Smartphone Comparison: OnePlus 9R vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161 × 74.1 × 8.4 mm | 163 × 76 × 8 mm | Redmi Note 12 Pro is slightly taller and wider, while the OnePlus 9R is a bit thicker. Minimal impact on daily use. |
| Weight | 189g | 187g | Virtually identical weight, both feel similarly in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.67" | Redmi Note 12 Pro has a slightly larger screen, potentially more immersive for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same sharpness, good for everyday use. |
| PPI | 402 | 395 | Similar pixel densities, both displays will appear equally sharp to the naked eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both deliver vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 900 nits | Redmi Note 12 Pro has significantly higher brightness, offering much better visibility in bright sunlight. OnePlus 9R brightness is missing and should not be 0. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6 nm) | Snapdragon 870 offers noticeably better overall performance, faster app loading, and smoother multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 821,600 | 573,200 | OnePlus 9R is significantly faster in benchmarks indicating a more responsive user experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Adreno 650 is generally more powerful for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 1/2" sensor | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56" sensor | Redmi Note 12 Pro has a slightly larger sensor and higher resolution leading to better low light performance and potentially more detailed images. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" sensor | 16MP | Both offer similar front camera resolution. Redmi's sensor info is not available. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 16MP, f/2.2, 1/3.09" sensor | 8MP, f/1.9 | OnePlus 9R has a higher resolution wide-angle lens. Redmi Note 12 Pro has a wider aperture wide angle lens. |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | OnePlus 9R has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait photos while the Redmi doesn't. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" sensor | OnePlus 9R has a higher-resolution macro lens. |
| Video Recording | 4K@60fps with HDR, EIS | 4K@30fps | OnePlus 9R has superior video recording with support up to 60fps and HDR in 4K. |
| DxoMark | N/A | Main Score: 102, Photo: 108, Video: 98 | Redmi Note 12 Pro has been tested and scored well in DxoMark. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Redmi Note 12 Pro has a larger battery, potentially providing longer battery life. |
| Charging | 65W | 67W | Both have very fast charging with a slight edge to the Redmi Note 12 Pro. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradeable to 13) | Android 12 | Redmi Note 12 Pro has a newer Android version out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Both support the latest WiFi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Redmi Note 12 Pro has a slightly newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | QZSS (L1 + L5) | Redmi Note 12 Pro has support for more global satellite systems. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | Both offer identical storage options. |
| RAM | 8 GB or 12 GB | 6 GB, 8 GB, or 12 GB | Both offer similar RAM options, excellent for multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither supports external storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation mic | Dolby Atmos | OnePlus 9R has an additional noise cancellation microphone for calls. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Redmi Note 12 Pro has a more convenient side-mounted sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Redmi Note 12 Pro offers superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Both share an identical sensor set. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9R Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 870 chipset offers a significant performance edge in CPU and GPU power, resulting in smoother multitasking and gaming.
- Better Video Recording: Supports 4K@60fps with HDR and EIS, providing better quality and smoother videos, especially in dynamic scenes.
- Higher Resolution Wide Angle Lens: Offers a 16MP wide-angle camera compared to Redmi Note 12 Pro’s 8MP, potentially capturing more detailed wide-angle shots.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: Includes a 2MP depth sensor, which can enhance portrait mode photos with better background blur.
- Noise Cancellation Microphone: Includes a noise cancellation microphone, enhancing call quality.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro Advantages:
- Brighter Display: 900 nits brightness offers much better visibility outdoors, especially in sunny conditions.
- Larger Battery: 500mAh larger battery capacity translates to longer battery life, an advantage for heavy users.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Has Bluetooth 5.2.
- Superior Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for superior screen protection.
- More Global Satellite System Support: Supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: This is a more practical location for a fingerprint sensor.
- Camera DxOMark Score: Has been evaluated by DxOMark and received scores for photo and video quality.
Significant Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9R sacrifices battery life and screen brightness for performance and slightly better video recording.
- Redmi Note 12 Pro sacrifices processing performance for better display brightness, a bigger battery, and slightly newer software.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9R - Ideal Users:
- Gamers: The Snapdragon 870 and Adreno 650 offer superior gaming performance and smooth visuals.
- Users who need a fast and responsive phone: The faster processor makes the phone much more responsive overall.
- Video Creators: Those who want higher frame rate and HDR video.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro - Ideal Users:
- Everyday Users: Those who need a reliable, all-around device for day to day use.
- Outdoor Users: The bright display is a great benefit for bright sunlight.
- Users who prioritize battery life: The larger battery capacity ensures the phone will last longer on a single charge.
- Users who value a quality camera: The Redmi Note 12 Pro has been tested by DxOMark and found to have good photo and video quality.
Specific Use Cases:
- OnePlus 9R: Playing graphic-intensive games like Genshin Impact, capturing fast-paced videos, heavy multitasking.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro: Streaming videos or movies on a sunny day, long days without access to a charger, taking photos, and basic everyday use.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize performance (gaming, multitasking) or battery life and display brightness?
- Do you take more photos or record more videos, and if videos, is frame rate important?
- How important is a brighter display for outdoor visibility?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming and Performance: If you are a gamer or need a phone that can handle demanding tasks, the OnePlus 9R is the better choice due to its superior processor and GPU.
- Scenario 2: All-Day Battery and Outdoor Use: If long battery life and a bright screen for outdoor visibility are crucial, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro is the more suitable option.
- Scenario 3: Balanced User: If you are looking for a balanced daily driver and want a combination of performance, camera quality and good display the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro is the better choice, although there is a slight performance drop.
- Scenario 4: Video Recording: If you record videos and want better frame rate, the OnePlus 9R would be the better choice.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro. While the OnePlus 9R boasts better performance, the Redmi Note 12 Pro offers a more compelling package for my needs. The brighter screen and larger battery are more practical advantages for my daily usage, making it more versatile. While the performance difference between the two is noticeable, the Redmi Note 12 Pro is more than capable for everyday usage. The Redmi Note 12 Pro also benefits from a newer Android version out of the box and better screen protection.
