OnePlus 12R Review: An Affordable Flagship Killer with major Upgrades

By Manish Sharma

Published on:

OnePlus 12R

Introduction

The OnePlus 12R has generated a lot of attention as a cheap flagship smartphone that offers considerable improvements in various of categories.

Priced at INR 40,000 ($500) for the 8GB/128GB variant and INR 46,000 ($600) for the 16GB/256GB option, it competes with capable devices in its price range.

Through this review, we will explore the design, performance, camera quality, battery life, and more to determine if the OnePlus 12R lives up to its “flagship killer” reputation.

Design and Build Quality

The OnePlus 12R comes with a premium design with a glass back, rounded camera module, and tactile buttons. It features a glass sandwich design with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection on the front.

The curved edges on the back make it easy to grip the larger 6.78-inch display. However, it’s advised to use the included cover because the glass back can feel slick and attract fingerprints.

The Alert Slider has been moved to the left side, offering improved accessibility.

Display

One of the most notable aspects of the OnePlus 12R is its great display. The device sports a 6.78-inch LTPO OLED panel with vibrant colors and sharp visuals. This phone has a refresh rate of 120Hz, so that you can do any work smoothly.

It supports Dolby Vision and offers an immersive viewing experience. With its high brightness levels and HDR10+ support, the OnePlus 12R ensures optimal visibility even under harsh sunlight. Whether you’re streaming content or playing games, the display delivers impressive visuals.

Performance and Software

Powering the OnePlus 12R is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, which ensures smooth performance and responsiveness.

The device handles multitasking and graphically demanding games with easily, thanks to its 16GB of RAM. OxygenOS, based on Android 14, provides a clean and customizable user interface.

While the software experience is clean, it’s worth noting that OnePlus guarantees three years of OS updates and four years of security patches for the OnePlus 12R.

Camera Quality

The OnePlus 12R’s camera system offers impressive results, although it does have some limitations. The primary 50MP Sony IMX890 sensor captures detailed images with accurate colors, particularly in well-lit conditions.

The low-light performance is commendable, delivering well-balanced shots with minimal noise. However, the lack of a dedicated zoom lens and a lower-resolution ultrawide camera are noticeable drawbacks.

The 8MP ultra-wide sensor performs well in good lighting conditions but struggles in low light. The 2MP macro camera is average, providing limited functionality. On the front, the 16MP selfie camera captures detailed facial features with natural skin tones.

Battery Life and Charging

The OnePlus 12R boasts a massive 5,500mAh battery, offering exceptional battery life. On average, users can expect 8-9 hours of screen-on time, making it suitable for heavy usage.

The device supports 100W wired fast charging, allowing you to quickly recharge the battery. With the included charger, you can charge the OnePlus 12R from 0 to 100% in approximately 25 minutes. This feature is incredibly convenient, ensuring minimal downtime.

Alternatives and Competition

While the OnePlus 12R is a solid device, it faces competition from other smartphones in its price range. One noteworthy contender is the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, which offers a similar price point and additional features such as wireless charging and better water resistance.

Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 7a are also viable options, providing longer software support and impressive camera capabilities. The Nothing Phone (2) stands out with a more capable ultrawide lens and wireless charging. Xiaomi 13T Pro offers a more versatile camera system at a lower price point.

Pros and Cons

Pros of OnePlus 12R:

  • Excellent display with Dolby Vision support.
  • Class-leading battery life and super-fast charging.
  • Powerful performance with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset.
  • Superb photos from the main camera, especially in low light.

Cons of OnePlus 12R:

  • IP64 rating instead of submersion-grade IP67/IP68.
  • No wireless charging.
  • Lack of a dedicated zoom camera and low-resolution ultrawide camera.
  • Average daylight video quality and stabilization.

Verdict

The OnePlus 12R offers a compelling package for purchaser looking for an affordable flagship smartphone, with its solid performance, excellent display, and impressive battery life, it ticks many boxes for a flagship-level experience.

However, the camera system’s limitations, lack of wireless charging, and lower IP rating may deter some buyers. Finally, if camera versatility and water resistance are important to you, there are some other options to consider. Still, the OnePlus 12R remains a strong contender in the sub-40,000 INR price range.

Additional Information

Primary Keyword: OnePlus 12R review Secondary Keywords: affordable flagship smartphone, solid upgrades, design, display, performance, camera quality, battery life, charging, alternatives, pros and cons, verdict Tone of Voice: Informative, objective

Also read – Honor X9b 5G: The Ultimate Fusion of Speed, Performance, and Innovation

Also read – Realme 12 Pro Plus 5G : Best camera smartphone under 30k

Manish Sharma

Leave a Comment