1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Realme 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.2 × 73.6 × 8.7 mm | 161.5 × 74 × 8.8 mm | OnePlus is slightly taller. Size difference is minimal in hand. |
| Weight | 197g | 196g | Both phones have virtually identical weight and feel equally substantial in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Identical screen size; both offer a large viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1440x3216 | 1080x2412 | OnePlus 9 Pro has a noticeably sharper display due to higher pixel density; Text and images appear clearer. |
| PPI | 525 | 394 | OnePlus 9 Pro provides significantly more detail and sharpness. |
| Technology | (Unspecified) | AMOLED | Realme 12 Pro+ offers superior color, contrast, and power efficiency with AMOLED, particularly for dark-mode users. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | OnePlus 9 Pro display is much more readable in bright sunlight. Realme 12 Pro+'s brightness is unspecified. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5nm) | Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4nm) | OnePlus 9 Pro has better performance, smoother multitasking, and faster gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 877,600 | 603,400 | OnePlus 9 Pro offers a snappier experience, better for demanding apps and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 710 | OnePlus 9 Pro is slightly better for graphically intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Realme 12 Pro+ should offer better battery life. |
| Charging | 65W | 67W | Realme 12 Pro+ charges slightly faster. |
| Features | Wireless, Reverse charging | (None listed) | OnePlus 9 Pro has wireless and reverse wireless charging, convenient for charging other devices and easier desktop charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res | 48MP | 50MP | Similar main camera resolution with Realme offering slightly more detail. |
| Main Sensor Size | 1/1.43" | 1/1.56" | OnePlus 9 Pro main sensor captures more light for better low light images. |
| Selfie Res | 16MP | 32MP | Realme 12 Pro+ captures more detail with the selfie camera. |
| Selfie Sensor Size | 1/3.13" | 1/2.74" | Realme 12 Pro+ selfie sensor captures more light for better low light images. |
| Telephoto Res | 8MP | 64MP | Realme 12 Pro+ offers much more detail in zoomed images. |
| Telephoto Sensor Size | 1/4.4" | 1/2" | Realme 12 Pro+ telephoto sensor captures more light for better low light images. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP | None | OnePlus 9 Pro offers a dedicated ultra wide camera for more versatility. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 8MP | Realme 12 Pro+ has a macro and wide angle option for close up images. |
| Black & White | 2MP | None | OnePlus 9 Pro offers additional black and white mode for niche photography. |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps | OnePlus 9 Pro can shoot higher-resolution video. |
| DxOMark Score | 122 | (Unspecified) | OnePlus 9 Pro camera performance has been rated. |
| Features | OIS, EIS, Autofocus, etc. | OIS, EIS, Autofocus, etc. | Both phones have many standard camera features, OnePlus 9 Pro has more advanced features. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable) | Android 14 | Realme 12 Pro+ comes with a newer OS out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both support the latest WiFi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 | Both offer similar Bluetooth capabilities. |
| GPS | More systems supported | Fewer systems supported | OnePlus 9 Pro has better location accuracy through better satellite support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256GB | 128/256/512GB | Realme 12 Pro+ has a 512GB storage option for users who need more space. |
| RAM | 8/12GB | 8/12GB | Both offer enough RAM for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo speakers, 3 mics | Dolby Atmos, Stereo speakers, Hi-Res audio, 2 mics | Both offer good audio quality. Realme 12 Pro+ has Hi-Res audio. OnePlus 9 Pro has 3 mics. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both offer basic fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | OnePlus 9 Pro offers superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | More sensors | Fewer sensors | OnePlus 9 Pro is slightly better for advanced features and gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Pro Advantages:
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and pixel density result in a clearer and more detailed visual experience.
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 offers significantly better processing power for demanding apps and games.
- Better Sunlight Visibility: Higher peak brightness ensures better outdoor readability.
- Better Camera versatility: With a dedicated ultra-wide angle lens, B&W and more advanced features
- Wireless Charging: Includes wireless and reverse wireless charging for added convenience.
- Better location accuracy: Supports more satellite systems for GPS.
- More Advanced Sensors: Features a Compass, Gravity sensor and more comprehensive sensor suite.
- Higher video recording: Supports up to 8K recording.
- More advanced audio recording: Features 3 microphones for better audio recording.
- Screen protection: Uses Gorilla Glass 5
Realme 12 Pro+ Advantages:
- Newer OS: Ships with Android 14, providing the latest software features and security.
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery should offer longer battery life.
- More storage: Offers a 512 GB storage option.
- Better Selfie Camera: Higher resolution and larger sensor on the selfie camera for better quality and low light.
- Better Telephoto Camera: Significantly higher resolution for detailed zoomed images.
- AMOLED Display: Superior contrast, color, and power efficiency, especially with dark themes.
- Slightly faster wired charging: 67W vs 65W for faster charging.
- Hi-Res Audio: Better audio quality for listening to music.
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9 Pro sacrifices battery life and modern OS for better performance and display technology.
- Realme 12 Pro+ prioritizes battery, storage and newer software while offering a less powerful processor and a less detailed display.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 Pro:
- Ideal Users: Power users, gamers, photography enthusiasts, users who need a very crisp display for text reading, and content creators.
- Use Cases:
- Playing demanding games at higher settings.
- Editing photos and videos on the go.
- Consuming high-resolution media.
- Outdoor photography and navigation.
- Users who want the convenience of wireless charging.
- Price-to-Value: Offers excellent performance and a high-quality display at a potentially lower price point due to its age.
Realme 12 Pro+:
- Ideal Users: General smartphone users, social media enthusiasts, users who prioritize battery life, users who enjoy photography with zoom, and users who value the latest software.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday social media use and browsing.
- Taking selfies and zoomed photos with good results.
- Extended battery life for all-day usage.
- Users who prioritize the latest version of Android.
- Price-to-Value: Balances features and performance well with a focus on longevity and overall usability.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize raw performance and a sharper display over battery life and the latest software? If yes, the OnePlus 9 Pro is likely a better fit.
- Is battery life and having the newest Android OS a primary concern? If yes, the Realme 12 Pro+ is more suitable.
- How important is camera versatility and shooting high-resolution video? If this is highly important then the OnePlus 9 Pro is the winner due to having more lenses and shooting up to 8K video.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Gaming & Heavy Use): If you are a gamer or heavy user, the OnePlus 9 Pro is the better option due to its superior processor, sharper display, and higher brightness.
- Scenario 2 (Everyday Use & Battery Life): If you prioritize battery life, the latest Android software, and a capable camera for everyday use, the Realme 12 Pro+ is a better choice.
- Scenario 3 (Photography Enthusiast): If you value the versatility of lenses and shooting high quality videos, the OnePlus 9 Pro is a better choice, but for users who prioritize zoom and selfie quality, Realme 12 Pro+ is a better fit.
My Choice
Based on my preferences, I would choose the OnePlus 9 Pro. While it is older, its strengths in display sharpness, processing power, and camera versatility align better with my typical use cases. I value the crisper visuals for reading and media consumption, and the superior processing power and advanced camera capabilities are important for editing and photography. The wireless charging is also an added benefit. Despite the Realme 12 Pro+'s newer OS and better battery, the OnePlus 9 Pro’s core strengths make it the better overall fit for me and my use.
