The Sharp Aquos R9 and OnePlus 12R represent compelling options in a crowded mid-to-high range market. The R9 brings a newer generation Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 to the table, while the 12R leverages the proven power of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which device delivers the best value and performance for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the OnePlus 12R emerges as the stronger choice. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset provides a significant performance advantage, particularly in demanding tasks and gaming, and the 100W charging is a substantial convenience. While the Aquos R9 offers a newer chip, the 8 Gen 2's raw power and efficiency outweigh that advantage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, July 18 | 2024, January 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, September | Available. Released 2024, February 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frame, glass back |
| Dimensions | 156 x 75 x 8.9 mm (6.14 x 2.95 x 0.35 in) | 163.3 x 75.3 x 8.8 mm (6.43 x 2.96 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM | · Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time)· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 207 g (7.30 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~396 ppi density) | 1264 x 2780 pixels (~450 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 103.7 cm2 (~88.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.78 inches, 111.7 cm2 (~90.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PRO IGZO LTPO OLED, 240Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR, 1500 nits (HBM), 2000 nits (peak) | LTPO4 AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 1600 nits (HBM), 4500 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.8 GHz Cortex-X4 & 4x2.6 GHz Cortex-A720 & 3x1.9 GHz Cortex-A520) | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7675-AB Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 732 | Adreno 740 |
| OS | Android 14, up to 3 major Android upgrades | Android 14, up to 3 major Android upgrades, OxygenOS 15 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50.3 MP, f/1.9, 23mm (wide), 1/1.55", dual pixel PDAF, OIS
50.3 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 122˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.55", PDAF | - |
| Features | Leica lens, LED flash, HDR, panorama | Laser AF, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 112˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS, OIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 50.3 MP, f/2.2, 23mm (wide), 1/2.88", AF | 16 MP, f/2.4, 26mm (wide), 1/3", 1.0µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.4, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7 | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 100W wired, 100% in 26 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 5500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Snow White, Forest Green | Iron Gray, Cool Blue, Electric Violet, Sunset Dune |
| Models | SH-M28SG | CPH2609, CPH2585, CPH2611 |
| Price | About 550 EUR | € 410.84 / $ 399.95 / £ 649.00 |
| SAR | - | 1.19 W/kg (head) 0.82 W/kg (body) |
Sharp Aquos R9
- Potentially better thermal management with Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3
- May receive longer software support from Sharp
- Newer chipset architecture
- Lower overall performance compared to Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
- Limited camera information suggests a potential disadvantage
- Unknown battery capacity and charging speed
OnePlus 12R
- Significantly faster performance with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
- 100W fast charging (0-100% in 26 minutes)
- Bright 1181 nit display for excellent outdoor visibility
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 can run hotter under sustained load
- Software updates may be less frequent than Sharp
- Larger size and weight compared to potentially more compact R9
Display Comparison
The OnePlus 12R boasts a brighter display, reaching a measured 1181 nits, which translates to better visibility outdoors. While the Aquos R9’s display specifications are currently unavailable, OnePlus’s panel is likely to offer a more vibrant and easily viewable experience in bright conditions. Both devices utilize 4nm chipsets, which contribute to power efficiency and potentially better display performance without excessive heat generation. The 12R’s brightness advantage is particularly beneficial for HDR content consumption.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications for the Aquos R9, a direct comparison is limited. However, given the OnePlus 12R’s positioning, it likely features a more sophisticated camera system with larger sensors and advanced image processing. The 12R’s image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is significantly more capable than the ISP in the 7+ Gen 3, enabling better dynamic range, noise reduction, and overall image quality. We anticipate the 12R to excel in low-light photography and video recording. The absence of details on the R9’s camera setup suggests it may not compete directly in this area.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The OnePlus 12R’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (SM8550-AB) with its Cortex-X3 prime core clocked at 3.2 GHz, demonstrably outperforms the Aquos R9’s Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 (SM7675-AB) and its Cortex-X4 core at 2.8 GHz. The 8 Gen 2’s architecture, featuring 2x Cortex-A715 and 2x Cortex-A710 cores alongside 3x Cortex-A510, provides a broader performance profile than the R9’s 4x Cortex-A720 and 3x Cortex-A520 configuration. This translates to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and higher frame rates in graphically intensive games. The 4nm process node is shared, but the 8 Gen 2’s larger cache and more powerful GPU give it a clear edge.
Battery Life
The OnePlus 12R shines with its 100W wired charging, achieving a full charge in just 26 minutes. While the Aquos R9’s battery capacity is unknown, the 12R’s active use score of 14:32h demonstrates excellent real-world battery life. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2’s efficiency, combined with OnePlus’s software optimizations, contributes to this impressive endurance. The 100W charging is a game-changer for users who prioritize minimizing downtime, offering a significant advantage over slower charging solutions.
Buying Guide
Buy the Sharp Aquos R9 if you prioritize a potentially cooler running experience under sustained load due to the 7+ Gen 3's efficiency, and are seeking a device that may receive longer software support given Sharp's history. Buy the OnePlus 12R if you demand top-tier performance for gaming and multitasking, value incredibly fast 100W charging, and appreciate a proven track record of software optimization.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 in the Aquos R9 struggle with demanding games like Genshin Impact?
While the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 is a capable chip, it will likely require lower graphics settings and may exhibit frame drops in graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the OnePlus 12R. The 8 Gen 2’s Adreno GPU is significantly more powerful.
❓ How does the 100W charging on the OnePlus 12R compare to standard fast charging?
100W charging is substantially faster than typical fast charging solutions. The OnePlus 12R can go from 0% to 100% in just 26 minutes, whereas standard fast charging often takes over an hour. This is a significant convenience for users who need to quickly top up their battery.
❓ Is the difference in CPU architecture between the Cortex-X3 and Cortex-X4 cores in these phones noticeable in everyday use?
The Cortex-X3 in the OnePlus 12R generally offers a performance advantage over the Cortex-X4 in the Aquos R9, but the difference isn't always dramatically noticeable in basic tasks like browsing or social media. The benefit becomes more apparent in demanding applications and multitasking scenarios.
