The OnePlus 9RT 5G and vivo S12 represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range smartphone market. While both aim to deliver a smooth user experience, they take distinctly different approaches to achieving it. The 9RT leverages Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 888, a flagship-level chipset from the previous generation, while the S12 opts for MediaTek’s Dimensity 1100. This comparison will dissect the implications of these chipset choices, alongside battery, charging, and overall value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing raw performance and faster charging, the OnePlus 9RT 5G is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 888 offers a significant performance uplift, and the 65W charging is substantially quicker than the vivo S12’s 44W. However, the S12 remains a strong contender for those seeking a balanced experience with a focus on efficiency.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - Global |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 78 SA/NSA - Global |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/200 Mbps, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, December 22 | 2021, October 13 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, December 30 | Available. Released 2021, October 19 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 157.2 x 72.4 x 7.4 or 7.6 mm | 162.2 x 74.6 x 8.3 mm (6.39 x 2.94 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 179 g or 181 g (6.31 oz) | 198.5 g (7.02 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~397 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.44 inches, 100.1 cm2 (~88.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.62 inches, 106.3 cm2 (~87.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+ | AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+ |
| | - | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 1100 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G77 MC9 | Adreno 660 |
| OS | Android 11, OriginOS Ocean | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, OxygenOS 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| | UFS 3.1 | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 44 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF
8 MP, f/2.3, 105˚ (ultrawide) | - |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56”, 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS
16 MP, f/2.2, 14mm, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.6", 1.0µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Triple | 108 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.52", PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, Auto HDR, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Dual | 44 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF
8 MP, f/2.3, 105˚ (ultrawide) | - |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | HDR |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a) |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 44W wired | 65W wired, 100% in 29 min |
| Type | 4200 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Yellow | Hacker Black, Nano Silver, Blue |
| Models | V2162A | MT2110, MT2111 |
| Price | About 390 EUR | About 590 EUR |
vivo S12
- Significantly faster processor (Snapdragon 888)
- Much faster charging (65W)
- Potentially better camera image processing
- Snapdragon 888 can run hotter under sustained load
- Potentially higher power consumption
OnePlus 9RT 5G
- More power-efficient processor (Dimensity 1100)
- Balanced performance for everyday tasks
- Competitive price point
- Slower charging speed (44W)
- Less powerful processor for demanding games
Display Comparison
While specific display specs aren't provided, both phones likely feature AMOLED panels common in this price bracket. However, the core difference lies beneath the surface. The OnePlus 9RT, given its positioning, likely boasts a higher peak brightness and potentially a 120Hz refresh rate compared to the S12. The Dimensity 1100’s ISP capabilities are strong, but the Snapdragon 888’s image signal processor (ISP) is generally considered superior, potentially leading to better dynamic range and color accuracy in photos and videos. Bezels are likely comparable, with both aiming for a modern, immersive viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to make definitive claims. However, the Snapdragon 888’s ISP in the OnePlus 9RT 5G offers more advanced image processing capabilities, including better noise reduction and dynamic range. The 9RT likely benefits from a more sophisticated camera system overall, potentially including optical image stabilization (OIS) on the main sensor. While the vivo S12’s camera is likely capable, the Snapdragon 888’s processing power gives the 9RT an advantage in challenging lighting conditions and complex scenes. We can assume both phones will feature multiple lenses, but the 9RT’s image quality will likely be more consistent.
Performance
The Snapdragon 888 (5nm) in the OnePlus 9RT 5G represents a substantial leap in performance over the Dimensity 1100 (6nm) found in the vivo S12. The Snapdragon 888’s Cortex-X1 prime core, clocked at 2.84 GHz, provides a significant advantage in single-core tasks, while its Adreno 660 GPU delivers superior graphics performance. The Dimensity 1100 is no slouch, but the Snapdragon 888’s more advanced architecture and smaller fabrication node translate to higher sustained performance and potentially better thermal management, though the 888 is known to run hot. The 9RT’s likely use of LPDDR5 RAM further enhances its performance edge.
Battery Life
The OnePlus 9RT 5G’s 65W charging is a game-changer, promising a full charge in just 29 minutes. This significantly outperforms the vivo S12’s 44W charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging speed of the 9RT mitigates any potential disadvantage from a slightly smaller battery. The Snapdragon 888 is known to be more power-hungry than the Dimensity 1100, but the 9RT’s faster charging and optimized software likely offset this difference, providing comparable real-world battery life for most users.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo S12 if you need a well-rounded device with a focus on efficient performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. It’s ideal for users who value a balanced experience and aren’t pushing the phone to its absolute limits. Buy the OnePlus 9RT 5G if you prefer a more powerful processor for demanding games, multitasking, and future-proofing, and if you prioritize the convenience of extremely fast charging. This is the phone for power users and mobile gamers.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Snapdragon 888 in the OnePlus 9RT 5G prone to overheating during extended gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 888 is known to generate more heat than some other chipsets. However, OnePlus typically implements robust thermal management solutions, including vapor chamber cooling, to mitigate throttling. While some heat is expected during prolonged gaming, the 9RT should maintain acceptable performance levels.
❓ Does the vivo S12 have enough processing power to run demanding games like PUBG Mobile at high frame rates?
The Dimensity 1100 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at high settings, but you may need to lower the graphics settings to maintain a consistently smooth frame rate, especially during intense firefights. It won't deliver the same level of sustained performance as the Snapdragon 888 in the OnePlus 9RT 5G.
❓ How does the 44W charging on the vivo S12 compare to other phones in its price range?
44W charging is respectable for a mid-range phone, but it's slower than the 65W charging found on the OnePlus 9RT 5G and many other competing devices. Expect a full charge to take around 60-75 minutes with the vivo S12.
