1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the OnePlus 9 Pro and Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+, focusing on practical implications:
Design
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 163.2 × 73.6 × 8.7 mm | 162.9 × 76 × 8.9 mm | OnePlus 9 Pro is slightly narrower and thinner; Note 12 Pro+ is a bit wider and thicker. Marginal impact. |
| Weight | 197g | 208.4g | OnePlus 9 Pro is lighter by 11.4g, which can be noticeable during extended use. |
Display
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.67" | Almost identical display size. The 0.03" difference is negligible in daily use. |
| Resolution | 1440x3216 | 1080x2400 | OnePlus 9 Pro has significantly sharper visuals due to higher pixel density; finer details are more noticeable |
| PPI | 525 | 395 | OnePlus 9 Pro's screen will look noticeably crisper. Especially beneficial for text and detailed images. |
| Technology | - | OLED | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has an OLED display, offering better contrast, deeper blacks, and vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 900 nits | OnePlus 9 Pro offers much better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight due to higher brightness. |
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6nm) | OnePlus 9 Pro has a more powerful chipset, leading to faster app loading and overall performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 877,600 | 573,100 | OnePlus 9 Pro offers much better performance for demanding tasks, gaming, and multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G68 MC4 | OnePlus 9 Pro's GPU is significantly more capable, resulting in better gaming and graphics-intensive application performance |
Battery
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ should offer longer battery life on a single charge. |
| Charging | 65W fast charging | 120W fast charging | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ charges much faster, a significant convenience for users. |
| Features | Wireless, Reverse Wireless, Reverse charging | Non-removable | OnePlus 9 Pro has superior wireless charging options |
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP f/1.8, 1/1.43", 1.12µm, Sony IMX789 | 200MP f/1.65, 1/1.4", 0.56µm, Samsung ISOCELL HPX | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ boasts higher resolution, good in good light but might struggle in low light compared to the OnePlus. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP f/2.4, 1/3.13", 0.70µm, Sony IMX471 | 16MP f/2.45, sensor model missing | OnePlus 9 Pro's aperture is slightly wider, potentially better low-light selfies. Both have same MP. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP f/2.4, 1/4.4", 1.00µm, Omnivision OV08A10 | Not present | OnePlus 9 Pro offers optical zoom capabilities, allowing closer shots without significant digital distortion. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP f/2.2, 1/1.56", 1.00µm, Sony IMX766 | 8MP f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.14µm, Sony IMX355 | OnePlus 9 Pro has a much higher resolution wide-angle camera, offering better detail and image quality |
| Macro Lens | Not present | 2MP f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm, GalaxyCore GC02M1 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ allows for close-up macro photography; a feature not available on the OnePlus 9 Pro. |
| Black & White Camera | 2MP f/2.4, sensor model missing | Not present | OnePlus 9 Pro offers dedicated black & white images, if preferred |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps, 4K@120fps with HDR, EIS | Up to 4K@30fps | OnePlus 9 Pro offers higher video quality and frame rates; includes 8k support. |
| DxOMark | Main: 122, Photo: 124, Video: 118 | Main: 113, Photo: 117, Video: 117 | OnePlus 9 Pro consistently scores higher in camera performance tests |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Pro Advantages:
- Significantly Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset and higher AnTuTu score mean noticeably faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming capabilities.
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and pixel density result in a much crisper and detailed viewing experience.
- Brighter Display: The higher maximum brightness makes it much more usable outdoors in bright sunlight.
- More Versatile Camera: Includes a telephoto lens, high-resolution wide-angle lens, and 8K video recording for greater flexibility.
- Wireless Charging & Reverse Wireless Charging: Offers convenient wireless charging options and the ability to charge other devices.
- Better audio performance: due to additional features.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery provides longer battery life on a single charge.
- Faster Charging: 120W fast charging can quickly top up the battery, which can be beneficial.
- OLED Display: OLED screen provides great colours and deep blacks.
- Macro lens: Allows for close-up macro photography.
- Newer Device: Released about 7 months later, with a newer Android Version out of the box.
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9 Pro sacrifices battery life and a Macro Lens for performance, camera versatility, and display quality.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers better battery and faster charging but sacrifices display sharpness, performance and versatility in camera department.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 Pro Ideal User:
- Power Users: Those who prioritize performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value camera versatility and prefer having telephoto and high-resolution wide-angle options.
- Outdoor Users: Individuals who need a bright screen for visibility in sunlight.
- Audiophiles: Those who value enhanced spatial audio, clearer calls, better audio separation and immersion, better voice capture.
Use Cases:
- High-end gaming with smooth graphics.
- Professional-level photography and videography.
- Outdoor use for navigation and content consumption.
- Multi-tasking with demanding applications.
- Better audio experience.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ Ideal User:
- Daily Users: People who prioritize long battery life and fast charging.
- Casual Photographers: Users who take casual photos and use macro mode.
- Budget-conscious buyers: Those who want an OLED display.
Use Cases:
- All-day use without needing frequent charging.
- Fast top-ups when needed.
- Basic photography and social media.
- Everyday use for calling, browsing, and media consumption.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The OnePlus 9 Pro, though older, offers more value for users needing high performance, a great display, and versatile camera setup, especially if prices are competitive.
- The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ might be better value for price-conscious buyers who value battery life and faster charging.
4. Decision Framework
Consider these three questions before making your decision:
What do I prioritize more: performance or battery life?
- If performance, multitasking, and gaming are critical, the OnePlus 9 Pro is the better choice.
- If you need the best battery life and fast charging, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is more suitable.
Do I need a versatile camera setup with optical zoom and high-quality wide-angle, or will a standard camera be sufficient?
- If you need a telephoto lens and higher-resolution wide-angle, the OnePlus 9 Pro is ideal.
- If you are primarily a casual user who takes photos occasionally, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ might be adequate.
Do I need a sharper display with high brightness for outdoor use, or is an OLED screen with deep blacks sufficient?
- If screen sharpness and high brightness for outdoor viewing is a must, the OnePlus 9 Pro wins.
- If you like OLED displays and mainly use your phone indoors, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is suitable.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High-performance gamer/professional photographer: Choose the OnePlus 9 Pro for its superior performance, versatile camera setup, and brighter display.
- Scenario 2: Everyday user needing all-day battery and fast charging: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is the better option.
- Scenario 3: Budget-conscious buyer needing good overall value: Evaluate the current prices of both; if the price difference is significant, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ may be a better choice.
My Choice
I would personally choose the OnePlus 9 Pro. Here's why:
While the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers excellent battery life and faster charging, my priority leans towards performance and camera capabilities. The OnePlus 9 Pro's superior Snapdragon 888 chipset, higher-resolution display, and more versatile camera system make it a better fit for my typical use case. I tend to use my phone for a lot of tasks including gaming and photography, and having a sharper display with higher brightness is essential for my outdoor usage. Although the battery life is not as good as the Redmi Note, it is still decent. The additional benefits of wireless charging and better audio are a plus, even if at the cost of a macro lens.
