The smartphone market thrives on competition, with manufacturers constantly pushing boundaries and offering a variety of options at different price points. OnePlus, a brand synonymous with performance-driven flagships, has entered the mid-range arena with the OnePlus 12R. This phone promises a compelling blend of power, display quality, and battery life, all at a more accessible price tag. But how does it stack up against its flagship sibling, the OnePlus 12? Let’s delve deeper into the details.

Design: A Familiar Face with Practical Touches

The OnePlus 12R borrows the design language of the OnePlus 12, opting for a sleek and modern aesthetic. The phone is constructed with a glass back (though prone to fingerprints) that seamlessly blends into the aluminum frame. The signature OnePlus alert slider, a convenient feature for managing notification profiles, makes a welcome return. While the water resistance rating of IP65 means it can withstand splashes and light rain, submersion is definitely not recommended.

Display: A Visual Powerhouse (almost)

One of the highlights of the 12R is its display. It boasts a large, 6.78-inch LTPO OLED panel with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. This translates to fluid visuals, whether you’re scrolling through social media or enjoying fast-paced games. Protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2, the display offers clarity with a high 450 PPI resolution. While not quite as sharp as the QHD display on the OnePlus 12, the difference is barely noticeable during everyday use. HDR support, exceptional brightness levels that adjust automatically in different lighting conditions, and Dolby Vision further enhance the viewing experience. Overall, the display is well calibrated for this category of smartphones, and while it might not be the brightest, it surely does the job well.

Performance: Punching Above its Weight Class

Here’s where things get interesting. Unlike its flagship counterpart that features the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, the 12R opts for the previous generation’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. This might raise concerns about its ability to handle demanding tasks. However, in real-world usage, the difference is negligible. The phone delivers smooth multitasking, effortlessly handles high-end games, and provides a responsive overall experience. Thermal management is well-handled, ensuring the phone doesn’t get excessively hot during extended use. So, while hardcore gamers might crave the absolute cutting edge, the 12R packs enough power for most users without breaking the bank.

Main features:

• Operating System: OxygenOS 14.0 based on Android™ 14
• CPU: Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform
• GPU: Adreno™ 740
• RAM: 16GB LPDDR5X
• Storage: 256GB UFS 3.1
• Available configurations: 16GB+256GB
• Vibration: Haptic motor

Battery Life: A Marathon Runner on a Charge

The 12R truly shines in the battery life department. Equipped with a massive 5,500mAh battery, it consistently delivers impressive uptime. Tests revealed active use surpassing even the flagship OnePlus 12 in some cases. This translates to a phone that can easily last a full day, even with heavy usage, without needing to scramble for a charger. Further enhancing the user experience is the incredibly fast wired charging with the included 100W SuperVOOC adapter. In just 15 minutes, you can top up the battery to 70%, and a full charge takes a mere 25 minutes. While some competitors offer wireless charging, the 12R prioritizes wired speed, which might be a dealbreaker for some users.

Cameras: A Capable Compromise

The camera system on the 12R is where the phone takes a step down compared to the OnePlus 12. We find a mid-range setup with a 50MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a rather forgettable 2MP macro camera. Daylight photos captured by the main sensor are excellent, with great detail and natural-looking colors. However, the lack of a telephoto lens is a significant omission for users who value zooming capabilities. Low-light performance is decent thanks to automatic night mode, but videography suffers with limitations in dynamic range and stabilization. The 16MP front-facing camera delivers average results, suitable for video calls but not ideal for capturing high-quality selfies.

The Verdict: A Compelling Mid-Range Powerhouse with Caveats

The OnePlus 12R isn’t perfect. The camera system lacks versatility compared to some competitors, some video features are subpar, and there’s no wireless charging. However, its strengths are undeniable: a gorgeous display that’s almost on par with the flagship model, class-leading battery life with blazing-fast wired charging, and powerful performance that surpasses its price tag. If you prioritize these aspects and can live without telephoto capabilities, wireless charging, and the absolute latest processor, the OnePlus 12R emerges as a compelling choice in the mid-range market.