1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161 × 74.1 × 8.4 mm | 159.9 × 73.9 × 8.1 mm | OnePlus 9R is slightly taller and thicker; Redmi Note 12S is more compact. Slight difference in hand feel. |
| Weight | 189g | 176g | Redmi Note 12S is lighter, which may be more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.43" | OnePlus 9R has a slightly larger screen, beneficial for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same sharpness; screen details will appear nearly identical. |
| PPI | 402 | 409 | Both are very sharp, indistinguishable pixel density at typical viewing distances. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | OnePlus 9R offers smoother scrolling and animations, noticeable when navigating the UI and playing games. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1000 nits | Redmi Note 12S is significantly brighter, better for outdoor visibility under sunlight; OnePlus 9R brightness unknown. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Mediatek Helio G96 (12 nm) | OnePlus 9R's chipset offers significantly better performance for gaming and demanding apps; faster overall. |
| Antutu Score | 821,600 | 412,400 | OnePlus 9R scores much higher, showing faster app loading and smoother multitasking performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G57 MC2 | OnePlus 9R has a more powerful GPU that provides better gaming performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Redmi Note 12S has a larger battery, likely offering longer battery life per charge. |
| Charging | 65W fast charging | 33W fast charging | OnePlus 9R charges much faster, resulting in less time plugged in. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Redmi Note 12S can act as a power bank for other devices. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 1/2" Sony IMX586 | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.52" Samsung S5KHM2 | Redmi Note 12S captures higher resolution images; OnePlus 9R has a wider aperture. Different image processing. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" Sony IMX471 | 16MP, f/2.4, Unspecified | Both offer similar selfie quality. |
| Wide Angle | 16MP, f/2.2, 1/3.09" Sony IMX481 | 8MP, f/2.2, Unspecified | OnePlus 9R has a higher resolution for wide-angle shots. |
| Portrait Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | Not Present | OnePlus 9R has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode. |
| Macro Camera | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | OnePlus 9R has slightly higher resolution for macro photography. |
| Video Recording | 4K@60fps with HDR, EIS | 1080p@30fps | OnePlus 9R records higher quality videos; supports 4K at 60fps which captures smooth and detailed videos. |
| Features | OIS, PDAF, RAW, 4K Video, Quad Camera | Night Mode, Triple Camera | OnePlus 9R has OIS for better image stabilization; Redmi Note 12S features Night Mode. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to 13 | Android 13 | Redmi Note 12S offers the latest Android version out-of-the-box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | OnePlus 9R supports newer, faster WiFi standard. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Redmi Note 12S offers newer Bluetooth standard. |
| GPS | L1+L5, B1, E1+E5a | Standard | OnePlus 9R provides more accurate GPS with more satellite support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 64 GB, 128 GB, or 256 GB | Both offer similar storage options. Redmi Note 12S also has 64GB Option. |
| RAM | 8 GB or 12 GB | 6 GB or 8 GB | OnePlus 9R has more RAM, beneficial for smoother multitasking and demanding apps. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation mic | Hi-Res Audio | OnePlus 9R has slightly better audio features overall for enhanced immersion. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Redmi Note 12S features a faster and more ergonomically placed fingerprint reader. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S uses superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Proximity | Yes | Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Both have a proximity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9R Advantages:
- Significantly Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 870 chipset offers much faster processing and graphics capabilities, which is crucial for gaming and demanding applications.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate results in smoother animations and scrolling experience.
- Superior Video Recording: 4K video recording at 60fps with HDR and EIS offers higher quality and more detailed videos.
- Better Camera Features: Optical image stabilization (OIS), PDAF, and additional lenses (including depth and higher-resolution wide-angle lens), provide more photography versatility.
- Faster Charging: 65W charging replenishes the battery much quicker, reducing downtime.
- More Accurate GPS: The inclusion of dual-band GPS and more satellite systems enhances location precision.
- Better Audio Quality: Dolby Atmos delivers enhanced spatial audio.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S Advantages:
- Brighter Display: 1000 nits brightness enhances outdoor visibility under sunlight.
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery provides longer battery life.
- Reverse Charging: The ability to charge other devices is useful in a pinch.
- Newer Android Version: Android 13 out-of-the-box provides the latest features and security updates.
- Superior Screen Protection: Uses Corning Gorilla Glass 3.
- More Ergonomic Fingerprint Sensor: Side-mounted fingerprint is faster and more convenient to access.
Trade-offs:
- The OnePlus 9R has significantly superior performance, but a smaller battery and unknown screen protection.
- The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S has better battery life and screen protection, but it sacrifices performance and video capabilities.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9R Ideal User:
- Gamers: Demanding games will run smoother with the powerful Snapdragon 870 and 120Hz display.
- Power Users: Those who multitask heavily and require fast performance for resource-intensive tasks will benefit significantly.
- Mobile Videographers: Users who value high-quality video recording capabilities for personal or professional use.
- Users who prefer Fast Charging: 65W charging provides more convenience.
- Users who want Better Audio: The inclusion of Dolby Atmos would make a big difference for immersive music listening.
Use Cases: Gaming, Video Editing, High-Resolution Video Recording, Heavy Multitasking, Fast Charging Experience
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S Ideal User:
- Everyday Users: Ideal for general daily tasks such as browsing, social media, and light app usage.
- Users Needing Long Battery Life: Those who need a phone that lasts all day without needing a recharge.
- Budget-Conscious Users: The Redmi Note 12S typically offers better value in the mid-range category.
- Users Frequently Under Sunlight: Its bright display ensures readability outdoors.
- Users that prefer Android 13 Out of the box: Offers the latest software enhancements and security.
Use Cases: Social Media, General Productivity, Media Consumption, Outdoor Use, Day-long Battery Life.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Performance Needs: Do you prioritize raw processing power and gaming performance over other aspects?
- Battery Life vs. Charging Speed: Do you prefer a phone with longer battery life or faster charging speed?
- Camera Priorities: Is higher video quality with OIS or higher resolution photos more important to you?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (High Performance): If you are a gamer or need to run demanding applications, the OnePlus 9R is the clear choice.
- Scenario 2 (Long Battery): If you prioritize all-day battery life and frequently use your phone outdoors, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S is better suited.
- Scenario 3 (Balanced User): If you need a balanced experience with a good display and modern features, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S presents good value, but note that it lags in performance.
- Scenario 4 (Better Video): If you want to record high quality videos the OnePlus 9R is a better choice since it records in 4k with OIS.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally pick the OnePlus 9R. While the Redmi Note 12S has a better battery and screen protection, the OnePlus 9R has a significantly faster processor, higher refresh rate and superior camera quality. As someone who values performance for gaming and appreciates higher video quality, these advantages would be more important to me than slightly longer battery life and newer software out of the box. The 65W fast charging on the OnePlus also negates the battery disadvantage to an extent. Overall, the OnePlus 9R provides the superior performance, camera features, and smoother experience, which align better with my priorities.
