Smartphone Comparison: OnePlus 9 vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160 × 74.2 × 8.7 mm | 162.9 × 76 × 8.9 mm | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is slightly larger; may feel less comfortable in smaller hands. |
| Weight | 192g | 208.4g | OnePlus 9 is noticeably lighter, more comfortable for extended use, especially one-handed operation. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.67" | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has slightly more screen real estate, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer similar sharpness and detail; indistinguishable in daily use. |
| PPI | 402 | 395 | Both offer very similar pixel density, so you won't notice a difference in sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; indistinguishable in quality for most users. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 900 nits | OnePlus 9 is more visible in direct sunlight, providing better outdoor readability. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6 nm) | OnePlus 9 offers significantly faster performance, better for gaming and demanding apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 880,900 | 573,100 | OnePlus 9 offers a noticeably smoother experience in intensive tasks, and loading apps. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G68 MC4 | OnePlus 9 provides better graphics performance for gaming and demanding apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/1.4" Sony IMX689 | 200MP, f/1.65, 1/1.4" Samsung ISOCELL HPX | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has much higher resolution; potentially better detail in ideal conditions. OnePlus 9 might perform better in low light due to larger pixels. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" Sony IMX471 | 16MP, f/2.45 | Similar selfie camera performance; very similar in aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56" Sony IMX766 | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" Sony IMX355 | OnePlus 9 captures much more detailed wide-angle shots due to larger sensor and resolution. |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" GalaxyCore GC02M1 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers a dedicated macro lens; better for extreme close-up photography. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | OnePlus 9 has a dedicated black and white sensor for artistic photos. |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps | OnePlus 9 can record in 8K, ideal for video enthusiasts needing high-resolution footage. |
| DXOMark Score | N/A | Main Score: 113 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has a decent overall score, providing a measure of camera performance. |
| Camera Features | No OIS, 8K Video, CDAF, RAW 12 bits | OIS, Continuous autofocus, RAW | OnePlus 9 offers RAW 12-bit format for improved editing, while Redmi Note 12 Pro+ benefits from OIS for stabilized shots, and Continuous Autofocus. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ should last longer on a single charge due to the larger battery. |
| Charging | 65W | 120W | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ charges much faster, significantly reducing downtime. |
| Features | 15W Wireless Charging | N/A | OnePlus 9 has the convenience of wireless charging for cable-free charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 13 | Android 12, upgradable to 14 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has a more recent OS out of the box, providing access to newer features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both support the latest WiFi standards. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2, APT-x | Bluetooth 5.2 | OnePlus 9 supports APT-x codec for higher quality wireless audio. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B2) | GLONASS (L1) | OnePlus 9 offers more precise location tracking, beneficial for navigation apps. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer the same storage options, but no expandable storage. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 8GB/12GB | Both can handle heavy multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither allows for additional storage via SD card. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, 3 Mics, Noise Cancelling | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | OnePlus 9 has a slight edge for voice and spatial audio, while the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is better for high fidelity music playback.. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers faster and more ergonomic unlocking through a side-mounted scanner. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass 5 | Both use similar screen protection. |
| Sensors | Biometric, Proximity, Motion Sensors | Biometric, Proximity, Motion Sensors | Both offer a comprehensive range of sensors for various features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Advantages:
- Significantly Better Performance: Snapdragon 888 provides a higher benchmark scores, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
- Brighter Display: 1100 nits brightness ensures better outdoor visibility in direct sunlight.
- Superior Wide-Angle Camera: 50MP wide-angle lens with a larger sensor captures significantly more detail.
- 8K Video Recording: Capable of recording 8K video, providing high-resolution footage for professional videography, better video quality.
- Wireless Charging: 15W wireless charging adds convenience.
- More Precise GPS: GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B2) offers better location tracking.
- Better Audio Clarity: Noise cancellation microphone, and 3 microphones improves audio clarity and call quality.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ Advantages:
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: 200MP main camera may capture more detail in ideal lighting conditions.
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery offers longer battery life between charges.
- Faster Charging: 120W charging rapidly replenishes battery, greatly reducing downtime.
- Dedicated Macro Lens: Provides a dedicated lens for close-up photography.
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS): Reduces camera shake for sharper photos and videos.
- Continuous Autofocus: Improves focus speed and accuracy.
- Newer Android OS: Launched with Android 12, offering more up-to-date features and security updates.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Easier unlocking experience.
- Hi-Res Audio: Supports high-resolution music playback for better audio fidelity.
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9 sacrifices battery capacity and charging speed for performance and display brightness.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ prioritizes battery life and charging speed over performance and wide-angle camera quality.
- OnePlus 9 has a very good main sensor but lags behind the Redmi in the number of megapixels, while still offering good low light performance, also has better slow-motion features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 is ideal for:
- Power Users & Gamers: Its superior processing power makes it suitable for users who demand top-tier performance.
- Outdoor Photography Enthusiasts: Its brighter display and superior wide-angle camera make it a better choice for outdoor shooting.
- Video Creators: 8K video recording and 12-bit RAW support makes it better for video content creation.
- Users who prioritize a smoother experience: Better benchmark scores, more precise location tracking and better audio capture make it a great fit for users who value these aspects.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is ideal for:
- Users Prioritizing Battery Life: Larger battery ensures all-day use for most users.
- Users Wanting Fastest Charging: 120W charging is convenient for users who need a quick charge.
- Casual Photographers: Higher resolution main camera may appeal to users who like to capture detailed photos.
- Users who value convenience and ease of use: The side mounted fingerprint sensor and good performance for everyday use make it a great phone for users looking for that.
- Audiophiles: Hi-Res Audio provides high quality audio fidelity.
Price-to-Value Considerations:
- The OnePlus 9, being older, might be available at a more competitive price. If available at a comparable price, it represents a good value.
- The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ targets the mid-range market with newer features like OIS, a macro lens, faster charging, and a more recent OS, offering a competitive feature set at its price point.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Ask:
- What is your primary use case? (Gaming, photography, media consumption, daily tasks)
- How important is battery life and charging speed to you?
- Do you prioritize performance or camera versatility?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For Heavy Gamers/Power Users: If top-tier performance and a smoother experience are your priority, and you don't mind compromising a bit on battery life, the OnePlus 9 is the better choice.
- For Battery Life & Quick Charging: If you need all-day battery and hate waiting for your phone to charge, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is the better fit.
- For Photography Enthusiasts: If you prioritize wide-angle photography, 8K videos, and a RAW workflow, the OnePlus 9 is better, while if you value a versatile set of cameras and want better zoom quality and OIS, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ will serve you better.
- For overall best Value and latest features: If you value a combination of good cameras, battery and features, while getting a newer phone, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is the better option.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would go with the OnePlus 9. While the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has a few appealing features like the faster charging and better battery life, the OnePlus 9 offers superior performance and more practical benefits for my daily use. I value the smooth experience offered by the Snapdragon 888 and the better wide-angle camera, and the added benefit of the better audio capture, which I need frequently. Although it lacks in some areas such as OIS and battery, the other benefits more than make up for the drawbacks for my use case.
