Smartphone Comparison: OnePlus 9 vs. Xiaomi 12
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Xiaomi 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160 × 74.2 × 8.7 mm | 152.7 × 69.9 × 8.2 mm | Xiaomi 12 is noticeably more compact, better for one-handed use; OnePlus 9 might feel larger in hand and pocket. |
| Weight | 192g | 179g | Xiaomi 12 is slightly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use; might not be a huge difference for all users. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.28" | OnePlus 9 offers a slightly larger display for more immersive media consumption. Xiaomi 12 is more compact for easier handling and portability. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both provide sharp visuals; no practical difference in clarity. |
| Pixel Density | 402 PPI | 419 PPI | Both phones have very similar pixel densities and will appear equally sharp to the naked eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations, making the user experience feel fluid. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1100 nits | Both offer excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Xiaomi 12’s newer chipset offers better performance, especially in demanding tasks like gaming; translates to faster app loading and smoother overall use. |
| AnTuTu Score | 880,900 | 1,150,831 | Xiaomi 12 exhibits a notably higher performance in benchmarks, indicating an overall snappier experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 730 | Xiaomi 12's GPU is significantly more powerful, providing better graphical performance in games and GPU-intensive apps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Both offer similar battery life, generally enough for a full day of moderate use; real-world battery life will vary based on usage. |
| Charging | 65W fast charging | 67W fast charging | Both offer very fast charging, but Xiaomi 12 might have a slightly faster full charge due to the 67W charging. |
| Features | 15W Wireless Charging | 50W Fast wireless, 10W Reverse charging | Xiaomi 12 offers significantly faster wireless charging and reverse charging, which is convenient for charging other devices on the go. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/1.4", Sony IMX689 | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56", Sony IMX766 | OnePlus 9 has a larger sensor and wider aperture, which is better for low light scenarios. Xiaomi 12 has a slightly higher megapixel count, but the difference might not be highly significant. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", Sony IMX471 | 32MP, 1/3.14", Samsung JD1 | Xiaomi 12 has higher resolution for sharper selfies; OnePlus 9 has slightly larger sensor that could result in slightly better light capture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56", Sony IMX766 | 13MP, f/2.4 | OnePlus 9’s wide-angle lens has a much higher resolution and wider aperture for more detailed and vibrant ultra-wide shots. |
| Macro Lens | None | 5MP, f/2.4 | Xiaomi 12 offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, while OnePlus 9 does not have one. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | OnePlus 9 includes a dedicated monochrome sensor for artistic B&W shots; Xiaomi 12 lacks this feature. |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Both are capable of shooting up to 8K. Xiaomi 12 offers a higher slow-motion fps. |
| Stabilization | EIS | EIS and OIS | Xiaomi 12 has better video stabilization due to Optical Image Stabilization; OnePlus 9 lacks OIS. |
| DxOMark | Not Available | Main Score: 113 | Xiaomi 12 has a certified camera rating, with a main score of 113, photo score of 118 and video score of 121. |
| Features | CDAF, RAW 12 bits | OIS, Continuous autofocus, RAW | Both include essential photo features like HDR and Night Mode. The additional features on the respective phones offer more flexibility to advanced users. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 12 | Xiaomi 12 has a more recent version of Android, which might have slight advantages in software features and optimizations. OnePlus 9 can be updated to Android 13 |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both support modern WiFi standards, offering fast and reliable wireless connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.2 | Both provide the latest Bluetooth version for stable connections and higher fidelity audio. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, NavIC | Xiaomi 12 has better GPS with more comprehensive support for global location systems; OnePlus 9 offers very precise GPS capabilities. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support dual SIM functionality for managing two different numbers/accounts on the same device. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both have the same storage options; sufficient for most users' needs. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 8GB/12GB | Both offer RAM options which can handle heavy multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage via microSD cards, limiting storage to the installed amount. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, 3 mics, Noise cancellation | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, 2 mics | OnePlus 9 has one more microphone, which provides enhanced spatial audio. Xiaomi 12 supports Hi-Res audio. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Both have a basic fingerprint sensor, used to unlock the phone quickly and securely. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass Victus | Xiaomi 12 has superior screen protection, which is more resistant to scratches and damage. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | RGB, Ultrasonic proximity virtual, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Xiaomi 12 has a more advanced virtual proximity sensor and a RGB ambient sensor. OnePlus 9 has a standard proximity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Advantages:
- Larger Display: The slightly larger 6.55" screen offers a more immersive experience for media consumption and gaming.
- Better Wide-Angle Camera: 50MP wide-angle lens provides more detailed and vibrant ultra-wide shots.
- Dedicated B&W Sensor: Unique monochrome sensor for capturing artistic black and white photos.
- Larger Main Camera Sensor: Larger sensor can capture more light and thus have better low-light capabilities
More Microphones: Three microphones offer better audio capture with noise cancellation.
CDAF and RAW 12 bits: Offers additional features for advanced camera users.
Practical Implications:
- The larger display of the OnePlus 9 makes it a good choice for those who consume a lot of videos, play games, or use their phone for productivity.
- The superior wide-angle camera and monochrome sensor are advantageous for users who enjoy creative photography.
- More microphones can result in clearer calls in noisy environments.
Xiaomi 12 Advantages:
- More Compact and Lighter Design: Easier to handle and carry around, making it better for one-handed use.
- More Powerful Chipset & GPU: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 provides superior performance for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Faster Wireless Charging & Reverse Charging: Offers significantly faster wireless charging and can charge other devices wirelessly, a handy feature on the go.
- Macro Lens: Dedicated macro lens enables close-up photography, a capability missing on the OnePlus 9.
- OIS: Optical Image Stabilization, greatly improves video and low-light photography
- Higher Resolution Front Camera: Improved front camera for selfies with better detail.
- Better Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus provides superior protection against scratches and drops.
- More advanced proximity sensor: Xiaomi 12 has an ultrasonic proximity sensor which should be more reliable.
- Hi-Res Audio: Offers higher quality audio output, better for music enthusiasts.
- More advanced GPS: Better location capabilities.
Practical Implications:
- The smaller, lighter build is better for users who prefer portability and ease of use.
- The improved performance makes it better for gaming, multitasking, and other demanding tasks.
- The faster charging and reverse charging features add convenience for users who are often on the go.
- OIS makes video capture much more reliable.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The OnePlus 9 trades the slightly less compact body and lower performance for a slightly better camera, especially in wide-angle shots, and a larger display.
- The Xiaomi 12 loses the B&W sensor and larger sensor for its main camera, but gains a macro lens and overall better performance with newer technology.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 Ideal User:
- Media Enthusiasts: Those who watch a lot of videos or play games and prefer a larger display.
- Creative Photographers: Those who enjoy taking wide-angle shots, black & white photos, and seek good quality results.
- Users who value audio recording and clarity: If microphone quality is very important.
Use Cases:
- Watching movies and videos on a larger, immersive display.
- Capturing creative landscape photos or wide-angle shots.
- Recording high-quality audio during calls or videos.
Xiaomi 12 Ideal User:
- Performance Seekers: Gamers and users who require the highest level of performance for demanding tasks.
- Users who prefer a smaller phone: Those who prioritize portability, one-handed use, and pocketability.
- On-the-go Individuals: Those who would benefit from faster charging, reverse charging, and a durable device.
Use Cases:
- Playing graphics-intensive mobile games.
- Multitasking between multiple apps without performance degradation.
- Taking selfies and sharing content.
- Charging other devices wirelessly while on the go.
- Using the macro lens to take detailed close up shots.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Without specific pricing, it's hard to declare a definitive winner. However, the Xiaomi 12 has a slightly higher price for newer technology, while the OnePlus 9 may be a better value if its price is lower. Both offer a strong set of features for the price, but the choice will vary by use case and user needs.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do I prioritize performance and a compact design, or a larger display and wider-angle camera? Consider how you primarily use your phone.
- How important is wireless charging and reverse charging to me? If charging convenience is key, the Xiaomi 12 is superior.
- Do I need a macro lens or a dedicated black and white sensor? The Xiaomi 12 has the macro, and the OnePlus 9 has the monochrome lens.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Heavy Mobile Gamer
- Recommendation: Xiaomi 12. Its superior processor, GPU, and faster refresh rate make it the better choice for demanding games.
Scenario 2: Photography Enthusiast
- Recommendation: It depends. The OnePlus 9 has a better wide-angle lens and a dedicated monochrome sensor, while the Xiaomi 12 has OIS, a higher-resolution selfie camera, and macro lens.
Scenario 3: On-the-Go Professional
- Recommendation: Xiaomi 12. The faster wireless charging, reverse charging, and compact form factor make it a more convenient option for those on the go.
- Scenario 4: Media Consumption
- Recommendation: OnePlus 9. The larger display makes it a more immersive experience for watching videos and playing games.
What I would choose:
I would choose the Xiaomi 12. While the OnePlus 9 has a larger display and better wide-angle camera, the Xiaomi 12 offers a more compelling overall package for my use case. I value the improved performance of the newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset and Adreno 730 GPU, which makes the phone better for gaming and other demanding tasks. The more compact and lighter design of the Xiaomi 12 is also very appealing, as I prefer a phone that is easy to handle and carry around. The addition of 50W fast wireless charging and reverse charging features are a big plus for convenience. While I appreciate the OnePlus 9's monochrome sensor, I find that the OIS, macro lens, and better selfie camera on the Xiaomi 12 is more versatile and fits my needs better. The better screen protection on the Xiaomi 12 is also a bonus as I prefer a phone that's more durable. Overall the Xiaomi 12 feels like a slightly more modern and well-rounded package, even though it gives up a slightly bigger screen.
