1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161 × 74.1 × 8.4 mm | 162.9 × 76 × 8.9 mm | The Xiaomi is slightly larger and bulkier, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 189g | 208.4g | The OnePlus is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for long periods of usage. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.67" | The Xiaomi offers a slightly larger viewing area, potentially better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness; both offer good detail for everyday use. |
| PPI | 402 | 395 | Virtually indistinguishable; both screens are very sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; virtually the same visual experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both screens offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 900 nits | The Xiaomi will be far more visible outdoors in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6 nm) | The OnePlus is expected to handle more demanding tasks and games more smoothly. |
| Antutu Score | 821,600 | 573,100 | The OnePlus is significantly faster in benchmarks, indicating snappier performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G68 MC4 | The OnePlus GPU offers superior graphics performance, especially in gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 200MP | The Xiaomi captures much more detail and allows for more cropping, potentially at the cost of file size |
| Rear Main Camera Aperture | f/1.7 | f/1.65 | The Xiaomi gathers slightly more light, improving low-light performance. |
| Rear Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/1.4" | The Xiaomi’s larger sensor captures more light, resulting in better low-light photos |
| Front Camera Resolution | 16MP | 16MP | Similar front-camera resolution for selfies. |
| Front Camera Aperture | f/2.4 | f/2.45 | Very similar light-gathering ability. |
| Wide Angle Camera Resolution | 16MP | 8MP | The OnePlus wide-angle captures more detail in landscape shots. |
| Wide Angle Camera Sensor Size | 1/3.09" | 1/2.8" | The Xiaomi's larger sensor may perform slightly better in low light wide-angle situations. |
| Portrait Mode Camera | 2MP | No | The OnePlus has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Macro Camera Resolution | 5MP | 2MP | The OnePlus may capture more detailed macro shots. |
| Video Recording | 4K@60fps with HDR, EIS, etc. | 4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps, 720p@960fps, etc. | Both offer good video capabilities, but the OnePlus offers a higher framerate for 4k, whilst Xiaomi gives the higher framerate at lower resolutions. |
| DXOMark Score | Not Tested | 113 | The Xiaomi has been tested and has a solid camera performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | The Xiaomi is likely to last longer on a single charge. |
| Charging | 65W | 120W | The Xiaomi recharges much faster; greatly reducing downtime. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 13) | Android 12 (upgradable to 14) | The Xiaomi comes with a more recent OS out of the box and can be updated for longer. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both are modern with fast WiFi capabilities. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Xiaomi has a newer, but only slightly better, Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | More Satellite Systems | Less Satellite Systems | The OnePlus should be slightly more accurate with its location. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 128/256GB | Both offer similar storage options, allowing flexibility for different needs. |
| RAM | 8/12GB | 8/12GB | Both are great for multitasking and running heavy applications. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither allow for expandable storage, so the chosen configuration is crucial. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise Cancellation | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | The Xiaomi offers a higher quality audio experience due to Hi-Res audio and the OnePlus offers better phone call quality due to noise cancellation. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor | The Xiaomi offers a more convenient fingerprint scanner placement |
| Build | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass 5 | The Xiaomi has more robust screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Both feature a full set of sensors for common and advanced functions |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9R Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 870 chipset provides faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance compared to the Dimensity 1080.
- Better Gaming: With the better GPU, the Adreno 650 provides enhanced graphics in games, which means higher fidelity graphics and higher frame rates in demanding games.
- Lighter Build: The lighter weight of the OnePlus 9R makes it more comfortable for prolonged use and single-handed usage.
- Better Wide-Angle Photos: The 16MP wide-angle lens can capture more detailed landscape shots.
- 4K60FPS video recording: Provides higher quality video capture than 4K30FPS
- More GPS satellite support: For more accurate GPS and navigation
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ Advantages:
- Significantly Better Display Brightness: 900 nits provides much better outdoor visibility, especially in bright sunlight.
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery provides longer battery life for extended usage.
- Much Faster Charging: The 120W charging will significantly reduce charging times and downtime.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: The 200MP camera captures much more detail and allows for more post-processing options.
- Better Low-Light Photos: Larger camera sensor captures more light for less noisy images.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Offers a more convenient and intuitive way to unlock the device.
- More Screen Protection: The Corning Gorilla Glass 5 offers more resistance to scratches and drops.
- Newer Android OS: Android 12 out of the box allows for a more modern OS and has better upgradeability.
- Better Audio Quality Hi-Res audio for superior music playback.
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9R: Sacrifices battery life, display brightness, camera resolution and charging speed for better performance and a lighter design.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+: Trades some raw performance, wide-angle resolution, and weight for faster charging, better low-light camera performance, and a brighter screen.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9R - Ideal User:
- Gamers: Who need the best performance and graphics, and who will benefit from the lighter design for longer gaming sessions.
- Power Users: Who need snappy performance, smooth multitasking, and value faster app loading times.
- Users preferring a lighter, more comfortable phone those who prioritise weight over maximum battery life, or may be looking for one-handed use.
Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming with graphically demanding titles.
- Seamless multitasking between multiple apps, such as email, social media, and productivity apps.
- Recording and editing videos on the go, taking advantage of its 4K 60fps capability.
- Those who prefer not to charge as often, but do not have much downtime to rapidly charge.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ - Ideal User:
- Photographers: Who value a high-resolution camera for detailed photos, especially in low-light conditions.
- Media Consumers: Who prioritize display brightness for outdoor usage and a large battery for media consumption.
- Users who want faster charging Who value rapid charging for quickly topping up the battery throughout the day.
- Users who prefer a more modern device: Who prefer a more up-to-date OS out of the box, as well as better upgradeability.
Use Cases:
- Capturing detailed photos and videos in various lighting conditions
- Long hours of watching video and playing less demanding games.
- Outdoor use in bright sunlight where screen visibility is crucial.
- Users that need to quickly top-up their battery and get back to using their device.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (Gaming, photography, media, daily usage)
- How important is battery life and charging speed to you? (Do you need all-day battery life, or do you have frequent access to power?)
- What is more important, raw performance or screen brightness and camera quality? (Do you prioritise gaming performance, or a brighter screen with better photos in low light?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming and Performance Focused: If you are a hardcore gamer or need the absolute best performance for demanding apps, choose the OnePlus 9R for its superior chipset, GPU, and lighter design.
- Scenario 2: Photography and Media Consumption: If you want a high-resolution camera, good low-light performance, and prioritize screen brightness for outdoor visibility and long battery life, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is the better choice.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Everyday Use: If you want a good balance of performance, decent battery life, and value a brighter screen, faster charging and more up-to-date OS the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ might be a better choice.
Personal Choice
Personally, I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+. While the OnePlus 9R offers better performance, the practical benefits of the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ are more aligned with my daily usage. The significantly brighter screen, especially during outdoor use, is a crucial factor. The larger battery and much faster charging are significant advantages that would make my life easier. Additionally, the higher-resolution camera and better low-light performance are attractive features for my photography needs. Although the OnePlus 9R's better performance is tempting, the slightly smoother user experience does not justify the sacrifice in the other areas for my personal needs. The newer Android OS version, alongside the promise of more upgrades, is also an important consideration for the long-term usability of the device. Finally, while the device is a little heavier, it is not enough of a difference to discourage me from choosing the Redmi Note 12 Pro+.
