OnePlus 12R review

Trade in OnePlus 12R

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The OnePlus 12R aims to address a gap in OnePlus’ product lineup by offering a midrange option with premium features at a more affordable price. Positioned between the flagship OnePlus devices and the budget-friendly Nord series, the OnePlus 12R is set to make its global debut at the January 23 launch event alongside the OnePlus 12. While further testing is needed to assess its performance, initial impressions suggest that the 12R could attract interest from budget-conscious smartphone shoppers. Details such as pricing and a more in-depth review will provide a clearer picture of the OnePlus 12R’s position in the competitive midrange Android phone market.

ONEPLUS 12R HANDS-ON: SPECS

ONEPLUS 12R HANDS-ON: PRICE AND AVAILABILITY

The pricing details for the OnePlus 12R are currently shrouded in mystery, and OnePlus is expected to unveil this information at its global launch event on January 23, alongside the OnePlus 12. While it is confirmed that the OnePlus 12R will be more affordable than the OnePlus 12, the exact pricing remains unknown. Comparisons with the OnePlus 11 series suggest a potential price difference of around $250 or so, based on currency conversions. The official announcement during the launch event will provide clarity on the pricing and availability of the OnePlus 12R.

ONEPLUS 12R HANDS-ON: DESIGN

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The OnePlus 12R, despite being positioned as the more budget-friendly option, boasts a design that closely mirrors the OnePlus 12. It features a circular camera array on the back, contributing to a premium appearance. The phone’s build quality is noteworthy, with a solidly built aluminum frame. The return of the alert slider, absent in the OnePlus 10T, adds to the familiar OnePlus design. The blue variant, showcased during the hands-on experience, is described as striking, and the reflective back surface, although prone to fingerprints, adds to the device’s visual appeal.

ONEPLUS 12R HANDS-ON: DISPLAY

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The OnePlus 12R features a slightly smaller display compared to the OnePlus 12, coming in at 6.78 inches. The LTPO panel used in the OnePlus 12R allows for adaptive refresh rates, reaching up to 120Hz for smoother scrolling. The minimal bezels contribute to a sleek design, and the curved edges of the screen might raise questions about unintentional touches and ease of interaction with elements at the screen’s edge. The display boasts impressive peak brightness levels of 4,500 nits, matching the capabilities of the OnePlus 12, and HDR content can reach 1,600 nits, promising an immersive visual experience. Further assessment of the display’s performance will be made during extended use.

ONEPLUS 12R HANDS-ON: CAMERAS

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The OnePlus 12R makes some compromises to achieve a lower price point compared to the OnePlus 12, particularly in the camera setup. Unlike the OnePlus 12, the 12R lacks a telephoto lens and opts for a 50MP main camera, an 8MP ultrawide lens with a 112-degree field of view, and a macro sensor. Notably, the Hasselblad branding, which has contributed to improved photo quality in recent OnePlus flagship phones, is absent from the 12R. The impact of these changes on the camera performance remains to be seen, and a thorough evaluation will be necessary to assess how the OnePlus 12R compares to other camera phones in its price range.

ONEPLUS 12R HANDS-ON: PERFORMANCE

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The OnePlus 12R, as a midrange offering, features the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, which was also utilized in many top Android phones in 2023. While it may not match the flagship status of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 used in the OnePlus 12, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 still delivered impressive performance, especially in gaming. Although specific details about RAM and storage configurations for the OnePlus 12R remain unconfirmed and rumored to vary by region, there have been suggestions of a base model with 256GB of storage, which would be noteworthy in the midrange segment where 128GB is more common.

ONEPLUS 12R HANDS-ON: BATTERY

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The OnePlus 12R is equipped with a substantial 5,500 mAh battery, which, combined with the power-efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, suggests strong potential for impressive battery life. OnePlus is known for its fast-charging technology, and it’s expected that this feature will be present in the OnePlus 12R. However, wireless charging, a feature introduced in the OnePlus 12, may not be included in the more affordable 12R variant.

ONEPLUS 12R HANDS-ON: OUTLOOK

The OnePlus 12R appears promising, offering potential benefits like extended battery life, a vibrant display, and robust performance with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. However, the camera performance will be a crucial factor in determining the device’s appeal as a flagship alternative. The final judgment will also depend on the pricing OnePlus decides for the OnePlus 12R, which remains unknown at this point. A comprehensive evaluation and testing of the phone will provide a clearer understanding of its overall value and capabilities. The OnePlus 12R is anticipated to serve as a bridge between flagship and Nord handsets, offering users an appealing midrange option.

Source: Tom’s Guide