1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Realme 12+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-26 | 2024-03-02 | Realme 12+ is significantly newer, potentially having longer software support and updated features. |
| Dimensions | 160 x 74.2 x 8.7 mm | 163 x 75.5 x 7.9 mm | Realme 12+ is slightly taller and wider, but thinner, which might feel more modern and potentially easier to handle for some. OnePlus 9 has a larger overall volume. |
| Weight | 192g | 190g | Virtually identical weight, unlikely to be a noticeable difference. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.67" | Realme 12+ has a slightly larger screen for more immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same level of sharpness, good for everyday use and media consumption. |
| PPI | 402 | 395 | Negligible difference in pixel density; both displays will look equally sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors and deep blacks on both. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 2000 nits | Realme 12+ is much better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7050 (6 nm) | OnePlus 9 has a more powerful chipset, better for gaming and heavy multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 880,900 | 601,000 | OnePlus 9 provides faster app loading and smoother operation overall. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G68 MC4 | OnePlus 9 has superior graphics performance, beneficial for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 50MP | Realme 12+ has slightly higher resolution; pixel size is smaller which could impact low light performance. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.88 | OnePlus 9 has a wider aperture, slightly better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.4" | 1/2" | OnePlus 9's larger sensor can capture more light, improving image quality. |
| Wide Angle Resolution | 50MP | 8MP | OnePlus 9 captures significantly more detail with its wide-angle lens. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP | Realme 12+ offers dedicated macro shots, though quality is often limited on 2MP sensors. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP | None | OnePlus 9 includes a dedicated black and white sensor for creative monochrome photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4 | 16MP, f/2.45 | Similar selfie camera performance, with OnePlus 9 having slightly wider aperture for marginally better low light. |
| Video Recording | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps | 4K@30fps | OnePlus 9 offers higher resolution video recording, providing more versatility for video professionals. |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes (EIS) | Realme 12+ provides electronic image stabilization for smoother videos. |
| Camera Features | OIS, 8K Video, RAW 12 bit, Ultra stable Video, Manual focus, Contrast detection AF, Continuous Shooting | Optical image stabilization, digital zoom | OnePlus 9 provides additional features such as 8K Video and RAW 12 bit, while Realme 12+ provides OIS. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Realme 12+ is likely to offer better battery life due to larger capacity. |
| Charging | 65W | 67W | Realme 12+ offers negligibly faster charging. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | None | OnePlus 9 offers wireless charging for more versatile charging options. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 14 (upgradable to 16) | Realme 12+ has a much newer operating system, with longer software support. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both have modern Wi-Fi standards; OnePlus 9 has Wi-Fi MiMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 | Similar Bluetooth, though with different additional codec support (OnePlus supports aptX and LDAC). |
| GPS | More satellite systems | Fewer satellite systems | OnePlus 9 has slightly better location accuracy, especially in challenging conditions. |
| Storage & Audio | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB | Realme 12+ offers more storage options, up to 512GB. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 8GB/12GB | Both offer plenty of RAM for smooth multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports expandable storage, a limitation for some users. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 3 Microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 Microphones | Realme 12+ has slightly better audio features, while OnePlus 9 has one additional microphone. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Basic | Both have similar basic fingerprint sensors. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | OnePlus 9 has known superior screen protection. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset and higher AnTuTu score translate to noticeably smoother performance in demanding tasks, gaming, and faster app loading times.
- Better Main & Wide-Angle Cameras: Larger sensors, wider apertures, and higher resolution provide superior image quality, especially in low-light conditions and in wide-angle shots.
- 8K Video Recording: The ability to record in 8K provides more detail for professional or creative video content.
- Wireless Charging: The 15W wireless charging option adds extra convenience for charging.
- More GPS options: Better location accuracy due to more satellite systems supported.
- Better Screen Protection Corning Gorilla Glass 5 offers superior protection.
Realme 12+ Advantages:
- Newer Software: Android 14 with potential for 3 more OS upgrades offers the latest features and security updates.
- Brighter Display: The 2000 nits display is significantly better for outdoor use, especially in bright sunlight.
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery provides longer battery life.
- Macro Lens: Inclusion of Macro lens for those who like macro photography.
- OIS: Inclusion of Optical Image Stabilization.
- Higher Storage Options: 512GB option provides more room for users that need it.
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9: Older operating system, lower battery capacity, and less vibrant screen brightness (especially in sunlight) compared to the Realme 12+.
- Realme 12+: Less powerful chipset and GPU, lower-quality main and wide-angle cameras compared to OnePlus 9.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 Ideal User:
- Gamers and Power Users: Users who need top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, or heavy multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who value superior main and wide-angle camera quality, and the versatility of 8K video recording.
- Users valuing superior performance over battery life.
- Users looking for high-performance specs from a 2021 flagship at a lower price point.
- Users who prefer wireless charging.
Realme 12+ Ideal User:
- Everyday Users: Those who prioritize battery life and a bright screen for outdoor visibility.
- Users looking for Macro Photography features.
- Users who want the newest OS and software updates.
- Users who need the highest storage options.
- Users who value Optical Image Stabilization.
- Users who prioritize a newer phone and longer software support
- Users who want a balance of performance and practicality.
Use Cases:
- OnePlus 9: Playing graphics-intensive games, creating high-resolution videos, editing photos/videos on the go, accurate GPS navigation for outdoor activities.
- Realme 12+: Long days out with limited access to charging, using the phone in bright sunlight, macro photography, enjoying the newest OS features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize performance for gaming or heavy multitasking (OnePlus 9) or battery life and a brighter screen (Realme 12+)?
- Is camera quality or the newest OS with the longest software support more important for you?
- Do you need wireless charging, or is a larger battery and slightly faster charging more important?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: You are a mobile gamer and value smooth performance above all else.
- Recommendation: OnePlus 9 - Its superior chipset, GPU, and higher refresh rate will provide a better gaming experience.
Scenario 2: You spend a lot of time outdoors and need a phone that is easily visible in sunlight.
- Recommendation: Realme 12+ - The 2000 nits display is better for outdoor visibility.
Scenario 3: You want a phone with long battery life and the latest software updates.
- Recommendation: Realme 12+ - Its larger battery and newer OS provide better battery life and longer software support.
Scenario 4: You want the best camera performance and need the capability to record in 8K.
- Recommendation: OnePlus 9 - Offers better quality in main and wide-angle cameras and 8K video recording.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally choose the OnePlus 9. My primary uses for a smartphone revolve around performance, including gaming and photo editing, and this is where the OnePlus 9 shines. The camera system, especially the wide-angle lens, offers a huge advantage for my photography. Although it is an older device, the Snapdragon 888 still packs a punch, and I prefer to have better gaming and photo editing performance than a brighter display and slightly longer battery life. While the lack of a macro lens and the older OS are drawbacks, these are not a deal-breakers for my use cases.
