1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | OnePlus 10 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 146.7 × 71.5 × 7.4 mm | 163 × 73.9 × 8.6 mm | iPhone 12 is more pocketable and easier to handle with one hand. The OnePlus 10 Pro is larger and may be less comfortable for some. |
| Weight | 164g | 201g | iPhone 12 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and less tiring to hold. |
| Build Quality (Screen Protection) | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | OnePlus 10 Pro's screen is more resistant to scratches and drops, offering better durability. |
Display
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | OnePlus 10 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.1" | 6.7" | OnePlus 10 Pro provides a more immersive viewing experience for videos, games, and reading. |
| Resolution | 1170x2532 | 1440x3216 | OnePlus 10 Pro has a sharper and more detailed display, especially noticeable when viewing high-resolution content. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 460 | 525 | Images and text appear crisper on the OnePlus 10 Pro's display. |
| Technology | OLED | iPhone 12 will have better blacks and superior contrast. | |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | OnePlus 10 Pro offers smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming, resulting in a more fluid user experience. |
| Brightness (nits) | 1200 | 1300 | OnePlus 10 Pro is slightly easier to view outdoors in bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | OnePlus 10 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Both are high-performance chips. The iPhone 12 scores higher on AnTuTu, but real-world performance will be excellent on both. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,083,947 | 900,491 | iPhone 12 may handle some tasks slightly faster, but both offer smooth performance for typical usage. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Adreno 730 | Both phones are capable of running demanding games and graphically intensive applications smoothly. |
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB or 12 GB | OnePlus 10 Pro with more RAM will handle multitasking and running multiple apps simultaneously more efficiently, especially the 12GB variant. |
Camera
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | OnePlus 10 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 12MP | 48MP | OnePlus 10 Pro can capture more detailed photos, especially in good lighting conditions. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.6 | f/1.8 | iPhone 12 may perform slightly better in low-light conditions. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2.55" | 1/1.43" | OnePlus 10 Pro's larger sensor generally captures more light and detail, especially in challenging lighting. |
| Telephoto Lens | No | 8MP | OnePlus 10 Pro offers optical zoom capabilities, allowing for closer shots without significant quality loss. |
| Ultrawide Lens Resolution | 12MP | 50MP | OnePlus 10 Pro captures much more detailed ultrawide photos. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 12MP | 32MP | OnePlus 10 Pro captures higher resolution selfies. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 8K@24fps | OnePlus 10 Pro allows for recording in 8K resolution for professional video applications. |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | 117 | 122 | OnePlus 10 Pro scored slightly better overall. |
| DXOMark (Photo) | 127 | 124 | iPhone 12 performs slightly better in photo tests |
| DXOMark (Video) | 130 | 119 | iPhone 12 showed superior video performance |
Battery
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | OnePlus 10 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 2815mAh | 5000mAh | OnePlus 10 Pro offers significantly longer battery life, reducing the need for frequent charging. |
| Charging Speed | 20W | 80W | OnePlus 10 Pro charges much faster, allowing you to quickly replenish the battery. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W (MagSafe), 7.5W (Qi) | 50W | OnePlus 10 Pro offers faster wireless charging speeds. |
| Reverse Charging | No | Yes | OnePlus 10 Pro can be used to wirelessly charge other devices. |
Storage
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | OnePlus 10 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Storage Options | 64/128/256 GB | 128/256/512 GB | OnePlus 10 Pro offers higher maximum storage for users with large media libraries or app collections. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for expanding storage with microSD cards. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | OnePlus 10 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 7 | OnePlus 10 Pro is compatible with the latest WiFi standard for potentially faster and more stable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | OnePlus 10 Pro supports more advanced Bluetooth audio codecs for higher quality wireless audio. |
| SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Dual Nano SIM | iPhone 12 offers eSIM support for flexible carrier options. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 Advantages:
- More compact and lightweight: Easier to handle and pocket.
- Superior video recording performance (DXOMark): Excellent video quality and stabilization.
- Potentially slightly better CPU performance: Higher AnTuTu scores.
- eSIM support: Offers flexibility in carrier selection.
OnePlus 10 Pro Advantages:
- Larger and higher resolution display: Provides a more immersive viewing experience.
- Higher refresh rate display (120Hz): Smoother animations and gaming.
- Larger battery capacity: Significantly longer battery life.
- Faster charging (80W wired, 50W wireless): Quick and convenient charging.
- More RAM (up to 12GB): Better multitasking capabilities.
- More versatile camera system: Includes a telephoto lens, higher resolution ultrawide lens.
- 8K Video Recording: Record higher resolution videos.
- Newer WiFi Standard: Faster and more efficient WiFi.
- Reverse Wireless Charging: Can charge other devices wirelessly.
Trade-offs:
- iPhone 12: Smaller screen, lower battery capacity, slower charging, and less versatile camera system compared to the OnePlus 10 Pro.
- OnePlus 10 Pro: Larger and heavier, potentially less pocketable, and a slightly lower CPU benchmark score compared to the iPhone 12.
- Operating System: iOS vs. Android is a matter of personal preference.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Apple iPhone 12:
- Users who prioritize a compact and lightweight design.
- Users heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem.
- Users who value video recording quality and stabilization.
- Users who like smaller phones.
Use Cases for Apple iPhone 12:
- Everyday carry for users who prefer smaller phones.
- Social media content creation with a focus on video.
- Users who prefer iOS and Apple's software features.
Ideal Users for OnePlus 10 Pro:
- Users who prioritize a large, high-resolution display for media consumption and gaming.
- Users who need long battery life and fast charging.
- Users who want a more versatile camera system with telephoto and high-resolution ultrawide lens.
- Users who want the best multitasking performance.
Use Cases for OnePlus 10 Pro:
- Mobile gaming and media streaming on a large, high-refresh-rate display.
- Photography and videography with diverse lens options.
- Power users who need long battery life and fast charging.
- Multitaskers
4. Decision Framework
Here are 3 key questions to help buyers decide:
- What is your priority: Compact size or large screen? If you prefer a smaller, more pocketable phone, the iPhone 12 is the better choice. If you value a larger, more immersive display, the OnePlus 10 Pro is preferable.
- How important is battery life and charging speed? If you need all-day battery life and quick charging, the OnePlus 10 Pro is the clear winner.
- What ecosystem do you prefer: iOS or Android? This is a subjective preference. If you're already invested in the Apple ecosystem, the iPhone 12 is a natural choice. If you prefer Android and its customization options, the OnePlus 10 Pro is the better option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Traveling Photographer/Videographer - The OnePlus 10 Pro is better due to its versatile camera system and long battery life.
- Scenario 2: Urban Commuter - The iPhone 12 is better because its compact design is easier to manage on crowded transportation.
- Scenario 3: Power User/Gamer - The OnePlus 10 Pro is better due to its large display, high refresh rate, long battery life, fast charging, and more RAM.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would pick the OnePlus 10 Pro.
Here's why:
While the iPhone 12 has its strengths, such as its compact size and excellent video recording capabilities, the OnePlus 10 Pro offers a more compelling overall package for my needs. I prioritize a large, high-resolution display for media consumption and gaming, and the 120Hz refresh rate would greatly enhance my user experience. The significantly larger battery capacity and much faster charging speeds are also crucial factors for me, as I rely heavily on my phone throughout the day and appreciate the convenience of quickly topping up the battery. Although the iPhone 12 might be slightly faster in some CPU-intensive tasks, the OnePlus 10 Pro's 8 GB or 12 GB of RAM would ensure smooth multitasking and handle demanding apps with ease. Finally, the OnePlus 10 Pro's more versatile camera system, particularly the inclusion of a telephoto lens and a higher resolution ultrawide lens, would provide me with greater flexibility in capturing photos and videos in various scenarios. Also, the fact that it's newer is a benefit to me, as it will have more up-to-date software and features.
