The OnePlus 12 has captured the attention of the smartphone market as a premium flagship that evades a premium price tag – but at its launch, it appeared to have a surprise sibling called the OnePlus 12R. While the two devices may share similar names and designs, changes start cropping up when it comes to their specifications and features. So, in this article, we’re delving into the down-low on the OnePlus 12 vs OnePlus 12R to outline some of the main differences between the two to help you decide if you should stick with the 12 or opt for the R. Let’s find out!
OnePlus 12 vs OnePlus 12R specs
| Specs | OnePlus 12R | OnePlus 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED | 6.82-inch LTPO AMOLED |
| Display | 2,780 x 1,264 resolution | 3,168 x 1,440 resolution |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz refresh rate | 120Hz refresh rate |
| Cameras | Rear: 50MP (wide f/1.8, OIS), 8MP ultrawide (f/2.2), 2MP macro (f/2.4) Selfie: 16MP (f/2.4) | Rear: 50MP wide (f/1.6, OIS), 48MP ultrawide (f/2.2 autofocus), 64MP 3x periscope (f/2.6, OIS) Selfie: 32MP (f/2.4) |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
| Battery / charging | 5,500 mAh / 100W wired and 50W wireless charing | 5,500 mAh / 100W wired and 50W wireless charging |
| RAM | 8GB / 16GB LPDDR5X | 12GB / 16GB LPDDR5X |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB |
OnePlus 12 vs OnePlus 12R features
Now, let’s dive deeper into the features of each device.
Design and display
The OnePlus 12 and the OnePlus 12R share most of their similarities, and there are few distinct design differences that separate the two. Both OnePlus 12’s feature an off-center, circular camera array, but the OnePlus 12R draws more design cues from its predecessor, the OnePlus 11, with its slightly more restrained design and back panel. The button layout is also different between the two devices, with the volume rocker and power button located on different sides. The OnePlus 12 is slightly larger and heavier than the OnePlus 12R, measuring 164.3 x 75.8 x 9.2mm and weighing 220g, compared to the OnePlus 12R’s dimensions of 163.3 x 75.3 x 8.8mm and weight of 207g.
In terms of display, the OnePlus 12R features a 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a resolution of 2,780 x 1,264 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate. On the other hand, the OnePlus 12 boasts a slightly larger 6.82-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a higher resolution of 3,168 x 1,440 pixels, and the same 120Hz refresh rate.
Cameras
The OnePlus 12R has a more pared-back camera setup than the OnePlus 12, being equipped with a 50MP wide camera, an 8MP ultrawide camera, and a 2MP macro camera at the rear. It also features a 16MP selfie camera.
On the other hand, the OnePlus 12 boasts a more impressive camera setup, and from specs alone it’s the clear winner here. It features a 50MP main rear camera, a 64MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom, and a 48MP ultrawide camera. The OnePlus 12’s camera system offers better zoom capabilities and higher-resolution images, making it an ideal choice for photography enthusiasts, whereas it could be said the 12R is a device more focused on performance.
Processor
The OnePlus 12R is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, while the OnePlus 12 is equipped with the more recent and more advanced Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 offers higher clock speeds and more performance cores, making the OnePlus 12 a better choice for users who prioritize raw processing power and multitasking capabilities. Of course, a clearer distinction and benchmarks will be set when user are able to get hands-on experience with both devices. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and 3 are also used by most Android rivals, including Samsung in its flagship Galaxy S23 and S24 lineup, so on paper, we can expect good things from both OnePlus phones here in terms of everyday performance.
Connectivity and software
Both the OnePlus 12 and the OnePlus 12R support 5G connectivity, ensuring faster internet speeds and improved network performance. They also feature Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, and eSIM capabilities. In terms of software, both devices run on Android 14 with Oxygen OS 14, providing a smooth and user-friendly interface. Similar to most flagship smartphones, you can expect to be getting at least four years of software updates and security patches from the OnePlus 12 lineup.
OnePlus 12 vs OnePlus 12R price
In this case, the OnePlus 12 is the more expensive option out of the two OnePlus models. It starts at $799.99 for the 12GB/256GB configuration, with the price going up to $899.99 for the 16GB/512GB version. On the other hand, the OnePlus 12R is more affordable, starting at $499.99 for the 8GB/128GB base configuration and $599.99 for the 16GB/256GB variant. In Europe, the 16GB/512GB version is available for €699, coming in at about £649 for UK audiences.
In terms of availability, the OnePlus 12 and the OnePlus 12R were both launched globally on January 23, 2024. The OnePlus 12 is available for pre-order starting on the same day, with general availability beginning on February 7. On the other hand, the OnePlus 12R can be pre-ordered starting January 23 and will be available in stores starting February 13.
Is the OnePlus 12 better than the OnePlus 12R?
As the ‘R’ model, the OnePlus 12R has some drawbacks when it comes to hardware and camera capabilities that allow it to get its cheaper price tag. So, to answer the question, the OnePlus 12 is better than the OnePlus 12R on paper as the more high-end model, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s better value for money.
Realistically, the choice between the OnePlus 12 and the OnePlus 12R depends on your specific needs and budget. If you prioritize performance, advanced camera capabilities, and the latest technology, the OnePlus 12 is the ideal choice. However, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option with a larger battery and good overall performance, the OnePlus 12R makes for a solid option that’s making its mark on the budget Android phone market.
