OnePlus 12R Review – Looking for a phone that packs a punch but doesn’t break the bank? The OnePlus 12R might be your answer. But is it all hype, or does it deliver what it promises? We put it to the test to find out.
Sleek Design with a Familiar Feel (But Beware of Fingerprints!)
The 12R boasts a slim 8.8mm profile and a comfortable, curved design thanks to its metal frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front. While the glossy blue finish looks stunning, be prepared for a mirror effect – fingerprints and reflections galore! We also noticed a design shift – OnePlus seems to be adopting a consistent design language across their phones, similar to Samsung and iPhone.
One minor disappointment? The USB Type-C 2.0 port. Not a dealbreaker for everyone, but some might prefer the faster data transfer speeds of USB-C 3.0. On the bright side, the speakers are excellent, supporting AptX, LDAC, and LHDC codecs for high-quality audio.
A Display Fit for a King (or Queen!)
The 12R inherits the stunning 6.78-inch AMOLED display from its big brother, the OnePlus 12. This translates to smooth 120Hz refresh rates, vibrant colors, and sharp visuals thanks to LTPO 4.0 technology.
The 1.5K resolution might not be the highest, but it offers a great balance between sharpness and battery life. Plus, the 4500 nits peak brightness ensures outdoor visibility is no problem, even in direct sunlight. Dolby Vision and HDR support on Netflix adds to the immersive experience.
12R Powerhouse Performance: Leave Lag in the Dust
Equipped with the mighty Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, the 12R delivers top-notch performance. We achieved an impressive 1.5 million score on AnTuTu, and in real-world use, the phone handled everything we threw at it with ease, from demanding games like BGMI and COD Mobile (running at 90fps and 120fps, respectively) to multitasking between apps. So, whether you’re a power user or a casual gamer, the 12R has you covered.
12R Fuel Up Fast, Stay Charged Longer
The 5500mAh battery is a beast, easily lasting a full day (and sometimes more) on a single charge with moderate usage. On FHD+ 120Hz, we even managed 6 hours of screen-on time! And when you need a quick top-up, the included 100W charger gets you to 100% in under 30 minutes.
While a USB-C to C PD charger would have been a welcome addition, the fast charging makes up for it. Remember, wireless charging is absent here, so keep your cable handy.
Connectivity That Keeps You in the Loop
The OnePlus 12R Review comes loaded with all the latest connectivity options, including dual-SIM 5G with wideband support, future-proof WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, and NFC. Call quality and network reception were excellent during our testing.
Software: Clean and (Mostly) Up-to-Date
OnePlus continues its tradition of offering a clean, bloatware-free software experience with the 12R. You get three years of major Android updates and four years of security patches, ensuring your phone stays safe and current. It runs on the latest Android 14, keeping you at the forefront of the software game.
OnePlus 12R Review on Camera: Not Flagship-Level, But Still Capable
The 12R carries the same camera setup as the 11R, with a 50MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide, and a 2MP macro. While it won’t challenge the top flagships, it takes decent photos in good lighting conditions.
We did notice slightly oversaturated colors and occasional red cast on faces, but HDR and dynamic range were generally good. Portrait shots were pleasant,
OnePlus 12R Nightmode Photography:
and night mode delivered surprisingly good results, although occasional color-balancing issues were present. The ultrawide camera is decent, but zooming in reveals limitations.
The 16MP selfie camera gets the job done, but don’t expect exceptional quality. However, the biggest letdown is the front camera video being limited to 1080p 30fps. The main camera shines here, offering a good 4K 60fps video recording.
Verdict: A Strong Contender in the Mid-Range Arena
The OnePlus 12R offers excellent value for money. It packs flagship-level performance, a stunning display, a long-lasting battery, and fast charging, all at a more.
