1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Realme 9 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 146.7 × 71.5 × 7.4 mm | 160.2 × 73.3 × 8 mm | iPhone 12 is more pocketable and easier to handle with one hand. Realme 9 Pro+ is larger, which can be better for media consumption but less convenient for portability. |
| Weight | 164g | 182g | iPhone 12 is lighter, resulting in better comfort during prolonged use. |
| Build | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 (Screen) | Realme 9 Pro+ screen is more resistant to scratches and drops. iPhone 12 screen protection is unknown. | |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones. |
Display
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Realme 9 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.1" | 6.4" | Realme 9 Pro+ offers a more immersive viewing experience for videos and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1170x2532 | 1080x2400 | iPhone 12 has a slightly sharper image quality, though the difference may not be noticeable to all users. |
| PPI | 460 | 411 | iPhone 12 screen will appear slightly crisper. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. Differences in perceived quality may be subjective. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Realme 9 Pro+ has smoother scrolling and animations, which can improve the perceived responsiveness of the device. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 0 nits | iPhone 12 is much easier to view outdoors in bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Realme 9 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 920 (6 nm) | iPhone 12 offers significantly faster processing speeds, better app loading times, and smoother performance in demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,083,947 | 496,970 | The iPhone 12 exhibits substantially superior performance in benchmarks, indicating a more powerful system. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Mali-G68 MC4 | iPhone 12 delivers better graphics performance, resulting in smoother gameplay and faster video rendering. |
Camera
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Realme 9 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.6, 1/2.55" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" | Realme 9 Pro+ has higher resolution and a larger sensor, potentially capturing more detail and better low-light performance, however the iPhone has a wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.4 | Realme 9 Pro+ has a higher resolution selfie camera for potentially sharper selfies, but the iPhone has a wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.4 | 8MP, f/2.2 | iPhone 12 offers higher resolution for wide-angle shots, but the Realme 9 Pro+ has a wider aperture. |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | Realme 9 Pro+ can take close-up macro shots, which the iPhone 12 cannot do without third-party lens attachments. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 4K@30fps | iPhone 12 can record 4K video at a higher frame rate, resulting in smoother video. |
| Features | Optical Zoom, OIS, PDAF | Triple Camera, OIS, Digital Image Stabilization | iPhone 12 offers better optical zoom capabilities. Realme 9 Pro+ offers a triple camera system providing more versatility. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | 117 | N/A | iPhone 12's camera performance has been professionally evaluated and scored. |
Battery
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Realme 9 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 2815mAh | 4500mAh | Realme 9 Pro+ likely provides significantly longer battery life, reducing the need for frequent charging. |
| Charging | 20W | 60W | Realme 9 Pro+ charges much faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Features | 15W MagSafe, 7.5W Qi Wireless Charging | N/A | iPhone 12 offers convenient wireless charging options. |
Storage
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Realme 9 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal | 64/128/256GB | 128/256GB | Both phones offer adequate storage for most users. Consider the 64GB iPhone 12 only if on a tight budget. |
| RAM | 4GB | 6/8GB | Realme 9 Pro+ handles multitasking more smoothly, especially with the 8GB option. |
| Expandable | No | No | Users needing more storage will need to rely on cloud services or manage their files carefully. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Performance: The A14 Bionic chip provides a much smoother and more responsive user experience, especially in demanding applications and games.
- Superior Display Brightness: The brighter display is a major advantage for outdoor visibility.
- Established Camera Performance: Has been independently tested and rated by DxOMark.
- Wireless Charging: Offers convenient MagSafe and Qi wireless charging.
Realme 9 Pro+ Advantages:
- Longer Battery Life: The larger battery provides significantly longer usage time between charges.
- Faster Charging: The 60W charging replenishes the battery much quicker.
- Higher Resolution Camera: The 50MP main camera and 16MP front camera allow for more detailed photos.
- Macro Lens: Offers the ability to take close-up macro shots without additional accessories.
- More RAM: Offers 6/8GB options, for better multitasking
Trade-offs:
- iPhone 12 trades battery life and charging speed for significantly better performance and a brighter display.
- Realme 9 Pro+ trades raw processing power for a lower price point and longer battery life.
- Realme 9 Pro+ is the more affordable of the two phones, given that the iPhone 12 is an older phone.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Apple iPhone 12 - Ideal Users:
- Users prioritizing performance and responsiveness: Gamers, content creators, and those who heavily multitask will benefit from the A14 Bionic chip.
- Users who need a bright display for outdoor use: Those who frequently use their phones in sunny conditions will appreciate the high brightness.
- Users within the Apple Ecosystem: If you own other Apple devices, the iPhone 12 integrates seamlessly.
- Example Use Case: Mobile gaming with demanding graphics, outdoor photography in bright sunlight.
Realme 9 Pro+ - Ideal Users:
- Users prioritizing battery life and fast charging: Those who need their phone to last all day and want to quickly recharge.
- Users who enjoy photography: The higher resolution cameras and macro lens provide more versatility for different shooting scenarios.
- Budget-conscious users: Those seeking good value for their money.
- Example Use Case: All-day usage without needing to charge, taking detailed photos in various lighting conditions.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is processing power and graphics performance to you? (If gaming or demanding apps are a priority, the iPhone 12 is the better choice).
- How much do you value battery life and fast charging? (If you need all-day battery life and fast charging is important, the Realme 9 Pro+ is preferable).
- What is your budget? (If you are budget conscious, the Realme 9 Pro+ is more compelling).
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Gamer: Choose the iPhone 12 for superior graphics performance and smoother gameplay.
- Scenario 2: All-Day User: Choose the Realme 9 Pro+ for longer battery life and faster charging.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: Choose the Realme 9 Pro+ for its versatile camera system and high-resolution sensors.
- Scenario 4: Budget Conscious User: Choose the Realme 9 Pro+ for a good balance of features at a lower price.
Personal Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Realme 9 Pro+. Even though the iPhone 12 has a performance and brightness advantage, I value battery life and fast charging more. I also do a lot of general photography and like the versatility of having a macro lens and higher resolution main camera on the Realme 9 Pro+. The price to performance is good, and for my use case, the Realme 9 Pro+ makes sense.
