Should You Upgrade from the OnePlus 9 to the OnePlus 12?
A spec-by-spec look at what actually changes when you move from the OnePlus 9 to the OnePlus 12, 3 years apart.
Yes — the OnePlus 12 is a worthwhile upgrade
The OnePlus 12 is 3 years newer than the OnePlus 9, and the BeastScore rises from 83.0 to 89.3. The biggest improvements: performance rated 5 points higher, camera rated 9 points higher, battery rated 10 points higher. Trade-offs to know: 37 g heavier, launched $70 more expensive.
What you gain with the OnePlus 12
- +Performance rated 5 points higher
- +Camera rated 9 points higher
- +Battery rated 10 points higher
- +Display rated 4 points higher
- +900 mAh bigger battery
- +35W faster wired charging
- +35W faster wireless charging
- +0.3" larger screen
- +3,400 nits brighter peak display
- +Higher-resolution main camera (+2 MP)
- +4 GB more RAM
What you give up
- −37 g heavier
- −Launched $70 more expensive
| Spec | OnePlus 9 | OnePlus 12 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| BeastScore (overall) | 83.0 | 89.3 | +6.3 (8%) |
| Performance score | 90 | 95 | +5 (6%) |
| Camera score | 82 | 91 | +9 (11%) |
| Battery score | 80 | 90 | +10 (13%) |
| Display score | 86 | 90 | +4 (5%) |
| Battery capacity | 4,500 mAh | 5,400 mAh | +900 mAh (20%) |
| Wired charging | 65W | 100W | +35W (54%) |
| Wireless charging | 15W | 50W | +35W (233%) |
| Screen size | 6.5" | 6.8" | +0.3" (4%) |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | No real change |
| Peak brightness | 1,100 nits | 4,500 nits | +3,400 nits (309%) |
| Main camera | 48 MP | 50 MP | +2 MP (4%) |
| RAM | 12 GB | 16 GB | +4 GB (33%) |
| Weight | 183 g | 220 g | +37 g (20%) |
| Launch price | $729 | $799 | +$70 (10%) |
Upgrade if…
- You regularly run out of battery before the end of the day
- Photo quality is a priority for you
- You play demanding games or want the newest on-device AI features
- You use your phone outdoors a lot and want a brighter, smoother screen
- Your OnePlus 9 is 3+ years old and its battery has worn down
OnePlus 9 vs OnePlus 12: Upgrade FAQ
Is it worth upgrading from the OnePlus 9 to the OnePlus 12?
Yes — the OnePlus 12 is a worthwhile upgrade. The OnePlus 12 is 3 years newer than the OnePlus 9, and the BeastScore rises from 83.0 to 89.3. The biggest improvements: performance rated 5 points higher, camera rated 9 points higher, battery rated 10 points higher. Trade-offs to know: 37 g heavier, launched $70 more expensive.
What is the biggest difference between the OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 12?
Performance rated 5 points higher: 90 on the OnePlus 9 vs 95 on the OnePlus 12.
Does the OnePlus 12 have a bigger battery than the OnePlus 9?
The OnePlus 12 has a 5,400 mAh battery versus 4,500 mAh on the OnePlus 9 (+900 mAh (20%)).
Who should upgrade to the OnePlus 12?
Upgrade if: You regularly run out of battery before the end of the day; Photo quality is a priority for you; You play demanding games or want the newest on-device AI features; You use your phone outdoors a lot and want a brighter, smoother screen; Your OnePlus 9 is 3+ years old and its battery has worn down.