OnePlus 12R
Verdict
A strong performer with streamlined performance and design, balancing features with value.
Key specs
Critic consensus
“The OnePlus 12R tries to distill the flagship OnePlus 12 experience into a more accessible price point. There are several glaring omissions in this process, but many strengths are retained as well.”
“The OnePlus 12R offers impressive battery life, high-speed charging, powerful performance, and an appealing display at an affordable price.”
“The OnePlus 12R's specsheet already revealed some of its key weaknesses. The lack of wireless charging and the IP rating that doesn't promise submersion survival will possibly disqualify it for some potential buyer. More limiting, we reckon, is the camera system that features a so-so ultrawide and is missing a zoom unit - that's the weak point that rivals can readily exploit. That said, stills performance is superb on the main camera and not half bad on the ultrawide, with both excelling in the dark - that's anything but a disappointing performance, if you don't particularly care for video. Add to that a wonderful display, class-leading battery life, and charging speed that's also among the best (in any class), and the 12R isn't looking too shabby, all things considered.”
“The OnePlus 12R is a sorely needed midrange contender in the US. It’s lacking some features you can find on its peers, like wireless charging and a beefier water resistance rating, but it brings enough to the table that it’s a legitimate alternative to the Pixel and Galaxy options.”
Testing & benchmarks
Watch before you decide
In Depth
Design
The OnePlus 12R features a striking design with a smooth glass back, available in Cool Blue and Iron Gray, giving it a high-end look.
Reviewers noted the glass back as a fingerprint magnet, especially in the Cool Blue variant. For those wanting less smudge, the Iron Gray offers better resistance.
Its aluminum frame adds durability, making it feel premium in hand. Its weight distribution enhances grip, but some users may find the larger size challenging to manage with one hand.
“The OnePlus 12R doesn’t feel cheap either. It’s got an aluminum frame that’s solidly built,” highlights Tom’s Guide, emphasizing its premium build quality.
Display(s)
The OnePlus 12R offers a 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display that adjusts its refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz, providing you with a smooth viewing experience while also conserving battery life.
It shines with vivid colors and clear details, making every video and image pop. You’ll also find the high brightness level useful outdoors, ensuring readability even under direct sunlight.
Reviewers note the 12R’s ability to display “colors that pop” on the vibrant screen, even without the maximum brightness.
Performance
The OnePlus 12R provides impressive performance, thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. You’ll enjoy smooth gaming experiences and efficient multitasking with this phone. Reviewers at Notebookcheck highlighted its “great upper midrange” capabilities, especially in demanding tasks like gaming.
Despite being a midrange option, it holds up well against higher-end models, with efficient power management to deliver sustained performance even under load. While not the absolute latest in processing power, this phone offers excellent long-term value and performance.
Software & Storage
The OnePlus 12R comes equipped with OxygenOS 14, based on Android 14. The UI is smooth, fast, and devoid of unnecessary clutter or ads. You’ll only find Netflix as a pre-installed third-party app, ensuring a bloat-free experience.
You can enjoy handy features like the Smart Sidebar and Always-on display, which provides real-time updates from certain apps.
Still, the device falls short on software longevity compared to others, providing only three major Android updates and four years of security patches, fewer than some competitors like Samsung and Google, as noted by Android Authority.
Cameras
The OnePlus 12R’s camera excels in good lighting, delivering vibrant images with its 50 MP main sensor. Reviewers commend its color accuracy but note its struggle in low-light conditions, where it “lacks the punch” compared to others like the Pixel 7a.
Unfortunately, the 2 MP macro sensor isn’t as practical, often resulting in poor detail. The ultra-wide captures decent colors, but night shots can be noisy, limiting versatility.
Overall, the OnePlus 12R’s cameras satisfy everyday needs but fall short when the lighting dims or when complex scenes require a sharper capture.
Battery
The OnePlus 12R’s powerhouse battery ensures that even with heavy use, you won’t have ‘low battery’ anxiety, lasting up to two days for typical users. Enjoy extended sessions of gaming, streaming, or navigation without worry.
This reliability is backed by OnePlus’s efficient energy-saving optimizations and responsive power management, boasting a strong 5,500 mAh cell that reviewers praise as “a true two-day powerhouse,” adding assurance for your long days.
When it comes time to recharge, the included 100W fast charger restores the battery from empty to full in about 26 minutes, which is a significant boon for busy individuals needing quick bursts of power. While lacking wireless charging, the swift, wired charging compensates, leaving few reasons for frustration in daily use.
Audio
The stereo speakers on the OnePlus 12R deliver loud and clear sound, ensuring a good experience when watching movies or gaming. Experts mention that the sound lacks bass, but mids and highs are well-balanced, making dialogue and effects come through nicely.
For calls, the clear audio from both the earpiece and loudspeaker ensures good communication. One review highlighted that audio levels could be slightly higher, but overall, it maintains decent clarity.
The Bottom Line
This device prioritizes efficiency, offering swift responsiveness and fast charging capabilities. While it does not boast the latest chip, its well-tuned older generation processors manage common tasks with ease.
The design is modern and sleek, though the slippery finish may require extra care. The quality of life features such as an alert slider and smooth software experience enhance usability.
Its cameras excel in daylight but may fall short in low-light scenarios, making them adequate for everyday snapshots but not for high-stakes photography.
What people actually want to know
When was the OnePlus 12R released?
The OnePlus 12R was released on January 12, 2024.
How long does the battery last on the OnePlus 12R?
The OnePlus 12R has a 5,500 mAh battery.
Is the OnePlus 12R water resistant?
The OnePlus 12R carries an IP64 rating.
Note: water resistance degrades over time and manufacturer warranties typically don't cover liquid damage.
Does the OnePlus 12R support wireless charging?
No, the OnePlus 12R does not support wireless charging.
Does the OnePlus 12R have a headphone jack?
No, the OnePlus 12R does not have a headphone jack. You'll need wireless headphones or a USB-C adapter.
Does the OnePlus 12R support 5G?
Yes, the OnePlus 12R supports 5G connectivity.
Does the OnePlus 12R have NFC?
Yes, the OnePlus 12R has NFC. You can use Google Wallet, Apple Pay, and tap-to-pair with Bluetooth accessories.
Where can I get support for the OnePlus 12R?
Visit OnePlus's official support page for warranty info, repairs, and troubleshooting.
Where can I download the OnePlus 12R manual?
You can view and download the OnePlus 12R manual on our dedicated manual page.
Questions & answers
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