The OnePlus 12R has finally landed in the US, offering a compelling alternative in the $500 smartphone arena. It goes head-to-head with established players like the Samsung Galaxy A54 and Google Pixel 7A, but with its own unique blend of features and compromises.
Standing Out from the Crowd:
The OnePlus 12R boasts a massive 6.78-inch display, larger than its competitors. While the resolution isn’t top-of-the-line, it offers a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and utilizes LTPO technology for superior battery efficiency. Additionally, the display boasts an impressive 4,500 nits peak brightness, ensuring excellent visibility in various lighting conditions.
Power Under the Hood:
Description
The OnePlus 12R presents a strong contender in the mid-range smartphone segment. It offers a large, smooth display, powerful performance, and a premium design at a competitive price pointPositives
- Excellent, large display
- Top-notch processor
- Good battery life
Negatives
- No wireless charging
- Useless two-megapixel macro camera
- Only splash-resistant
Under the hood, the 12R packs a punch with last year’s flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, offering ample power for day-to-day tasks and even demanding applications. This is a strategic move, providing high-end performance at a more affordable price point.
Premium Look and Feel:
The 12R exudes a premium vibe with its sturdy aluminum frame, glass back panel, and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front protection. However, one area where it falls short is water resistance. While it’s dustproof, it lacks the IP67 rating of its competitors, making it less durable against water exposure.
Camera Capabilities:
The main 50-megapixel camera delivers decent results in good lighting conditions, and even the 2x zoom produces surprisingly acceptable pictures. However, pushing it further with the 5x zoom reveals limitations due to digital processing. The portrait mode, however, performs well, and video recording is sufficient for casual use.
Overall:
The OnePlus 12R presents a strong contender in the mid-range smartphone segment. It offers a large, smooth display, powerful performance, and a premium design at a competitive price point. However, potential buyers should be aware of the trade-offs, including the lack of top-tier water resistance and limitations in the camera at higher zoom levels. Ultimately, the choice boils down to individual priorities and whether these compromises are acceptable for the price and feature set offered.