OnePlus 12R Review

Is it an R, or does it don the cloak of a T – the OnePlus 12R makes a global debut. Historically, R iterations were essentially rehashed versions of China-exclusive OnePlus Ace models, primarily aimed at the Indian market. Conversely, the T variants, while sharing Chinese counterparts, enjoyed broader international availability albeit as later releases, not synchronously with the flagship model.

The OnePlus 12R seems to blur this distinction. Like its predecessors, it launches alongside the flagship and serves as the international variant of the Chinese OnePlus Ace 3. Yet, unlike previous R models, it will be marketed in numerous regions, including the US and select parts of Europe, akin to the Ts. Positioned slightly below the flagship, both Rs and Ts, including the 12R, exhibit certain compromises, notably in chipset and camera prowess, reflecting in a more accessible price point.

The phone boasts the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, a chipset from last year that remains robust enough for the demands of 2024 and potentially beyond. The base version, sporting 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, falls short of flagship standards, while the 16GB/256GB variant aligns more closely with them. However, the absence of a 512GB option underscores this OnePlus model’s differentiated approach.

Where the 12R notably diverges from high-end expectations is in its camera setup. Lacking a telephoto lens, featuring a modest ultrawide, and relying on a competent yet unexceptional primary camera, it squarely positions itself in midrange territory. While one might attempt to revive the “flagship killer” label once embraced by the original OnePlus, its significance has waned over time. Nevertheless, despite not excelling in photography, the 12R remains capable in its own right—details on that front to follow.

In several respects, the “R” designation doesn’t imply inferiority. Quite the contrary, the OnePlus 12R boasts a 5,500mAh battery, the largest ever seen on a OnePlus device, surpassing the 12 model by an extra 100mAh. Both models offer matching 100W charging capabilities (provided you have a 220V socket; otherwise, it’s 80W, consistent across both). Similarly, they share an IP65 rating, for better or worse.

Turning to the display, intriguingly, promotional materials assert that the 12R features “the most advanced OnePlus display ever,” suggesting superiority over the 12’s screen. While specs indicate a slightly lower resolution, the difference is inconsequential, but we await further evaluation to gauge performance across other metrics.

In smaller details, parity reigns. The 12R incorporates an infrared emitter, stereo speakers, and an optical fingerprint reader. Additionally, it retains the hallmark alert slider, a feature consistently present on flagship models, though not guaranteed on lesser iterations.

Full Specifications: