1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | OnePlus 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 146.7 × 71.5 × 7.4 mm | 160 × 74.2 × 8.7 mm | iPhone 12 is more compact and pocketable; OnePlus 9 has a larger screen area but is bulkier. |
| Weight | 164g | 192g | iPhone 12 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Build | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | OnePlus 9 has known screen protection, potentially more resistant to scratches and cracks. |
Display
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | OnePlus 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.1" | 6.55" | OnePlus 9 offers more screen real estate for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1170x2532 | 1080x2400 | iPhone 12 has a slightly sharper display, though the difference may not be noticeable to all users. |
| PPI | 460 | 402 | iPhone 12 has higher pixel density, leading to crisper text and images. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer excellent color reproduction and contrast; differences are subtle and depend on calibration. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | OnePlus 9 provides smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the perceived responsiveness of the phone. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 1100 nits | iPhone 12 may be slightly easier to view in direct sunlight, though both are bright enough for outdoor use. |
Performance
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | OnePlus 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Both are high-end chips; A14 Bionic is optimized for iOS, Snapdragon 888 for Android. Real-world performance differences are minor for most tasks. |
| Antutu Score | 1,083,947 | 880,900 | iPhone 12 shows higher benchmark score, which may translate to slightly faster app loading and smoother multitasking, particularly in graphically intensive applications. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Adreno 660 | Both are excellent GPUs for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks; the better choice is dependent on the optimized software. |
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB or 12 GB | OnePlus 9 with 8GB or 12GB offers better multitasking capabilities, especially with numerous apps running in the background. |
Camera
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | OnePlus 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.6, 1/2.55" | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/1.4" | OnePlus 9 captures more detailed photos; iPhone 12 performs better in low light due to wider aperture and optimized software. |
| Ultrawide | 12MP, f/2.4 | 50MP, f/2.2 | OnePlus 9 offers higher resolution ultrawide shots; aperture differences are minor. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.4 | OnePlus 9 captures slightly more detailed selfies, especially in good lighting. |
| Video | Up to 4K 60fps | Up to 8K 30fps | OnePlus 9 supports higher resolution video recording; iPhone 12 may have better video stabilization based on software processing. |
| Features | OIS, Optical Zoom | Digital Image Stabilization | iPhone 12 offers optical image stabilization for sharper photos and videos; OnePlus 9 has a dedicated black and white camera. |
| DxOMark | Mobile: 117, Selfie: 132 | N/A | iPhone 12 has better and tested camera than OnePlus 9 |
Battery
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | OnePlus 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 2815mAh | 4500mAh | OnePlus 9 provides significantly longer battery life, reducing the need for frequent charging. |
| Charging | 20W wired, 15W wireless | 65W wired, 15W wireless | OnePlus 9 charges much faster, allowing for quick top-ups. |
| Features | MagSafe, Qi Charging | Wireless Charging | iPhone 12 offers MagSafe compatibility, while OnePlus 9 supports standard wireless charging. |
Storage
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | OnePlus 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal | 64/128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both provide ample storage for most users; consider storage needs when purchasing, as neither offers expansion. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, so choosing the correct storage variant is important at the time of purchase. |
Other
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | OnePlus 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | iOS 14.1 (upgradable) | Android 11 (upgradable) | iOS provides a streamlined, user-friendly experience; Android offers greater customization options. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | OnePlus 9 has a slightly newer version, offering potentially more efficient connections and better audio codec support. |
| SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Dual Nano SIM | iPhone 12 allows for a digital SIM, while OnePlus 9 utilizes two physical SIM cards. |
| Security | Basic security features | Fingerprint sensor | OnePlus 9 offers biometric authentication for convenient unlocking and enhanced security. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 Advantages:
- More compact and lighter: Easier to handle and carry.
- Higher pixel density display: Sharper visuals.
- Better performance: Higher benchmark scores.
- MagSafe Wireless Charging: Wider range of compatibility with accessories
- Better tested camera: DxOMark values prove that.
OnePlus 9 Advantages:
- Larger display with 120Hz refresh rate: Smoother and more immersive viewing experience.
- Significantly larger battery and faster charging: Longer battery life and quicker charging.
- Higher resolution main and ultrawide cameras: More detailed photos and videos.
- Fingerprint sensor: Convenient biometric authentication.
- Dual SIM Support: Uses two physical SIMs.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Efficient connections and better audio codec support.
Trade-offs:
- iPhone 12 users trade battery life and screen size for a more compact design and potentially better performance (based on benchmarks).
- OnePlus 9 users trade compactness and potentially better performance(based on benchmarks) for longer battery life, faster charging, and a smoother display.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Apple iPhone 12 Ideal Users:
- Users who prioritize a compact and lightweight design.
- Those who prefer iOS and its ecosystem.
- Users who want a very sharp display.
- Individuals heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem (AirPods, Apple Watch, etc.).
- Users who are not power users and can live with average battery life.
Use Cases:
- Everyday carry and one-handed use.
- Integration with other Apple devices.
- Casual photography and videography.
OnePlus 9 Ideal Users:
- Users who value long battery life and fast charging.
- Those who prefer a larger display and smoother refresh rate.
- Individuals who prefer Android and its customization options.
- Users who want a fingerprint sensor for biometric authentication.
Use Cases:
- Media consumption (videos, games).
- Heavy multitasking and app usage.
- Users who want larger display.
- Fast-paced gaming where refresh rate matters.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- What is your preferred operating system (iOS or Android)? This is a fundamental choice that will heavily influence the user experience.
- How important is battery life and charging speed? If you need all-day battery and quick charging, the OnePlus 9 is the better choice.
- Do you prioritize a compact design or a larger display? The iPhone 12 is more pocketable, while the OnePlus 9 offers more screen real estate.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Power User on the Go: Choose the OnePlus 9 for its long battery life and fast charging, ensuring you stay connected throughout the day.
- Scenario 2: Casual User in the Apple Ecosystem: The iPhone 12 offers seamless integration with other Apple devices and a more compact design.
- Scenario 3: Media Enthusiast: OnePlus 9 will enhance user's media experience with a bigger display.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would pick the OnePlus 9. Although the iPhone 12 has a slightly sharper display and a more compact design, the OnePlus 9 offers a superior experience in areas that are more important to me: longer battery life, faster charging, and a smoother 120Hz display for a better overall Android experience. While the iPhone 12 shows higher benchmark score, in real-world scenarios, the differences might not be noticeable. The inclusion of a fingerprint sensor on the OnePlus 9 is also a welcome addition for convenient unlocking and enhanced security.
