The newly announced OnePlus 12 and Apple’s latest iPhone 15 represent the pinnacle of smartphone technology in 2024. As the newest flagships from their respective manufacturers, these devices showcase the most cutting-edge features and specs available today.
With powerful new processors, stunning displays, versatile camera systems and all-day battery life, the OnePlus 12 and iPhone 15 promise elite performance in sleek, premium designs. But which phone reigns supreme? We break down how these two smartphone heavyweights compare across all the key categories.
Specs and Hardware – Blazing Fast Chips Meet Gorgeous Displays
At the heart of the OnePlus 12 lies Qualcomm’s brand new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, while the iPhone 15 runs Apple’s latest homegrown A16 Bionic chip. Both chips utilize advanced 4nm manufacturing processes and deliver huge performance and efficiency gains over last year’s models.
In benchmarks, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 posts eye-watering numbers, easily outpacing the already blazing-fast A16. But Apple’s chipsets have always focused more on real-world speed than synthetic tests. Expect both phones to offer buttery smooth operation and effortless multitasking. You simply can’t go wrong performance-wise with either device.
The OnePlus 12 centers around a stunning 6.82-inch QHD+ LTPO OLED display with a butter-smooth 120Hz refresh rate. The screen stretches nearly edge-to-edge, with slim bezels all around. With up to 1600 nits max brightness and vibrant HDR, it’s a gorgeous canvas for videos, games and more.
Apple equips the iPhone 15 with a notched 6.1-inch OLED Super Retina XDR panel running at 60Hz. While not quite as immersive, the iPhone 15’s screen still impresses with vibrant colors, inky blacks and up to 2000 nits peak brightness. You’ll enjoy crisp, vivid visuals on either display.
In terms of design, the OnePlus 12 adopts an attractive yet understated look, with a glass back and metal frame. The iPhone 15 represents a classic iPhone aesthetic with flat sides, prominent rear cameras and a range of fun colors to choose from. Both deliver premium style and solid construction.
With up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage on the OnePlus 12 versus a maximum 6GB RAM and 512GB storage on the iPhone 15, power users may prefer the former’s headroom. But both offer more than enough horsepower for most.
Cameras – Versatile Pro Photography Tools
OnePlus partnered with legendary camera company Hasselblad to develop the OnePlus 12’s triple camera array, led by a 50MP main cam. This is joined by a 48MP ultrawide lens and 64MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom. Meanwhile, the iPhone 15 packs dual 12MP wide and ultrawide shooters.
In ideal lighting, both phones capture crisp, vivid, highly detailed shots. But the OnePlus 12’s advanced sensors and Hasselblad tuning enable superior dynamic range and natural color reproduction. Zooming in further, the OnePlus 12 maintains clarity much better thanks to its dedicated telephoto.
Apple’s market-leading image processing plays a key role in keeping the iPhone 15 close in lower light. Night photography remains excellent on both devices. Video recording is similarly strong across the board, with smooth stabilization at up to 8K resolution.
If pressed to choose a winner, the OnePlus 12’s more flexible triple camera array gives it the edge for enthusiasts. But the iPhone 15 still impresses with its dual lenses. Either device handles mobile photography duties with aplomb.
Battery and Charging – All-Day Life With Blazing Fast Charging
The OnePlus 12 packs a large 5,400 mAh battery along with an incredible 100W wired charging. Using OnePlus’ proprietary charging technology, the phone can go from 0 to 100% power in just 26 minutes. 50W wireless charging gets you a full top-up in 55 minutes.
While the iPhone 15’s smaller 3,349 mAh battery understandably doesn’t last as long, iOS optimizations let it still comfortably deliver a full day of use. Charging is far slower than the OnePlus 12 at just 20W wired and 15W wireless via MagSafe. 30 minutes on a 20W brick gets you around 50% charge.
Both phones offer reverse wireless charging to power up accessories at 10W and 4.5W speeds respectively. If you want the maximum battery endurance and fastest charging, OnePlus has a commanding lead. But the iPhone 15 offers solid battery life by flagship standards.
Software – OxygenOS vs iOS Ecosystems
The OnePlus 12 runs OxygenOS, OnePlus’ refined take on Android 14. Known for its clean, near stock UI and abundance of customization options, OxygenOS caters to Android purists. Apple’s iOS 17 software on the iPhone 15 takes a different approach, offering deep integration with Apple’s ecosystem of devices and services.
Both platforms offer excellent app support and intuitive interfaces. But iOS’ cohesive ecosystem appeals most to invested Apple users. The seamless continuity features between products like iPhones, iPads and Macs have no direct parallel on Android. If you live fully in Apple’s walled garden, the iPhone 15 provides the best experience.
More neutral users or longtime Android fans may appreciate OxygenOS’ greater flexibility and open platform. But you can’t go wrong with either phone’s software. Both OxygenOS and iOS are polished and user friendly.
Pricing and Value – A Tight Race
The OnePlus 12 starts from $799 for 12GB/256GB, going up to $899 for the maxed out 16GB/512GB configuration. Only two variants are offered. The iPhone 15 runs $799, $899 and $1,099 for 128GB, 256GB and 512GB models respectively. More color options are available on the iPhone 15, but both feature premium designs.
At equivalent storage tiers, the OnePlus 12 does cost less than the iPhone 15. Factor in the faster charging, higher refresh rate display and more versatile camera, and the OnePlus 12 likely provides better value for money overall.
However, if you are already deeply embedded in Apple’s ecosystem, need iOS for specific apps, or simply prefer the iPhone experience, the added benefits of the OnePlus 12 may not outweigh switching costs. For Apple loyalists, the iPhone 15 remains a terrific choice that refines the tried and true iPhone formula.
The Bottom Line
The OnePlus 12 and iPhone 15 both represent the pinnacle of smartphone engineering in late 2024. These Android and iOS flagships push the envelope with blistering speed, fantastic cameras and long battery life. Neither device has any true weaknesses.
But if choosing strictly based on the specs, the OnePlus 12 holds a slight edge. With a more well-rounded camera system, stunning high refresh display, and insanely fast charging, the OnePlus 12 offers more features and versatility for the money compared to Apple’s latest. Yet for iOS devotees who live their digital lives within Apple’s walled garden, the iPhone 15 provides the most cohesive experience.
Both phones are sure to delight users with their gorgeous designs, excellent performance and long update support. You can buy either smartphone with confidence. The OnePlus 12 caters best to specification-driven users not locked into any particular ecosystem. But make no mistake – the iPhone 15 remains an outstanding mobile flagship in its own right.
