Highlights

• Equipped with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for top-tier performance.
• Features a durable 6.78-inch ProXDR AMOLED display.
• Offers rapid 100W charging with a 5,500mAh battery.
• Boasts a versatile camera setup with a 50MP main sensor.

The OnePlus 12R is a compelling choice for those seeking flagship-level aesthetics and performance without the flagship price tag.

Priced at Rs 39,999, it stands apart from its sibling, the OnePlus 12, by prioritising performance over a comprehensive flagship experience, consistent with the ethos of the R series.

Equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC—a top-tier chipset from the previous year—the OnePlus 12R boasts generous storage and RAM options, setting a high benchmark for its price segment.

“Our users in India love our OnePlus R Series, so I can’t wait for them to get their hands on OnePlus 12R and see our latest performance-focused flagship,” said Kinder Liu, OnePlus President and COO.

“And I’m truly thrilled that we can bring our OnePlus 12R to users in North America and Europe too as the first R Series device to launch in these markets. Everything we do is driven by our users and I know our worldwide community will be excited to try it too.”

In this review, we delve into the OnePlus 12R’s capabilities to determine its true value and ascertain whether it deserves a spot on your shopping list.

OnePlus 12R Unboxing

OnePlus 12 R Unboxing Video

OnePlus 12R: Pros and Cons

OnePlus 12R: Key Specs

• Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC
• Display: 78-inch ProXDR AMOLED, 1-120Hz, 1.5K resolution
• Battery: 5,500mAh with 100W charging
• Storage Options: 8GB+128GB / 16GB+256GB
• Camera: 50MP main, 8MP ultra-wide, 2MP macro
• Software: Android 14-based OxygenOS 14.0
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 7, NFC, IR blaster
• Durability: Gorilla Glass Victus 2

OnePlus 12R: Design and Display

The OnePlus 12R boasts a sophisticated design featuring a glass back with a glossy finish, although it tends to attract fingerprints quite readily.

In a welcome return, the alert slider is back on the left side, a notable feature missing from the 11R.

Weighing in at 207g and measuring 8.8mm in thickness, the device feels substantial in hand, perhaps more so than some users might prefer.

The camera setup mirrors the aesthetics seen in the OnePlus 12 and even the OnePlus 11 series from the previous year, with three lenses nestled within a circular camera bump, complemented by an LED flash module.

The device includes a dual-speaker system and a USB Type-C port located at the bottom. Available in Iron Grey and Cool Blue, our review unit is the latter, presenting a striking visual appeal.

Despite its impressive build quality, the phone’s weight and glossy surface, which acts as a magnet for fingerprints, may detract from the overall experience for some users.

The front of the OnePlus 12R is adorned with a stunning 6.78-inch fourth-generation AMOLED LTPO display, which OnePlus has branded as the ProXDR panel.

My experience with the screen was largely positive, offering vivid and crisp visuals that truly enhance the viewing experience.

Despite this, I couldn’t help but question the necessity of the curved screen, which seemed more of a stylistic choice than a functional one.

Even so, the ProXDR panel boasts an adaptive refresh rate ranging from 1 to 120Hz, a resolution that OnePlus describes as 1.5K, and a touch response rate that peaks at an impressive 1000 Hz.

Support for Dolby Vision and HDR 10+ enhances the visual depth and colour accuracy, while the peak brightness of 1,600 nits (and an astonishing 4,500 nits at its peak) ensures clarity under any lighting condition.

I also felt that gaming on this device was a particular joy, with the low latency contributing to a responsive and immersive experience.

Protected by Corning’s Gorilla Glass Victus 2, the display is not only durable but also comes with a practical feature that allows usage in the rain, adding to its versatility.

Integrating these features is a way to ensure that the OnePlus 12R’s display is crafted to deliver an exceptional viewing and gaming experience, reflecting well on the device’s premium positioning.

OnePlus 12R: Cameras

Shifting the focus to the rear, the OnePlus 12R sports a camera setup that’s both familiar and expansive.

The triple rear camera configuration includes a 50MP Sony IMX890 main sensor equipped with OIS and PDAF, complemented by an 8MP ultra-wide camera offering a 122-degree field of view, and a 2MP macro lens.

The module itself is quite pronounced, leading to an inevitable wobble when the phone is placed on flat surfaces.

In my testing, the primary sensor consistently captured impressive shots under daylight conditions, showcasing an optimal dynamic range across various lighting scenarios.

I particularly valued the quick shutter response and the swift autofocus mechanism.

The OnePlus 12R is loaded with several camera features such as macro, tilt-shift, dual-view video, and a high-resolution mode for capturing 50MP full-resolution images.

While these added features are intriguing for experimentation, I believe their practical use may be limited for the average user.

The ultra-wide camera excels in encompassing more within the frame with considerable detail, though it falls short in maintaining accurate color representation and temperature levels.

The macro lens, with its 2MP resolution, unfortunately, underperforms, and I would suggest users skip it for better photographic pursuits.

In low-light conditions, the phone manages to focus accurately and capture colours with reasonable fidelity, although the tendency to oversaturate greens and dull down reds to a maroon shade was noticeable and somewhat disappointing.

The primary lens handles exposure and shadows competently, a trait not fully shared by the ultra-wide sensor.

Video capture performance is on par with what you’d expect within this price range, yet there’s room for improvement, particularly in low-light environments.

OnePlus 12R Day Camera Samples

OnePlus 12R Night Camera Samples

OnePlus 12R Day Video

OnePlus 12R Night Video

OnePlus 12R: Performance and Features

The OnePlus 12R is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC, a chipset that impresses with its computing prowess.

Even projecting four years into the future, I believe it will hold its ground as an exceptionally efficient processor.

During my review, benchmark tests reflected strong performance, and the phone demonstrated remarkable CPU efficiency.

Notably, the device features an impressively large vapour chamber (VC) with a cooling solution, arguably the most substantial ever incorporated into a OnePlus model.

The company calls it the Dual Cryo-velocity Cooling System, and the feature does live up to its fancy name.

From a gaming perspective, the OnePlus 12R excels and you can say thanks to this revamped cooling system for it.

Engaging in hours of 60fps BGMI gaming, effortlessly upgraded to 90fps, didn’t come close to taxing the system.

This performance is bolstered by the combination of 8GB LPDDR5 RAM and 128GB of UFS 4.0 storage, providing ample space and speed for even the most demanding tasks.

For those seeking more, there’s also a variant offering 16GB RAM and 256GB storage, albeit at a higher price point.

Connectivity options on the phone are comprehensive, including Bluetooth 5.3, dual-band Wi-Fi 7, NFC, an IR blaster, and a full suite of GPS capabilities.

The reintroduction of the alert slider adds a tangible benefit, enhancing the overall user experience.

Apart from that authentication is quick and reliable thanks to the in-display fingerprint sensor.

As for 5G connectivity, my experience on Airtel’s Delhi network was exceptionally good, with the device maintaining robust signal strength and fast network speeds, further solidifying the OnePlus 12R’s standing as a top-tier smartphone choice.

OnePlus 12R: Software and Battery Life

Navigating through the software on the OnePlus 12R was a refreshing experience, especially with the minimal presence of bloatware.

The device operates on an Android 14-based OxygenOS 14.0, enriching the user interface with an array of OnePlus-exclusive customization options.

However, it’s worth mentioning that the phone lacks some of the more innovative AI features found in competitors like the Google Pixel 7a and the recently launched Samsung Galaxy S24.

Despite this, the transition to this new software environment was seamless, ensuring a swift and efficient setup process that allowed apps to run smoothly from the outset.

While it offers an intuitive experience that’s fairly close to stock Android, I noticed the absence of some nuanced features typically available on other Android devices.

Yet, the system’s simplicity does not detract from its overall functionality, and it remains easily customisable to suit individual preferences.

OnePlus’s commitment to providing 4 years of Android updates and 5 years of security patches aligns with industry standards set by leading brands, though I can’t help but hope for an extension of this support given Google and Samsung’s recent 7-year commitments.

The OnePlus 12R boasts the largest battery capacity I’ve encountered in a OnePlus device to date, equipped with a substantial 5,500mAh battery.

Coupled with this is an incredibly rapid 100W charging solution that impressively refills the battery in just about 30 minutes.

During my use, the phone demonstrated remarkable efficiency, delivering around 7 hours of screen-on time under regular usage conditions.

Naturally, engaging in intensive gaming sessions saw this duration decrease to approximately 2-3 hours.

However, the swift charging capability of the OnePlus 12R meant that only a brief 10-15 minute charge was necessary for a significant top-up, ensuring the device was ready to go when I needed it.

This combination of a large battery and fast charging technology significantly enhances the overall user experience, minimizing downtime and keeping the phone operational throughout even the most demanding days.

OnePlus 12R: Final Verdict

The OnePlus 12R is a standout smartphone that marries high-end aesthetics and performance with an attractive price point.

Starting at Rs 39,999, it offers a compelling alternative to its more expensive sibling, the OnePlus 12, focusing on delivering exceptional performance.

With its powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC, expansive storage options, and a robust battery paired with rapid charging, the 12R is a technological marvel.

The ProXDR display and versatile camera setup further solidify its position as a top contender.

However, I feel the lack of certain AI features and the device’s heft may give some potential buyers pause.

Also, the phone’s tertiary camera sensor is nothing to write home about.

Ultimately, the OnePlus 12R is a wise investment for those prioritising performance and value in their smartphone choice.

5 Reasons to Buy

• Top-Tier Performance: With the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC, expect seamless multitasking and gaming without lags.
• Rapid Charging: A 100W charging solution means minimal downtime, charging the battery to full in about 30 minutes.
• High-Quality Display: The 6.78-inch ProXDR panel offers vibrant visuals, making it ideal for both gaming and multimedia consumption.
• Robust Primary Camera Capabilities: From daylight to low-light, the camera system delivers versatile and high-quality photography options.
• Future-Proof: With 4 years of Android updates and 5 years of security patches, your device stays current longer.

3 Reasons Not to Buy

• Weight and Thickness: At 207g and 8.8mm, it might be too bulky for users preferring a lighter, slimmer phone.
• Glossy Finish: The fingerprint-prone surface could detract from the device’s premium feel for some.
• Lacks Some Advanced AI Features: If you’re seeking cutting-edge AI functionalities like those in some competitors, you might find the OnePlus 12R lacking.

Top 5 Alternatives For You To Consider

• Apple iPhone 12 Mini

A compact powerhouse featuring the A14 Bionic chipset, known for its exceptional performance.

Its small size doesn’t compromise on capabilities, offering a high-quality OLED display and excellent camera performance.

It’s a great pick for those who prefer a smaller smartphone without sacrificing functionality​​.

• OnePlus 10T 5G

This device packs a punch with the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 processor, ensuring top-notch performance.

It boasts a large AMOLED display and a versatile camera setup, making it a solid choice for tech enthusiasts looking for power and efficiency​​.

• iQOO 9 SE 5G

Offering robust performance with the Snapdragon 888 Plus chipset, this model features a high refresh rate AMOLED display and a strong camera setup.

Its fast charging capability is a highlight, ensuring minimal downtime for users​​.

• Realme GT Neo 3 5G

Known for its flagship-like performance and the incredibly fast 150W charging, which can charge the battery to 50% in just 5 minutes.

It sports a MediaTek Dimensity 8100 SoC and a high-quality AMOLED display, making it an excellent choice for gamers and multimedia enthusiasts​​.

• Samsung Galaxy A73 5G

With its Snapdragon 778G processor and a large Super AMOLED Plus display, this device stands out for its 108MP main camera, offering detailed and vibrant photos.

It also features a sizeable battery with fast charging, suitable for heavy users​​.

My Mobile Rating

• Design and Display:  4 / 5
• Cameras: 3.5 / 5
• Performance and Features: 4 / 5
• Software: 4 / 5
• Battery: 4 / 5
• Overall: 4 / 5

OnePlus 12R Cool Blue

OnePlus 12R Iron Gray

General

FAQs

What makes the OnePlus 12R a good choice under Rs 40,000?

The OnePlus 12R stands out for its combination of flagship-level aesthetics and performance, including a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC, a ProXDR AMOLED display, and rapid 100W charging, all priced competitively.

How does the OnePlus 12R’s camera perform?

The OnePlus 12R’s camera setup, led by a 50MP main sensor, delivers impressive shots in various lighting conditions. While it includes features like macro and tilt-shift, the macro lens may underperform compared to the main and ultra-wide sensors.

Can the OnePlus 12R handle intensive gaming?

Yes, the OnePlus 12R, with its high-performance chipset and ample RAM and storage options, offers a fluid gaming experience, even supporting high frame rates for demanding games.

Is the OnePlus 12R’s battery life sufficient for daily use?

With a 5,500mAh battery and 100W rapid charging, the OnePlus 12R provides excellent battery life for regular usage and quick top-ups, ensuring minimal downtime.

What are the software and update support like on the OnePlus 12R?

The OnePlus 12R runs on Android 14-based OxygenOS 14.0, offering a clean and user-friendly experience. OnePlus has committed to providing 4 years of Android updates and 5 years of security patches.

What is the Pricing & Availability of OnePlus 12R?

Pricing and availability

The OnePlus 12R will be launched in two exciting variants, the 8/128 GB option which will be priced at INR 39,999 and the 16/256 GB option which will be priced at INR 45,999. OnePlus 12R will go on sale at 12:00 PM on 6th February

Customers can avail an instant bank discount of INR 1,000 with ICICI credit card and OneCard

Customers can also avail of a 6-month no-cost EMI through ICICI credit/debit card EMI and OneCard EMI.

Customers can also buy the OnePlus 12R with OnePlus Easy Upgrades and get 35% assured value at the end of the 24 months.

Customers purchasing the OnePlus 12R can avail benefits worth INR 2,250 on Jio Plus
OnePlus 12R users can link to RCC and avail a special coupon discount of INR 3,000 discount while purchasing the OnePlus Pad

Customers purchasing the OnePlus 12R will get a free trial of Google One for 6 months & YouTube Premium for 3 months. Find more details on OnePlus.in

Eager users can also get their hands on a OnePlus Buds Z2 worth 4,999 with the purchase of the OnePlus 12R. Limited period offer.

What are the camera details of OnePlus 12R?

A super snappy camera

Just because OnePlus 12R has a performance focus, that doesn’t mean it can’t have a brilliant camera too. At the heart of OnePlus 12R’s camera is the Sony IMX890 50-megapixel sensor, widely regarded as the most consistent and high-performance sensor on the market, as well as some proprietary OnePlus photography algorithms designed to give great results at any time.

OnePlus 12R also features a range of secondary camera lenses including a 112-degree ultrawide camera, a macro camera and a 16-megapixel front-facing camera – perfect for those moments where nothing beats a super wide shot or a super close shot.

How is the cooling system & battery life of OnePlus 12R?

Best ever cooling, best ever battery

Behind the screen sits the most advanced cooling system OnePlus has ever made, the Cryo-Velocity Cooling System.

This system is made up of two vapour chambers, one large and one small. The small chamber absorbs heat directly from its source, such as the chipset, and evenly distributes the heat across the small chamber.

The larger vapour chamber then absorbs the heat from the smaller chamber and lets it dissipate rapidly and cool down into liquid. Together these vapour chambers have a total area of 9140mm2, more than 76% bigger than the system inside OnePlus 11R.

It’s also been constructed using a new type of graphite with over 1700W/mK thermal conductivity.

As well as leading the way in screen design and cooling technology, OnePlus 12R also takes the prize for the largest-ever battery to be fitted to a OnePlus phone, weighing in at 5,500mAh. And when it does eventually come time to charge the phone, thanks to 100W SUPERVOOC charging OnePlus 12R will go from 1-100% in just 26 minutes and get you back in the game in a flash.

And not just a flash in the pan either – OnePlus 12R features the SUPERVOOC S Charging Management Chip as well as proprietary Battery Health Engine technology to keep the battery in top condition for longer than ever.

The SUPERVOOC S Chip kicks in when a user is charging and playing a high-end game at the same time, making sure there’s no disruption to either collecting power-ups or powering up the battery, while also working in the background to help optimise fast charging and battery usage.

Meanwhile, the Battery Health Engine technology inside OnePlus 12R means users will get a much longer life than on any competing device. OnePlus 12R has been tested to last up to 1600 cycles – more than four years of charging and fully discharging the battery every single day.

How is the design & built of OnePlus 12R?

A beautiful and hardened body

All these advancements come packed inside a stunning and strong body, available in either Cool Blue or Iron Gray colourways, both protected with more aluminium than ever and a solid metal frame.

OnePlus 12R in Cool Blue features a glossy finish with a light, fresh appearance, while the Iron Gray OnePlus 12R has a matte feel to give a sophisticated and strong feeling. Both colourways also feature IP64 rating and the newly repositioned OnePlus Alert Slider.

By switching the legendary slider to the left side of the phone instead of the traditional right side, OnePlus was able to change the position of OnePlus 12R’s antennas, helping to increase their performance when the phone is held in landscape orientation – perfect for mobile gaming – while still making sure the Alert Slider remains easy to reach.

How is the display of OnePlus 12R?

The most advanced display ever on a OnePlus phone

The front of the OnePlus 12R is dominated by a beautiful 6’.78” AMOLED 120Hz screen which combines upgraded brightness and colour levels with better-than-ever responsiveness.

That’s due to the new LTPO 4.0 technology inside the screen which allows OnePlus 12R to change its refresh rate quicker and smarter than ever, helping prolong battery life while still giving better performance.

LTPO technology works by recognising what your phone is doing and adapting the screen to give the best experience. So when a user is scrolling through photos in their gallery, their phone screen must use a fast 120Hz refresh rate to look as fast and smooth as only OnePlus phones can.

However, when a phone is displaying a still image, scrolling slowly, or even playing a 60Hz movie, using a 120Hz refresh rate isn’t necessary and drains battery life needlessly.

The LTPO 4.0 technology inside OnePlus 12R can detect the best refresh rate to use and switch to it faster than any other phone, as well as switch to precisely the right refresh rate, thus extending battery life while still giving fantastic performance.

As well as being the most advanced display ever, it’s also got everything you’d expect from a OnePlus screen. It has a 2780 x 1264 resolution and 450 pixels per inch with an A+ DisplayMate rating – during testing it set or matched 18 separate DisplayMate records – as well as supporting Dolby Vision and HDR 10+ and 10-bit colour. OnePlus 12R’s screen also boasts 4500 nits peak brightness and 1600 nits global maximum brightness, spread across 8192 separate levels, and comes protected with Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus® 2.

OnePlus 12R is also one of the first phones ever to use its CPU to detect wetness on either your fingers or your screen and react accordingly to avoid mistouches or delayed reactions.

How is the performance of OnePlus 12R?

Performance-led powerhouse

The core of every OnePlus smartphone is fast and smooth software, and OnePlus 12R stays true to this belief with the all-new Trinity Engine at its heart. The Trinity Engine, which uses six OnePlus-developed technologies to deliver enhanced performance across the phone’s processor, memory and storage, makes the OnePlus 12R a gaming and multi-tasking monster.

This unbeatable software is then combined with powerful hardware including the flagship Qualcomm® Snapdragon® 8 Gen 2 chip, an octa-core 4 nanometre tuned to give the absolute best performance possible, as well as up to 16GB LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB UFS 4.0 storage.

All of this is housed inside the toughest phone body OnePlus has created, containing more aluminium than ever, and paired with a new industry-leading cooling system to keep the phone running in perfect condition no matter how intense the gaming session.

Finally, the OnePlus 12R also comes equipped with the most advanced screen ever fitted to a OnePlus phone as well as the largest battery ever found inside a OnePlus phone, weighing in at a massive 5,500 mAh.

What is the display quality of the OnePlus 12R like?

The OnePlus 12R sports a 6.78-inch AMOLED LTPO ProXDR display, offering 1.5K resolution and an adaptive refresh rate ranging from 1-120Hz, promising a top-notch viewing experience.

How does the camera setup on the OnePlus 12R stand out?

The OnePlus 12R comes with a triple-camera setup, including a 50MP primary Sony IMX890 sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2MP macro lens, allowing for versatile photography options.

What battery capacity does the OnePlus 12R have, and how quickly does it charge?

The phone is powered by a 5,500mAh battery and comes with a 100W fast charger, ensuring extended battery life and rapid recharging capabilities.

How user-friendly is the software on the OnePlus 12R?

Running on OxygenOS 14, based on Android 14, the OnePlus 12R offers a clean, almost bloatware-free interface with exclusive OnePlus customization options for a smooth user experience.

What makes the OnePlus 12R a potential flagship killer?

Starting at Rs. 39,999, the OnePlus 12R combines high-end specs with competitive pricing, making it a strong contender in the flagship smartphone segment.

Also Read: OnePlus 12 Launched in India With Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, and More: Pricing, Features, Specs

Also Read: OnePlus Unveils AIRVOOC 50W Wireless Charger and Bumper Cases for OnePlus 12 and 12R

Also Read: OnePlus 12R Revealed In New Renders, Spotted on Geekbench Ahead of Launch

Also Read: OnePlus 12R First Impressions and Unboxing: The New Flagship Contender?