The OnePlus 12 impressed us with its performance and battery life. But if its price of €969 is too high, you can consider the OnePlus 12R at €699. This more “affordable” alternative shares some of the visual codes of its big brother, as well as good battery life and solid performance. Unsurprisingly, it makes some important compromises to achieve this tighter price.
The 12R has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor that is slightly older than that of the OnePlus 12. But it is still as efficient. The 12R also has a more modest camera setup, which relies on a 50-megapixel main sensor, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle, and a 2-megapixel sensor with a macro lens. It takes decent photos in a variety of conditions, but those looking for a more well-rounded photography experience will have to opt for the OnePlus 12.
Disappointing software support period for the OnePlus 12R
Camera and performance compromises are to be expected for a more budget-oriented phone. On the other hand, the shorter software support period seems inexcusable to us. OnePlus only offers three years of software updates and four years of security updates on the OnePlus 12R. That's a year less than the OnePlus 12. Longer software support is a guarantee of longevity for the phone. It's a good thing for the wallet and for the planet.
This choice to reduce the duration of software support sends the wrong message. This suggests that sustainability is a premium offering only available to those who can afford the higher model. During our review of the OnePlus 12, we highlighted that OnePlus should offer longer support. Samsung and Google offer at least seven years of updates on their high-end phones. Even the Galaxy S23 FE gets four years of software updates and five years of security updates. At a minimum, the OnePlus 12 and the 12R should benefit from the same period of support. Ideally, OnePlus should go even further to remain competitive with its competitors.
Familiar design, powerful performance
The OnePlus 12R has a 5,500 mAh battery. It is actually larger than that of the OnePlus 12, which nevertheless obtained excellent results in our endurance tests. The 12R does not reach the level of autonomy of its predecessor, probably due to differences in energy efficiency between the processors. That said, battery life is much better than average. It allows you to consider a full day of mixed use.
photo credit: © Andrew Lanxon/CNETThe OnePlus 12R (black) and the OnePlus 12 (green)
Like the OnePlus 12, the 12R offers super-fast 100-watt wireless charging. It only takes 26 minutes for a full charge. The fast charger is provided. Unlike the OnePlus 12, the 12R does not offer wireless charging.
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip may be a generation older than the one in the OnePlus 12, but it's powerful. It performs excellently on benchmark tests, surprisingly beating the OnePlus 12 on CPU tests, but underperforming on graphics tests. In general use, the phone is extremely fast. Demanding games like Genshin Impact , PUBG , and Asphalt 9: Legends all run very smoothly at maximum graphics settings.
The frosted glass back of the 12R gives an impression of robustness and quality. The 6.78-inch screen is very bright and vibrant. It provides an excellent experience for gaming and videos. It incorporates the same wet-touch technology as that of the OnePlus 12, which allows the screen to remain responsive even when wet. This technology, combined with the IP64 water resistance rating, means the phone is usable even in pouring rain.
Sufficiently efficient cameras
The OnePlus 12R's 50-megapixel main camera can take beautiful photos in various conditions. The richness of colors, level of detail and exposure are satisfactory in most shots.
photo credit: © Andrew Lanxon/CNETOnePLus 12R main camera
photo credit: © Andrew Lanxon/CNETMain camera
photo credit: © Andrew Lanxon/CNETMain camera
photo credit: © Andrew Lanxon/CNETUltra wide-angle lens
photo credit: © Andrew Lanxon/CNETUltra wide angle
Taken in good conditions, these images from the main camera look great, with good contrast, color and detail.
The 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens is decent, but there is a noticeable color shift between the two lenses, as well as some blurry detail at the edges of the frame.
photo credit: © Andrew Lanxon/CNET2x digital zoom.
There's no optical zoom, which isn't shocking for a phone of this price. The 2x digital zoom isn't bad as the 50-megapixel resolution provides plenty of room for cropping. On the other hand, images taken at 5x are very blurry.
The OnePlus 12R also takes decent photos in low-light situations, with generally sharp details and low image noise.
photo credit: © Andrew Lanxon/CNETMain camera in low light
photo credit: © Andrew Lanxon/CNETMain camera, night mode
While the camera setup isn't going to turn the heads of professional photographers, it's reasonable for the price of the phone. Those who simply want to take photos of their friends and family on vacation will find what they're looking for.
Conclusion: our opinion on the OnePlus 12R
The OnePlus 12R manages to be cheaper than its big brother without giving the feeling of making too many sacrifices. Its processor performance is good enough for most uses, its battery life is good and it charges impressively quickly. Its camera is perfect for occasional use. The main point of criticism concerns the software update period which should be longer. In any case, those looking for a versatile Android phone without blowing their budget will be very satisfied with the OnePlus 12R.
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