Comparing iQOO Neo 9 Pro and OnePlus 12R: Which Is the Better Sub-Rs 40,000 Phone?

The iQOO Neo 9 Pro makes its Indian launch today, establishing itself as the next mid-range challenger with an introductory price of Rs 35,999. The smartphone aggressively says its performance capabilities by featuring Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC, which will be found in many top handsets in 2023. In this comparison, we'll look at the main differences between the iQOO Neo 9 Pro and another performance-focused smartphone in the class, the OnePlus 12R.

iQOO Neo 9 Pro vs OnePlus 12R: Specs & Price

Samrtphones	iQOO Neo 9 Pro	OnePlus 12R
Price	128GB 8GB RAM: ₹35,999, 256GB 8GB RAM: ₹36,999, 256GB 12GB RAM: ₹39,999	128GB 8GB RAM: ₹39,999, 256GB 16GB RAM: ₹45,999
Build	Glass front, glass back or silicone polymer back (eco leather), plastic frame	Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frame, glass back
Display	6.78 inches, LTPO AMOLED, 144Hz, HDR10+, 1400 nits (HBM), 3000 nits (peak)	6.78 inches, LTPO4 AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 1600 nits (HBM), 4500 nits (peak)
Processor	Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)	Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
GPU	Adreno 740	Adreno 740
OS	Android 14, FuntouchOS14	Android 14, OxygenOS 14
Camera	50 MP+8 MP	50 MP+8 MP+ 2MP
Selfie Camera	16 MP	16 MP
Battery	5160mAh	5500mAh
Charging	120W Wired	100W Wired
Antutu Score	1634527(v10)	1518552 (v10)
Storage & RAM	128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM	128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM

Design

The iQOO Neo 9 Pro features a new design that differs from its predecessor, the Neo 7 Pro. It has ditched the boxy camera layout in favor of two noticeable camera cutouts, while the Conqueror Black variant's rear cover is made of sleek plastic with a satin-like feel. This texture successfully removes fingerprint smudges. The Fiery-Red variation stands out with its eye-catching vegan leather finish. In terms of proportions, the black model has a sleek profile of 7.99mm, but the Fiery-Red variant is somewhat thicker at 8.34mm. Unfortunately, the device says goodbye to the headphone jack. On the positive side, it has an IP54 classification for water and dust protection.

In terms of design, the OnePlus 12R is quite similar to its previous version, the 11R, although with a few notable differences. The most noticeable change is the move of the alert slider to the left side of the device, while the volume controls are now located above the power button on the right side. The OnePlus 12R comes in two stunning colors: Cool Blue and Iron Grey, and has a unique appearance. The camera module, embellished with ridges, emits a watch-like charm, enhanced by a light blue tint that blends effortlessly with the device's overall appearance. The slightly curved edges improve the ergonomic feel and provide a pleasant grip. However, the Cool Blue variety is prone to fingerprint smudges and can readily slip off surfaces. Notably, the gadget has an IP64 grade for dust and water protection.

Display

The iQOO Neo 9 Pro features a 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a sharp resolution of 2,800 x 1,260 pixels (1.5K). With an adjustable refresh rate of up to 144Hz and a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, it delivers smooth pictures and rich colors even in bright lighting conditions. HDR10+ compatibility improves the streaming experience on OTT platforms, while wet touch technology allows for smooth usage with wet hands while preserving responsiveness.

On the other hand, the OnePlus 12R has a 6.78-inch curved AMOLED display with a refresh rate of 120 Hz. It has an LTPO 4.0 panel with a resolution of 2,780 x 1,264 (FHD+) and a peak brightness of 4,500 nits, resulting in breathtaking pictures with remarkable clarity. Users may now experience immersive entertainment streaming in HD across several platforms thanks to Dolby Vision and HDR10+. The OnePlus 12R, like the iQOO Neo 9 Pro, includes a wet touch display function that ensures consistent touch sensitivity even when using wet fingertips, owing to Processor calibration.

Cameras

The iQOO Neo 9 Pro features a 50MP Sony IMX920 primary camera and an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens, giving consumers a variety of photographic alternatives. It has a 16MP front camera for taking selfies and making video calls. The OnePlus 12R, on the other hand, features a 50MP Sony IMX890 main camera, as well as an 8MP ultra-wide lens and a 2MP macro camera for close-up images. The front-facing camera has a resolution of 16 MP.

In comparison, the OnePlus 12R includes an additional 2MP macro lens, and the iQOO Neo 9 Pro has a better Sony IMX920 main lens. This means that the iQOO Neo 9 Pro may have a higher overall camera performance, particularly in terms of image quality. Our exhaustive evaluations of the iQOO Neo 9 Pro and the OnePlus 12R provide a full examination of both smartphones' photography capabilities.

Performance and Software

The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset powers both the iQOO Neo 9 Pro and the OnePlus 12R, offering solid performance in both of hardware and software. However, there are significant variances in their memory and storage configurations. The iQOO Neo 9 Pro supports up to 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB of UFS 4.0 storage, whereas the OnePlus 12R supports 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage.

In terms of software, the iQOO Neo 9 Pro runs FuntouchOS 14 based on Android 14, while the OnePlus 12R runs OxygenOS 14, which is also based on Android 14.

In summary, while the iQOO Neo 9 Pro offers larger storage options, both devices should give comparable real-world performance. Because they both run Android 14 operating systems, the decision between them ultimately comes down to the user's desire for the user interface and other software capabilities.

Conclusion

Finally, the comparison of the iQOO Neo 9 Pro and the OnePlus 12R demonstrates that both smartphones have fascinating characteristics and performance. The iQOO Neo 9 Pro differentiates itself with an excellent camera arrangement that includes the Sony IMX920 main lens, as well as a superior storage option with up to 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB of UFS 4.0 storage. In contrast, the OnePlus 12R has a clean design, a brilliant display, and the well-optimized OxygenOS 14 user interface.

Ultimately, the choice between the two devices is based on your preferences and priorities. If camera performance and storage capacity are major priorities, the iQOO Neo 9 Pro may be the better alternative. However, for those who value a sleek appearance, smooth performance, and a familiar user experience, the OnePlus 12R is an attractive alternative.