1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Xiaomi 12T | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160 x 74.2 x 8.7 mm | 163.1 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm | Xiaomi 12T is slightly taller and wider, making it feel a bit larger in hand. Both have a similar thickness. |
| Weight | 192g | 202g | OnePlus 9 is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.67" | Xiaomi 12T has a slightly larger screen, providing more viewing area for media and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1220 x 2712 | Xiaomi 12T's higher resolution results in sharper images and text. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 402 | 446 | Xiaomi 12T offers a slightly more detailed and crisp visual experience. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks typical of AMOLED displays. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | OnePlus 9 has significantly better visibility in bright outdoor conditions. *Note: Brightness for Xiaomi 12T is missing, it is very likely to have a brightness value far above 0 nits. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G | Dimensity 8100 Ultra | Snapdragon 888 offers higher raw performance, while Dimensity 8100 Ultra provides excellent performance for most users. |
| AnTuTu Score | 880,900 | 835,913 | OnePlus 9 demonstrates slightly better benchmark performance, but both are capable of handling demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G610 MC6 | Both GPUs are powerful, ensuring smooth gaming and graphics rendering, with specific performance differences depending on the game. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 108MP | Xiaomi 12T captures more detail in well-lit environments due to the higher resolution. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.7 | Xiaomi 12T may perform slightly better in low light due to the slightly wider aperture. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.4" | 1/1.67" | OnePlus 9's larger sensor captures more light, potentially resulting in better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Model | Sony IMX689 | Samsung HM6 | Different sensor models with varied strengths in color reproduction and detail. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 1.12µm | 0.64µm | OnePlus 9 has larger pixel size allowing for better light gathering capabilities. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 16MP | 20MP | Xiaomi 12T offers slightly higher resolution for selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.4 | f/2.24 | Xiaomi 12T's wider aperture may result in slightly better low-light selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/3.13" | 1/2" | Xiaomi 12T's larger sensor may result in better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens Resolution | 50MP | 8MP | OnePlus 9 captures much more detail with its ultrawide lens. |
| Wide Angle Lens Sensor Size | 1/1.56" | 1/4" | OnePlus 9's larger sensor on its ultrawide lens results in better low-light wide-angle shots. |
| Macro Lens | No | 2MP | Xiaomi 12T offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP | No | OnePlus 9 has a dedicated black and white sensor for artistic photography. |
| Video Recording (Max) | 8K@30fps | 4K@30fps | OnePlus 9 can record higher resolution videos for more flexibility in post-processing. |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes | Xiaomi 12T has optical image stabilization, likely offering steadier video recording than OnePlus 9. |
| DXOMark Score | N/A | 115 | Xiaomi 12T has a tested camera score, allowing for easier comparison to other devices. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 5000 mAh | Xiaomi 12T has a larger battery, likely providing longer battery life. |
| Charging Speed | 65W | 120W | Xiaomi 12T charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | No | OnePlus 9 supports wireless charging for added convenience. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 | Xiaomi 12T offers a more recent operating system out of the box. |
| Max OS Version | Android 13 | Android 14 | Xiaomi 12T has a longer software support life. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Advantages:
- Higher Benchmark Performance: Slightly better AnTuTu score, indicating potentially better overall performance and snappier operation.
- Superior Display Brightness: Significantly higher peak brightness ensures excellent visibility in outdoor, sunny environments.
- 8K Video Recording: Supports 8K video, offering higher resolution capture for video enthusiasts.
- Better Ultrawide Camera: Superior ultrawide camera resolution and sensor size, offering higher quality ultrawide shots, and low-light performance.
- Wireless Charging: 15W wireless charging for added convenience and flexibility.
- More RAM: Available with 12GB RAM, improving multitasking capabilities and allowing to keep more apps open at once.
- Dolby Atmos with 3 Microphones: Better audio quality due to noise cancellation, multiple mics and enhanced spatial audio.
Xiaomi 12T Advantages:
- Faster Charging: 120W charging is significantly faster, reducing charging time.
- Higher Resolution Display: Slightly higher resolution and pixel density for sharper and crisper visuals.
- Larger Battery: Bigger battery capacity, potentially offering longer battery life.
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS): OIS enhances video stability, reducing blur and shake in videos.
- Higher-Resolution Main Camera: 108MP main camera for more detailed photos.
- More Satellite Systems for GPS: More accurate location tracking
- Newer Software: Comes with a newer version of Android, with a longer software update life.
- Dedicated Macro Camera: Has a dedicated macro camera for close up pictures.
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9 sacrifices some battery life and charging speed for wireless charging and higher peak brightness.
- Xiaomi 12T sacrifices a slightly lower benchmark score, and 8K video recording for faster charging, better battery life, and a dedicated macro lens, as well as OIS.
- OnePlus 9 lacks a dedicated macro lens, as well as OIS for video stability.
- Xiaomi 12T's brightness is missing so it is unknown how good is its outdoor visibility compared to the OnePlus 9.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 Ideal User:
- Power Users & Gamers: Benefits from the slightly better processor and Adreno GPU for demanding tasks.
- Outdoor Photography/Videography Enthusiasts: High display brightness for outdoor visibility and 8K video recording.
- Users Who Value Wireless Charging: Wireless charging is convenient for desk charging and overnight charging.
- Users Who Want High Quality Audio: Better spatial audio, enhanced microphone performance.
- Users Who Want a more feature packed camera experience: Better ultrawide, 8K recording and a black and white sensor.
- Users who want to keep apps open: Available in 12GB of RAM.
Xiaomi 12T Ideal User:
- Everyday Users: Longer battery life and fast charging are great for all-day use.
- Mobile Photographers: Higher resolution main camera and OIS offer good all-around camera performance.
- Users Who Prioritize Software Support: Newer version of Android and longer software update life.
- Users who want to take close up pictures: Has a dedicated macro camera.
- Users who want great GPS: Supports more satelites for better tracking.
Specific Use Cases:
- OnePlus 9: High-end gaming, outdoor shooting, users who use wireless charging at their desk.
- Xiaomi 12T: Travel photography, extended daily use, users who prioritize charging speed.
Price-to-Value Ratio: The value of each phone will vary depending on sales and regional pricing. The OnePlus 9 is an older device, so it may be found at lower prices. The Xiaomi 12T, being a newer phone, will likely be priced higher, although it has better performance in some key aspects.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- How important is screen visibility in direct sunlight to you? (OnePlus 9 has far better peak brightness)
- Do you prioritize battery life and charging speed, or do you prefer wireless charging and more features in the camera department? (Xiaomi 12T has better battery, and significantly faster charging, while OnePlus 9 has wireless charging, 8K and a better ultrawide).
- Do you prefer a newer version of Android with a longer software support life? (Xiaomi 12T has Android 12 out of the box, while the OnePlus 9 is stuck at Android 13).
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Photography Enthusiast
- Recommendation: OnePlus 9 if you prioritize a better ultrawide, or 8K recording. Otherwise, the Xiaomi 12T may provide a better overall experience with the higher resolution main camera, macro lens and OIS.
- Scenario 2: Heavy Mobile User on the Go
- Recommendation: Xiaomi 12T because of its larger battery and significantly faster charging.
- Scenario 3: User who prioritizes price to value
- Recommendation: This would be dependent on pricing for your region. The OnePlus 9 is an older device so might be cheaper. The Xiaomi 12T, despite being more modern, might be found at the same price or lower on sale.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would lean towards the Xiaomi 12T. While the OnePlus 9 has the edge in display brightness and raw benchmark performance, I find the Xiaomi 12T's combination of larger battery, faster charging, more modern operating system, OIS and dedicated macro camera more appealing for everyday use. The higher resolution main camera and more accurate GPS are also useful for me. The lack of wireless charging is a drawback, but the 120W charging more than makes up for it. The overall package of the 12T is slightly more compelling for general use in most scenarios.
