Google Pixel 9 • Unlocked vs OnePlus 12 • Unlocked

The Google Pixel 9, released in August 2024, and the OnePlus 12, which saw its global launch in January 2024, represent distinct approaches to the premium Android smartphone experience. Both devices operate on the Android platform, offering users a modern interface and access to a vast ecosystem of applications. The Pixel 9 emphasizes Google's advanced computational photography and deep software integration, while the OnePlus 12 focuses on raw performance, rapid charging capabilities, and a versatile camera system tuned in collaboration with Hasselblad.

When considering the long-term usability of a smartphone, factors such as software support and physical durability are key. The Pixel 9 and OnePlus 12 offer different commitments in these areas.

• Software Longevity: The Google Pixel 9 is designed for extended use, offering seven years of operating system and security updates from its release. This commitment ensures the device remains current with the latest Android features and security protocols for a significant period. In contrast, the OnePlus 12 provides four years of major Android updates and an additional year of security patches, totaling five years of support.
• Build and Protection: Both devices incorporate robust materials for daily use. The Pixel 9 features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for screen protection and utilizes 100% recycled aluminum in its construction. The OnePlus 12 also uses Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for its display, contributing to its resilience against scratches and drops.
• Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing the longest possible software support will find the Pixel 9's seven-year update policy particularly appealing. The OnePlus 12, while offering a shorter update cycle, is built to maintain fast and smooth performance over its supported lifespan, as indicated by stress tests.

The performance of a smartphone is largely determined by its internal components, influencing everything from app responsiveness to gaming experiences and battery endurance. The Pixel 9 and OnePlus 12 employ different strategies to deliver their capabilities.

• Processing Power: The Google Pixel 9 is powered by Google's Tensor G4 processor, which is optimized for artificial intelligence tasks and seamless integration with Google's software ecosystem. This results in efficient handling of daily applications, smooth multitasking, and enhanced on-device AI features. The OnePlus 12 features a current-generation Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform, known for its high raw processing power, which translates to exceptionally fluid performance in demanding applications and graphics-intensive games.
• Battery and Charging: The Pixel 9 is equipped with a 4700 mAh battery, designed to provide over 24 hours of typical use, extending up to 100 hours with Extreme Battery Saver. It supports wired charging up to 45W, capable of reaching approximately 55% charge in 30 minutes with a compatible charger, and also includes wireless charging. The OnePlus 12 houses a larger 5400 mAh battery, offering substantial endurance. It supports 100W wired SuperVOOC charging, allowing a full charge in about 26 to 35 minutes, and 50W wireless AirVOOC charging.
• Memory and Storage: Both devices offer ample memory and storage configurations to suit various user needs. The Pixel 9 comes with 12GB of RAM and storage options of 128GB or 256GB. The OnePlus 12 is available with 12GB or 16GB of RAM and storage options of 256GB or 512GB, with some regions offering a 24GB RAM and 1TB storage variant.

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both the Pixel 9 and OnePlus 12 offer high-quality viewing experiences with distinct characteristics.

• Display Technology and Resolution: The Google Pixel 9 features a 6.3-inch Actua OLED display with a resolution of 1080x2424 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 422 PPI. The OnePlus 12 boasts a larger 6.82-inch ProXDR LTPO AMOLED display with a higher 3168 x 1440 (2K) resolution, providing a sharper image at 510 PPI.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Pixel 9's display can reach up to 1800 nits for HDR content and a peak brightness of 2700 nits in outdoor conditions. It offers a refresh rate that switches between 60Hz and 120Hz, though it does not feature LTPO technology for granular dynamic adjustment. The OnePlus 12's display offers a high brightness mode of 1600 nits and an impressive peak brightness of 4500 nits. Its LTPO technology allows for a dynamic refresh rate ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz, optimizing smoothness and power efficiency.
• Eye Comfort and Protection: Both phones prioritize display durability with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2. The OnePlus 12 incorporates a high 2160Hz PWM frequency, which can contribute to reduced eye strain for sensitive users. The Pixel 9 has a PWM frequency of 240Hz.

Both the Google Pixel 9 and OnePlus 12 offer advanced camera systems, each with unique strengths and features designed to capture high-quality photos and videos.

• Rear Camera Systems: The Google Pixel 9 features a dual-camera setup on the rear, including a 50MP wide main camera with a large 1/1.31-inch sensor and optical image stabilization (OIS), alongside a 48MP ultrawide camera with autofocus and macro focus capabilities. The OnePlus 12 boasts a triple-camera system developed in collaboration with Hasselblad. It includes a 50MP main camera with a Sony LYT-808 sensor and OIS, a 64MP periscope telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom and 6x in-sensor zoom with OIS, and a 48MP ultrawide camera.
• Photography Features: The Pixel 9 leverages Google's renowned computational photography for features like Super Res Zoom up to 8x, Night Sight for low-light conditions, Astrophotography, and various AI-enhanced editing tools. The OnePlus 12 benefits from Hasselblad's color science, offering a Master Mode that allows for fine-tuning of saturation, contrast, and sharpness, aiming for natural and vibrant colors. Its telephoto lens is particularly noted for its versatility.
• Video and Audio: The Pixel 9 supports 4K 60fps video recording and includes features like Audio Magic Eraser and various video stabilization modes. The OnePlus 12 offers video recording up to 8K at 24fps and 4K at 30/60fps, with gyro-EIS and Dolby Vision support. Both devices generally provide good speaker output and microphone quality for calls and media consumption. Users have noted the OnePlus 12's speakers are loud and clear.