Smartphone Comparison: OnePlus 9 vs. Realme 12x
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Realme 12x | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160 × 74.2 × 8.7 mm | 165.6 × 76.1 × 7.9 mm | Realme 12x is slightly larger and thinner, might feel less dense. OnePlus 9 might be easier to hold due to the smaller footprint. |
| Weight | 192g | 190g | Both are virtually the same weight; negligible difference. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.67" | Realme 12x offers a slightly larger screen for media consumption, but the difference is minor. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1604 | OnePlus 9 has a significantly sharper display with much better detail, making text and images clearer. |
| Pixel Density | 402 PPI | 264 PPI | OnePlus 9 will have noticeably crisper text, sharper images, and reduced pixelation. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | OnePlus 9 offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast, making for a more immersive viewing experience, especially in dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, but only if the software can utilise it properly. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | OnePlus 9 is significantly more visible in bright sunlight. Realme 12x might struggle in outdoor conditions (brightness is missing from the spec). |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm) | OnePlus 9 offers significantly higher processing power, enabling faster app loading and smoother multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 880,900 | 442,599 | OnePlus 9 provides a substantially faster experience, especially for gaming and demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G57 MC2 | OnePlus 9 has a superior GPU, leading to better graphics performance for gaming and graphically intensive applications. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Realme 12x has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life between charges. |
| Charging | 65W | 15W | OnePlus 9 charges much faster, reducing downtime significantly, while Realme 12x takes longer to charge. |
| Features | 15W Wireless Charging | Non-removable | OnePlus 9 has additional option to use wireless charging |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/1.4" | 50MP, f/1.8 | OnePlus 9 has larger sensor with wider aperture, might perform better in low light; though the main sensor is unknown in Realme 12x |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" | 8MP, f/2.1 | OnePlus 9 has higher resolution selfie camera for more detailed shots, while the Realme 12x has a wider aperture for better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56" | Not available | OnePlus 9 has an additional ultra-wide lens for greater creative photography possibilities. |
| Depth Lens | Not Available | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | Realme 12x offers a dedicated portrait mode lens. |
| Black&White Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | Not available | OnePlus 9 offers a dedicated Black and White lens. |
| Video | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps | 1080p@30fps | OnePlus 9 is capable of recording higher quality videos with more frame-rate options. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 13) | Android 14 | Realme 12x has newer version of Android and may get faster updates in the future. OnePlus 9 is no longer getting major OS updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | OnePlus 9 supports the newer Wi-Fi 6 standard, potentially offering faster speeds and more stable connections in compatible networks. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 LE with APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Bluetooth 5.2 LE with A2DP LE | OnePlus 9 supports a wider range of audio codecs for higher quality wireless audio. |
| GPS | Dual Band GPS (L1+L5) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | OnePlus 9 has a more advanced GPS system for more precise location tracking and improved navigation. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 256/512 GB | Realme 12x offers more internal storage for users who need more space for files and media. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 12 GB | Both phones are suitable for multitasking, but the Realme 12x is only available with 12 GB. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | OnePlus 9 has better audio features for a richer listening experience, while the Hi-Res Audio in the Realme 12x may appeal to audiophiles. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Realme 12x has a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor that is easier to access and use |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | OnePlus 9 offers a more durable screen with Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Proximity, Fingerprint | Realme 12x has a more complete sensor suite including Magnetometer that is useful for some apps and gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel, higher resolution, and significantly higher brightness provide a much better viewing experience, especially outdoors.
- Flagship Performance: Snapdragon 888 chipset offers much better performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Advanced Camera System: Better main sensor, ultra-wide lens, more video recording options, and additional features like 8K video.
- Faster Charging: 65W fast charging and 15W wireless charging dramatically reduce charging times.
- Premium Audio Features: Dolby Atmos and a noise-canceling microphone provides a better audio experience.
- Better Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6 and advanced GPS for faster and more accurate connections.
- More Robust Build: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 screen provides better protection.
Realme 12x Advantages:
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery offers potentially longer battery life.
- Newer Android: Ships with Android 14, potentially resulting in longer software support.
- More Internal Storage Options: Available with 512 GB, ideal for users with a lot of media.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More modern and convenient than the basic fingerprint sensor in OnePlus 9.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: For enhanced portrait mode shots
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9: Older software, lower battery capacity (but with much faster charging).
- Realme 12x: Significantly inferior display, performance, and camera compared to the OnePlus 9.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 Ideal User:
- Power Users: Demands top-tier performance for gaming, heavy multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Media Enthusiasts: Values a superior display for watching videos, browsing, and enjoying visually rich content.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Needs a versatile and high-quality camera system with advanced video capabilities.
- Users Requiring Fast Charging: Needs quick charging times and prefers wireless charging options.
- Users Prioritizing Premium Features: Prefers a premium smartphone experience with the latest connectivity, and audio features.
Use Cases for OnePlus 9:
- Playing graphically intense games.
- Editing photos and videos on the go.
- Watching high-resolution movies and TV shows.
- Using demanding productivity apps.
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos with a versatile camera system.
Realme 12x Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Seeks a reliable device with a decent battery life at a lower price point.
- Users Needing Long Battery Life: Prioritizes battery life for extended use between charges.
- Users Requiring Lots of Internal Storage: Needs 512 GB of internal storage for apps, media and files.
- Users Preferring a Newer Version of Android: Values having the latest software updates.
Use Cases for Realme 12x:
- Basic daily tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging.
- Casual gaming.
- Streaming music and audio playback.
- General photography in good lighting conditions.
- Extended use on a single charge.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
How important is display quality to you?
- If display is crucial, the OnePlus 9 is a clear winner due to its AMOLED panel, higher resolution and better brightness.
What tasks do you primarily use your smartphone for?
- If your activities are resource-intensive, the OnePlus 9 is the better choice. For casual use, the Realme 12x is more than sufficient.
How much do you value charging speed?
- If you need the fastest charging speed and wireless charging, the OnePlus 9 is preferable.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Power User/Gamer
- Recommendation: OnePlus 9. It offers superior display, performance and faster charging. The difference in performance is significant.
Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious User with Focus on Battery Life
- Recommendation: Realme 12x, if a longer lasting battery and newer OS are important and if you can live with a less performing phone.
Scenario 3: General User with Focus on Camera
- Recommendation: OnePlus 9, thanks to its better main sensor and superior video recording capabilities
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two devices, I would personally select the OnePlus 9. While the Realme 12x offers a newer version of Android and a slightly larger battery, the OnePlus 9 provides a superior user experience in key areas that I prioritize.
The difference in display quality is massive - the AMOLED panel and higher resolution of the OnePlus 9 is a game-changer for viewing experience. Additionally, I value the significantly faster performance offered by the Snapdragon 888, which will ensure smooth multitasking and gaming. The camera on the OnePlus 9 is also significantly superior, offering better image and video quality. Although the OnePlus 9 is older it represents excellent value. The combination of the fantastic display, flagship performance and premium feel makes the OnePlus 9 the easy winner for me.
