1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Realme 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161 × 74.1 × 8.4 mm | 161.5 × 74 × 8.8 mm | Realme 12 Pro+ is slightly thicker (0.4mm), which may be noticeable in hand; similar size overall. |
| Weight | 189g | 196g | OnePlus 9R is 7g lighter, potentially more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.7" | Realme 12 Pro+ offers a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Negligible difference in sharpness; both provide a good visual experience. |
| Pixel Density | 402 PPI | 394 PPI | Very similar sharpness; both look crisp to the naked eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations; suitable for gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness data missing; cannot compare outdoor visibility; both likely offer good brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 (7 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4 nm) | OnePlus 9R's chip is older but provides faster app loading and smoother operation based on benchmark scores. The 7s gen 2 is more energy efficient. |
| AnTuTu Score | 821,600 | 603,400 | OnePlus 9R has significantly better performance based on benchmark scores, for heavier tasks like gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 710 | OnePlus 9R has more powerful graphics capabilities for smoother gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 1/2", Sony IMX586 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56", Sony IMX890 | Realme 12 Pro+ has a larger sensor for better light capture and slightly higher resolution, potentially leading to better overall image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", Sony IMX471 | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/2.74", Sony IMX615 | Realme 12 Pro+ has a higher resolution and a larger sensor for improved selfie quality. |
| Telephoto Lens | No | 64MP, f/2.6, 1/2", Omnivision OV64B | Realme 12 Pro+ offers optical zoom capabilities for better versatility. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 16MP, f/2.2, 1/3.09", Sony IMX481 | No | OnePlus 9R offers a dedicated wide-angle camera for capturing more in a single shot. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | No | OnePlus 9R provides a dedicated portrait lens for more creative bokeh effect. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | No | OnePlus 9R provides a dedicated macro lens to capture close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | No | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4", Hynix HI-846 | Realme 12 Pro+ provides ultrawide and macro lens in one. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 4K@30fps | OnePlus 9R can record 4k at 60fps which can result in more smoother looking videos. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, Manual Focus | Triple camera, Optical zoom | OnePlus 9R has a more versatile camera setup while Realme 12 Pro+ offers optical zoom. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Realme 12 Pro+ has a larger battery, likely providing longer battery life between charges. |
| Charging | 65W | 67W | Both offer very fast charging speeds, with Realme 12 Pro+ slightly faster. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 13) | Android 14 | Realme 12 Pro+ has a newer Android version; possibly better security and features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.2 LE | Realme 12 Pro+ has a newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | Both offer accurate location, with slight differences in satellite support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB | Realme 12 Pro+ has a 512GB option for users needing more storage, OnePlus only up to 256gb. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 8GB/12GB | Both phones offer excellent RAM options for smooth multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage, which is a limitation for those with extensive media libraries. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Realme 12 Pro+ offers higher quality audio experience with Hi-Res Audio and dual microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Security | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Both phones provide basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Cannot compare durability or scratch resistance; more information is needed. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9R Advantages:
- Stronger Performance: The Snapdragon 870 provides superior processing power for demanding tasks and smoother gaming, indicated by higher benchmark scores.
- More Versatile Camera: Dedicated wide-angle, macro and portrait lenses offer more flexibility for different photography styles.
- Slightly Lighter Design: The phone is 7g lighter which could be preferred by some users.
- 4k at 60FPS video: Offers higher framerate 4k video compared to 30 fps in Realme 12 Pro+
Realme 12 Pro+ Advantages:
- Newer Software: Ships with Android 14, likely offering better security and access to the latest features.
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery should provide longer battery life, especially for heavy users.
- Telephoto Lens: The dedicated telephoto lens offers optical zoom capabilities for better quality zoom shots.
- Hi-Res Audio: Enhanced spatial audio experience and high quality audio playback.
- Larger Storage Option: The 512GB storage option provides more internal space for files.
- Better Main and Selfie Camera: Larger sensors on main and front camera might provide better image quality.
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9R: Older software, potentially shorter battery life, lack of a telephoto lens.
- Realme 12 Pro+: Less powerful performance (lower benchmark score), no dedicated wide angle lens, no portrait or macro lens, heavier than OnePlus 9R
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9R Ideal User:
- Performance-Focused Users: Gamers or those who perform intensive tasks on their phones.
- Photography Enthusiasts (Multiple Lenses): Those who want a variety of dedicated lenses, not just telephoto.
- Users Preferring Lighter Phones: People who prefer a lighter phone for daily use.
- 4K 60FPS Video: Content creators who require this feature
Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming
- Video editing
- Multi-tasking with demanding apps
- Capturing landscapes or close-up objects
- Recording 4k 60FPS video
Realme 12 Pro+ Ideal User:
- Everyday Users: Those who prioritize battery life, latest software and a great camera for daily use.
- Photography Enthusiasts (Zoom): Users who prefer optical zoom capabilities over a dedicated wide-angle lens.
- Audio Enthusiasts Users who want high fidelity audio quality for listening to media.
- Storage Focused Users: Users who need extra internal storage.
Use Cases:
- Long days away from a power outlet
- Taking zoom photos of distant objects
- Casual gaming and media consumption
- Listening to high quality audio files
- Storing a lot of files on the device
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is peak performance for my phone usage? (Gaming, heavy multitasking)
- Do I value battery life and the latest software, or is overall performance and camera versatility more important?
- What kind of photography do I typically do, and do I need optical zoom capabilities?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Power User & Gamer
- Recommendation: OnePlus 9R. Its superior processing power and gaming performance are ideal for intensive tasks.
- Scenario 2: Casual User & Photographer
- Recommendation: Realme 12 Pro+. The combination of good battery life, latest software, optical zoom and a good main camera make it perfect for casual users.
- Scenario 3: Travel & On-The-Go User
- Recommendation: Realme 12 Pro+ Longer battery life and zoom capabilities offer more utility when traveling.
- Scenario 4: Video Creator
- Recommendation: OnePlus 9R The ability to record 4k videos at 60FPS is important for a smooth high quality video.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would lean towards the OnePlus 9R. While the Realme 12 Pro+ offers a more modern software and a telephoto lens, the OnePlus 9R's superior performance (confirmed by benchmark data), versatile camera system with dedicated lenses, slightly lighter design, and 4K 60FPS capabilities aligns more closely with my needs as someone who frequently uses demanding apps and values smooth performance and versatility for photography. I acknowledge that it is an older phone but the power it offers trumps the benefits of a telephoto lens and more recent software that the Realme 12 Pro+ offers.
