OnePlus 9 vs Xiaomi 12 Pro - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
OnePlus 9
OnePlus 9
Oneplus
Xiaomi 12 Pro
Xiaomi 12 Pro
Xiaomi

General

Launch Date March 26, 2021 December 31, 2021
Release Year 2021 2021

Physical

Volume 103.29 cm³ 100.08 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.41 "/g 3.3 "/g
Weight 192 g 204 g
Height 160 mm 163.6 mm
Width 74.2 mm 74.6 mm
Thickness 8.7 mm 8.2 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Winter Mist
  • Arctic Sky
  • Astral Black
  • Blue
  • Green
  • Purple
  • Gray

Display

Screen Size 6.55 " 6.73 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 1440 x 3200
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 87.2 % 89.6 %
Pixel Density 402 PPI 521 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A 1000 nits
Peak Brightness 1100 nits 1500 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 104.89 mAh/in² 101.56 mAh/in²
Battery Density 43.57 mAh/cm³ 45.96 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4500 mAh 4600 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) Octa-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)
GPU Adreno 660 Adreno 730

Connectivity

USB Version 3.1 2.0
OTG Support 1 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 3.1, OTG USB Type-C 2.0, OTG

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 11 12
Maximum OS Version 13

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

Here's a detailed comparison of the OnePlus 9 and Xiaomi 12 Pro, focusing on practical implications:

FeatureOnePlus 9Xiaomi 12 ProPractical Impact
Design
Dimensions160 × 74.2 × 8.7 mm163.6 × 74.6 × 8.2 mmXiaomi 12 Pro is taller but thinner; OnePlus 9 might feel slightly more compact.
Weight192g204gOnePlus 9 is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for prolonged use.
Display
Size6.55"6.73"Xiaomi 12 Pro offers a slightly larger screen for more immersive media consumption.
Resolution1080x24001440x3200Xiaomi 12 Pro has a sharper, more detailed display, better for reading text and viewing high-res content.
Pixel Density402 PPI521 PPIXiaomi 12 Pro’s higher PPI results in noticeably crisper visuals.
TechnologyAMOLEDAMOLEDBoth offer vibrant colors and deep blacks.
Refresh Rate120Hz120HzBoth provide smooth scrolling and animations.
Brightness1100 nits1500 nitsXiaomi 12 Pro is significantly better in bright sunlight, easier to read outdoors.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 888 (5 nm)Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm)Xiaomi 12 Pro has a newer, more powerful chip, offering better performance for gaming and demanding apps.
AnTuTu Score880,9001,177,498Xiaomi 12 Pro shows a significant advantage in benchmarks, likely translating to snappier overall performance.
GPUAdreno 660Adreno 730Xiaomi 12 Pro provides better graphics for gaming.
Battery
Capacity4500mAh4600mAhSimilar battery size; Expect similar daily usage time.
Charging65W wired, 15W wireless120W wired, 50W wireless, 10W reverseXiaomi 12 Pro charges much faster, both wired and wirelessly, crucial for users who need quick top-ups.
Charging FeaturesNon-removable, 15W Wireless ChargingReverse charging, Non-removable, Wired charge uses the new Xiaomi Surge P1 chip, which manages to obtain fast charging of 120W of a single-cell in a safe and stable way., 50W Fast wireless charging, 10W Wireless everse chargingXiaomi 12 Pro provides more versatile charging options, including faster wireless and reverse charging to charge other devices
Camera
Main Camera48MP, f/1.79, 1/1.4" IMX68950MP, f/1.9, 1/1.28" IMX707Xiaomi 12 Pro has a slightly larger sensor size which should lead to better low-light performance.
Selfie Camera16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" IMX47132MP, 1/3.14" Samsung JD1Xiaomi 12 Pro has higher resolution, likely more detailed selfies
Wide Angle Camera50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56" IMX76650MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76" Samsung S5KJN1OnePlus 9 has a larger sensor for its wide-angle lens, potentially better quality
Portrait CameraN/A50MP, f/1.9, 1/2.76" Samsung S5KJN1Xiaomi 12 Pro has a dedicated portrait camera, better depth effects; OnePlus 9 lacks this.
Black and White Camera2MP, f/2.4N/AOnePlus 9 has a dedicated black and white camera for artistic shots; Xiaomi 12 Pro lacks this.
Video RecordingUp to 8K@30fpsUp to 8K@24fpsBoth offer high-resolution video, but Xiaomi 12 Pro has 1920 fps slow-motion video.
StabilizationNoYesXiaomi 12 Pro has electronic image stabilization for smoother videos.
DXOMARKN/A129 (Mobile), 136 (Photo), 125 (Video)Xiaomi 12 Pro has been officially tested, showing its camera quality. OnePlus 9 lacks a DXOMark score.
Camera FeaturesContrast detection autofocus (CDAF), RAW 12 bitsOptical zoom, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Continuous autofocus, RAWOnePlus 9 has additional features Contrast detection autofocus (CDAF), RAW 12 bits. Xiaomi 12 Pro has additional features Optical zoom, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Continuous autofocus, RAW
Software
OSAndroid 11 (upgradable to 13)Android 12Xiaomi 12 Pro is running a newer OS out of the box.
Connectivity
Wi-FiWiFi 6, Dual bandWiFi 6, Dual bandBoth support the latest Wi-Fi standards.
Bluetooth5.2 LE5.2 LEBoth support Bluetooth 5.2 standard.
GPSGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, GalileoA-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo, NavIC System, QZSSXiaomi 12 Pro supports a more comprehensive set of GPS systems for more precise location.
SIMDual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM)Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM)Both support dual SIM cards.
Storage
Internal128GB or 256GB128GB or 256GBBoth phones offer identical storage options.
RAM8GB or 12GB8GB or 12GBBoth phones offer identical RAM options.
ExpandableNoNoNeither phone supports expandable storage.
Audio
QualityDolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphonesDolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphonesOnePlus 9 has a slight edge in audio features (by a small margin) offering enhanced spatial audio, clearer calls, better audio separation and immersion, better voice capture; OnePlus 9 exclusively offers: Noise cancellation microphone, 3 microphones; Xiaomi 12 Pro exclusively offers: Hi-Res Audio, 2 microphones
Security
Featuresbasic fingerprint sensorbasic fingerprint sensorBoth phones have similar fingerprint sensor technology; Provides basic biometric security
Build Quality
Screen ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5Corning Gorilla Glass VictusXiaomi 12 Pro offers superior scratch and impact resistance.
Sensors
SensorsBiometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, GyroscopeBiometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtualXiaomi 12 Pro includes additional environmental sensors; OnePlus 9 additionally features: Proximity; Xiaomi 12 Pro additionally features: Barometer, RGB, Ultrasonic proximity virtual; Comprehensive sensor suite suitable for advanced features and gaming.

2. Key Differences Analysis

OnePlus 9 Advantages:

  • Slightly Lighter and More Compact: Easier to handle for some users, especially those with smaller hands.
  • Larger Wide-Angle Camera Sensor: Potentially better wide-angle shots in low light, even if they do not have a dedicated portrait lens, or optical zoom.
  • Dedicated black and white camera: For artistics black and white photos.
  • Lower Price (Likely): As an older model, it may offer better value for budget-conscious consumers.
  • Better Audio Quality: OnePlus 9 has a slight edge in audio features (by a small margin) offering enhanced spatial audio, clearer calls, better audio separation and immersion, better voice capture.

Xiaomi 12 Pro Advantages:

  • Superior Display: Higher resolution, higher pixel density, and brighter screen make it significantly better for content consumption.
  • Faster Performance: The newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset results in quicker app loading and smoother overall performance.
  • Much Faster Charging: 120W wired and 50W wireless charging are dramatically faster than the OnePlus 9's charging speeds.
  • Better Main Camera Sensor: Despite having a smaller aperture, its newer, larger sensor size should translate to superior images, especially in low-light conditions.
  • Dedicated Portrait Lens: Allows for better depth effects.
  • Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides better scratch and drop resistance.
  • More Advanced GPS: Support for a more comprehensive set of GPS systems.
  • More Versatile Battery Features: Includes reverse wireless charging.
  • Official DXOMARK score: Provides measurable camera performance.

Significant Trade-offs:

  • The Xiaomi 12 Pro is heavier and larger, which may be less comfortable for some users.
  • The OnePlus 9’s lower price might make it more attractive to budget-conscious consumers.
  • OnePlus 9 has slightly better Audio system, better for voice capture, calls and spatial audio.
  • OnePlus 9 has an extra black and white camera, for artistic black and white pictures, while the Xiaomi 12 Pro does not.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

OnePlus 9 Ideal User:

  • Budget-Conscious Consumers: Those looking for a solid flagship experience without paying top dollar.
  • Users Prioritizing Portability: Individuals who prefer a lighter, more compact phone for everyday use.
  • Users who are not hardcore mobile gamers: For people that play games sometimes, but not on a daily basis.
  • Users looking for better audio quality: For people who want better sound recording, voice calls, better audio spatial.
  • Users who want an extra black and white lens: For users who like artistic photography.

  • Use Cases: Everyday tasks, social media browsing, media consumption, casual gaming, photography for social media.

Xiaomi 12 Pro Ideal User:

  • Performance Enthusiasts: Users who need the fastest performance for gaming and demanding apps.
  • Content Creators: Individuals who need a high-quality display and good camera for creating and viewing content.
  • Users Prioritizing Fast Charging: Those who need quick top-ups and value wireless charging flexibility.
  • Power Users: Individuals who want a comprehensive set of features, including a superior display and fast charging.

  • Use Cases: Mobile gaming, video editing, professional photography and videography, outdoor use in bright light, daily usage, consumption of high-resolution media.

4. Decision Framework

Here are three key questions buyers should consider:

  1. What's my budget? If budget is a primary concern, the OnePlus 9 offers better value as an older model and the Xiaomi 12 Pro is more expensive.
  2. How important is display quality and performance? If a top-notch display and blazing-fast performance are essential, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is the clear winner.
  3. Do I prioritize fast charging and portability? The Xiaomi 12 Pro has significantly faster charging, both wired and wireless. The OnePlus 9 is lighter and more compact.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Budget Conscious, Everyday User: If budget is tight and you primarily need a phone for everyday use, the OnePlus 9 is a solid choice that still offers a smooth experience.
  • Scenario 2: Mobile Gamer/Performance User: For avid mobile gamers or users who need the absolute best performance, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is the better option with its superior processor, GPU and display.
  • Scenario 3: Content Creator/Media Enthusiast: If you often consume or create high-resolution media and need a superior display, camera and fast charging, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is the way to go.
  • Scenario 4: User looking for better Audio quality: For people who prioritize a better audio system, better sound recording, voice calls, and spatial audio, the OnePlus 9 is the better choice.
  • Scenario 5: User looking for artistic photography: For people who like taking artistic black and white photos, the OnePlus 9 is the better choice due to its dedicated lens.

My Choice

If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally choose the Xiaomi 12 Pro. While I appreciate the OnePlus 9's portability and value, the Xiaomi 12 Pro's advantages in display quality, performance, significantly faster charging, and slightly better main camera would be more beneficial to me. The superior screen alone is a major draw for my daily media consumption habits. While the OnePlus 9 offers a black and white lens, it's a less used feature. The lack of optical zoom, and dedicated portrait camera in the OnePlus 9 also pushes me towards the Xiaomi 12 Pro. The significantly faster charging is a huge plus for my busy lifestyle.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

Key Strengths:

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Digital media communication
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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.