1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Realme 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-30 | 2024-01-29 | Realme 12 Pro is significantly newer, suggesting potential for better software support and more up-to-date features. |
| Dimensions | 163.2 × 73.6 × 8.7 mm | 161.5 × 74 × 8.8 mm | OnePlus 9 Pro is slightly taller, while Realme 12 Pro is a tiny bit wider and thicker. Differences are minor and unlikely to affect handling significantly. |
| Weight | 197g | 190g | Realme 12 Pro is slightly lighter which may be preferable for users who value a more comfortable feel during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Identical display size. |
| Resolution | 1440x3216 | 1080x2412 | OnePlus 9 Pro offers a much sharper image with noticeably finer details, significantly enhancing visual clarity. |
| PPI | 525 | 394 | OnePlus 9 Pro has a much higher pixel density, resulting in crisper text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Realme 12 Pro's AMOLED display provides deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency, especially when using dark mode. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animation. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 950 nits | OnePlus 9 Pro provides better screen visibility in bright outdoor conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm) | OnePlus 9 Pro has a significantly more powerful chipset, suitable for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| Antutu Score | 877,600 | 574,000 | OnePlus 9 Pro is noticeably faster in everyday tasks and resource-intensive applications. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 710 | OnePlus 9 Pro's GPU is more powerful, providing better graphics performance for gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Realme 12 Pro likely offers longer battery life. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Realme 12 Pro charges slightly faster. |
| Features | Wireless Charging 50W, Reverse Charging | None | OnePlus 9 Pro provides more versatile charging options, including wireless and reverse wireless charging for added convenience. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/1.43" Sony IMX789 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2" Sony IMX882 | OnePlus 9 Pro's main camera has a larger sensor size that captures more light and detail. The difference in resolution is unlikely to be very significant in real-world usage. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" | 16MP, f/2.4 | Both offer similar front-facing camera capabilities. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4" | 32MP, f/2.0, 1/2.74" Sony IMX709 | Realme 12 Pro has a significantly higher resolution and a wider aperture offering better zoom capabilities and low-light performance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56" | None | OnePlus 9 Pro offers a dedicated ultrawide lens for capturing expansive scenes. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" Sony IMX355 | Realme 12 Pro offers a versatile macro lens integrated into the wide-angle lens, good for close-up photography. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | OnePlus 9 Pro offers a dedicated B&W sensor for creative photography. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps | OnePlus 9 Pro supports higher resolution video recording making it suitable for higher quality and professional content. |
| DxoMark | Mobile: 122, Photo: 124, Video: 118 | Not Available | OnePlus 9 Pro's camera performance has been evaluated and offers excellent still and video capabilities. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 14) | Android 14 | Realme 12 Pro has the latest Android version out of the box with future updates while the OnePlus 9 Pro may have a finite time for upgrades. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) | 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) | Both offer similar Wi-Fi speeds and functionality. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.2 LE | Both offer similar Bluetooth capabilities. |
| GPS | L1+L5, etc. | L1, etc. | OnePlus 9 Pro has more comprehensive GPS support, potentially providing better location accuracy in complex environments. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 256/512 GB | Realme 12 Pro offers more storage options, especially if you need more space for media and apps. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 8/12 GB | Both phones have similar RAM options, good for multitasking and demanding apps. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, 3 mics | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, 2 mics | Both phones offer good audio quality with stereo speakers; Realme 12 Pro features Hi-Res Audio for higher quality playback. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Basic | Both phones offer basic fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | OnePlus 9 Pro uses a known and robust screen protection technology while Realme 12 Pro's protection is not specified. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Compass, Gyroscope, Accelerometer, Proximity, Fingerprint | Gyroscope, Accelerometer, Proximity, Fingerprint | OnePlus 9 Pro has a comprehensive sensor suite with additional compass sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Pro Advantages:
- Significantly Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 offers much better CPU and GPU performance, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming capabilities.
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and pixel density provide a clearer and more detailed visual experience.
- Brighter Display: The significantly higher brightness ensures better outdoor visibility under direct sunlight.
- More Versatile Camera System: Includes a dedicated ultra-wide lens and a black and white sensor, offering more creative options, and also capable of 8K video recording.
- More Versatile Charging: Wireless charging and reverse wireless charging for convenience and flexibility.
- More Comprehensive Sensor Suite: Additional compass sensor for improved location accuracy, especially beneficial for navigation.
- Established Camera Quality: DxoMark scores highlight proven camera performance.
- Better Build Quality: Known Corning Gorilla Glass for screen protection.
Realme 12 Pro Advantages:
- Newer Device: Launched much later, benefits from newer software (Android 14) and possibly a longer update cycle.
- Larger Battery: Offers better battery endurance for all-day use.
- Faster Charging: Provides marginally quicker charging.
- Better Telephoto Camera: Higher resolution and wider aperture for improved zoom capabilities.
- Hi-Res Audio: For better quality audio playback.
- Larger storage option: A 512 GB variant for users who need more space.
Significant Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9 Pro: Older device with potentially shorter software support remaining. Compromised battery life compared to Realme 12 Pro.
- Realme 12 Pro: Significantly lower performance for demanding tasks and less sharp display. It also lacks features such as a dedicated ultrawide camera, 8K video recording, wireless charging, and a known robust screen protection.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for OnePlus 9 Pro:
- Power Users: Individuals who perform demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera system with wide-angle and higher-quality video recording.
- Outdoor Users: Those who need a bright display that is easy to view under bright sunlight.
- Users focused on display quality: Users who appreciate high resolution screens for visual clarity.
- Users needing wireless charging: Those seeking convenient wireless charging options.
Use Cases for OnePlus 9 Pro:
- Playing graphic-intensive games without lag.
- Recording high-quality videos and editing them on the go.
- Viewing content outdoors in bright sunlight.
- Demanding photography scenarios that require more versatility.
Ideal User for Realme 12 Pro:
- Everyday Users: Individuals who prioritize battery life and a reliable daily driver over maximum performance.
- Social Media Users: Those who take and share photos regularly, and prefer high-quality telephoto zoom capabilities.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users seeking good value and newer software, but don't need peak performance.
- Audio Lovers: Those seeking high-resolution audio playback.
- Users who value large storage: Those seeking 512 GB of internal storage.
Use Cases for Realme 12 Pro:
- Prolonged use throughout the day without needing to recharge frequently.
- Capturing detailed zoom photos for social media.
- Enjoying media with high-quality audio.
- Basic photography and content creation needs.
- Users needing the latest software features
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The OnePlus 9 Pro, being an older flagship, may offer good value if found at a discounted price, especially for users prioritizing performance.
- The Realme 12 Pro may also provide a good price to value proposition for everyday users, and offering a larger battery with newer software, depending on the pricing.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Performance Needs: Do you prioritize top-tier performance for gaming and demanding tasks, or are everyday tasks sufficient?
- Camera Requirements: Do you need a versatile camera system with a wide range of options and higher quality video or do you prioritize telephoto capabilities and good low light performance?
- Battery Life: Do you need maximum battery endurance for all-day use, or is fast charging sufficient?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- If you need top-tier performance and camera versatility, and can find it at a reduced price, the OnePlus 9 Pro is the better choice. It offers a much more powerful chipset, sharper display, and more camera options, despite being older.
- If you prioritize battery life, the latest software, a more capable zoom camera, and high-resolution audio, the Realme 12 Pro is the more suitable device. It will provide a more modern experience with less resource intensive usage scenarios.
- If you are on a budget and don't need the highest level of performance the Realme 12 Pro will likely provide better value.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would lean towards the OnePlus 9 Pro. While it's an older device, its superior performance, much better screen quality, more versatile camera system (including 8K video), and wireless charging make it a more compelling option for my personal use case, which involves gaming, photo and video editing and creation, and heavy multitasking. I would also want a device that has robust protection for the screen and the ability to use a wide angle camera. While the Realme 12 Pro offers a larger battery and a newer version of Android, these benefits are outweighed by the significant performance and display differences for me. I am willing to accept the reduced software support for that performance. I am also not too concerned about the telephoto lens on the Realme 12 Pro over a versatile camera system like on the OnePlus 9 Pro. I would be willing to risk getting a used device if it were at a significant discount.
However, my recommendation comes with a very specific user case profile. For a user seeking the opposite, who prioritizes a modern experience with great battery, and less interest in gaming or high performance, the Realme 12 Pro would be a much better option.
