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OnePlus 12R Smartphone Review

Maya Reynolds Avatar
OnePlus 12R Smartphone - Hero

OnePlus 12R, 8GB RAM+128GB, Dual-SIM, US Factory Unlocked Android Smartphone, 5500 mAh Battery, 50MP Camera, 80W Fast Charging, 2024, Iron Gray

The OnePlus 12R continues the brand’s tradition of delivering flagship-level features at an attractive price point. With a 120Hz Super Fluid AMOLED display, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, a massive 5500 mAh battery, and 80W SUPERVOOC charging, this phone is perfect for users who want top-tier performance without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a gamer, content consumer, or multitasker, the OnePlus 12R excels in delivering smooth performance and premium build quality.

Pros:

Exceptional value for money
120Hz AMOLED display with dynamic refresh rate
Fast Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor
Impressive 5500 mAh battery with ultra-fast 80W charging
Sleek and premium design
Dual Cryo-velocity VC Cooling System for better heat dissipation
50MP triple-camera system
Loud and clear Dolby Atmos speakers

Cons:

Only 3 years of Android updates (less than competitors)
Software can occasionally be buggy
Slippery design without a case
Face unlock performance is inconsistent
No wireless charging

Features & Functionality

OnePlus 12R Smartphone

Image credit: OnePlus

The OnePlus 12R stands out with a feature-rich offering, starting with its impressive 6.78-inch 1.5K Super Fluid AMOLED display. The inclusion of LTPO 4.0 technology dynamically adjusts the refresh rate between 1Hz and 120Hz, depending on your usage. This results in a smoother user experience, especially when scrolling or gaming, while conserving battery life when viewing static content like photos or reading. The display also supports HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, offering vivid colors and excellent contrast, making it an excellent choice for media consumption.

Under the hood, the OnePlus 12R is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, a chipset that’s overkill for most applications, ensuring seamless multitasking, gaming, and running heavy apps. Paired with up to 16GB of RAM, it offers blazing-fast performance, making it a solid choice for demanding users. Even with just the base 8GB RAM configuration, the phone handles most tasks without a hitch, thanks to the efficient RAM management offered by OxygenOS 14.

The OnePlus 12R also delivers in the camera department with its 50MP triple-camera system.

The main camera performs exceptionally well in most lighting conditions, capturing crisp, detailed photos, while the macro mode is useful for close-up shots. However, its low-light performance lags slightly behind other flagships like the Google Pixel or Samsung Galaxy devices, though it’s acceptable for casual photographers.

One area where the OnePlus 12R shines is its battery life. Equipped with a 5500 mAh battery, it comfortably powers through a day and a half with light to moderate usage. The 80W SUPERVOOC charging is the icing on the cake, charging the phone from 0% to 100% in just under 35 minutes, making it one of the fastest-charging phones available today.

Design & Build Quality

OnePlus 12R Smartphone

Image credit: OnePlus

Design-wise, the OnePlus 12R hits a sweet spot between premium aesthetics and durability. Its glass back and aluminum frame give it a sophisticated feel, akin to much more expensive flagship phones. At 207 grams, it’s solid without being too bulky, and its slim profile (6.43 x 2.96 x 0.35 inches) fits comfortably in hand, though some users may find the phone slippery without a case.

The front display is curved, a design choice that some users appreciate for the immersive screen experience, while others may dislike it for accidental touches. The high pixel density (450 PPI) on its 6.78-inch AMOLED panel ensures that everything from videos to games looks incredibly sharp. The only minor issue is that, for some, the curved edges might be more of an aesthetic than a practical improvement.

The phone’s durability is further enhanced by its IP rating for water resistance, though it’s not as high as some competitors. Another notable design feature is the placement of the in-display fingerprint sensor, which is fast and accurate, working reliably even when the screen is wet or dirty. Face unlock, however, can be hit or miss, especially in low-light environments.

In terms of color options, the OnePlus 12R comes in a sleek gray that complements its modern look. Overall, the build quality is excellent for the price, making it feel like a premium device in hand.

Power & Performance

OnePlus 12R Smartphone

Image credit: OnePlus

Powered by Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, the OnePlus 12R brings top-tier performance to the table. This chipset, clocked at 3.2GHz, is designed for power efficiency while delivering lightning-fast processing speeds. Whether you’re running graphic-heavy games or juggling multiple apps, the OnePlus 12R handles it all with ease. The Gen 2 chip, combined with either 8GB or 16GB of RAM, ensures minimal lag or stutter, making it an excellent option for performance-focused users.

One of the key performance highlights is the phone’s Dual Cryo-velocity VC Cooling System. This next-gen cooling technology is designed for users who push their phones to the limit—whether during prolonged gaming sessions or resource-heavy tasks. The system effectively manages heat dissipation, allowing the device to stay cool, even under heavy loads.

For gamers, the combination of Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and the 120Hz refresh rate is a dream. Games like Genshin Impact and PUBG Mobile run smoothly with high graphics settings, and the display’s responsiveness enhances the overall gaming experience. Power users will also appreciate the enhanced performance for emulation of gaming consoles like the PS2 or Nintendo Switch.

Compatibility & Connectivity

Flagship Features Smartphone

Image credit: OnePlus

When it comes to compatibility and connectivity, the OnePlus 12R doesn’t disappoint. It’s unlocked for all carriers and supports 5G, making it future-proof for the next few years in terms of network connectivity. Additionally, it supports Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, and NFC, ensuring fast data transfers and low-latency connections across a wide range of devices.

Dual SIM support is another convenience, especially for users managing work and personal numbers on the same phone. The device also includes USB Type-C 3.1 for fast data transfers and charging, though one notable omission is wireless charging. While this is a disappointment for some, it’s understandable given the price point and the focus on the super-fast wired charging.

Audio quality on the OnePlus 12R is also stellar. The stereo speakers are enhanced with Dolby Atmos, offering crisp sound with good depth and clarity. While not quite audiophile-grade, it’s a definite upgrade over most mid-range smartphones, especially in terms of volume and overall soundstage.

One drawback is the storage options, with the phone only offering up to 256GB and no external SD card slot. Users with high storage needs (such as gamers or media-heavy users) might find themselves running out of space. However, OnePlus offsets this with features like Bluetooth tethering and easy file transfers using NFC, allowing users to manage their storage more effectively.

Conclusion: Should You Buy the OnePlus 12R?

The OnePlus 12R strikes an incredible balance between flagship features and affordability, making it one of the best value-for-money smartphones in 2024. With its vibrant 120Hz AMOLED display, top-tier performance from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, impressive battery life, and rapid 80W charging, the OnePlus 12R is perfect for gamers, power users, and anyone looking for premium performance on a budget.

While it has a few limitations, such as inconsistent face unlock and the lack of wireless charging, these drawbacks are minor compared to the overall value the phone delivers. If you’re looking for a high-performance smartphone that won’t break the bank, the OnePlus 12R is an excellent choice.

Maya Reynolds Avatar
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