In the ever-evolving landscape of smartphones, OnePlus has consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in the mid-range segment.
With the launch of the OnePlus 12R 5G, the company once again proves that flagship-level performance doesn’t always come with a premium price tag.
This comprehensive review delves into the nitty-gritty of what makes the OnePlus 12R 5G a compelling option for tech enthusiasts and casual users alike.
Design and Build: Elegance Meets Durability
The OnePlus 12R 5G doesn’t stray far from the design language established by its more premium sibling, the OnePlus 12.
Boasting a sleek profile with dimensions of 163.3 x 75.3 x 8.8mm and weighing in at a reasonable 207g, the device strikes a balance between screen real estate and ergonomics.
Available in two striking colorways – Cool Blue and Iron Gray – the OnePlus 12R 5G caters to both the bold and the understated.
The Cool Blue variant, with its reflective glass back, mimics the serene surface of a winter lake, while the Iron Gray option offers a more professional, brushed metal aesthetic.
OnePlus hasn’t skimped on durability either. The device features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front, providing robust protection against scratches and accidental drops.
However, it’s worth noting that unlike some flagship devices, the OnePlus 12R 5G lacks an official IP rating for water and dust resistance, which might be a concern for some users.
Display: A Visual Feast
At the heart of the OnePlus 12R 5G’s user experience is its impressive 6.78-inch AMOLED display. With a resolution of 2780 x 1264 pixels and a pixel density of 450 ppi, the screen delivers crisp visuals and vibrant colors that pop.
But the real star of the show is the display’s advanced features:
- 120Hz Refresh Rate: The OnePlus 12R 5G employs a 4th generation LTPO (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide) technology, allowing for a dynamic refresh rate that can scale from 1Hz to 120Hz based on the content being displayed. This not only ensures buttery-smooth scrolling and animations but also helps conserve battery life.
- ProXDR: This feature enhances the display’s ability to handle HDR content, offering improved contrast and brightness levels that make multimedia consumption a joy.
- Aqua Touch: In an industry first, OnePlus has implemented a technology that can detect water droplets on the screen, adjusting touch sensitivity accordingly. This means you can use your phone confidently even in rainy conditions or with wet hands.
- Peak Brightness: With a claimed peak brightness of 4,500 nits, the OnePlus 12R 5G’s display is one of the brightest on the market, ensuring excellent visibility even under direct sunlight.
Performance: Flagship Power at Mid-Range Prices
Under the hood, the OnePlus 12R 5G packs a punch with its Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. While not the absolute latest processor available, it’s still a powerhouse that can handle anything you throw at it with ease.
The device comes in two configurations:
- 8GB LPDDR5X RAM with 128GB UFS 3.1 storage
- 16GB LPDDR5X RAM with 256GB UFS 3.1 storage
This hardware combination ensures snappy performance, quick app launches, and smooth multitasking.
Whether you’re a mobile gamer, a productivity enthusiast, or just someone who likes to keep dozens of apps open, the OnePlus 12R 5G has you covered.
To keep things cool under pressure, OnePlus has implemented a new Dual Cryo-velocity VC Cooling System.
This advanced thermal management solution helps maintain peak performance during extended gaming sessions or when using demanding apps.
Camera System: Capable, If Not Cutting-Edge
While the camera system on the OnePlus 12R 5G may not be its standout feature, it’s certainly capable of producing quality shots in various conditions:
- Main Camera: A 50MP Sony IMX890 sensor with an f/1.8 aperture and optical image stabilization (OIS) serves as the primary shooter. This camera performs well in most lighting conditions, producing detailed and well-exposed images.
- Ultra-wide Camera: An 8MP sensor with a 112-degree field of view allows for expansive landscape shots and group photos.
- Macro Camera: A 2MP macro lens for close-up shots of small subjects.
- Selfie Camera: A 16MP front-facing camera handles selfies and video calls competently.
The camera system supports 4K video recording at 60fps, as well as various shooting modes including Night Mode, Portrait Mode, and Pro Mode for those who like to tinker with manual settings.
While it may not compete with the top-tier camera phones on the market, the OnePlus 12R 5G’s camera system is more than adequate for social media posts and capturing everyday moments.
Battery Life and Charging: A Day and Beyond
One of the most impressive features of the OnePlus 12R 5G is its battery life. Packing a massive 5,500 mAh battery, the largest ever in a OnePlus phone, this device is built to last.
OnePlus claims that under their Day of Use (DoU) model, a full charge can last for around 47.1 hours.
While real-world usage may vary, most users should comfortably get through a full day of heavy use, with many able to stretch it to two days with more conservative usage patterns.
When it comes time to recharge, the OnePlus 12R 5G doesn’t disappoint:
- 80W SUPERVOOC Charging: In most regions, the device supports 80W fast charging, which can juice up the phone from 1% to 100% in just 31 minutes.
- 100W SUPERVOOC Charging: In regions outside North America, the OnePlus 12R 5G supports even faster 100W charging.
It’s worth noting that wireless charging is not supported, which may be a drawback for some users accustomed to the convenience of plopping their phone on a charging pad.
Software: OxygenOS 14 and Beyond
The OnePlus 12R 5G runs on OxygenOS 14, based on Android 14. OxygenOS has long been praised for its clean, near-stock Android experience with thoughtful additions that enhance usability without bloating the system.
Key software features include:
- Trinity Engine: This set of technologies works to optimize performance, power consumption, and thermal management.
- AI-powered RAM Expansion: The ability to use part of the storage as virtual RAM to improve multitasking capabilities.
- Customization Options: From icon packs to always-on display designs, OxygenOS offers a high degree of personalization.
OnePlus promises 3 years of major Android updates and 4 years of security patches for the 12R 5G.
While this is decent, it falls short of the longer support periods offered by some competitors, which could be a consideration for those planning to keep their device for an extended period.
Connectivity: Future-Proofed with 5G and Wi-Fi 7
As its name suggests, the OnePlus 12R 5G is fully equipped for the 5G era, supporting a wide range of 5G bands for fast cellular connectivity where available.
Additionally, the device supports Wi-Fi 7, the latest Wi-Fi standard, ensuring blazing-fast wireless internet speeds and future-proofing the device for years to come.
Other connectivity features include Bluetooth 5.3, NFC for contactless payments, and a USB-C port for charging and data transfer.
Price and Value Proposition
Starting at $499.99 / £649 for the 8GB/128GB model and $599.99 for the 16GB/256GB variant in the US, the OnePlus 12R 5G positions itself as a compelling option in the upper mid-range segment.
When you consider the powerful processor, advanced display technology, large battery with fast charging, and 5G capabilities, the OnePlus 12R 5G offers exceptional value for money.
It brings many flagship features to a more accessible price point, making it an attractive option for those who want high-end performance without breaking the bank.
OnePlus 12R 5G : The Budget Flagship Killer
The OnePlus 12R 5G lives up to the company’s “Never Settle” motto by offering a package that punches well above its weight class.
With its powerful performance, stunning display, long-lasting battery, and fast charging capabilities, it ticks most of the boxes that matter to smartphone users.
While it does make some compromises compared to true flagship devices – such as the lack of wireless charging, a less versatile camera system, and the absence of an official IP rating – these trade-offs are reasonable given the price point.
For tech enthusiasts on a budget, power users who prioritize performance and battery life, or anyone looking for a high-quality smartphone experience without flagship prices, the OnePlus 12R 5G is an excellent choice.
It continues OnePlus’s tradition of offering “flagship killer” devices that challenge the notion of what’s possible in the mid-range smartphone segment.
As smartphone prices continue to climb, devices like the OnePlus 12R 5G serve as a reminder that you don’t always have to pay top dollar to get a premium experience.
With its combination of high-end features and a competitive price, the OnePlus 12R 5G is poised to be a standout option in the 2024 smartphone market.