Design and Build Quality
The OnePlus 12R maintains a sleek and premium design reminiscent of its predecessors, featuring an elegant curved-edge display. The alert slider has been repositioned for better antenna performance, and the device offers IP65 dust and water resistance. Although it falls short of the IP68 standard, this still provides a decent level of protection against the elements. The OnePlus 12R’s design is visually appealing and comfortable to hold, making it one of the best-looking mid-range phones available.
Display
The OnePlus 12R boasts a stunning 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The screen reaches up to 1,600 nits in high brightness mode and 4,500 nits while viewing HDR content, ensuring vibrant colors and excellent outdoor visibility. The LTPO4 technology dynamically adjusts the refresh rate based on on-screen content, enhancing both performance and battery life. The display is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2, offering robust durability.
Performance
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, the OnePlus 12R delivers flagship-level performance. The device is equipped with OnePlus’ Trinity Engine, ensuring smooth operation even during demanding tasks. While the phone doesn’t support gaming beyond 60fps due to software limitations aimed at preventing overheating, it still provides a fluid gaming experience for most titles. The thermals are well-managed, keeping the device cool during extended use.
Software
Running on OxygenOS 14 based on Android 14, the OnePlus 12R offers a feature-rich and intuitive user interface. The software is optimized for performance and provides a seamless user experience. However, the long-term update roadmap lags behind some competitors, which might be a consideration for those looking for extended software support.
Camera
The OnePlus 12R features a triple-camera setup, with a 50MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2MP macro camera. The primary camera captures detailed and sharp photos with accurate colors, performing well in both good and low-light conditions. The ultra-wide camera, however, struggles with blurriness in landscape shots and performs poorly in low light. The macro camera is decent for close-up shots but isn’t a standout feature. Video recording is solid, with 4K resolution and good stabilization, although low-light performance shows some noise and glitches.
Battery Life
The OnePlus 12R is equipped with a 5,500mAh battery, offering impressive longevity. It supports 100W fast charging, ensuring that the device can be quickly recharged. Despite the absence of wireless charging, the battery performance is one of the best in its category, making it an excellent choice for heavy users and travelers.
Verdict
The OnePlus 12R is a compelling mid-range smartphone that bridges the gap between affordability and flagship features. Its standout display, strong performance, long-lasting battery, and premium design make it a great option for those seeking a high-quality smartphone experience without the flagship price tag. While the camera setup is average and lacks advanced water resistance and wireless charging, the overall package makes the OnePlus 12R a solid choice in its segment.