1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the OnePlus 9 Pro and Realme 12+, focusing on practical implications:
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Realme 12+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.2 × 73.6 × 8.7 mm | 163 × 75.5 × 7.9 mm | Realme 12+ is slightly wider and thinner, while OnePlus 9 Pro has a larger overall volume. |
| Weight | 197g | 190g | Realme 12+ is a bit lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.67" | Negligible size difference. Both offer similar viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1440x3216 | 1080x2400 | OnePlus 9 Pro has a much sharper display, resulting in finer details and crisper text. |
| PPI | 525 | 395 | OnePlus 9 Pro offers significantly greater sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Realme 12+ has an AMOLED display, providing better blacks, contrast, and color vibrancy. OnePlus 9 Pro display technology is not specified. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 2000 nits | Realme 12+ is much better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7050 (6 nm) | OnePlus 9 Pro's chipset offers higher performance for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 877,600 | 601,000 | OnePlus 9 Pro is faster in benchmarks; it will handle heavy apps and games more smoothly. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Different GPUs; Adreno 660 in OnePlus 9 Pro is generally more powerful. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/1.43", Sony IMX789 | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/2", Sony LYT-600 | OnePlus 9 Pro has a larger sensor, potentially better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" | 16MP, f/2.45 | OnePlus 9 Pro has a slightly wider aperture for selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4" | None | OnePlus 9 Pro offers optical zoom capability, better for long range shots. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56" | 8MP, f/2.2 | OnePlus 9 Pro offers much higher resolution for wider shots. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Realme 12+ allows close-up photography of small subjects. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | OnePlus 9 Pro offers dedicated B&W photography option. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps | OnePlus 9 Pro offers higher resolution for professional-grade video. |
| DxOMark Score | 122 (Mobile), 124 (Photo), 118 (Video) | Not Tested | OnePlus 9 Pro has a well rated camera system. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Realme 12+ offers longer battery life per charge. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Realme 12+ offers marginally faster charging speeds. |
| Features | Reverse Charging, 50W Wireless Charging, Reverse Wireless Charging | None | OnePlus 9 Pro offers wireless and reverse charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Up to 14) | Android 14 (Up to 16) | Realme 12+ ships with a newer Android version and is likely to get longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, MIMO | Wi-Fi 6 | Both offer similar speeds, OnePlus 9 Pro has extra Wi-Fi MiMO features. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | 5.2, EDR, HID | OnePlus 9 Pro has better audio codec support. |
| GPS | More systems including L1+L5 | Standard GPS | OnePlus 9 Pro supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512 GB | Realme 12+ offers a 512GB option for users who need more space. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 8/12 GB | Both offer sufficient RAM for multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 3 Microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 Microphones | Realme 12+ offers Hi-Res audio, but OnePlus 9 Pro has an extra microphone for better voice pickup. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both phones use basic fingerprint sensor technology. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | OnePlus 9 Pro offers superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Gravity, Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | OnePlus 9 Pro features an additional Gravity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display Sharpness: Higher resolution (1440p vs 1080p) and pixel density resulting in a sharper display for detailed content consumption.
- More Powerful Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset provides significantly faster processing power for gaming and demanding apps.
- More Versatile Camera System: Telephoto, Wide Angle, and Black & White lenses offering more creative flexibility and 8K video recording. Larger main sensor size.
- Advanced Camera Features: Offers RAW, Night Mode, and more advanced focusing features. Has a higher DxOMark score.
- Wireless Charging & Reverse Charging: Provides the convenience of wireless charging and can charge other devices.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 provides improved scratch and damage resistance.
- Additional Gravity Sensor: Has a full sensor suite.
Realme 12+ Advantages:
- Newer Device: Launched almost a year later with a more up-to-date Android version for better software support.
- Better Battery Life: Larger battery capacity for extended usage between charges.
- Brighter Display: Higher peak brightness makes it significantly more viewable under sunlight.
- AMOLED Display: Offers vibrant colors, deeper blacks and better contrast.
- Faster Charging: Slightly faster-wired charging speeds.
- More Storage Option: Offers a 512GB storage option for users who need a lot of storage.
- Macro Lens: Dedicated macro lens for close-up photography.
- Hi-Res Audio: Offers better audio playback.
- Lower Price Point: Typically a more budget-friendly option.
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9 Pro: Older, lower battery capacity, lacks a macro lens and a more advanced display technology (unspecified).
- Realme 12+: Lower performance, less versatile camera system, lacks wireless charging and less screen protection.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 Pro - Ideal for:
- Power Users: Gamers and those who need high performance for demanding apps.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize camera versatility, high resolution, and video recording capabilities.
- Those Who Want Wireless Charging: People looking for wireless and reverse charging capabilities.
- Users Who Want a Sharper Display People who prioritize high resolution.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming with demanding titles.
- Professional photography and videography.
- Heavy multitasking and app usage.
- Users who consume high-resolution media
Realme 12+ - Ideal for:
- Everyday Users: Those who want a reliable phone for daily tasks and media consumption.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users looking for good value without high price tag.
- Long Battery Life Users: People who need extended battery life without frequent charging.
- Users who prioritize outdoor visibility: People who frequently use their phone outdoors.
- Users who appreciate good display technology: Those who want an AMOLED screen.
Use Cases:
- Daily communication, social media, and web browsing.
- Watching videos and streaming media.
- Casual photography and close-up photography.
- Users who spend a lot of time outdoors.
4. Decision Framework
Here are key questions to help buyers decide:
What is my priority: Performance or Battery Life?
- If performance is crucial (gaming, demanding apps), the OnePlus 9 Pro is a better choice.
- If longer battery life is the main concern, Realme 12+ is better.
How important is camera versatility and high-resolution video to me?
- If you need versatility, optical zoom, and high video quality, the OnePlus 9 Pro is the better choice.
- If you need good pictures but don't need the advanced features the Realme 12+ is adequate
What is my budget and am I ok with an older device?
- If your budget is tight, and you prefer a newer device the Realme 12+ offers better value, but it sacrifices some high-end features.
- If you're willing to pay more for high performance and a great camera, the OnePlus 9 Pro may be worth it (if price is comparable)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Performance & Camera User: If you game, edit videos, and value high-resolution photography, the OnePlus 9 Pro is the clear winner despite being older.
- Scenario 2: Daily Usage with Good Battery & Display: If your needs are daily tasks, streaming media, longer battery life, and good outdoor viewing, the Realme 12+ is the recommended choice.
- Scenario 3: Budget Conscious & Newer Device: If you prioritize the latest software and a good-enough overall experience at a lower cost, the Realme 12+ is the ideal pick.
What I Would Choose and Why:
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally go with the Realme 12+. While the OnePlus 9 Pro has its advantages in terms of processing power and camera features, the Realme 12+ appeals to me due to its newer software, significantly better battery life and outdoor visibility, excellent display technology, and macro lens - all at a lower price point. The performance of the Realme 12+ is sufficient for my daily needs and the improved battery and outdoor visibility features will come in handy in my day-to-day life. While the OnePlus 9 Pro is the more powerful phone, for most daily use cases the features of the Realme 12+ outweigh the extra processing power of the OnePlus 9 Pro. The price point makes it an even better value proposition, especially when considering that the OnePlus 9 Pro is several years old. I consider the performance of the Realme 12+ more than adequate, especially for a daily driver that is not used for gaming. The main selling points for me on the Realme 12+ are the more up-to-date operating system, better battery life and outdoor visibility, and its lower price.
