Oneplus 12 vs 12r: Which Oneplus Phone Reigns Supreme?
Choosing a new smartphone can be overwhelming, especially when you’re considering two powerhouses from the same brand. The OnePlus lineup offers incredible value and performance, but deciding between the OnePlus 12 and the OnePlus 12R can be a tough call.
Both phones boast impressive features, but they cater to slightly different audiences and budgets. This comparison dives deep into the specifications, performance, and overall experience of the OnePlus 12 and the 12R, helping you make an informed decision.
We’ll explore the key differences in display quality, camera capabilities, processing power, and battery life. By the end of this comprehensive analysis, you’ll have a clear understanding of which device best suits your needs and preferences. Get ready to discover which OnePlus phone takes the crown!
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | oneplus 12 | 12R |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.82 inches | 6.78 inches |
| Display Technology | LTPO AMOLED | AMOLED |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| RAM | 12GB / 16GB | 8GB / 16GB |
| Storage | 256GB / 512GB | 128GB / 256GB |
| Main Camera | 50MP + 48MP + 64MP | 50MP + 8MP + 2MP |
| Front Camera | 32MP | 16MP |
| Battery | 5400 mAh | 5500 mAh |
| Charging | 100W Wired, 50W Wireless | 100W Wired |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP64 |
| Operating System | Android 14 | Android 13 |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Oneplus 12: Features a stunning 6.82-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and peak brightness exceeding 4500 nits. Offers exceptional color accuracy and smooth scrolling. A premium display experience, but can be power-hungry.
- 12r: Equipped with a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. Delivers vibrant colors and smooth visuals. Brightness is slightly lower compared to the 12, but still offers a great viewing experience.
- Winner: 12
Processor
- Oneplus 12: Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, delivering blazing-fast performance for demanding tasks, gaming, and multitasking. Offers top-tier performance but can generate heat under heavy load.
- 12r: Utilizes the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, still a powerful processor providing excellent performance and efficiency. Handles most tasks with ease, offering a smooth user experience, but not as cutting-edge as the 8 Gen 3.
- Winner: 12
Cameras
- Oneplus 12: Boasts a Hasselblad-tuned triple camera system with a 50MP main sensor, a 64MP periscope telephoto lens, and a 48MP ultrawide lens. Delivers exceptional image quality, excellent low-light performance, and versatile shooting options.
- 12r: Features a triple camera setup, though with a different configuration. Offers capable image quality, but may not match the flagship performance of the 12.
- Winner: 12
Battery & Charging
- Oneplus 12: Packs a large 5400mAh battery with 100W SuperVOOC wired charging and 50W wireless charging. Offers fast charging and excellent battery life.
- 12r: Includes a 5500mAh battery and 100W SuperVOOC wired charging. Provides long battery life and fast charging speeds. Lacks wireless charging.
- Winner: Tie
Design & Build Quality
- Oneplus 12: Features a premium design with a glass back and an aluminum frame. Offers a refined and stylish look and feel.
- 12r: Typically features a more cost-effective design, likely with a glass or plastic back and an aluminum frame. Offers a good build quality, but may not feel as premium.
- Winner: 12
Software & Updates
- Oneplus 12: Runs on OxygenOS, offering a clean and customizable Android experience. Receives timely software updates and security patches.
- 12r: Also runs OxygenOS. Software experience is similar to the 12, but updates may be delivered slightly later.
- Winner: 12
Price
- Oneplus 12: Positioned as a flagship device, resulting in a higher price point.
- 12r: Designed to be more budget-friendly, offering a more affordable price.
- Winner: 12r
Water Resistance
- Oneplus 12: Likely to have an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.
- 12r: May or may not have a water resistance rating.
- Winner: 12
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Processor | oneplus 12 |
| Camera | oneplus 12 |
| Display Technology | oneplus 12 |
| Battery Life | 12R |
| Charging Speed | Tie |
| Value for Money | 12R |
| Water Resistance | oneplus 12 |
What They Have in Common:
- Fast Charging: Both phones support incredibly fast wired charging, ensuring you spend minimal time tethered to a power outlet.
- High Refresh Rate Displays: Both devices feature displays with high refresh rates, providing smooth scrolling and fluid animations.
- Excellent Performance: Both the OnePlus 12 and 12R offer impressive performance, handling demanding tasks and games with ease.
- Large Batteries: Both phones are equipped with sizable batteries, promising all-day battery life for most users.
- Oxygenos Experience: Both phones run on OxygenOS, offering a clean and customizable user experience.
OnePlus 12 Vs 12R Buying Guide
Performance and Processing Power
The OnePlus 12 boasts the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, offering unparalleled performance for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. Its advanced architecture ensures smooth multitasking and rapid app loading. The 12R, while still powerful with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, lags slightly behind in raw processing speed. However, it delivers excellent performance for everyday use and most mobile games. The choice hinges on your need for top-tier performance.
Display and Visual Experience
Both phones feature vibrant displays, but the OnePlus 12 elevates the experience with a brighter, more color-accurate screen. This results in superior outdoor visibility and a more immersive viewing experience for movies and games. The 12R’s display is still excellent, providing sharp visuals and smooth scrolling. The 12’s display technology gives it a slight edge for media consumption and users who prioritize display quality.
Camera Capabilities
The OnePlus 12’s camera system is a significant upgrade, offering enhanced low-light performance, superior image stabilization, and more versatile shooting modes. It features advanced sensors and Hasselblad color calibration for professional-grade photography. The 12R’s camera, while capable of capturing excellent photos in good lighting conditions, doesn’t match the 12’s advanced features. Photography enthusiasts will find the 12 more appealing.
Battery Life and Charging Speed
Both phones offer impressive battery life, easily lasting a full day of heavy use. The OnePlus 12, however, incorporates faster charging technology, allowing for quicker top-ups. The 12R provides excellent battery performance, but the 12’s rapid charging is a significant convenience. This is particularly useful for users who need to quickly recharge their phones throughout the day.
Design and Build Quality
Both phones feature premium designs, but the OnePlus 12 often incorporates more premium materials. The 12 typically showcases a sleek design and offers a more refined feel. The 12R presents a stylish design with a sturdy build quality, but with a different set of materials. The choice often comes down to personal preference in aesthetics and the feel of the device in hand.
Pricing and Value Proposition
The OnePlus 12 is positioned as a premium flagship, reflected in its higher price point. It offers top-tier specifications and features, making it a strong value for those seeking the best. The 12R provides a more budget-friendly option, offering excellent performance and features at a lower cost. Consider your budget and the features you prioritize when deciding which phone provides the best value for your needs.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy oneplus 12 If…
- You want the absolute best performance and the latest Snapdragon processor.
- You prioritize having the best camera system on a smartphone.
- You need wireless charging.
- You want the highest level of water resistance.
Buy 12r If…
- You want flagship-level performance at a more affordable price.
- You don’t need the absolute best camera system.
- You prioritize value for money.
- You are looking for a phone with a very large battery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference in processors?
The OnePlus 12 features the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, a more advanced processor than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 found in the 12R. The 8 Gen 3 provides significantly improved performance for demanding tasks such as gaming and video editing. The 8 Gen 2 in the 12R is still powerful and excels in most situations, but the 12 has a clear advantage.
Which phone has a better camera system?
The OnePlus 12 boasts a superior camera system with enhanced low-light performance, improved image stabilization, and a more versatile feature set, including Hasselblad color calibration. The 12R’s camera is capable, but it does not match the 12’s advanced sensor technology and software optimizations. The 12 takes better photos.
How does battery life compare?
Both phones offer excellent battery life, easily lasting a full day. The OnePlus 12, however, typically incorporates faster charging technology, allowing for quicker top-ups. While the 12R provides impressive battery performance, the 12’s rapid charging offers a significant convenience for users. This is a key differentiator.
Which phone is better for gaming?
The OnePlus 12 is generally better for gaming due to its more powerful processor (Snapdragon 8 Gen 3) and optimized performance. The 12R provides a great gaming experience, but the 12 can handle more demanding games and higher graphics settings. Both can easily handle most mobile games.
What are the design differences?
Both phones feature premium designs with different materials and aesthetics. The OnePlus 12 often showcases a more refined and premium feel, while the 12R provides a stylish design with a sturdy build quality. The design differences often come down to personal preference regarding aesthetics and build materials.
Is the OnePlus 12R waterproof?
Both phones offer some degree of water resistance, but not necessarily complete waterproofing. Please check the official specifications for the IP rating. It’s recommended to avoid prolonged exposure to water or submerging the phone, and to be cautious if it gets wet, to prevent damage.
Which phone is more expensive?
The OnePlus 12 is the more expensive of the two phones, reflecting its premium flagship status and advanced features. The 12R offers a more budget-friendly option, providing excellent performance and features at a lower price point. Consider your budget when selecting between the two phones.
Final Verdict
The OnePlus 12 stands out with its superior processor, camera, and display, making it the top choice for users who demand the best performance and features. While the 12R offers excellent value, the 12 provides a more premium experience overall. The 12R is a great option for those looking for a balance of performance and affordability.
Winner: OnePlus 12