Smartphone Comparison: OnePlus 9 vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160 × 74.2 × 8.7 mm | 165.9 × 76.2 × 8 mm | Redmi Note 12 is taller and wider, OnePlus 9 is thicker. This difference impacts pocketability and one-handed use, where OnePlus 9 is likely to be more comfortable. |
| Weight | 192g | 188g | Negligible weight difference. Both phones feel similar in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.67" | Redmi Note 12 has a slightly larger display, better for media consumption and gaming if you prefer a larger screen. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness; both offer a similar visual experience in terms of clarity. |
| PPI | 402 | 395 | Practically identical pixel density; no visible difference in sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both devices. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1200 nits | Redmi Note 12 is slightly brighter, providing better visibility under direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm) | OnePlus 9 offers significantly higher processing power, better for demanding tasks, gaming, and future-proofing. |
| AnTuTu Score | 880,900 | 460,800 | OnePlus 9 performs almost twice as better in benchmarks, implying faster app loading, multitasking and smoother gaming performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 619 | OnePlus 9 has a more powerful GPU, resulting in better graphics performance, particularly in gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Redmi Note 12 has a larger battery, potentially providing longer battery life, especially for those who are heavy users. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | OnePlus 9 charges much faster, reducing charging time significantly. |
| Features | 15W Wireless Charging | Non-removable | OnePlus 9 offers the convenience of wireless charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/1.4", Sony IMX689 | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1 | OnePlus 9 has a larger sensor and wider aperture, resulting in better low-light performance and potentially higher image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", Sony IMX471 | 13MP, f/2.45, Sensor model not mentioned | OnePlus 9 has slightly higher resolution, but both should be adequate for selfies. Sensor details for Redmi are missing, but OnePlus 9 has larger sensor.. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56", Sony IMX766 | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4", Omnivision OV08D10 | OnePlus 9 has a significantly higher resolution and a larger sensor, likely capturing significantly more details in wide angle shots. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Redmi Note 12 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots; OnePlus 9 lacks a dedicated macro lens. |
| Black & White | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | OnePlus 9 has dedicated black and white sensor, which helps to create dedicated B&W photographs or in some cases helps to get better information for normal photos. |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | OnePlus 9 records higher-quality videos with significantly more details and options for video enthusiasts. |
| DXOMark | Not tested | Main score 69, Photo score 74, Video score 49 | Redmi Note 12 main camera has been tested with satisfactory results. OnePlus 9 is missing from the list. |
| Features | 4K, 8K, 12-bit RAW, CDAF | RAW, Continuous autofocus | OnePlus 9 is better equipped for professional photographers with more advanced video and focus options. Redmi offers some additional features |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 12 | Redmi Note 12 is on a newer base, but OnePlus 9 can be upgraded to Android 13. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | OnePlus 9 supports a faster and more efficient Wi-Fi standard, which improves connectivity, data speeds, and provides better overall network performance in crowded environments. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.1 | OnePlus 9 offers slightly improved range and power efficiency, also supports APT-x codec for better wireless sound quality. |
| GPS | Advanced GPS systems | Basic GPS systems | OnePlus 9 may offer more accurate location tracking due to more supported satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB or 256GB | Both offer the same storage options, with no expandable storage. |
| RAM | 8GB or 12GB | 4GB, 6GB or 8GB | OnePlus 9 offers more RAM which leads to a smoother multitasking experience, especially when handling multiple demanding apps and games. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports external memory cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | OnePlus 9 offers a more immersive audio experience with better spatial sound and clarity. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Redmi Note 12 has a more convenient fingerprint sensor location. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | OnePlus 9 has a more robust screen protection which is more scratch resistant. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Both provide essential sensor support but slight variations in the implementation. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset provides significantly better performance for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Better Camera System: Larger sensors, wider apertures, and additional features like 8K video recording and 12-bit RAW processing make for much better image and video quality.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: 65W fast charging and 15W wireless charging provide convenience and speed.
- Better Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 offer faster and more reliable connectivity.
- Higher RAM Option: Up to 12GB RAM provides smoother multitasking.
- Premium Audio: Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers offer a more immersive audio experience.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 is more scratch resistant than Gorilla Glass 3.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: A 5000mAh battery provides potentially longer battery life.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Convenient and easy to access.
- Macro Lens: Dedicated macro lens for close-up photography, if that's desired by the user.
- Newer Operating System base: Comes with a newer base version, Android 12 (OnePlus 9 can be upgraded to 13).
- Brighter Screen: 100 nits brighter screen provides better outdoor visibility.
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9: Trades a larger battery and a macro lens for significantly better performance, camera, charging, and overall build quality.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12: Trades performance, camera, charging speed, and audio quality for a larger battery and dedicated macro lens.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 Ideal User:
- Gamers: The powerful chipset and GPU provide a superior gaming experience.
- Photographers/Videographers: Advanced camera features, 8K video, and RAW processing capabilities offer more creative control.
- Power Users: Users who multitask heavily and need smooth performance for demanding apps will benefit from the stronger chipset and high RAM options.
- Users seeking premium build quality and advanced features: Wireless charging, premium audio and more durable screen protection justify the premium pricing.
Specific Use Cases for OnePlus 9:
- Playing graphically intensive games at high frame rates.
- Recording and editing high-quality videos (including 4K and 8K).
- Heavy multitasking with resource-intensive applications.
- Frequent travel, where fast charging and solid connectivity are valued.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for an affordable phone with a large battery.
- Casual Users: Users who need a phone for basic daily tasks and light social media use.
- Users who value battery life above all else: Those who don't want to recharge frequently, or simply use the phone frequently
- Users who need a dedicated macro camera: Those interested in close up photography
Specific Use Cases for Xiaomi Redmi Note 12:
- Long days without needing to frequently recharge.
- Basic photo taking and video recording for social media.
- General web browsing, social media, and casual gaming.
- Users who prioritize a larger screen for media consumption, but may not be bothered by a less performant phone.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my primary use case? (Gaming, photography, general use, etc.)
- How important is performance and advanced features to me? (e.g., high-end gaming, professional photography)
- Is battery life more important than fast charging and overall performance?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming and Performance - If performance is paramount, the OnePlus 9 is the clear winner due to its significantly faster chipset, more powerful GPU, and higher RAM.
- Scenario 2: Photography/Videography - The OnePlus 9 is superior because of its better camera hardware, more advanced video recording features (8K, RAW), and larger camera sensors for better low-light performance.
- Scenario 3: Long Battery Life - If you prioritize battery life, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is the better choice.
- Scenario 4: Budget-Conscious Buyer- For casual users seeking an affordable smartphone with a large battery, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is the better pick.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the OnePlus 9. The significantly better performance, camera capabilities, and faster charging are more important to me than the slightly larger battery and macro lens of the Redmi Note 12. The OnePlus 9's superior chipset will make the phone more fluid and future-proof for years to come and its camera hardware and software are superior. I also value faster charging and the premium audio features. While the Redmi Note 12 is a good budget option, the OnePlus 9 provides a much better overall experience for power users and those seeking a higher-performing smartphone.
