1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 161 x 74.1 x 8.4 mm | 163.6 x 74.6 x 8.2 mm | Xiaomi 12 Pro is slightly taller and thinner. The OnePlus 9R is negligibly thicker, likely unnoticeable to most. |
| Weight | 189g | 204g | OnePlus 9R is lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended one-handed use. |
Display
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.55" | 6.73" | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1440 x 3200 | Xiaomi 12 Pro's higher resolution results in a noticeably sharper and more detailed display. |
| Pixel Density | 402 PPI | 521 PPI | Xiaomi 12 Pro has a significantly sharper screen, leading to crisper text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks characteristic of AMOLED technology. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, enhancing the overall user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1500 nits | Xiaomi 12 Pro has dramatically higher peak brightness, making it significantly more viewable in bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers a newer, more powerful chipset resulting in better performance in demanding tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 821,600 | 1,177,498 | Xiaomi 12 Pro scores significantly higher in benchmarks, indicating smoother and faster performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 730 | Xiaomi 12 Pro's newer GPU will provide better graphics performance for gaming and other demanding graphics applications. |
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 1/2", Sony IMX586 | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.28", Sony IMX707 | Xiaomi 12 Pro's larger sensor and newer sensor likely mean better low-light performance and potentially better image quality overall. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", Sony IMX471 | 32MP, 1/3.14", Samsung JD1 | Xiaomi 12 Pro has higher resolution for sharper selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 16MP, f/2.2, 1/3.09", Sony IMX481 | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1 | Xiaomi 12 Pro's higher resolution wide-angle lens will likely capture more detail. |
| Portrait (Depth) Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1 | Xiaomi 12 Pro's dedicated 50 MP portrait lens should create more detailed and precise portrait photos. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | Not Available | OnePlus 9R has a dedicated macro lens for closeup photography. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps | Up to 8K@24fps, 1080p@960fps, 720p@1920fps | Xiaomi 12 Pro has a higher maximum video resolution, ideal for professional video capture and has more advanced slow-motion capabilities. |
| DXOMark | Not Available | Main: 129, Photo: 136, Video: 125 | Xiaomi 12 Pro has been tested by DXOMark and scores well indicating very good photo and video capabilities. |
Battery
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4600mAh | Similar battery capacity, likely resulting in comparable battery life for general use. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 120W Fast Charging | Xiaomi 12 Pro's faster charging will drastically reduce charging times, offering more convenience. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable, Wired charge uses the new Xiaomi Surge P1 chip, 50W Fast wireless charging, 10W Wireless everse charging | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers more versatile charging options, including fast wireless and reverse wireless charging |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9R Advantages
- Lighter: The OnePlus 9R is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and carrying.
- Dedicated Macro Lens: It includes a dedicated macro camera for close-up shots, a feature missing on the Xiaomi 12 Pro.
- Lower Price (Potentially): While not provided in the specifications, the 9R is typically a more budget-friendly option than the 12 Pro, offering good value for its specs.
Xiaomi 12 Pro Advantages
- Significantly Better Display: Higher resolution, higher pixel density, and much higher brightness offer superior viewing quality, especially outdoors.
- More Powerful Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset provides significantly better performance in benchmarks and real-world use.
- Superior Camera System: Larger sensors, higher resolution cameras, and advanced features suggest better image and video quality, especially in low light.
- Faster Charging & More Features: 120W fast charging is significantly faster, along with additional wireless charging options and reverse charging.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Newer bluetooth version allowing for more robust connection
- Advanced Software: Runs on a newer version of android.
- Better Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection gives much better protection for screen breakage.
Trade-offs
- Size and Weight: Xiaomi 12 Pro is heavier and slightly larger, making it less comfortable for some users.
- Macro Camera: The OnePlus 9R has a macro camera while the 12 pro doesn't, which is useful for very close up photography.
- Price: The Xiaomi 12 Pro is likely to be considerably more expensive.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9R: Ideal Users
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for a good balance of performance and features without breaking the bank.
- Casual Gamers: Users who play games occasionally but don't need top-tier gaming performance.
- Macro Photographers: Those who enjoy taking very close up photos of small subjects.
- Users who prefer lightweight devices: Those who prioritise a light and comfortable device.
Xiaomi 12 Pro: Ideal Users
- Demanding Gamers: Those who require top-tier performance for demanding mobile games.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want the best possible camera quality for photos and videos.
- Frequent Media Consumers: Users who watch a lot of videos and want a superior viewing experience.
- Users who need fast charging: Those who need their phones to charge quickly and have a battery for the whole day.
- Power users Users that need to use all aspects of their phone to their maximum.
- Users who want the best screen protection
Specific Use Cases
- OnePlus 9R: Excellent for everyday tasks, social media, casual gaming, and photography in good lighting conditions. The lighter build is better for extended use.
- Xiaomi 12 Pro: Excels in demanding gaming, professional-quality photography and videography, viewing high-resolution media, and in bright outdoor environments. The faster charging makes it suitable for heavy daily use.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend? The Xiaomi 12 Pro will be significantly more expensive.
- Display Needs: Do you prioritize a high-resolution, high-brightness display for outdoor use and multimedia consumption?
- Performance Demands: Do you need top-tier gaming performance and overall speed, or is mid-range performance sufficient?
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: Budget-conscious, everyday use: If your budget is a concern and you primarily use your phone for basic tasks, the OnePlus 9R is the more sensible choice.
- Scenario 2: High-performance gaming and photography: If you want the best possible performance, camera quality, and display, and are willing to pay a premium, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is the clear winner.
- Scenario 3: Mix of performance and affordability: If you need good all-around performance for demanding games, and do want the most bang for your buck, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is the better option due to its vastly superior specs at a similar price.
My Choice
Given the specifications provided, I would choose the Xiaomi 12 Pro. While the OnePlus 9R is a capable phone, the Xiaomi 12 Pro offers a substantially better overall user experience due to its:
- Superior Display: The higher resolution, pixel density, and brightness make a significant difference in daily use, especially when viewing media and using the phone outdoors.
- Higher Performance: The newer chipset leads to better performance in demanding games and smoother operation overall.
- Much better Camera: The camera system in the Xiaomi 12 Pro has better components, and therefore should give better photo and video quality.
- Faster Charging: The 120W fast charging is a massive convenience, allowing the phone to be charged very quickly, minimizing downtime.
- More features: The extra features such as reverse charging, fast wireless charging, better screen protection, and updated software gives it a superior experience.
While the Xiaomi 12 Pro may be more expensive, the overall performance and superior components make it a more compelling choice for most users. The lighter weight and macro camera on the OnePlus 9R are not enough to offset the significant advantages of the Xiaomi 12 Pro.
