The OnePlus 12R has entered the highly competitive mid-range smartphone market, boasting flagship-like features at a relatively affordable price. With its powerful hardware and sleek design, it’s drawing attention from both tech enthusiasts and everyday users. In this review, we’ll dive deep into the key aspects, comparing it to competitors and providing a comprehensive analysis to help you decide if this device is the right choice for you.
Overview of OnePlus 12R
The OnePlus 12R continues the brand’s legacy of offering high-performance devices at a mid-range price. Equipped with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and a vibrant AMOLED display, the 12R is designed to handle everything from gaming to everyday multitasking. With fast charging capabilities, a versatile camera system, and OxygenOS 14 based on Android 14, the phone promises to provide a smooth and feature-rich experience.
Key features of the OnePlus 12R
- Display: 6.7-inch 120Hz AMOLED, 1.5K resolution
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
- RAM & Storage: 12GB/16GB RAM, 256GB storage
- Battery: 5,500mAh with 100W SuperVOOC charging
- Cameras: 50MP main, 8MP ultrawide, 16MP selfie
- Operating System: OxygenOS 14 based on Android 14
- Other: 5G support, in-display fingerprint sensor
OnePlus 12R Pros and Cons
Before we dive deeper, here’s a quick look at the strengths and weaknesses.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Flagship-level performance with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | No official IP rating for water resistance |
| Vibrant AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate | Lacks wireless charging |
| Fast 100W charging | No expandable storage |
| Impressive camera setup with strong low-light performance | Slightly bulky at 205g |
This excels in delivering powerful performance and a great user experience, but there are a few trade-offs that may affect some users.
In-Depth Analysis of OnePlus 12R
Design
The OnePlus 12R maintains the sleek, modern aesthetic this devices are known for. Its glass back and aluminum frame feel premium in hand, though at 205g, it’s on the heavier side. The curved edges and matte finish make it comfortable to hold, while the minimalist camera bump at the back adds a touch of elegance. However, the lack of an official IP rating for water and dust resistance is a slight letdown, especially for those expecting a more durable device.
Display
One of the standout features of the OnePlus 12R is its 6.7-inch AMOLED display. The 120Hz refresh rate makes for a buttery smooth experience whether you’re scrolling, gaming, or watching videos. The 1.5K resolution is sharp, and colors are vivid without feeling oversaturated. Brightness levels are strong, even outdoors, making this display ideal for any environment. For media consumption, this easily competes with higher-end devices, offering a great visual experience.
Performance
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, the OnePlus 12R is built for speed and efficiency. Whether you’re running multiple apps, gaming, or streaming in high definition, this phone performs with minimal hiccups. The 12GB/16GB of RAM ensures smooth multitasking, and the UFS 4.0 storage provides fast read/write speeds. Benchmarks place this on par with flagship phones, which is impressive considering its price point. For gamers, the phone handles even demanding titles like Genshin Impact with ease, thanks to its cooling system that keeps thermals in check.
Camera Performance
The OnePlus 12R features a versatile camera setup that shines in most conditions. The 50MP main sensor delivers detailed, crisp photos in daylight and impressively handles low-light scenes thanks to its OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) and AI-enhanced processing. The 8MP ultrawide lens provides good results, though there is a noticeable drop in detail compared to the main sensor. The 16MP front-facing camera is more than capable of producing high-quality selfies, making it great for social media enthusiasts.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery performance is another area where this impresses. The 5,500mAh battery easily lasts a full day, even with heavy usage. The 100W SuperVOOC charging is a game-changer, fully charging the device in under 30 minutes. While the absence of wireless charging might disappoint some, the speed of wired charging more than makes up for it.
Software
OxygenOS 14 is a fluid, customizable operating system based on Android 14, and it continues to deliver a near-stock Android experience. With minimal bloatware and a variety of customization options, the software feels polished and easy to navigate. Regular updates from OnePlus ensure that the device stays secure and up-to-date with the latest Android features.
OnePlus 12R Comparison
When compared to competitors like the Google Pixel 7 and Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, the OnePlus 12R holds its ground admirably, especially considering its price. Below is a comparison between these devices:
| Feature | OnePlus 12R | Google Pixel 7 | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Tensor G2 | Exynos 2200 |
| Display | 6.7” AMOLED, 120Hz | 6.3” OLED, 90Hz | 6.4” AMOLED, 120Hz |
| Battery | 5,500mAh | 4,355mAh | 4,500mAh |
| Camera | 50MP main, 8MP ultrawide | 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide | 50MP main, 8MP ultrawide |
| Charging | 100W wired | 30W wired | 25W wired, wireless |
This outshines both in terms of charging speed and battery capacity, making it ideal for heavy users. However, the Google Pixel 7 might appeal to those looking for superior camera software, and the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE offers a more compact design with wireless charging.
Conclusion
The OnePlus 12R is a strong contender in the mid-range flagship category, offering a balance of performance, display quality, and fast charging. While it lacks some premium features like wireless charging and an IP rating, it more than compensates with its affordable price and excellent hardware. For users seeking a phone that can handle high-performance tasks without breaking the bank, this is a fantastic choice.
OnePlus 12R Rating
This delivers excellent value for its price. With solid performance, a stunning display, and fast charging, it earns a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Minor downsides like the lack of wireless charging prevent it from getting a perfect score, but it’s a top-tier option for mid-range buyers.
FAQ
What is the main advantage of the OnePlus 12R over its competitors?
The main advantage is its fast 100W charging and larger battery, which outpaces most other mid-range competitors in terms of charging speed and longevity.
Does the OnePlus 12R support 5G?
Yes, it supports 5G connectivity, ensuring fast internet speeds in areas with 5G coverage.
How is the camera performance of the OnePlus 12R in low-light conditions?
The OnePlus 12R’s 50MP main camera performs well in low-light conditions, thanks to OIS and AI-enhanced processing that helps capture clear and detailed photos.
Resources
- OnePlus Community. OnePlus 12R review thread.
- Yugatech. OnePlus 12R review.
- Sypnotix. OnePlus 12R detailed review.
- YouTube. OnePlus 12R video review.
- X (formerly Twitter). Ishan Agarwal’s OnePlus 12R insights.
Brijesh Gohil is the founder of Tech Brij, A popular Tech Blog which is focused on Tech tips & Buying Guides. You can follow him on Facebook, Twitter, Google + & LinkedIn.