for higher-quality wireless audio. |
| Security | Face ID | Fingerprint Sensor | iPhone 12 Pro uses facial recognition, while Realme 9 Pro+ uses a fingerprint sensor for unlocking the device. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Realme 9 Pro+ has a slight edge in audio features offering enhanced spatial audio, higher quality audio playback, clearer calls, better audio separation and immersion, improved voice capture |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Advantages:
- Significantly Higher Performance: The A14 Bionic chipset offers superior processing and graphics capabilities for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and multitasking.
- Better Camera System: Features like a telephoto lens, 4K@60fps video recording, and better DxOMark scores provide a more versatile and higher-quality camera experience.
- Higher Brightness: The display offers superior outdoor visibility.
- Premium Build and Brand Recognition: Offers a more premium feel and status associated with the Apple brand.
Realme 9 Pro+ Advantages:
- Significantly Larger Battery: Provides much longer battery life for all-day use.
- Faster Charging: 60W charging significantly reduces charging times.
- Higher Refresh Rate Display: Offers smoother scrolling and animations.
- Macro Lens: Allows for close-up photography.
- More Modern Bluetooth: The phone has more modern and inclusive Bluetooth.
Trade-offs:
- Choosing the iPhone 12 Pro means sacrificing battery life and fast charging for superior performance and camera quality.
- Choosing the Realme 9 Pro+ means sacrificing performance and camera versatility for longer battery life and a smoother display.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Apple iPhone 12 Pro:
- Ideal User: Power users who prioritize performance, camera quality, and the iOS ecosystem.
- Use Cases:
- Gaming: Demanding games run smoother with better graphics.
- Photography/Videography: Capturing high-quality photos and videos with zoom capabilities.
- Professional Use: Running demanding apps and multitasking efficiently.
Realme 9 Pro+:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize battery life, fast charging, and a smooth display experience at a more affordable price.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday Use: Long-lasting battery for browsing, social media, and communication.
- Media Consumption: Immersive viewing experience with a larger display and smooth scrolling.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Good value for the features offered.
4. Decision Framework
Consider these questions before making a decision:
- What is your budget? (iPhone 12 Pro is likely more expensive)
- How important is battery life to you? (Realme 9 Pro+ excels in this area)
- What are your primary use cases? (Gaming/Photography vs. Everyday Use/Media Consumption)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- If you need a phone for demanding tasks and professional use: Choose the iPhone 12 Pro.
- If you prioritize battery life and fast charging for everyday use: Choose the Realme 9 Pro+.
- If you want a balance of features at a more affordable price: Consider the Realme 9 Pro+, but be aware of the performance trade-offs.
My Choice
I would choose the Apple iPhone 12 Pro.
While the Realme 9 Pro+ offers a larger battery and faster charging, my priorities lie in performance and camera quality. The A14 Bionic chip in the iPhone 12 Pro is significantly more powerful, which would provide a smoother and more responsive experience for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and running complex applications. Additionally, the iPhone 12 Pro's camera system, with its telephoto lens and better DxOMark scores, offers greater versatility and image quality, which is important to me as an avid photographer.
I am also invested in the Apple ecosystem and prefer the iOS user interface. Although the iPhone 12 Pro is an older model, the Apple A series of chips are very hard to compete with and are a great and smooth experience.
