1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Realme 12x | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161 × 74.1 × 8.4 mm | 165.6 × 76.1 × 7.9 mm | Realme 12x is taller and wider, OnePlus 9R is thicker. Consider pocket fit and handling comfort. |
| Weight | 189g | 190g | Both phones have virtually identical weight, making it a negligible factor. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.67" | Realme 12x offers a slightly larger screen for more immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1604 | OnePlus 9R has a significantly sharper display; Expect crisper text and images. |
| Pixel Density | 402 PPI | 264 PPI | OnePlus 9R has much higher detail; individual pixels are less discernible. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | OnePlus 9R offers deeper blacks, higher contrast, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency for dark interfaces. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness is not available for either phone, therefore, this can not be used to determine the quality of the screen. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm) | OnePlus 9R's chipset offers significantly higher performance; expect smoother app handling and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 821,600 | 442,599 | OnePlus 9R has superior performance for gaming and heavy apps. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G57 MC2 | OnePlus 9R’s GPU provides better graphical performance, especially for demanding applications and games. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Realme 12x has a larger battery, potentially offering better battery life. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 15W Fast Charging | OnePlus 9R charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 1/2" Sony IMX586 | 50MP, f/1.8 | OnePlus 9R has a wider aperture and larger sensor, potentially better low light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" Sony IMX471 | 8MP, f/2.1 | OnePlus 9R takes higher resolution selfies. Realme 12x has a wider aperture for potentially better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 16MP, f/2.2, 1/3.09" Sony IMX481 | Not available | OnePlus 9R offers a wider field of view for landscape shots. |
| Depth Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" Omnivision OV02B1B | Both have similar depth sensors for bokeh effect. Realme 12x has a larger pixel size of 1.75 µm vs OnePlus 9R which does not have the pixel size listed. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | Not Available | OnePlus 9R has a macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps, HDR, EIS | 1080p@30fps | OnePlus 9R captures higher-quality, more detailed video, and with better stabilisation and slow-motion capabilities. |
| Features | OIS, PDAF, RAW, 4K Video, Quadruple camera | Dual camera | OnePlus 9R offers more advanced camera features like OIS, PDAF and RAW photos. Realme 12x has a Dual Camera configuration. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (Upgradable to 13) | Android 14 | Realme 12x has a newer Android version out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi MiMO | Wi-Fi 5 | OnePlus 9R supports a newer Wi-Fi standard, enabling faster and more reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1, APT-x, LDAC, AAC | Bluetooth 5.2 | Realme 12x has a slightly newer Bluetooth version. OnePlus 9R supports higher quality audio codecs. |
| GPS | More Satellite Systems supported | Standard GPS systems | OnePlus 9R has better location accuracy with more satellite system support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 256/512GB | Realme 12x provides higher storage options. |
| RAM | 8/12GB | 12GB | Both phones have excellent RAM capacity. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation microphone | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | OnePlus 9R has a slight edge in audio features offering enhanced spatial audio, clearer calls, better audio separation and immersion. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Realme 12x offers more convenient unlocking with a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Compass, Proximity, Fingerprint sensor | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Compass, Proximity, Fingerprint sensor, Magnetometer | Realme 12x has a magnetometer. This can improve the accuracy of compass applications or be used for augmented reality. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9R Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel with significantly higher resolution and pixel density offers a much sharper, more vibrant, and contrast-rich viewing experience.
- Higher Performance: The Snapdragon 870 chipset and Adreno 650 GPU provide significantly better performance for gaming, multitasking, and overall responsiveness.
- Better Camera System: Includes a versatile camera setup with a wide-angle lens, macro lens, and features like OIS, PDAF, and 4K video recording, offering greater flexibility for photographers.
- Faster Charging: 65W fast charging significantly reduces charging times.
- Advanced Audio: Features Dolby Atmos, a noise cancellation microphone and better codecs for higher quality sound.
- Superior Connectivity: Supports newer Wi-Fi 6 standard with better location accuracy due to more satellite systems supported for GPS.
- More camera features: Includes more camera features, including RAW image capture, OIS and PDAF.
- Higher quality video recording: Supports higher quality video recording up to 4K at 60fps.
Practical Implications: The OnePlus 9R is much better for users who prioritize a high-quality display, fast performance, versatile camera features and fast charging.
Realme 12x Advantages:
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery offers potentially longer battery life.
- Newer Android Version: Ships with Android 14, providing the latest software features.
- Larger Storage Options: It has a larger storage capacity of 256GB / 512GB while the OnePlus has a 128GB / 256GB storage option.
- More recent Bluetooth Version: Uses a more recent version of Bluetooth (5.2 vs 5.1).
- Magnetometer Sensor: Has a magnetometer sensor which may improve compass functionality.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Includes a side mounted fingerprint sensor that is more convenient to use.
Practical Implications: The Realme 12x is more suited for users who want longer battery life and a more recent Android version out of the box. It also comes with a convenient side mounted fingerprint sensor and a magnetometer.
Significant Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9R sacrifices battery life and a newer Android version for higher performance and a better screen and camera.
- Realme 12x sacrifices display quality, processing power, charging speed, and video recording capabilities for a larger battery and a more recent android version out of the box.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for OnePlus 9R:
- Gamers: Its powerful chipset and GPU can handle demanding games smoothly.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Versatile camera system with advanced features suits users who want flexibility and quality images.
- Media Consumers: High-quality AMOLED display provides an excellent viewing experience.
- Power Users: Demanding users who multitask frequently, want fast app loading, and don't mind sacrificing some battery life for raw performance.
Use Cases:
- Playing graphically intensive mobile games with smooth frame rates.
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos in various scenarios.
- Watching movies and videos with excellent clarity and vibrant colors.
- Using demanding applications and tools without lag or slowdowns.
Ideal Users for Realme 12x:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Prioritize affordability and basic smartphone functionality.
- Users who prioritize battery life: Need a phone that can last all day on a single charge.
- Casual Users: Use their phone for basic tasks, social media, and web browsing.
- Users who prefer newer Android Versions: Want the most recent Android OS without having to upgrade.
Use Cases:
- Day-to-day usage, social media, browsing, and messaging with good battery life.
- Basic photography, where high performance isn't a priority.
- Longer battery life for users who aren't always near a power outlet.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
*The OnePlus 9R generally offers more performance and camera capabilities for the price, while the Realme 12x is targeted towards more budget-conscious buyers.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality? Do you prioritize a vibrant, sharp display for media consumption and general use?
- How important is performance? Do you frequently play demanding games or use heavy apps requiring maximum power?
- What is your priority, battery or charging? Do you prefer a longer battery life or faster charging to minimize downtime?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Performance & Display: If you prioritize smooth performance, a high-quality display, and a versatile camera, the OnePlus 9R is the better choice despite the higher price.
- Scenario 2: Budget & Battery Life: If you need a basic, affordable phone with good battery life, the Realme 12x would be suitable. It is also more suitable if you prefer the latest Android version out of the box.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Use: If you want a good experience all around, and you are not on a tight budget then the OnePlus 9R is the better option, although it is less suited for users wanting the latest android version.
My Choice and Why
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would pick the OnePlus 9R. Here's why:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED display with its higher resolution and pixel density is a huge factor for me. I value a sharp and vibrant screen, especially when watching videos or browsing the web.
- Performance: The Snapdragon 870 offers a noticeable performance boost, ensuring smooth multitasking and gaming, something I enjoy doing.
- Camera Capabilities: I appreciate the versatile camera setup, especially the wide-angle lens, and the 4K video recording capabilities.
- Fast Charging: I prefer having a fast charging phone, so that I can quickly get back to using it when I need to.
- Audio Quality: The better audio codecs, Dolby Atmos and noise cancellation microphone are all very important to me.
While the Realme 12x does offer a larger battery and the latest version of Android out of the box, I find the overall user experience that the OnePlus 9R provides, with its significantly better display, performance and camera capabilities, outweighs these advantages. I’m willing to trade a slightly lower battery life and not having the latest Android for the OnePlus 9R's superior display and performance, which are more important for my daily use.
