Smartphone Comparison: OnePlus 9 Pro vs. Xiaomi 12X
1. Specifications Comparison
Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Xiaomi 12X | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Design | |||
Dimensions | 163.2 x 73.6 x 8.7 mm | 152.7 x 69.9 x 8.2 mm | OnePlus 9 Pro is larger and slightly thicker, which may be less comfortable for one-handed use. Xiaomi 12X is more compact and pocketable. |
Weight | 197g | 176g | Xiaomi 12X is noticeably lighter, leading to more comfortable handling during extended periods. |
Display | |||
Size | 6.7" | 6.28" | OnePlus 9 Pro provides a larger viewing area, better for media consumption, and multitasking. Xiaomi 12X offers a more compact and easier-to-handle size. |
Resolution | 1440x3216 | 1080x2400 | OnePlus 9 Pro has a sharper display with significantly more pixels, resulting in more detailed images and text. |
Pixel Density (PPI) | 525 | 419 | OnePlus 9 Pro's higher pixel density provides clearer and more detailed visuals. |
Technology | Not specified | AMOLED | Xiaomi 12X's AMOLED provides richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast, enhancing the visual experience, especially with dark themes. |
Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animation; similar visual fluidity. |
Brightness | 1300 nits | 1100 nits | OnePlus 9 Pro's higher brightness allows for better visibility in direct sunlight. |
Performance | |||
Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | OnePlus 9 Pro's chipset is slightly more powerful, providing marginally better performance in demanding tasks and gaming. |
AnTuTu Score | 877,600 | 815,210 | OnePlus 9 Pro has a higher benchmark score, indicating better overall performance capabilities. |
GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 650 | OnePlus 9 Pro has a more powerful GPU, resulting in improved graphics performance for gaming. |
Camera | |||
Standard Camera | 48MP (f/1.8, 1/1.43") | 50MP (f/1.88, 1/1.56") | Xiaomi 12X has higher resolution, but OnePlus 9 Pro has a larger sensor, which tends to capture more light and detail, potentially better low-light performance. |
Selfie Camera | 16MP (f/2.4, 1/3.13") | 32MP (f/2.45, 1/3") | Xiaomi 12X offers a higher resolution selfie camera. |
Telephoto Lens | 8MP (f/2.4, 1/4.4") | Not Included | OnePlus 9 Pro has a dedicated telephoto lens, enabling optical zoom for better quality photos when zoomed in. |
Wide Angle Lens | 50MP (f/2.2, 1/1.56") | 13MP (f/2.4, 1/3.06") | OnePlus 9 Pro's wide-angle lens has significantly higher resolution and larger sensor size, leading to much better wide-angle photos |
Macro Lens | Not Included | 5MP (f/2.4) | Xiaomi 12X has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, while the OnePlus 9 Pro lacks this feature. |
Black & White | 2MP (f/2.4) | Not Included | OnePlus 9 Pro has a dedicated black and white sensor. |
Video Recording | Up to 8K@120fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Both support up to 8k resolution video recording and support slow motion video recording |
DXOMark Score | 122 | Not Available | OnePlus 9 Pro has a rated 122 at DxOMark for its mobile camera; Xiaomi 12X has no dxoMark rating, so comparisons based on this criteria aren't possible. |
Battery | |||
Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Both offer the same battery capacity; expect comparable battery life under similar usage. |
Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Xiaomi 12X charges slightly faster. |
Features | 50W Wireless charging, Reverse Wireless charging, reverse charging | None | OnePlus 9 Pro offers wireless charging and reverse charging capabilities. |
Software | |||
OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 14) | Android 11 | OnePlus 9 Pro is upgradable to Android 14; Xiaomi 12X has no information available on OS upgrades, likely not upgradeable |
Connectivity | |||
WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both devices support the latest WiFi standards, ensuring high-speed connectivity. |
Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.1 | OnePlus 9 Pro has a newer Bluetooth version, which could offer slightly better performance. |
GPS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | Xiaomi 12X has support for more satellite systems, which could lead to more accurate location tracking. |
SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both support two SIM cards. |
Storage | |||
Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both phones offer similar storage options, providing ample space for most users. |
RAM | 8GB/12GB | 8GB/12GB | Both phones offer ample RAM for multitasking and gaming |
Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD expansion. |
Audio | |||
Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise Cancellation Mic, Stereo Speakers, 3 Microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 Microphones | Both have Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers; OnePlus 9 Pro offers better voice quality due to the noise cancellation mic and 3 microphones; Xiaomi 12X has Hi-Res Audio |
Security | |||
Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both offer basic fingerprint sensors for security. |
Build Quality | |||
Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass Victus | Xiaomi 12X has a more durable screen protection, offering better protection against scratches and drops |
Sensors | |||
Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Virtual Proximity | Xiaomi 12X features a virtual proximity sensor instead of physical, both have comprehensive sensor suite for advanced functionality |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: Larger, higher resolution, and higher brightness display offers a richer and clearer viewing experience, especially for media consumption.
- Enhanced Camera System: Telephoto lens provides optical zoom capabilities, and a higher-resolution wide-angle camera allows for better versatility and image quality.
- More Powerful Performance: Snapdragon 888 chipset and Adreno 660 GPU deliver better overall performance for gaming and demanding tasks.
- Wireless Charging: Supports both 50W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, a significant convenience factor.
- Better audio: Features 3 microphones, noise cancellation and stereo speakers, improving call quality.
- Android Upgradeability: Has an upgrade path to Android 14.
Xiaomi 12X Advantages:
- More Compact & Lighter: More comfortable for one-handed use and carrying around.
- Superior Display Technology: AMOLED technology provides vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast.
- Stronger Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus is more durable than Gorilla Glass 5 for drop protection.
- Faster Charging: 67W wired charging is marginally faster than OnePlus 9 Pro's 65W.
- Macro lens: Has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots.
- Better Location Services: Supports more satellite navigation systems, potentially better location accuracy.
- Hi-Res Audio: Hi-Res audio certification
- Lower price (typically): Offers a very similar user experience for a lower price point.
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9 Pro: Larger size might not be comfortable for all users, lacks macro lens, and has a higher price tag.
- Xiaomi 12X: Lacks a telephoto camera, wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, has lower resolution and brightness, and no OS upgrade path is specified.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 Pro Ideal User:
- Power Users: Those who need top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, and other demanding tasks.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera system with optical zoom, high-quality wide-angle shots, and superior video capabilities.
- Multimedia Consumers: People who prioritize a large, high-resolution display for watching videos and browsing content.
- Convenience Seekers: Users who value wireless charging and reverse wireless charging capabilities.
Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming with demanding graphics
- Professional photography and videography
- Frequent media consumption with immersive viewing experience
- Power users wanting a cutting edge experience
- Users requiring wireless charging capabilities.
Xiaomi 12X Ideal User:
- Practical Users: Those who want a well-rounded phone that is comfortable to use, with good performance and a vibrant display.
- Everyday Photographers: Users who need good all-around camera performance, including macro shots.
- Users with smaller hands: Those looking for a smaller more compact and easier to use smartphone.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those seeking great value with a flagship-level processor and AMOLED display without the highest price tag.
Use Cases:
- Everyday use, social media, and communication
- Casual photography with a need for macro shots
- Users who prefer a more compact smartphone
- Users who need a vibrant display and fast charging
- Users looking for a more value oriented flagship level phone.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my priority: Camera or Size? If camera versatility with optical zoom is more important then the OnePlus 9 Pro is the better option; if comfort and portability with good all around camera performance is the priority, then the Xiaomi 12X is a better option.
- How important is wireless charging and performance? If you need wireless charging, or the highest possible smartphone performance, the OnePlus 9 Pro is the clear choice. Otherwise, the Xiaomi 12X can be considered.
- Do I prioritize screen protection? If your priority is screen protection over most other factors, the Xiaomi 12X has better drop protection with the newer Gorilla Glass Victus.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Power User: Choose the OnePlus 9 Pro for its better performance, versatile camera, and wireless charging.
- For the Everyday User: Choose the Xiaomi 12X for its comfortable size, vibrant display, and good overall value.
- For the Casual Photographer: The OnePlus 9 Pro will capture better photos overall due to the telephoto, high resolution wide angle lens, and larger sensor. However, the Xiaomi 12X may be considered if macro photography is a priority.
- For the Budget-Conscious Buyer: The Xiaomi 12X offers a more value oriented experience, with flagship level processor performance, display, and very similar capabilities to the OnePlus 9 Pro, while costing less.
My Choice
If I were choosing, I would personally choose the OnePlus 9 Pro.
While the Xiaomi 12X is an excellent phone with a great balance of features and value, the OnePlus 9 Pro offers several advantages that align with my priorities. I appreciate the larger, higher-resolution display for media consumption and the superior camera system with optical zoom and better wide angle lens, providing more versatility in photography. I also value wireless charging for convenience. While it's true the OnePlus 9 Pro is bulkier and may not be as comfortable to hold as the Xiaomi 12X, the increase in features, performance and quality, outweighs the size difference. Lastly, the performance difference in GPU and CPU, would give the Oneplus 9 Pro a noticeably higher performance in demanding tasks, a crucial consideration for me.