1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Huawei nova 12i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160 × 74.2 × 8.7 mm | 163.3 × 74.7 × 8.4 mm | The Huawei nova 12i is slightly taller and thinner, while the OnePlus 9 is a bit more compact and thicker. Differences are minor, but some may prefer the feel of the slightly thinner Huawei. |
| Weight | 192g | 199g | OnePlus 9 is a bit lighter, which can be a positive factor for users who use their phone for extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.7" | Huawei nova 12i has a marginally larger screen which can be slightly more immersive for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2388 | Practically identical sharpness for daily use; the difference is negligible. |
| PPI | 402 | 391 | Both have similar pixel densities, so the difference in clarity is unlikely to be noticeable to the average user. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | OnePlus 9 has superior color reproduction, deeper blacks, and better contrast, making for a more vibrant viewing experience, especially in dark mode and when watching videos. It also has better power efficiency for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | OnePlus 9's higher refresh rate makes scrolling and animations smoother and more fluid. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | OnePlus 9 is significantly brighter, offering dramatically better outdoor visibility in direct sunlight, while information is missing on Huawei's brightness |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | OnePlus 9's chip offers significantly faster processing speeds, smoother multitasking, better gaming performance and more future-proof. |
| AnTuTu Score | 880,900 | 289,000 | OnePlus 9 is significantly more powerful. It will load apps much faster, handle heavy multitasking more easily, and offer smoother, better gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 610 | OnePlus 9's GPU is much better at handling graphics-intensive tasks, including gaming and video editing. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Huawei nova 12i has a larger battery, which typically translates to longer battery life between charges. |
| Charging | 65W fast charging | 40W fast charging | OnePlus 9 charges faster, getting the device back in action more quickly. |
| Features | 15W Wireless Charging | None | OnePlus 9 has wireless charging, a convenient option for charging, while Huawei does not. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Rear Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/1.4" Sony IMX689 | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.67" Samsung HM6 | Huawei nova 12i has higher resolution, but OnePlus 9 has a larger sensor and wider aperture, allowing it to capture more light and potentially better low light images. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4 | 8MP, f/2.0 | OnePlus 9 has a higher resolution front camera, while Huawei's has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56" Sony IMX766 | None | OnePlus 9 has a dedicated ultra-wide lens for capturing more in each shot. |
| Portrait Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Huawei nova 12i has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait photos with background blur, while OnePlus does not have a dedicated depth sensor. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | OnePlus 9 has a dedicated lens for black and white photos. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | OnePlus 9 supports much higher resolution video recording (8K), making it suitable for users needing high-quality video, while the Huawei nova is limited to 1080p. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Upgradable to 13 | Android (version unknown) | OnePlus 9 has an older OS but is upgradable, while the OS information for the Huawei nova 12i is missing. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | WiFi 5 (802.11ac) | OnePlus 9 has newer WiFi standard, which can provide faster and more stable connections in WiFi 6 networks. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.0 | OnePlus 9 has a newer version for potentially faster data transfer and more efficient use. |
| GPS | More satellite systems | Fewer satellite systems | OnePlus 9 offers more accuracy in location services. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | Both offer similar storage options |
| RAM | 8 GB or 12 GB | 8 GB | OnePlus 9 offers more RAM, which is better for multitasking and running demanding apps. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic features | OnePlus 9 offers superior audio quality with Dolby Atmos, stereo speakers and noise cancellation microphone, while Huawei does not have any significant features |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Huawei's side-mounted sensor is generally faster and more intuitive than a basic sensor |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | OnePlus 9 uses superior screen protection against scratches and minor damage, while the screen protection of the Huawei is unknown. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic Proximity Virtual | OnePlus 9 has a gyroscope, which is beneficial for gaming and more accurate motion tracking and Huawei's ultrasonic sensor might have a better proximity measurement |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Advantages:
- Significantly Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset provides vastly better performance compared to the Snapdragon 680, making it much faster and smoother for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Superior Display: The AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and high brightness offers much better image quality, colors, and smoother visuals, especially noticeable for video content and outdoor visibility.
- Better Camera System: It has an additional ultrawide lens, better main sensor, can record 8K video, and offers more camera features.
- Faster Charging and Wireless Charging: Faster wired charging and the inclusion of wireless charging make for more convenient power management.
- Advanced Connectivity: It supports WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and a more comprehensive GPS system for faster speeds and better location accuracy.
- Better Audio: Dolby Atmos with stereo speakers and a noise cancellation microphone offering better audio experience.
- More RAM: The option to have 12GB of RAM is beneficial for heavy multitasking.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for superior screen protection.
Huawei nova 12i Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery provides longer battery life between charges.
- Slightly Larger Display: A marginally larger screen, though the difference is minimal, some may prefer the feel of it.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: A generally more convenient and faster option than a basic fingerprint sensor.
- Lower Cost: The Huawei nova 12i is likely to be more affordable, making it a budget-friendly option.
- Portrait lens: The Huawei has a dedicated depth sensor for better portraits.
Significant Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9: Higher cost, slightly smaller battery, might be a bit thicker.
- Huawei nova 12i: Much weaker performance, inferior display, less versatile camera system, slower charging speeds, basic audio, missing screen protection.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 Ideal User:
- Power Users: Those who need high performance for gaming, video editing, and demanding apps.
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize a high-quality display for watching videos and consuming visual content.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who want a versatile camera system with advanced video features.
- Tech Savvy Users: People who appreciate the latest tech and faster performance.
- Users who need convenience: People who want fast wireless and wired charging.
OnePlus 9 Specific Use Cases:
- Gaming: Smooth gaming experience thanks to the powerful chipset and high refresh rate display.
- Video Editing: Handles video editing apps well with powerful chipset.
- Mobile Photography: Captures high-quality photos and videos, with various features.
- Outdoor Usage: High brightness display is suitable for use in bright sunlight.
Huawei nova 12i Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for a more affordable smartphone.
- Basic Smartphone Users: Individuals with basic smartphone use cases like calls, texts, social media browsing and video consumption.
- Long Battery Life Seekers: Users who want a device that will last through a full day of usage without worrying about charging.
- Users looking for a good camera: Those who want a good main camera and portraits.
Huawei nova 12i Specific Use Cases:
- Basic Social Media Browsing: Handles basic tasks and social media without hiccups.
- Casual Photography: Takes decent photos for social media.
- Extended Usage: Offers all day battery life for users who don't have a chance to charge.
- Calls and texts: Reliable phone for essential functions.
Price-to-Value: The OnePlus 9 offers significantly better specs, so it is better for a user who is willing to pay more for it. Huawei nova 12i offers a more affordable option with sacrifices made in performance, display, and camera.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is performance?
- If you are a power user or a gamer, OnePlus 9 is a clear choice.
- If you are a casual user, the Huawei nova 12i may suffice.
- What are your camera needs?
- If you need versatile options, including wide-angle and high resolution video, choose the OnePlus 9.
- If you need a good main camera and portrait capabilities for everyday use, the Huawei nova 12i is acceptable.
- What is your budget?
- If budget is the primary factor, the Huawei nova 12i is the more economical option.
- If you can afford it, the OnePlus 9 offers a much superior experience and better longevity.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy gamer or power user: Choose the OnePlus 9 due to its significantly higher performance.
- Scenario 2: Casual user with a limited budget: Choose the Huawei nova 12i for its affordability and sufficient battery life.
- Scenario 3: Photography enthusiast: Choose the OnePlus 9 for its versatile camera setup and superior video recording capabilities.
- Scenario 4: Everyday user who consumes a lot of media: Choose the OnePlus 9 because of its superior display technology.
- Scenario 5: User prioritizes battery over everything else: Choose the Huawei nova 12i for its larger battery.
My Choice
If I were to choose, I would pick the OnePlus 9. Although the Huawei nova 12i is more recent and has a larger battery and a larger screen, the OnePlus 9 offers a vastly superior experience in almost every other aspect that matters to me. The significantly better chipset will allow me to perform heavy tasks, the 120Hz AMOLED screen is significantly more enjoyable, the better camera system will allow me to take better photos and videos, faster charging and wireless charging is a plus and it has better audio. The performance difference is a deal breaker for me, as it impacts the overall speed, multitasking and gaming capabilities of the phone. For these reasons, the trade-off of a slightly smaller battery is acceptable to me.
