1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | OnePlus 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 146.7 × 71.5 × 7.4 mm | 163.2 × 73.6 × 8.7 mm | OnePlus 9 Pro is larger and may be less comfortable for one-handed use. iPhone 12 is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 164g | 197g | iPhone 12 is noticeably lighter, better for extended use and portability. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones. |
Display
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | OnePlus 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.1" | 6.7" | OnePlus 9 Pro offers a more immersive viewing experience for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1170x2532 | 1440x3216 | OnePlus 9 Pro has a sharper and more detailed display, especially noticeable for reading and viewing high-resolution content. |
| PPI | 460 | 525 | OnePlus 9 Pro's higher pixel density results in crisper images and text. |
| Technology | OLED | iPhone 12 offers superior display technology (OLED) offering . | |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | OnePlus 9 Pro provides smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 1300 nits | OnePlus 9 Pro is slightly better visible in direct sunlight. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | OnePlus 9 Pro is likely more resistant to scratches and minor impacts. We don't know the protection of the iPhone 12. |
Performance
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | OnePlus 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Different chipsets: Apple iPhone 12 uses Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) while OnePlus 9 Pro uses Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm). |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,083,947 | 877,600 | Apple iPhone 12 might provide a slightly snappier experience in some tasks, but both are very fast. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Adreno 660 | Both offer excellent graphics performance for gaming and demanding applications, though the specifics of their performance profiles differ. |
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB or 12 GB | OnePlus 9 Pro offers better multitasking capabilities, especially with the 12GB option, allowing more apps to stay open in the background. |
Camera
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | OnePlus 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.6, 1/2.55" | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/1.43" | OnePlus 9 Pro captures more detailed images in good lighting and has a larger sensor for potentially better low-light performance. Apple iPhone 12 has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Ultrawide Camera | 12MP, f/2.4 | 50MP, f/2.2 | OnePlus 9 Pro has a significantly higher resolution ultrawide camera for wider and more detailed shots. |
| Telephoto Lens | N/A | 8MP, f/2.4 | OnePlus 9 Pro offers optical zoom capabilities, allowing for closer shots without significant quality loss. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.4 | OnePlus 9 Pro captures slightly more detailed selfies. Apple iPhone 12 has a wider aperture. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 8K@30fps | OnePlus 9 Pro can record in 8K, offering higher resolution video for professional use. |
| DxOMark Mobile | 117 (Photo: 127, Video: 130) | 122 (Photo: 124, Video: 118) | Overall, OnePlus 9 Pro has a slightly higher score. Apple iPhone 12 is better for video. |
Battery
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | 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, minimizing downtime. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W (MagSafe), 7.5W (Qi) | 50W | OnePlus 9 Pro offers significantly faster wireless charging. |
| Other Features | Reverse Wireless Charging | OnePlus 9 Pro can wirelessly charge other devices. |
Software and Other
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | OnePlus 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | iOS 14.1 (upgradable) | Android 11 (upgradable) | Different operating systems: Apple iPhone 12 uses iOS 14.1 while OnePlus 9 Pro uses 18 Android |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both support the latest Wi-Fi standards. OnePlus has more features like Wi-Fi Direct and Display. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | OnePlus 9 Pro has slightly newer Bluetooth with better codec support for audio. |
| Security | Basic | Fingerprint sensor | OnePlus 9 Pro provides biometric security, which is easier to unlock than typing in a password. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither allows for expanding storage with a microSD card. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 Advantages:
- More compact and lighter design: Easier to handle and carry.
- Potentially Faster Performance: Higher AnTuTu score may translate to snappier performance in some tasks.
- Ecosystem Integration: Seamless integration with other Apple devices and services.
- Better video camera: The DxOMark scores show that it is rated better for videos than the OnePlus.
- Dolby Digital Plus: Better audio quality.
OnePlus 9 Pro Advantages:
- Larger, Higher Resolution, 120Hz Display: More immersive and smoother viewing experience.
- Significantly Larger Battery & Faster Charging: Longer battery life and quicker top-ups.
- More Versatile Camera System: Telephoto lens, higher resolution ultrawide, and 8K video recording.
- More RAM (up to 12GB): Better multitasking capabilities.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Convenient biometric security.
- Reverse Wireless Charging: Added convenience for charging other devices.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Better codec support.
Trade-offs:
- iPhone 12: Sacrifices battery life and screen size for portability and potentially faster app loading.
- OnePlus 9 Pro: Larger size and weight may be less comfortable for some users.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Apple iPhone 12:
- Users deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem.
- Those who prioritize portability and one-handed use.
- Users who prefer iOS and its specific features.
- Video creators.
Use Cases for Apple iPhone 12:
- Everyday use for communication, social media, and basic productivity.
- Users who take a lot of videos.
Ideal Users for OnePlus 9 Pro:
- Multimedia enthusiasts who enjoy watching videos and playing games on their phones.
- Power users who need long battery life and fast charging.
- Photography enthusiasts who want a versatile camera system.
- Android fans.
Use Cases for OnePlus 9 Pro:
- Gaming and watching videos on the go.
- Travel photography.
- Demanding multitasking and productivity tasks.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your preferred operating system (iOS or Android)? This is a fundamental decision.
- How important is battery life and charging speed? If these are critical, the OnePlus 9 Pro is the clear winner.
- Do you prioritize portability or a larger, more immersive display? The iPhone 12 is smaller and lighter, while the OnePlus 9 Pro has a bigger screen.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- If you need a compact phone that seamlessly integrates with your Apple devices and provides a good video camera: Choose the Apple iPhone 12.
- If you want a phone with a large, smooth display, long battery life, and a versatile camera system, and you don't mind a larger device: Choose the OnePlus 9 Pro.
My Choice
I would choose the OnePlus 9 Pro. While the iPhone 12 has its strengths, particularly its compact size and potentially faster app loading, the OnePlus 9 Pro offers a more compelling overall package for my needs. The larger, higher-resolution 120Hz display would significantly enhance my experience watching videos and playing games. The significantly larger battery and faster charging are also major advantages, ensuring I can get through a full day of heavy use without worrying about running out of power. Finally, the more versatile camera system, with its telephoto lens and higher resolution ultrawide lens, would allow me to capture a wider range of shots in different situations. Although the iPhone 12 may be slightly faster in some tasks, the benefits of the OnePlus 9 Pro's display, battery, charging, and camera outweigh this for me.
